Cycle trail comments must be challenged
I am unable to let the bizarre remarks by Cr Weatherall as reported (ODT 14.3.24) go unchallenged.
He states "enough is enough — Taieri Cycle Trail here we come".
Has it not occurred to the councillor and his ilk that the DCC owns and operates many other attractions that are all loss-making ventures?
If he needs examples, we have stadiums, museums, pools and libraries to name just a few. None of them bring in the tourist dollars like the Taieri Gorge Railway does.
It obviously hasn't occurred to Cr Weatherall that the gorge has numerous viaducts, bridges, culverts and tunnels, all of which will require significant maintenance after the tracks are gone, just as they already get now.
Also, the area is exposed to slips in heavy rain. How does he propose to get heavy earth-moving equipment in there?
Some parts are not easily accessible. The railway brings in its own currently.
How does he propose to fund all this? Charge would-be cyclists a trail user fee?
No, the ratepayers of course. At least fare-paying passengers go some way to the upkeep of not only the track but all that infrastructure.
The country up there is not at all conducive to cyclist safety.
It is steep, unforgiving and isolated with no cellphone coverage in many places. Getting a rescue chopper in there would be problematic.
Thank goodness we have got some councillors who are capable of thinking critically.
I don’t trust you
I have become very distrusting of many of the decisions our university elite make. Likewise, I am very concerned about the leadership of our Dunedin council.
The council should always inform and show their reasons for major decisions that will affect the populace they work for.
In my opinion the selling of a major Dunedin asset to repay debt and fund an investment programme should not be left to the elected councillors.
All details of the sale of the Aurora power company need to be presented to the public by an independent authority so that the ratepayers can participate in a referendum to decide whether the company is sold or not.
We have been served too long now by councillors with alternative agendas to what the majority of ratepayers need and want.
Peace on earth
As a fellow Christian, I am in agreement with the sentiments Mr Rae expresses (ODT 15.3.24): "A truth we remain hell-bent on denying — violence begets violence."
However, as a studier and teacher of theology I am disappointed Murray Rae omits to tell his readers how and when peace will come in the land of Israel; his main focus.
Maybe in your next article you could tell us that truth?
The Bible he studies also talks a lot about good overcoming evil; light winning over darkness. What price?
I am proud (and grateful) to live in a country that since its foundation has stood firmly for freedom and democracy, alongside like-minded nations, opposing tyranny and anarchy.
We have monuments all over our motu bearing testimony to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives.
As Christians we believe not only in a God of love and mercy but of justice and ultimately peace.
Answer to Mosgiel speed signs query pending
On reading the reply to my letter (ODT 5.3.24) I would ask that the Dunedin City Council transport manager answer my question, not fob me off with a predictable statement.
They have made the decision to implement these limits but have only done half the job. I would suggest that she or who ever she answers to, get out from behind her desk and take a look at the physical signage and answer my question of which areas do these signs cover and where does the restriction end? If the police can be bothered to check speeds during the restricted times, as displayed on the signs, it would at present be a good revenue stream for an ailing police force. All I ask is answer the question. It is impossible to make contact with this lady via email as there is no contact list provided by the DCC, hence communication via your newspaper.
[The DCC declined to comment further than its original response to Mr Williamson. — Ed]
It’s a snow job
April Fool’s Day is obviously early this year. The government, in its wisdom, reportedly gave a $7 million handout of our money to a North Island skifield, despite the fact there's been very little natural snow, let alone cold enough temperatures for snow-making machines to make it.
The future looks even more gloomy for all our skifields, especially the more northern ones as our climate warms. Is this how the current administration will make government spending more "efficient’'? Perhaps the cold stares from a disbelieving public will be enough to make the climate more icy. I certainly hope so, because there's little other reason for making a decision such as this when our police force is fighting for a much needed pay increase.
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@odt.co.nz
