Panda expedition
ALAS it has fallen to me to inform the world it appears the giant panda is no more. My latest expedition into the wilds of multiple suburban supermarket shelves has failed to find one sighting in its native habitat — on the packaging of Tassal salmon products. Perhaps the World Wildlife Fund can shed some light on the details of the cause of this most mysterious disappearance.
Deer deaths
YOU do go to the bush I presume, Suzanne Cass, but of course you do, to see all these deer killed for fun (Letters, August 31). I spend a lot of time in the bush myself and have never seen deer let alone mass slaughter. As for senseless slaughter I’ve never seen that either, every deer I have seen shot has gone for human consumption. I have seen deer poached and dumped in criminal activities but one or two didn’t account for mass slaughter. Maybe you could ask these gentle creatures as you call them to stop ruining crops and fences. Maybe get some figures on how many are slaughtered.
Not over yet
THERE have been claims that Tamar Valley pulp mill permits have expired ( Mercury, August 31). Clause 4 of the Pulp Mill Assessment Amendment Act 2014 states: “(4) The Pulp Mill Permit lapses if the project is not substantially commenced before the end of the period of 10 years commencing on the date on which the Pulp Mill Permit came into force.” The 10-year period of the permit ended at midnight on August 30 but substantial commencement has not been determined. Neither the 2014 legislation nor the original permit defines what constitutes substantial commencement. It is left to a third party to apply to the Supreme Court to determine whether
Cruel impact
THE impact of cutting billions of dollars from Australian aid is unfolding in East Africa and Yemen. I support Ike Naqvi’s comments on the ability to find money to fight wars, but not enough to fund our share of a humanitarian crisis (Letters, August 27). Twenty million are starving in East Africa and Yemen. Thousands are dying daily and this is exacerbated by 500,000 cases of cholera in Yemen, the biggest outbreak in any country in a single year. Australia’s share needs to be boosted by $33 million, so let’s get our priorities right. Less bombs and missiles and more support for pills, vaccines and food relief.