WITH an election rapidly approaching politicians who live in the real world must surely be having misgivings at the headlong pursuit of privatisation of everything related to our energy sector. The previous Labor government began the rot with its gentrader arrangements for Delta’s power stations. The Coalition compounded the problem with its sell off, lamely stating that it was a good deal to save taxpayers from future embarrassment. Now the privatised Wallerawang power station is just regarded as so much scrap metal — and that won’t surprise many. The real concern is what plans do the Chinese owners have for Mt Piper. Ominously yesterday a company spokesperson reiterated to the column the disappointment at losing the cheap coal supply from Coalpac (who went into final receivership this week) and said EnergyAustralia was watching closely what was happening with Centennial’s current expansion applications being considered by NSW Planning (and no doubt heatedly opposed by self serving environmental interests). It is up to the government to act responsibly and start salvaging what it can from the mess it created. The human cost surely outweighs financial considerations.

Coastal lifestyle

A SYDNEY media group has this week been presenting the Central Coast of NSW as a case for special support from governments because of its higher than average unemployment, homelessness, crime rate and youth joblessness. But here’s a news flash; much the same can be said for just about every regional centre in NSW  even big cities like Wollongong and Newcastle. We could suggest that part of the Central Coast’s problems can be traced back to the very natural beauty that makes it an attractive place to live — the surf culture attracts hordes of younger people who have no interest in moving anywhere else for a job. It’s the same in every coastal location; ask the long suffering residents of places like Tweed Heads or Coolangatta. Tribal living is all that appeals. Highlighting any community’s social problems is more likely to deter REAL people from taking up residence there. The real reason for these problems is the concentration of attention on capital cities and total lack of effective regional development policies at either state or federal level.

It’s breathtaking

ARE you someone, or do you know someone you care for, who is oxygen dependent? It can be a lonely existence with several people housebound due to this dreadful affliction. A group of people and their carers within the Lithgow district are trying to start up communications circle where people can phone each other, talk over their problems or just have a chat to make them feel that they are not alone. If you are in this category and want to become involved, for further information you can call Noel on 6352 5755.

Main attraction

AS false alarms go this one was right up there with the best of them. Yesterday morning local emergency services received a report that there was a ‘possibly intoxicated male’ on the ‘roof’ of a Main Street business. It was no doubt suspected that he may be at risk of (a) falling, (b) jumping (c) loudly singing a Justin Bieber song or (d) some other anti social activity. Two police crews and assorted paramedics converged on the scene watched by bemused Main Street shoppers. But it was a Claytons drama. The subject of the excitement appeared to observers as nothing more than a young man escaping the heat by sitting outside the window of his first floor flat while having a cooling drink. He was still singing loudly from his perch early yesterday afternoon.