Mulgrave Mum sick of smashed bus shelters fears for safety of son

Posted to Waverley Leader (29/3/2013) on 29/3/2013 at 9:55 AM
Commenting on "Mulgrave Mum sick of smashed bus shelters fears for safety of son"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/mulgrave-mum-sick-of-smashed-bus-shelters-fears-for-safety-of-son/story-fngnvlxu-1226607530986

I believe in zero-tolerance. Anyone destroys any public or private property is liable for criminal damage and must pay for the damage in monetary term, even if it takes a life time to pay or the offender is a juvenile.

As for public property such as bus shelter, aesthetic design must not take precedence over safety and robustness.

Vandalism and hooliganism spread much faster than good behaviour. These must be nibbed at the butt promptly and the consequence broadcasted even if it is viewed as propaganda.

Is the Council indifferent to the smashing of 241 panes of glass? Obviously they are because the ratepayers have not heard of the other incidents. Every pane of glass smashed hits the ratepayers' hip pocket as repair costs and increase in insurance premium.

People of today are getting more and more indifferent and apprehensive towards others. Probably this is caused by information overload via the various media, and they are numbed by the daily bad news on social misbehaviour of private and public figures. There is no excuse for NOT caring if we want a live in a City that we can feel safe to roam about at anytime of the day. I don't want to live in Fort Knox.

Journey to raise poverty awareness

Posted to Waverley Leader (22/12/2012) on 19/3/2013 at 6:01 PM
Commenting on "Journey to raise poverty awareness"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/generic-journey-to-raise-poverty-awareness/

If the concerts of 2006, 2007 and 2010 Make Poverty History were successful, why is there a need for another one in 2013? Poverty is not history, and never will be, and such bold claim is not dissimilar to the one made by Bob Hawke on June 23, 1987 at an election campaign launch. He boldly said that "by 1990 no Australian child will be living in poverty".

People living below poverty line are not just a number. It represents a hidden scenario; the immeasurable pain and suffering of the people and their loved ones. Many do-gooders pledge or donate to campaigns to help the financial needy, but only to find their hard-earn money lined the pockets of the unscrupulous organisers, or gone to the administration costs.

Campaigns to raise awareness and funds by getting the public to go on hunger for hours, or sleep-out in stadiums with minimum comfort are no more than simplistic and naïve publicity stunts, and the long term impact is no bigger than a drop in the poverty ocean.

Last part of Blackburn North orchard sells for nearly $6m, set for development

Posted to Whitehorse Leader (13/3/2013) on 13/3/2013 at 11:18 AM
Comment on "Last part of Blackburn North orchard sells for nearly $6m, set for development"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/last-part-of-blackburn-north-orchard-sells-for-nearly-6m-set-for-development/story-fngnvlxu-1226595589440

It is understandable that we can't stop development, but unnecessary clearing of land and removal of lawn from front and backyards are causing floods in certain areas, but drought in other.

It is almost laughable that many new dwellings are given good star rating for carbon neutral, but most parts of the compound of the dwellings are concreted which in fact are a contributing factor that causes other environmental problem.

Since grass and trees absorb carbon dioxide and gives out oxygen due photosynthesis, it is important that each household should be mindful when they build or landscape their garden.

I hope that building codes for domestic and commercial buildings are changed in future to ensure a balance of build-up and green vegetation areas. It may sound dictatorial but large area of artificial lawn or concreted areas should not be allowed in order to avoid degradation of water content in soil due to lack of water penetration.

The concrete jungle of high density living like the City creates wind tunnels and well paved roads behave like water carriageway. Without grass or rough surfaces, speed of water flow cannot be slowed down. Furthermore, sealed surfaces stop water being absorbed as the water flows pass, thus compounding the problem.

Mcdonald confirms work to start on Tecoma outlet in may protesters continue action

Posted to Free Press Leader (6/3/2013) on 7/3/2013 at 1:25AM
Commenting on "Mcdonald confirms work to start on Tecoma outlet in may protesters continue action"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/mcdonalds-confirms-work-to-start-on-tecoma-outlet-in-may-protesters-continue-action/comments-fngnvlxu-1226591009912

Why is it immoral to have a McDonald outlet at Tecoma? It is a legal entity, running a legal business, nothing immoral like a brothel, or a club that sucks the gamblers' pockets dry with the poker machines.

It also creates employment, not only for the young people, but also for any businesses that associate with the McDonald - tradespeople, cleaning, maintenance, some local suppliers, etc.

Unlike many local shops that look so tired and uninviting for tourists, the outlet will provide a new lease of life.

If the locals object so strongly against it, they do not have to deal with the joint after it has been built. Any business without customers will doom to close. However, I doubt many will stay away from it; definitely not the kids who want to have their birthday parties held there, with loads of fun.