Paving the way to net zero is a fine idea, but the cost?
Council rates are rapidly increasing above CPI and is that sound fiscal management?
And does reducing emissions from its activities include limiting the use of fossil fuel transport by all council staff?
As to buying more energy efficient equipment, how much is from offshore countries that have coal burning and other polluting generators and pay lip service to the environment?
From the article (Port Lincoln Times, 5 February) net zero pathway spruiked by our mayor, the likelihood of a significant rate increase in the new financial year is a distinct possibility.
The council needs to understand ratepayers are not an unlimited energy source for their grandiose ideas – and that’s from the mayor downwards.
Peter Lock, Port Lincoln
Think about change
The roundabouts do need more work.
Sam Telfer has represented Flinders as its member of parliament for the past four years.
1. He wasn’t listened to by the government during the design construction phase.
2. He proposes expenditure of thousands of dollars on top of his leader’s promise of spending one billion dollars on roads.
3. The Labor Government does not listen to anyone from a safe Liberal seat.
Mr Telfer will not be able to deliver on his promise, because it is expected that another Malinauskas Labor Government will be elected in March.
That is another four years on opposition benches for Mr Telfer with no voice in a Labor Government.
It will be better for the voters of Flinders to support an independent who has no party allegiances and can work with the Minister for Infrastructure.
This one-time strong Liberal seat has not been able to deliver for us; it’s time for a change to a younger generation of leadership that can establish new relationships with a Labor Government.
Robert Randall, Tumby Bay
Care for those who need it
Considering the merging of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) with the Support at Home Program, launched in November 2025, which is already exhibiting concerning issues, would create significant challenges for older Australians, their families, and the aged care sector as a whole, (Cost of meals ‘is the new NDIS’, The Advertiser, 7 February).
The CHSP currently provides essential services, including domestic assistance, transport, meal delivery and social support, helping older people remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
Without this program, many seniors would face increased isolation, deteriorating health and a greater risk of premature entry into residential aged care.
The result of this eventuality would place additional pressure on hospitals, carers and community organisations that already operate with limited resources and expanding budgets.
Furthermore, regional and remote communities, who are entitled to the same level of care – where alternative services are scarce – would be disproportionately affected and penalised for choosing to reside where they do.
The removal of the CHSP would undermine Australia’s goals of supporting and promoting healthy aging, community connection and sustainable aged care for those who fully deserve it.
Time for our governments, federal or state, to apply the same level of scrutiny and cost-saving measures to those budgets and programs, where the consequences would be minimal.
Ian Macgowan, Ceduna
Visit raises questions
A foreign political leader invited here, propagandises and tells lies about the general Australian public. How does that promote social cohesion, Albo?
The problem is a radicalised tiny minority and how two of them flew under the radar.
It seems to me president Herzog’s visit has served as a political not a healing exercise – a handy distraction from government and security failures which have nothing to do with the vast majority of Australians except that we deserve better.
Jim Allen, Panorama
