Herald-Sun, 10/7:
Paradox in breakthrough
CONFIRMATION of the existence of the Higgs Boson, commonly known as the “God particle”, presents world powers with a paradox.
Since knowledge is power, human civilisation has, through conflict, harnessed technological breakthroughs principally to survive. Hence, “necessity is the mother of invention”.
The paradox I speak of is that we as a species now face a critical mass represented by population density versus resources.
Unless we can control the basic maths of our own numbers, we will become extinct before we harness the physics of the universe.
The irony is that studying the “God particle” will provide unimagined knowledge, technologies and the empowerment of humanity to adapt, overcome and survive by seeking out new worlds.
Unfortunately for humanity, “time” – or the lack of it – creates the paradox.
– John Godden, Neerim South
21/7:
Not fair for empty nesters to fly coop
IT is outrageous that a property investment company has the audacity to criticise older generations for living in the suburbs and houses of their choice (“Empty nesters sticking around”, July 18).
They have as much right to homes in areas convenient to them as young people with families.
Young families are being forced to build their own homes not because “empty nesters refuse to downsize” but because of Victoria’s booming population.
Our State Government and urban planners have been hijacked by the real estate industry, mortgage lenders and property developers. Property is too lucrative in an otherwise declining state economy.
The attack on Baby Boomers and our “ageing population” is misdirected and irrational.
Older people bring wisdom and stability to societies, and contribute in many ways, including childcare.
If they downsized their homes to give way to young people in their suburbs, we would see an unsustainable influx of kids in our already overcrowded schools and childcare centres.
Even “empty nesters” have a right to enjoy gardens, spare rooms for family and guests, space for hobbies, pets, familiar neighbours and convenience.
– Margit Alm, Eltham
The Age, 2/7:
Plea for balance
THE latest environmental depredation wrought by the Baillieu government is its plan for the extension and development of the urban growth corridor to the north of Melbourne. A more detailed biodiversity study needs to be done to protect valuable grasslands. There are no new conservation reserves planned to address this problem, and no sign of a promised woodland reserve. The habitat of the endangered species, the growling grass frog, will be affected by a narrowing of the conservation corridor along the Merri Creek at Lockerbie. The proposed biodiversity link is inadequate because it is interrupted by quarries.
The development will be cut by new freeways and arterial roads. No rail link is planned. This will mean a great increase in traffic and its attendant problems. In addition, areas such as Hernes Swamp are designated for urban development, but are flood prone. Former politicians and planners had a vision for a balanced and sustainable development of Melbourne, including green wedges and conservation of rural land. It seems to no longer apply.
– Des and Ruth Shiel, Clifton Hill
12/7:
Feeling good costs
ALL the letters and media commentary I have read over the years in support of increasing the refugee intake have failed to outline proposals for funding the long-term costs of such an increase. Regrettably, too many people choose not to think through the practical implementation of what they seek. In the case of funding an increase in the refugee intake, should the federal government increase tax, reduce welfare payments, increase national debt, and/or cut public services? Which public services? Feeling good is all very well but it comes at a price. Are Australians prepared to pay that price?
– Eric Ash, Boreen Point, Queensland
17/7:
End Ponzi scheme
AN ECONOMY dependent on ever-increasing population is nothing more than a great big Ponzi scheme (“If our population doesn’t grow, the economy stalls”, BusinessDay, 16/7). Further, Matthew Kidman seems to suggest Australia should build its population by taking in the world’s needy and persecuted, or is he thinking of overseas trained doctors and the like?
Population growth must end some time and it may as well be now. We should be aiming for a gentle, managed decrease.
It’s high time creative minds worked on remodelling the economy. I have two areas particularly in mind for starters. First, older people who wish to continue working should be able to do so, and younger people suffering work stress when they should be spending time with their children should be able to do so.
Second, we must reduce the amount of materialistic rubbish sold and soon carted off to landfill and return to mostly local production of high-quality, long-lasting goods. Neither of these goals requires a fight against nature, only a change of attitude, which, I believe, would bring welcome relief to most of the population.
– Hilary Thompson, Sassafras
22/7:
Thud and blunder
ONGOING, artificially stimulated population growth distorts our planning process. Planning should be about improving the lives of all Victorians not of choosing who the government can afford to hurt most (“Planning for disaster”, Opinion, 15/7).
It is clear that with the current planning approach, life for people in Victoria, especially those in and around Melbourne, can only deteriorate. Unless there is a change in the infinite growth mentality of governments to one of steering this state towards population stability, most of each successive state government’s planning energy will go into tinkering around the edges of the work of its predecessors.
This will continue to be a series of political exercises in harm minimisation aimed at those most likely to vote the government back in and blundering through the living spaces of those who will never vote for them. In the end we will all be harmed as each side is successively turfed out by the voting choices of desperate citizens.
– Jill Quirk, president Sustainable Population Australia (Victorian and Tasmanian branch)
