Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor, Maybe, it’s time to introduce speed limits on Bribe Island that are in keeping with its seaside lifestyle and its status as an internationally protected fauna and flora sanctuary. Bribie is essentially a residential neighbourhood surrounded by National and Marine Parks and Conservation Areas. Residential neighbourhoods usually have a speed limit of 50km with 40km in school zones. There are no highways on Bribie Island to justify speed limits above 60km. Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach - from Avon Ave to the Woolies roundabout at Goodwin Drive and Benabrow Ave - is a stretch of road with multiple roundabouts and two sensitive zones needing careful and attentive drivers. Drivers need to be alert to the unpredictable movements of children and wildlife. The school zone has a speed limit of 40km and pedestrian controls to protect children. The National Park zone has a speed limit of 70km and nothing but signage to protect its wildlife. Sadly, not only wildlife can’t interpret nor read the signage (Bribie Islander “letters” Issue 168 17/6/22), but many drivers can’t either. Since the optimum speed to negotiate roundabouts is 40km, it makes sense to lower the speed limit along this section of Sunderland Drive to 50km. That could prevent drivers from accelerating to reach a maximum speed of 70km and then braking to safely negotiate roundabouts. The outcome could be that we avoid the carnage of our wonderful wildlife, such as this wallaby mother and baby some driver ploughed into, early morning of 5th July 2022 (Cnr Sunderland/Marina). The force of the collision ejected the joey from its mother’s pouch. Please take care in sensitive areas and consider Wildlife Carers and Council Crews who deal with recording and removing this upsetting carnage from your sight. Diane

During a press conference, Greens leader Adam Bandt's Australian flag "stunt” where he refused to stand in front of the national emblem, arguing the symbol is hurtful to First Peoples, has been branded as "virtue signalling" and "highly insulting." Jim Wilson from 2GB said "We had a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide resume in Townsville yesterday - men and women who fought under the Australian flag. On the same day, you have this peanut who goes on and removes the Australian flag. I find it deeply offensive and not the Australia we want to embrace. Have all three flags, but don't remove the national flag." Dear Editor, I sent an email to Adam Bandt {Greens Leader} to say over 100,000 men and women, soldiers, sailors, airmen etc. had died under the Australian flag and he (I used many other words I can’t repeat here) won't even stand up to honour the flag. As a Vietnam veteran, I say we vets fought under that flag, some died, some were wounded, and some still carry scars of the war experience. This so-called citizen (being kind there) does not honour the Australian flag but will honour the indigenous flag. Do you know how hurtful and disgusting that is to a serving veteran, war widow etc? It’s the worst insult from a so-called minister of the Crown. The crown he should wear is the clown crown. *(Editor changed the crown name to one that could be printed.) Anyway, that's me with my thoughts and those of many service people on the island

P. White Dear Editor, From your ever-so-slightly Irritated contributor, re Ciao; 1] Sack your autocorrect! The muffled laughter was not emanating from balloons filled with hot air but from, as you well know, that twinning of a bedroom and garage, hence, 'berage'. I have written about this hybrid cross before, in glowing terms, and now have to deal with sulks emanating from all in this superior room. (PS, I have double-checked that I sent you the correct spelling.) 2] Just how do you suggest that I explain to my travelling circus tent, Ferrari 2, that his handsome profile has been omitted, only to be replaced with that of a non-renewableenergy-consuming distant cousin? Did you not receive my photo of him, standing in all his glory? I have checked that it was sent, after many difficulties transferring his photo from my phone to my computer and then again to your esteemed publication. Ferrari 2 has been deeply hurt! I have had to spend all morning mopping up his tears and soothing his Latin temperament. Elaine Lutton