Homes before cheap power
Dear Echo News,
If the Leader of the Opposition wants to criticise the Prime Minister over the purchase of his house and complain about the housing shortage or mortgage stress, perhaps he should ask himself this question.

What good is ‘cheap’ nuclear power to a family that does not have a roof over its head?

Even if the power is free, it won’t help them.

Spend the money on the homeless, not the wealthy.

KG Blake
Lesmurdie

Greens push for live sheep ban
Dear Echo News,

I was pleased to read the article Nats to overturn sheep ban (Echo News, October 18) which confirms that the Nationals, both state and Federal, have vowed to ensure the live sheep export trade will return under a future Coalition government.

However, let’s not lose sight of how the live sheep exports fiasco came into being in the first place and that was because Labor would sell its soul to the devil (The Greens) in return for their support to stay in power.

It is The Greens who are pushing for the ban on live sheep exports.

Labor will never be its own master while it has to rely on The Greens to get any legislation passed in Parliament.

C Coulthard
Gooseberry Hill

Lloyd St Bridge update needed
Dear Echo News,

Could we please have an update from the council of the City of Swan about what it is doing to achieve the construction of the Lloyd Street bridge, and completion of this important transport link, in Midland-Hazelmere?

Anyone who travels in the vicinity of Clayton Street, Military Road or Stirling Cresent, particularly in peak times, will be aware of the increasing congestion, which completion of the link was intended to relieve.

This project, which is a City of Swan responsibility, is intended to be part of the $386.5 million Great Eastern Highway interchange project, which is increasingly important due to the increasing industrial development in Hazelmere, but is now on hold.

I well recall various mayors and councils campaigning for state and federal government funding to assist with construction of the bridge as a key priority, going back at least 12 years.

A council document in 2013 lists a number of benefits, including “This important project will provide for better access to areas in the City of Swan as well as complement the existing regional road system”, “It will also reduce freight traffic impact on Hazelmere and Guildford townsites and associated residential communities”, and “With the development of the Hazelmere Industrial Area, the Lloyd Street extension will also relieve traffic congestion on Great Eastern Highway through Midland.”

Their campaigning was ultimately successful, and it was therefore surprising that in 2022, the project was deferred on the eve of construction commencing, following advocacy by a number of councillors.

Of course, any site of significant Aboriginal heritage should be protected, but was this not considered in the previous planning?

I think consistency in long term planning is preferable and I hope we will soon see some action to complete this project, however that is achieved.

J Day
Woodbridge

Guildford Gunners Day parade
Dear Echo News,

The Royal Australian Artillery Association (WA) Inc committee would like to invite all gunners past and present, their families and other interested parties to attend our annual Gunners’ Day parade and service at Stirling Square, Guildford on Sunday, November 3.

Those marching should form up on the path outside St Matthew’s Church at 10.10am for a 10.15am march off to the war memorial, (guests and families are to be seated at the dais in front of the memorial) where there will be a short service, laying of wreaths and the playing of the last post.

The colour party will then lead the parade, the official party and the congregation to St Matthew’s Church for a service at 10.45am.

After the service at about 11.30am, a light luncheon will be provided at the church hall (next to the church), following which all are welcome to share some fellowship at the Rose & Crown Hotel.

For more further information email info@artiller ywa.org.au or contact the secretary John Blylevens on 043 869 5711.

Wendy Mahoney
RAA Assoc of WA