Letters, November 15, 2023

No planning

I WAS wondering why this Government department (Department of Infrastructure and Transport) took the “P” (for planning) out of its name.

But after reading, with mild amusement, the article about the roundabout in Mt Barker and how it was going to be implemented, how the Department of Infrastructure and Transport was asked some simple questions, yet failed to come up with an answer, I now know.

Then coming off the freeway at Hahndorf, the centre of the Great Bypass debate, and noticing the subtle little changes, I realised why.

No planning involved.

I’ve worked all around Australia and in every town where there is a heavy vehicle bypass route they have erected huge signs hundreds of metres before the turn-off advising these drivers of said route.

Not Hahndorf.

A tiny little sign, partially hidden behind another sign behind a tree placed not far from the turn-off. Why?

A three metre sign just before the bridge would give these 15 metre trucks time to slow down and prepare.

Then I notice the flashing mobile sign at Ambleside Road still there.

Again why?

Too late by now – you’re already past the point of no return.

And who is getting the money for this useless sign?

I suppose they have to justify the spending of millions and the upcoming blow-out somehow.

Philip Miller, Hahndorf

Wrong entertainment

THE hearts of every kind and compassionate person went out to those poor animals at Strathalbyn’s rodeo on Saturday evening.

Rodeos depend upon triggering fear and terror in animals to activate their flight response, which then allows for the boastful competitor to show off their domination skills, all for people’s entertainment.

There are minimal enforceable standards for the treatment of the animals involved, all of which are in clear danger of serious, painful injuries and death.

It is difficult to understand how anyone could take pleasure in this, the ultimate depiction of a bully.

This is not to the standard of ethics that we have come to anticipate from community events.

Rodeos belong to an era of unchecked and accepted violence against animals without reproach.

I don’t blame people for wanting to find a night out with their children, but encouraging the enjoyment of wanton cruelty to a terrified and terrorised animal is hardly a desirable moral training ground for young minds.

How disappointing for Alexandrina Council to allow such a spectacle of animal suffering in their region.

Padma Chaplin, Forest Range

Visitor centre needed

HAHNDORF has over one million visitors per year.

The Hills has one accredited visitor information centre (VIC).

Tourism contributes 12.4% of the gross regional product.

The ratio of VIC to tourism businesses is half that of the Fleurieu region.

These facts come from council and government documents.

Why would any level-headed person think it was a good idea to close the VIC and deprive tourists the opportunity to get informed by enthusiastic volunteers about the marvels of our town and region? Please reconsider.

G. Deeble, Hahndorf

Honest people

TO the kind lady responsible for handing in my wallet to the cashiers at Mitre 10 Balhannah on Sunday, I cannot thank you enough.

It was misplaced for just five minutes before retrieval. I very much appreciate your honesty – it was returned completely intact, with no cash stolen.

How good it is to see that there are still some genuine and caring people within our society. I will put that down now to a ‘seniors’ moment.

Brenton Stanbury, Woodside

Dangerous parking

IN response to John Venus’ comment about the parking on Greenhill Road at Summertown (The Courier, November 8), maybe John thinks it’s okay for vehicles to park on the footpath, causing families to then walk into oncoming traffic on the busy roadway, because this was exactly the situation we faced last weekend. The majority of cars were completely blocking the footpath and I was glad to hear they were booked for their ignorance.

I only wished the council would have actually towed the vehicles away.

Stevie Gangitano, Summertown

Technology issues

I WAS listening to the radio this morning, to all the problems thousands of people were having without the use of Optus.

As an oldy, myself, in my late 80s, I am even more convinced we need to continue with landline telephones, also cash.

A lot of retail businesses had no contact with Optus and were unable to serve customers who only used cards, not cash. Optus mobile phones and internet were useless.

I, at my age, will continue to use cash, pen and paper and a landline phone.

Pat Parsons, Lobethal

Coal dangers

THE Federal Government  is proving to be extremely slow in ridding Australia of one of its prime causes of human induced climate change, which is well known to be burning coal to produce energy.

I can only assume that the massive financial gains being earned by the Federal Government from exporting coal and allowing it to be used for energy needs overrides, in the opinion of the Government, not only the fact that using coal causes climate change but can also result in health  problems such as, asthma, heart ramifications, brain damage, breathing difficulties and even premature death.

I am left wondering how our Federal Government can possibly allow the use of coal to continue.

Brian Measday, Kingswood

Too expensive

FORTY million dollars for a roundabout (The Courier, November 8)?

Perhaps the Department of Infrastructure and Transport should forgo the gold-plated, diamond-studded version and opt for ordinary concrete.

Colin Rogers, Meadows