Putt regatta ‘delightful’
On a recent fine Sunday a flotilla 40 small “putt putt” boats toured Port Hacking, navigating Gunnamatta Bay and upstream towards Grays Point. Other spectator craft joined in. The original “putt putt” was the Chapman Pup engine (vintage 1930s) which was hand started and had a characteristic exhaust noise. The Port Hacking Putters Regatta also served as a fund raiser for the volunteer Marine Rescue NSW organisation. This was a delightful use of top local facilities.
J Brett, Miranda
Take your waste with you
I write to support Sid Bream’s letter (Your View, February 6) calling for fines for beach smokers who litter. I further call for all litter bugs to be fined. Judging by the amounts my family pick up on our walks, it is an epidemic. The revenue generated would pay the wages of the patrol officers and reduce council clean up costs. There is work for two on the stretch from Nun’s Pool to Wanda. I cannot fathom how you can come to these beautiful places, enjoy all they have to offer, and then leave your rubbish behind.
Louise Lehane, Caringbah
Ugly balcony clothes lines
Oh dear, the new high rise on Taren Point Road, Caringbah. Why aren’t builders made to put a screen or plantation shutter blinds on balconies to hide clothes lines? Is there a regulation on the aesthetic appearance of properties? It looks quite slummy with all the washing showing!
Dolly, Caringbah
Amenities must improve
RE “Beach amenities backlash” (Leader, February 6). I use these facilities on a regular basis during my walks. I am appalled that amenities such as toilets have not been upgraded for years, they are a disgrace for such a lovely area, tourists must be so amazed on the disgusting toilets in such a beautiful spot. Compared to similar areas in other countries - I for one am very disappointed. I hope this will change soon with the upgrades.
Steve Anstee, Jannali
Combustible cladding
Why are governments squabbling over combustible materials in building construction when lives are at serious risk? Those with a modicum of building industry knowledge know beyond doubt that it’s a question of negligence or cost cutting in compliance. The unfolding conclusion was inevitable. BCA requirements for cladding - previously referred to as attachments – and fire compliance go back decades, and the only issue requiring criminal investigation is why they were not followed by developers and contractors, and ensured to comply by certifiers - mostly government until recently when the role was expanded to include the private sector. Both have to take blame for apparent omissions of compliance, not find ways of delaying scrutiny for more decades or covering up to avoid responsibility.
R Piech, Sans Souci