I agree with Norma (Leader April 1) We did not have problems obtaining necessities after World War Two due to the coupon system. I still have our clothing coupons.
Since March 9 I have walked to Riverwood to shop every day. Until today I have not once been able to buy toilet paper and only on one occasion pasta.
Some days Woolworths have had no meat flour or eggs. I am 80. We are asked to stay in if at all possible. If we were able to be advised by Supermarkets when basic items were expected in, with a limit of one per shopper, people like me would not need to be out every day hoping to "hit the jackpot." Elaine Cameron Peakhurst
Preppers are not panic buyers
A Prepper (Letter to Editor March 25 2019) is not a panic buyer as K.Baker of Engadine claims and is not the same as a selfish "panic" buyer.
The Prepper knows that an unknown catastrophe is coming and plans accordingly, whereas a panic buyer reacts to the moment.
People are currently reacting to COVID-19 or doing nothing but the big threat is the financial system. Financial hell has broken loose in Australia because of a virus let loose in China and the inaction of our Prime Minister to shut down international travel January. Joanne Jones
Reader hopes council will continue regular meetings
During this COVID-19 shut-down time, the restrictions placed on the community, many businesses, along with Georges River Council(GRC) have closed many services and meetings. As much as GRC's website is promoted as a source for information, it is very dependent on what is to be uploaded. There is a significant population that still relies on newspapers, television and radio for news and information. The speed of dissemination, the scope and access for radio and television cannot be matched by a website.
In the absence of regular Council meetings of the Councillors and the administrative staff, there are two people - the General Manager and the Mayor - who have the authority to make decisions. Is this a democratic process? Especially when this process could continue for many months.
Before the current shut-down, The Leader reported on discussion at Council meetings, matters disseminated through GRC's media/press releases and responses from community members and groups. Councillor's interviews and responses are absent.
Now, with the shut-down, GRC can administer without the balance of opinion from the community. Perhaps, the elected Councillors will be given the information. But where is the further dissemination point from the Councillors, especially if gatherings of people are discouraged.
Could The Leader become the point for sharing the information, no different to what has been used for DA approvals and general notices for GRC? T Kot, Kogarah
Editor's note: All council's must live stream their meetings so members of the public can view them. It appears the meetings that have been held since the self-isolation have had councillors log on remotely to discuss and vote on motions. Rest assured the Leader will still report on Council meetings.
Chinese Gardens on Bestic St and West Botany street
About 1.5 years ago, there were questions asked as to where Veggies from these Chinese gardens go. I've lived about four blocks away from these gardens for 50 years, and I can't buy any veggies from them. There are TONNES of veggies to feed the entire St George area. I have always said this food goes straight to China.
I was once told they sell it at Hurstville. There are too many veggies grown to go to Hurstville. Today I went for another walk past these gardens. I asked the Chinese gardeners if I could buy some Veggies. He said "NO" I say if I can't buy veggies from these Gardens, let's turn this area into a new cheap housing suburb because these gardens are a waste of time, and if you don't believe me lets go for a walk and see for yourself. Louie Nikolovski, Rockdale
Health Insurance
It's now April and the private health funds are once again putting up prices, quite significantly too! Under the current situation, with job losses, the extra stretch on household budgets, and the fact that many elective surgeries are postponed or delayed, maybe they might consider leaving prices as they were? A shout to private health insurers to please consider? Donna Private, Hurstville Grove
The 10 per cent no one will notice
The Autumn edition of the Georges River Council 24 page magazine 'Community' has come this week.
On page four, is an information piece regarding changes to Development Applications, and among things that can be determined by the council is the 7th dot point, regarding the seeking of 'variation to a Development Standard'. It concludes with the words: "by more than 10 per cent" This can translate to an extra floor for a particular building, beyond the permissible limit, or zero grass surrounding another. Why is this deviation tolerated? It's as though there's a game going on, which the NSW government is mandating. On whose behalf, I naively ask?
Every developer interested in making as much money as he can - which I suggest is most, if not all - by flouting declared standards by 10 per cent, is formally given the green light to try it on. The Standard, which is to supposedly to guard against the district becoming a wall-to-wall concrete jungle, is a joke when this activity is tolerated. Moreover, I say it's invited. If I only pay 90 per cent of my council rates, there are penal consequences. When will the same approach be adopted by greedy developers wanting an extra 10 per cent to what has been officially decided as allowable?
I believe council officers should automatically decline every DA that is non- compliant in that way. Confiscation of the fee that attaches to the lodging of such applications should be automatic, and a penalty of triple the fee for reapplication or some other financial deterrent to stamp out this awful practice. Then we might see some respect for the Standard, and in the bigger picture, for the amenity of the district and its environment, which on paper it aims to look after.
Tony Martin, Mortdale
