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MAYOR’S NEWS ROSS FOWLER
Dear Weekender
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opinion
Container Deposit Levy
Typhoon Haiyan fundraiser Tomorrow night I will attend a fundraising event for victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines last November. I know many in our community have been deeply affected by this tragedy. On behalf of Council I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to those who lost family and friends. Council has a long-standing and very positive relationship with Penrith’s Filipino-Australian community. We are only too happy to support the fundraiser being hosted by the Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia (PLCAA), a non profit organisation based in Penrith. The money raised at the event will support Claretian Missionaries who are working to rebuild and rehabilitate the affected areas. Help will be needed for a long time in this part of the world and I encourage our community to rally and do what it can.
Federal and State environment ministers are considering a proposal to introduce a national Container Deposit Levy (CDL) in Australia. Th is levy would see Penrith Valley residents paying an additional 10c on every water bottle, drink can, milk or wine bottle purchased. Th is is termed as a “deposit”, which can be redeemed if a consumer takes the clean container to new public collection points. Sounds great in theory, doesn’t it? But unfortunately the plan simply hasn’t been thought through. There are a host of unintended consequences, including studies that show an estimated $300 will be added to a Penrith Valley resident’s average annual shopping basket just when they are find ing it tough to balance the household budget. The proposals also threaten recycling and garbage collection services, as Penrith City Council will fi nd it more costly to run regular recycling collections if these containers are being taken out of the system. On top of this, there is also an increased risk to public health and sanitation caused by the hoarding and scavenging of bottles from private and public bins. The alternative solution is to not only continue with the current scheme but to expand on this through added corporate and public initiatives. For example, over the next 10 years, through the Australian Packaging Covenant, industry aims to invest $115 million in litter reduction and recycling schemes
email : news@westernweekender.com.au post : Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750.
across the country. The NSW Government doesn’t currently support a Container Deposit Levy. However, there is a concerted push from CDL supporters to get states to sign up to the program. So encourage Robyn Parker to keep doing the right thing and support your NSW residents’ efforts in setting an example to the rest of Australia. Stan Moore CEO, The National Packaging Covenant Industry Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why the Poms lost
Last Tuesday I had lunch at a well known rib and steak restaurant in Manly and they serve 1kg steaks and very large racks of ribs both with chips. Two members of the “Barmy Army” sat adjacent to me and consumed their enormous meals easily. Has this been the cricketing problem with the Poms? Too much good Aussie tucker. I must admit, I was just a bit sluggish after my lunch. Peter Townsend, South Penrith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jamisontown vandalism
Around 14 years ago I moved to this area (Jamisontown) looking for more security and peace. Six years ago and with many efforts I fi nished the house of my dreams, all I’ve done was with my hands, especially my front yard. On December 20 at around 6pm one of my best neighbours knocked on the door of my house to tell me that a
few seconds ago two cowards with a chainsaw had cut one of my trees, run to a ute and disappeared. I’ve always thought that the front of my house would be the reflection of my home and living in the best country in the world this never would happen. I’m sure we live in the luckiest country in the world but an act of baseness like this happened in my house! It is incomprehensible to my family. I’ve always tried to be friendly, polite and helpful to everyone around me because I was raised with values. I just wonder why? Jealousy, envy, revenge, retaliation, punishment? Or just for fun? I hope you can help me please by publishing this incident in the newspaper, so the police offic er Blanch from Penrith Police Station has more witnesses to complete the investigation. Carlos Dousdebes, Jamisontown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Law change needed
I reckon if Barry O’Farrell or any of these other bloody politicians got bashed things might change dramatically (From the Editor’s Desk, Weekender January 17). Paul, via email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance inconsistency
Th is isn’t new (How the NRMA sees this street, Weekender January 17). Used to be suburb to suburb, now with technology they have access to burglaries and all sorts of claims. Lesley Nolan, via Facebook
Friday 17 January 2014 the western weekender
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