May I suggest the next photo opportunity for our mayor might be a Town Hall meeting explaining how the rate increase was calculated and the average system used.
Cost of living and CPI increases in rates would be a more interesting opportunity rather than handling out deserved awards.
A full house of ratepayers might be an appreciated audience and show her support for the next mayoral election and the current councillors.
Questions and answers with an agenda would be necessary.
Peter Lock, Port Lincoln
Keep to facts
In a recent letter to the Port Lincoln Times (‘All need to participate’, September 18), I identified China as the world’s largest carbon emitter, accounting for 31.5 per cent of the world’s total.
In response to these figures, John Scott of Louth Bay (‘Take the lead from China’, Port Lincoln Times, October 2) asserted that each of China’s citizens contributed 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse emissions each year, whereas Australians were responsible for 22,000 tonnes per year.
On the face of it, this figure is factually correct and cannot be denied.
However, when you consider the population of each country, with China at 1.409 billion (2024) and Australia at 27.2 million (2024), the actual total level of emissions for each country presents a far more accurate picture.
When you extrapolate these figures further, China as a country is responsible for emitting 14,090,000,000,000 tonnes, while at the same time, Australians emit 598,400,000,000 tonnes.
Australia, according to this correspondent, is also responsible for many more tonnes of emissions being contributed by the millions of tonnes of Australian coal and gas exported and burnt overseas.
This assertion of linking liability for the consequences of someone else’s actions ignores their personal responsibility and is akin to blaming car manufacturers for the deaths of drivers around the world.
The debate about carbon emissions, John, needs to be factual and devoid of any emotive and misleading statements, which detract from people forming a balanced view of the issue.
Ian Macgowan, Ceduna
Be prepared for summer
Summer is almost upon us. Across the country, we are beginning to notice the temperature getting warmer, the days getting longer and even the Christmas decorations starting to be put up at the shops.
However, summer also brings a higher risk to our weather season in Australia, with the summer season responsible for some of the most damaging natural disasters that we see throughout the year, like extreme heat waves, bushfires, floods, cyclones, drought and more.
The Salvation Army wants to remind Aussies to not be alarmed, but to be prepared of the potential risks that this season can bring.
A few simple, practical steps can get you, your family and your home ready for whatever this season will throw at you.
This could be preparing a ‘go bag’ with key personal documents, or having cash and three days of supplies spare in case a disaster affects ATM/EFTPOS machines – applying these tips will leave you in good stead as we enter this higher risk season.
And as you prepare for this summer, we also encourage you to look out for one another.
Check in with your friends and neighbours to see if they are prepared or need support heading into this disaster season.
Natural disasters are a major source of stress and trauma for many who experience it, but knowing that there are people checking in on you can make a huge difference.
The Salvos have a long history with natural disasters. For over 130 years, we have been there for the long haul helping those impacted by natural disasters around the country.
Right now, our Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams are stationed at locations across the country, ready to spring into action if a disaster strikes and provide practical support (like meals and refreshments) and emotional support to anyone impacted.
The Salvos have developed a number of resources to help you prepare for a natural disaster this year.
To see these resources, or to find out more about the work of the SAES, visit salvationarmy.org.au/emergency-services
Bindy Lupis, Salvation Army Emergency Services
