Use local steel
On March 22, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance revealed about 6500 tonnes of railway steel for the Metro Northwest had arrived from Spain.
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The steel required for the project isn’t made by BlueScope Steel at Port Kembla but can be manufactured at Arrium’s Whyalla steelworks. Steel industry campaigner Ian Waters, from Unanderra-based K&R Fabrications, said the government’s move sent the wrong message. It becks belief that NSW State Ministers are without foresight when it comes to infrastructure construction when it comes procuring from overseas sources rather than from local steel mills. The funding for the rail project is by the people of NSW, we would expect that any fair minded Government would support local industry which is already struggling with minimum orders from federal and state governments. It is not the Liberal Free Enterprise Foundation that is funding the rail projects in NSW, it is the people or crowd funding by NSW constituents. Mr Baird and Mr Constance you both have much to explain to people of NSW. Your twitter managers will not suffice or appease the anger that tpeople of NSW has at the moment towards your government. The purchase of 6500 tons of head hardened rail must be in vicinity of around $60 million AUD. I am sure Whyalla steel works would have been pleased to have that order on their books, and if you use the excuse that they could not deliver in time, that only tells me that NSW Government did not do a diligent contract review in a timely manner. Shame on you both!
Markku Ikonen, Dalmeny
Crown land usage
On Easter Saturday I had the great pleasure of visiting the MACS Art and Craft Exhibition located in the Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre. What an incredible display of local talent that was on show for all to see. The art works reflected the beautiful area in which we live with seascapes, wildlife and bush scenes portrayed through various mediums. Congratulations MACS for a great show.
On leaving the show, I thought about another event that will be held in these premises in three months time. An event that has now been given approval to operate for another seven years.
It is now time for the silent majority to speak up about such an event. You will have your opportunity in less than six months time at the next council elections. Make sure your vote counts and remove this stigma on our community forever.
Heather Irwin, Narooma
Death can catch up with the Doctor
With the federal election looming, the future of sitting member Dr Hendy and contender Dr Kelly hangs in the balance. It will only take a small electoral swing to seal the fate of either. Both, having pivotal roles with the dismissal of their leaders, must realize that the pen is greater than the sword. One doubts whether they are aware of many of the major problems confronting the residents of the Eurobodalla whilst zooming at high altitude flight paths to Canberra. Together with NSW Liberal and Labor governments, they have essentially ignored Coastal Transportation and Coastal Management. Both have stood by and allowed the responsibilities to be transferred to citizens together with imposing penalties on them if they do or do not take steps to defend their own property. A small electoral swing in the Eurobodalla and continuing under-performance will seal their fate of Federal and State governments.They have continued to procrastinate on these issues including the much needed diversion of the Princes Highway and replacement of the belted, battered ,1931 Bridge at Narooma. I doubt whether Dr Hendy knows where it is and hold little faith in Dr. Kelly. Failure to issue a public response before the coming election by either candidate will be judged at the forthcoming election by the people.
Peter Bernard, Dalmeny