For and against the Jannali station upgrade

This project is much needed as most train stations now are upgrading especially for disabled people. 

I could not see myself pushing my wheelchair up and down a hill to get to the other side of the train station. 

It would be more convenient for every commuter – not to mention the added safety factor with the new cameras.  I was very close to being assaulted whilst crossing over Jannali bridge to get to the other side of the station.

Lucky for me I had someone protect me and intercept and call the police. Having this overpass not only helps the disabled, but also gives some sort of security with cameras present. 

People who have cars and mobility to get around should think themselves lucky because one day it might be them or someone they know that need this access.

Kathy, Caringbah

I totally agree with Gary Lewis (Your View, February 17).

There is no need to spend millions on an upgrade at Jannali station when there is already disabled access to both platforms.

The money would be much better spent upgrading Como station which only has stair access. Mothers with prams usually have to rely on the kindness of other commuters to help them get up and down the stairs. Railway staff are not always around to help.

Oatley has the same underground access and they are getting lift access now – albeit slowly, so it can be done.

Another suggestion I have made to the railways, is that the guards carry a key to access station toilets.  When unavoidable delays occur, as during recent storms, it is very uncomfortable for passengers who are waiting for long periods and there is no access to the facilities because station staff have gone off duty.

This happened at Como at 4pm. not the middle of the night on January 14. 

Sylvia Johnson, Kirrawee

I support the comments of Gary Lewis (Your View, February 17) on the insane proposal to install lifts at Jannali station where each platform already has level access from the street.

If the intention is to assist ‘customers’ who are burdened or handicapped then a more useful upgrade would be to create ‘kiss and ride’ areas near the existing entrances.

Currently there are none.

Another improvement would be to have parking spaces in the existing car parks reserved for handicapped and senior travellers.

This could be achieved by having restricted parking (15 minutes maximum) in a block of half a dozen spaces.

All the parking spaces are taken by the fit and healthy workers who get them before 7.30am.

The elderly and handicapped are forced to park considerable distances away in suburban streets.

If the idea is to assist such people then having convenient drop-off and parking is preferable to lifts which are not needed.

Michael Harrington, Bonnet Bay

In response to Ken Turner’s letter (Your View, February 17) concerning duty of care regarding postal deliveries, we are most fortunate in the part of Kirrawee where I live. 

Our postie (Mark) takes his customer care duties to a very high standard. If items are too large to fit in the letter box, he brings them to the door, knocking to check if anyone is home to receive the items personally; if no one is home, he leaves them in an unobtrusive spot close to the front door.

He rides a pushbike and is also considerate enough not to take a shortcut through unfenced corner properties such as ours. 

We repay his courtesy when we can by giving him a cold drink on hot days, for which he is most appreciative. 

Our postie is fantastic! Take a bow, Mark! 

Judith Macks, Kirrawee

On February 3 the Leader published an article on  Matthew Webster called ‘‘Shire man faces rare cancer battle’’.

Some of the information contained in the report was misleading.

The article quoted Matthew as saying: ‘‘The hope was for a cure, but its not the case now.’’

This misleading statement has caused a flood of calls and messages to Matthew inquiring if he has given up.

The wording was misconstrued and erroneous causing undue stress.  

At no stage has Matthew mentioned not wanting a cure. He is an incredibly brave and strong willed young man who is giving this fight 100 per cent.   

To be inflicted with a disease that we now know possibly has only affected two to three people worldwide is extremely challenging, as there is no medical protocol, and all treatment strategies have just been a guess — which is why we have had to seek treatment overseas — thus not covered by PBS or Medicare.

The cost of overseas treatment has exceeded $230,000.  The Leader’s story about his fund raised a further $4,000.

We would like to thank the leader for publishing Matt’s story — and highlighting the need for fundraising for people with Rare Cancers or diseases.  

Donations can be made at sickortreat.org.au/campaign/2018/helping-matt

Jennifer Webster

I am grateful that I recently read an article stating how brilliant the new Dragons’ offensive coach has proven to be in his past employment. I never would have guessed that they had a new, or any, offensive coach by watching their dismal attacking efforts in the Charity Shield. Well, they can only improve from here, can’t they?  Somebody please say, "Yes."

Peter Lamond, Menai

An Engadine resident for 30 years and Sutherland Shire for nearly 60 years I cannot see why we have to be punished again for living so far from the city.

As well as having to wait twice as long as Cronulla residents for trains to/ from city we are now going to be charged twice as much for our Opal cards/train  fares.

Margaret Bradford, Engadine