Renting submarines makes more sense
HAS anyone ever bothered to ask how much it is to rent a submarine for the next 30 years?
The federal government could park or sell the Collins Class subs while they are still worth something.
I am not an accountant, but wouldn’t saving hundreds of billions in future basic upgrades and maintenance be worthwhile?
The Collins subs are parked in docks sometimes for months and years.
This leaves Australia less able to defend ourselves.
The Royal Australian Navy would have the latest submarine available from our allies fully equipped with the latest technology and armaments.
Future upgrades could be made by Australian military technicians for Australia and our allies.
These are proven vessels from previous upgrades along a similar design. It would mean less time in dock for maintenance, fewer costs in repairs and constant upgrades, and more time on patrol. It means not waiting 30 years for technology that’s available today. DEAN MORGAN,
Kirwan.
SEA LEVELS ARE RISING
R. GLEDHILL is not convinced that sea levels have risen in 50 years (“Still see same sea sigh!”, 29/8).
The tidal record at the Bureau of Meteorology site (bom.gov.au/ oceanography/projects/ntc/ monthly/) shows that, on average, Townsville high tides have increased by 145mm over the past 50 years, but most of this (103mm) has occurred in the last 20 years.
This is fast compared to the global average.
Back in 2012, Townsville City Council was concerned enough to be the first Queensland local authority to consider a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy.
The report proposed strategies for urban areas located within high coastal hazard areas.
Twenty-three locations were identified as either defend, accommodate or retreat.
It is an interesting read. Sea-level rise also has implications for coral reefs.
The ARC Centre of
Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, found that under a medium emissions scenario, no coral reef will be able to grow fast enough to keep up with sea-level rise.
Global warming, climate change and sea-level rise are all real and happening now.
The evidence is in the measurements. We would be negligent to ignore it.
RAY PECK, Hawthorn, Victoria.
STRICT RULES ON VAD
IT CONCERNS me that some people think Voluntary Assisted Dying is for anyone who wants to end their life (TB 21/9).
This is far from the truth.
Yes, the law has been changed to give those patients knowing there’s no cure for their terminal disease or illness a choice at the end of their life, rather than suffering a prolonged drawn out death as is often the case.
Though palliative care does give most patients relief from intolerable pain and suffering, as they near the end of their life, there is a minority whose pain is so severe, nothing can help them.
These are the only people, and them alone, if they meet the strict criteria, will be eligible for VAD.
This new law is solely for them. It’s not for those with, “a variety of reasons”, wanting to bring their life to an end.
They are sadly mistaken and looking in the wrong place if they think they can just access this new law to end their life.
There is help elsewhere for these people so if you encounter any of them, please show compassion and steer them in the right direction as they certainly need help.
If you see the elderly, infirm or disabled being abused in any way, it is up to everyone to report it to the authorities also. This should not be allowed to continue.
Over the years many patients have tried to take their own lives and sometimes with disastrous results because they couldn’t see any other way to ease their unbearable pain and suffering.
This often resulted in making their life worse. VAD will eliminate this.
To understand all about voluntary assisted dying, go to the parliamentary website where it explains everything.
There is too much scare mongering with all this misinformation being shared. JOAN MUSUMECI,
Condon.
LEADERS TO BLAME
THE Chinese are great people and we love them, and in particular their culinary contributions.
It is a great shame they are alienating themselves from the rest of the world.
Their leadership are to blame and they should change course in international relations.
JV CORNISH, Cape Cleveland.