Readers’ views on Maralinga tourism, Adelaide’s lack of optimism, the population debate and a difference of opinion with one of our book reviewers.
RICHARD BRINKMAN: One can only hope that the Maralinga tourism story will encompass the obnoxious, colonial attitude of the British towards Australia and its people (Atomic tourism comes to Maralinga, InDaily, 6 November, 2013). This was exemplified by the shameful lack of care and responsibility for our indigenous people – before, during and for years after the atomic tests. Justice will never be done.
PATSY DUFF: Although not in the habit of replying to book reviews – after all they are merely the opinion of one person – I feel I really must answer the peculiarly empty reading of Not the Same Sky, a novel published by Wakefield Press to huge acclaim (InDaily Arts & Culture, 6 November 2013).
The reviewer mistakes meticulous rewarding research for humdrum and perhaps is unable to recognise what this extraordinary novel has accomplished. The reviewer’s personal prejudices become apparent with the patronising use of the word “ladies”, and should therefore be consigned as thus, but not surely without some defence of a truly marvellous book. I was stunned by its moving portrayal of these extraordinary survivors. I was indeed “usefully edified” about this part of our hidden history and cannot let this crass opinion go unremarked.
KEN WOOD: Having resided now in Adelaide for over a decade you would think I would have learned that the sky is going to fall any second.
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Some years ago when the new Adelaide Airport was being built, problems were revealed with the refuelling system. The population was informed that the facility would not be open on time – shock horror. All media communications were awash with the news; it was the end of our reputation. Some years on and, believe it or not, the airport is operating and in fact has been voted one of the best airports in the country.
Scan some years forward and, you guessed it, our state newspaper is in a panic about the completion of Adelaide Oval – it will be the ruin of us, make us a laughing stock.
We are just reared on this type of nonsense. The Adelaide Oval will be a credit to us for years to come – there is no doubt about that statement.
We must eradicate this stupid negativity surrounding affairs in our state. The type of journalistic hype being offered needs to be banished .
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Show some optimism, Adelaide – we have a lot to be thankful for. Time to be proud and speak with a much more positive voice.
JILL AMERY: Malcolm King’s article, “No Growth” lobby damaging community groups, (InDaily, 5 November 2013) is remarkable for its superficial, self-interested approach to population numbers, which are a very serious matter indeed. Adelaide has recently been voted 10th most liveable city in the world by Lonely Planet for a reason – why change that for the worse?
Unlike Mr King’s impression, the population parties were formed out of deep and well-considered concern about unsustainable growth in population negatively affecting our existing population, our natural environment (including animal welfare and intensive farming methodologies which are not kind) and lifestyle. Intergenerational equity for future years must also be considered, not least because we are unsupported by our limited water supplies. Many of us will need to contemplate a drop in our standard of living should population levels shoot up unsustainably.
At the very least, Mr King should be considering the needs and employment prospects of our existing population, where unemployment especially amongst youth, is at unacceptably high levels – 40% in the northern suburbs. Increasing our population intake through immigration or any other means, does not help this frightening scenario go away.
Responsible, sustainable increases in certain regional centres in SA could be contemplated as long as it’s properly strategised and supported, including the involvement of local community consultation – but dumping a 50% increase in population on the Adelaide area over a relatively short span of several decades as per the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide proposed by the current state government, will not only be very painful but it will probably result in great social unrest as well as diminished welfare resources. And that unsustainable increase is not a situation that can be undone easily.
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