Responding to Ordinary Australians are rising up to save our trees and park lands

Great article by Sarah. One of the clear problems for our trees and nature is that they are not counted in our economic model of wealth.

When governments look at improving the economy, they look at ‘events’ and are prepared to knock down trees and nature, disturb birds and wildlife because they have no value in economic terms.

The reality is our environment and natural world suffer along with all the benefits Sarah has described. Further, these events only provide a sugar hit to the economy that lasts for a few days, whereas the trees and the natural habitat provide benefits lasting decades. A token provision of three trees for every mature tree destroyed is way short of equal compensation! – Peter Fairlie-Jones

It is hard to comprehend why the state government should risk obliterating the character of Adelaide’s park lands by removing trees and adding buildings for two sports events when the city’s plan has drawn international acclaim, national heritage listing, and, in the long run, possible World Heritage listing. Will there be anything left of this renowned design by the time of SA’s bicentenary in 2036? – Susan Marsden

Responding to Sadness as ice cream icon bids Laura farewell after 103 years

Yes, it is unfortunate. I lived quite close to Laura as a child in a town called Booleroo Centre.

A Golden North ice cream always stood head and shoulders above all other brands, for flavour, texture, quality and consistency. It was, and still is, considered a treat by me.

Please, Golden North, do not change the recipe of your quality product. I can see many other brands wanting your share of this market. Keep it as it was, back in 1960, and I’ll keep buying Golden North! Big ice cream fan! – Jeff Borgas

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Why not make the Laura Golden North facility into a museum? So sad to see it go after opening in 1923. I can understand the reasoning behind the move, but still, another one bites the dust. – Robert and Jenny Short

Responding to Funding hopes dashed for Tarrkarri, but a new arts media hub wins millions

Seriously, Tom. Gather Round, golf courses and MotoGP are more important than a cultural art centre? If you wish people to remember your government in a favourable light, this would have been the perfect opportunity.

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The screwing up of Adelaide Writers’ Week and the lack of funding for the arts have me seriously reviewing my vote to Labor in the next election.

A former lifetime Labor voter. – Pam Kelly

Responding to Voting boss calls for shock delay to council elections

The mind boggles when you consider the problems are so bad that they cannot be resolved before November. It seems the Electoral Commission does not understand the task before it without external help. The task before the government is to demonstrate its competence with the timely resolution of this matter without moving the election dates. – Peter Annear

I understand that council elections are done solely by postal voting. No polling booths to run. Just a matter of sorting and counting the votes, so what exactly is the issue? – Aiden Leahy

Responding to Huge numbers of young volunteers propping up SA economy

It is also a leg up when applying for employment when you have finished your education. Do not forget that when you criticise. – Anne Benn

Responding to Old bank sold as National Trust looks to offload SA properties

If it were donated to be preserved as history by the people, how can they just sell it for profit? – Sue Carter

Responding to New report shows park lands tree felling toll for MotoGP far higher

There are so many things that concern me about removing trees from our park lands to make way for another motor sport event, from destruction of the roosting site of the corella flocks, to disregard for the amenity of the park lands to local residents, to what I believe are the disingenuous actions of the Premier (announcing the MotoGP two days before the government entering the election caretaker period, allowing work to commence without consulting Native Title holders, and accusing the Adelaide City Council, the park land custodians, of making stuff up when he refuses to release information).

But, in my view, the crux is this: what are we left with after the trees are gone and the short-sighted sugar hit of the MotoGP circus moves on in two, five or ten years’ time? What are we left with to bequeath to future generations? – Russell Withers

The premier thinks he has a licence to do what he likes! The park lands are the lungs of the city, not screaming, polluting race cars! Our heritage is being sacrificed for a few quick dollars. Enough is enough. – David Furniss

This is absolutely ridiculous. Removal of one significant tree so that motorbikes can scream around the park lands would be upsetting, but hundreds? I’ve voted Labor all my life, but I am starting to wonder what this mob is about. There are plenty of more worthwhile, pressing matters that should be attended to and would not involve the removal of a single tree or disrupt traffic and residents. – Roger Buddle

Responding to Extended CBD road closures flagged for MotoGP

The Premier might use his considerable skills to re-negotiate the inaugural city circuit MotoGP agreement with its global corporate owner, Liberty Media, by arguing that Istanbul Park (an hour’s drive from the city) will have a return of Formula 1 (which is also owned by Liberty Media) in 2027 to its vast flat spaces.

Similarly, a spectacularly developed Tailem Bend could host international motor sports every year at its venues. Visitors will flock in thousands to Adelaide city accommodation and take the bus to The Bend. Invest the $100 million (according to F1 track designer in 1985, Bob Banard, who was not allowed to cut one tree by Premier Banon) into lasting tourism and national motor sport events at Tailem Bend to improve the state economy.

This will be a decentralisation win for regions around The Bend – a personal win for city motorists and Victoria Park residents who face months of traffic chaos next year, air and noise pollution and loss of recreation amenities, a win for the Premier’s reputation, by showing he listens to his community (not the abusive voices), and a win for park land trees. – Julanne Sweeney

Responding to Port Pirie smelter losses revealed as SA taxpayers chip in more millions

Now here is a thought! How about running the MotoGP around the streets of Port Pirie? Make it an annual event. Nature-friendly! – Dr Michael Adams

Responding to SA tech poised to target drones in Ukraine war

Why is SA investing in technology that kills people? Would it not make more sense to invest in peace-achieving initiatives, or education, health and the maintenance of historic sites in South Australia, etc? – Valentina Mavrin

Responding to One Nation MP fishes for snapper amid strict ban

For your information, I went fishing out of Port Broughton a few weeks ago and was fishing for whiting. I pulled up about six snappers, so I had to land and unhook them and safely return the fish to the water. So, seeing this person catch and release was no different to me. Perhaps you and the SA government should tell the snapper not to eat the bait meant for other targeted fish. – Ray Wilce