Letters to the editor

Despite claims by a minority, plenty of evidence exists that this is happening and much has been made public. No serious stakeholder denies there is a problem.

Since 2016 QYAC has witnessed increased carnage of koalas and kangaroos and has openly canvassed what is an appropriate future for dogs and cats on the island, which should be a cultural, environmental and wildlife sanctuary.

Unfortunately, unrestrained domestic dogs are still commonplace on the island, not just an isolated occurrence.

This is a fact regularly confirmed by Redland City Council staff, QYAC and National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers. Only this week we had a group of school children visiting the island threatened by an unrestrained dog at Polkas Point.

There does not seem to be any attempt by some dog owners to restrain their animals, which they are required to do by law.

So laws, in and of themselves, are clearly not enough and enforcement officers cannot be everywhere 24 hours a day.

It appears a phase-out of domestic dogs and cats is now an option to consider. As far as QYAC is concerned all options to protect our wildlife are on the table

Minjerribah is a wildlife sanctuary. The protection of its native animals and plants is our obligation as responsible stewards of this beautiful island.

- C. Costello, QYAC

I WRITE to mayor Karen Williams about the destruction, obliteration, devastation, demolition, ruin and damage of the natural native environment in the Redlands

An example is the proposed Toondah Harbour development. There really will not be that many jobs created longer term after the destruction and construction.

It is a travesty to make out that it is what people want. What people?

It is an infamous catch cry to say it is what the community needs for job creation. Sure there will be jobs but they could have jobs in upgrading the existing port.

It is also said that it is what is needed for tourism yet two of Redlands main tourist attractions are koalas and Moreton Bay.

Local politicians talk about caring for the environment but to do this, they should look to upgrading what is already there. What will be left for tourists to see in the Redlands?

When I first moved here there was a large population of koalas at Sheldon as well as Alexandra Hills, Birkdale and Cleveland where I could take visitors. There has been a significant drop in numbers. 

It is worrying that locals and tourists will be restricted from the natural Moreton Bay area where shore birds still have homes and feeding grounds. This type of development will be only for a select group. We do not need another white elephant.

Redlands also is the end of the line and traffic is chaotic and has been for some time. A lot of residents work outside the Redlands and that is OK as people understand there will not be enough local jobs for everyone.

The jobs that will be created will be minimal, but the detrimental affects huge.

While accepting there is bound to be progress in the form of development, there has to be a cap otherwise what will happen to the quality of our lives?

This cap needs to be secured now before more environmental damage is done.

We need big old mature trees that sustain life. Most importantly they are also homes and a food source to our wildlife.

Bush is being cleared at an alarming rate. With this comes more people, dogs and cats.

There are many people who do not control their pets in the proper manner.

- B. Bradford, Sheldon

SO THEY’VE spent your money on subsidising green power and, having run short of electricity, will spend your money to use less of it. Meanwhile your power bills keep rising.

And remember, none of this will cut the world’s temperature. It’s all for nothing. Does this not strike you as stark, staring, raving mad?

- J. Hall, Redlands

WELL, fancy LNP MP Andrew Lamming having the gall to brand a state ALP politician as snivelling (RCB, Mar 7).

Laming has served up many snivels. 

His latest is to have everyone call him “Lammo” as you would shorten a mate's name or someone that does not go on and on. That, Mr Laming, is not on.

- G. Abbott, Macleay Island

RAIN and a build-up of slippery leaves have made many local footpaths hazardous for pedestrians. Some paths have become even more unsafe as run-off leaves mud, slime and other debris.

I’m aware of a number of older folks who have slipped and fallen as a result, so I ask for extra care to be taken when out walking. Old bones heal slowly.

- L.R. Watson, Redland Bay

RE THE letter (RCB, Mar 28) about the laws of merging and, yes, there are two. First if our lane ends and you have to cross a dotted line to merge into the lane that continues then you must give way to cars in that lane.

Second if your lane ends but the centre line ends and there is a section of road with no line, then the car that is in front has right of way. They are the laws. 

Maybe your paper needs a question and answer column to help clear up confusion.

- G. Clegg, Redlands