Letters to the editor

We have been a NAB customer for 50 years but that means nothing today. I sent them a letter and was told it only takes eight minutes to drive to the Cleveland branch but they did not advise at what speed.

They also told me that I can use the local post office. Sorry, wrong again. They can receive and pay money but cannot talk to you about your account or give you a statement.

I live in a retirement village. We have members with poor eyesight who cannot use computers for internet banking, let alone try and catch two buses which can take an hour.

I have closed my account with NAB and now bank with a local smaller bank at Victoria Point with a slightly better rate. Thank you NAB. You have done me a service.

- D. Fudge, Victoria Point

I AM tired of rhetoric and surreal predictions regarding the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy.

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Cameron Costello reportedly said (RCB, Sept 5) the whale walk project could showcase cultural walk experiences.

No doubt he expects residents to accept the project will be a major contributor to the economy post sand mining. Rubbish.

On World Environment Day the state government announced it would spend $1.55 million to build a world-class whale interpretive facility at Point Lookout. We are yet to see even an outline business plan.

There are already many sites on the Gorge Walk that provide excellent ocean views.

Who will be the customers?  What is the size of the market? What is the business model? Who will run the venture and what are their qualifications? Please reassure me.

- B. Giles, Dunwich

WE WOULD like to thank residents for their incredible support of Foodbank through the Woolworths winter fundraising appeal.

With demand for food relief outstripping supply, you have helped warm up winter for some of the most vulnerable people.

By generously adding so many $2 Foodbank tokens to shopping trolleys, Redlanders helped us reach our national goal. With each $2 token enabling Foodbank to provide four meals, Queensland contributed 235,468 meals. Funds raised have helped struggling families make ends meet.

- R. Draper, group manager, Redlands

I BOUGHT a couple of items at a local shop. I was scratching around trying to find change, when the lady in front of me (who had a baby on her hip) put money on the counter, saying, “I will fix that up”. It was a lovely gesture and unexpected.

I hope she reads this and accepts my thanks. It is gratifying there are such lovely people.

- S. Cooper, Alexandra Hills

YOUR edition (RCB, Sept 5) reported two local thefts. A car was left in the driveway of a Mount Cotton home with keys in the ignition. At the Redland Bay Hotel a patron left a mobile phone on the table while getting a drink and it was stolen. Frankly, it's hard to feel sorry for careless victims.

- L. R. Watson, Redland Bay

I WAS interested to read that Tom Baster, Labor’s Bowman candidate, is standing because he “has a passion for making a difference”.

We are self-funded retirees. Labor leader Bill Shorten's plan to eliminate the cash component of the dividend imputation scheme will reduce our retirement income by more than 20 per cent. We are pretty sure that will make a difference.

 - J. Hilton, Alexandra Hills

I AM sorry to report what I think you already know. The Redland City Bulletin has become a vehicle of Redland City Council.

The articles, which are scattered among copious pages of advertising, are non stories in many cases and I can prove it.

These include a page 1 story about Cr Julie Talty calling for a second Redland fire service and mayor Karen Williams’ push to rebrand Redlands.

She also supports dredging of the protected shorebird zone near Toondah Harbour. This was not news and we are all aware that Cleveland businesses are struggling.

The September 5 issue took the cake for lack of news. The first four pages were an advertorial for Walker Corp with its proposal to dredge the foreshore to build 3600 units.

The project is flawed and councillors know it. The first four pages of the paper was 100 per cent advertising and the next 10 pages were almost 50 per cent ads. 

A story on page 3 was titled “Plan to make a koala territory” but many residents are annoyed at the loss of habitat, which has resulted in 80 to 90 per cent of koalas disappearing since 1990. Residents cannot do much about it until the next election.

Let's see a less biased paper otherwise you will go extinct long before the koalas.

- D. Tafe, Cleveland

Editor’s note: The Walker Corp material was paid advertising.

I READ your October 3 newspaper.

I want to tell you it was a terrific bumper issue, full of good local news, breaking stories and great analysis in the editorial. It shows great spirit, breadth of interest and independence. I’ve torn out three pages that I am going to follow up. Congratulations.

- Z. Johnston, Raby Bay

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