Letters to the editor

I read with interest the Resilient Rivers initiative, a partnership with council and the state government.

Comments are made like "targeting the impacts of stormwater runoff from urbanised areas" and "this plan is based on sound scientific planning and includes realistic and achievable actions to protect our creeks, rivers and Moreton Bay", and the final statement "we need to ensure the growth ... does not come at the cost of our waterways and Moreton Bay and that they remain safe, clean and accessible".

After reading these statements I would like to know how mayor Karen Williams and the state government can continue to support and promote the Toondah Harbour development that is planned to have 3600 units built on 40ha of Moreton Bay fill.

The urban runoff from 3600 units for 10,000 people on internationally protected land in Moreton Bay will have the most run off of any property in the Redlands.

It is such a disgrace that politicians can say one thing and do another. It's hypocrisy at its worst and it needs to be called out.

Is it any wonder that belief in our politicians at every level is at an all time low?

- T. Bowler, Sheldon

After listening to policies and promises from all parties both state and federal, I have yet to hear one politician mention the dire straits of the homeless.

This is a worldwide problem, not just Australian, but an ever increasing one. Moving people on does not solve the problem and more emergency accommodation needs to be built. We need action from politicians, not promises.

- D. Lloyd, Redlands

Your correspondent K. Ewald (RCB, April 24) dealt with the impact of Labor's plan to withhold imputation credits from retirees. I would like to illustrate the unfairness and hypocrisy of that Labor policy.

Let's assume that the opposition leader and a low income retiree have identical shareholdings. They would each acquire identical dividends and imputation credits. In Bill's case he has a parliamentary salary of $368,000. (That figure correct at January 1, 2017). The retiree has a salary of nil.

Let's assume the imputation credit is $5000 and it is time to submit a tax return. Bill calculates his liability and applies his $5000 tax credit to reduce what he needs to pay. Value of the franking credit is $5000.

The retiree calculates his taxable income and finds that he is below the threshold that attracts income tax. Oops. Bill is now prime minister and that retiree cannot redeem any of his credit. Value to the retiree is nil.

That's what passes as a fair go, says Bill.

- G. Robbins, Thornlands

In reply to last week's letter from K. Ewald regarding franking credits.

I too am a self-funded retiree who has worked for more than 40 years and listened to the advice that there would be no pension available in retirement. I too invested in shares and superannuation to fund my retirement, so I understand the issue.

We are lucky to have superannuation, which is a tax advantaged system compared to holding shares directly. Leading to retirement I sold shares and invested in super.

There is no capital gains tax in super. You can put up to $300,000 per person into super up until July 1, so a couple can put in up to $600,000. You can then leave it invested and draw down a tax free (aged over 60 pension). You do not loose franking credits.

My super performance has far outstripped my stock market skills over the long term and I suspect Labor's proposed changes will encourage retirees to put their money into more profitable investments.

That can only be a good thing.

- K. Wade, Thorneside

Driving along Finucane Road, I spied a roadside poster of a man I thought I recognised. I looked twice. I did know him, it was MP Andrew Lamming. God, I have not seen him for three years. I did not even know he was still around. There must be something in the wind.

- R. French, Ormiston

To D. Cotton of Alexandra Hills (RCB, April 24) MP Andrew Laming sends out Anzac Day information every year, regardless of whether or not an election is imminent.

As the federal member I believe this comes well and truly under the bailiwick of his responsibilities to constituents. The information contains all the information one needs on Anzac Day events and most people we know rely on it and appreciate it.

- V. Mahony-Hodges, Raby Bay

I was impressed with how the Redlands RSL sub branch ran the dawn service and main parade. You and your members deserve a huge Bravo Zulu (well done). Thank you.

- D.Withers, Thorneside

I don't get it. We can send men to the moon. We can retrieve pictures from the far edges of the universe. We can explore the deepest ocean. But we seem unable to stop illegal and threatening phone scams. I have just taken what must be the 50th call which said that my Internet access will be cut off if I don't dial 1 - which will undoubtedly give the scammers access to my computer. When will it be ended by the authorities?

- L.R. Watson, Redland Bay

Send in your letters using the form below: