Dear Editor,
I refer to the Lithgow Mercury’s page one article ‘Trainers get ready’ published on Tuesday July 12, 2016.
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I fear that NSW is fast becoming a ‘nanny state’ where people in Sydney decide what is best for us without consultation.
A new low is abolishing greyhound racing in NSW and the ACT. I know of no other country or state that has gone so far as to dictate to its citizens.
Every industry has a few bad apples. In saying that, it is absolutely draconian to place such a ban on greyhound racing.
Similarly, Mr Baird’s actions would have all industry and business worried that a few people can bring down a whole industry by their actions.
The tone of being politically correct is starting to restrict the personal freedoms of everyone in Australia.
The results of the recent Federal election should, however, have made it clear to those in elected power that people in the mainstream community are not being listened to. When governments ask for a ‘mandate’, they now seem to be asking instead for a ‘politically-correct’ date.
It is the height of arrogance is for the State government to now be telling us that greyhound racing is no good.
This decision needs to be re-addressed with great caution, as the political backlash will be significant and not easily forgotten.
Grahame Danaher, Lithgow.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr Danaher was co-owner of the 2009 Golden Muzzle winning greyhound ‘Silent Hill’
DEAR Editor,
Being a leader is about making tough decisions that are for the greater good.
Last week I had to make one of those tough decisions, and that was to end greyhound racing in NSW by 1 July next year.
The decision followed a Special Commission of Inquiry Report that was over a year in the making and had the powers of a Royal Commission toreally get to the bottom of what’s wrong in the greyhound racing industry.
The findings of the report disgusted me: as many as 68,000 greyhound were killed over the last 12 years for not being fast enough, up to one fifth of trainers use the horrific live baiting practice and there is no appetite for the industry to change.
Some people are saying: “why not give the industry another chance, reform them not close them?’’. The former High Court Justice who conducted the inquiry was emphatic in saying that even if the industry was reform, he believed these practices would return once the harsh spotlight of commission was removed. That’s a chance this Government was not willing to take.
What also came out in the inquiry report was that the industry was already planning a significant downsizing due to it not being economically viable in its current state. This would have meant the closure of up to 19 regional tracks, including the one right here in Lithgow. With our decisive action, we’re now actually able to provide Government financial assistance and employment transition support to those in theindustry with race tracks closing - something that would not have happened under the industry’s downsizing plan.
I strongly urge those battling with this issue to take the time to read the Commission’s report and you will understand why the government has taken this path. You can find it at http://www.greyhoundracinginquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au/
Regards,
Troy Grant
NSW Deputy Premier; Leader of the NSW Nationals; Minister for Racing
Dear Editor,
Many people in Lithgow and surrounds have reason to thank the retiring team from the Mercury.
We would like to add our public thanks to the three men who over many years have supported and promoted local causes.
Sport support is always popular in Lithgow but Len in particular has published material with which he may not have agreed or supported. This takes a special sort of person and we have been fortunate to have had such a person as editor of our local paper.
In the days before Hassans Walls became a popular topic, Len was there, publishing material and photos encouraging people to appreciate what is on our doorstep.
Our experience with Carols by Candlelight has been another reason to thank Len. Publishing the carols has meant a lot to many families over the years.
Too many instances to enumerate but we would like to say to all three, well done and thank you. The city will miss you all.
Helen Drewe and Jennifer Williams, Lithgow.
Dear Editor,
On the subject of the Hassans Walls lookour, and the roads leading to them. In the last 40 years the traffic passing through Lithgow both via the Highway and The Gap Road has increased greatly.
At the moment the travelling public avoid the Highway at all costs due to the amount of delays.
The opportunity to expand the use of Hassan’s Walls Lookout area from the southern end, with improved road access and better signage to give tourists a better idea of what there is to see.
As residents of Hartley Valley Road we see a lot of people taking the opportunity to get some exercise, by walking to the lookout. As it stands people have to walk and run or cycle and whatever on the side of the road because the grass is long and possibility of snakes in the warmer months.
It does not have to be a yellow brick road but there needs to be something done as it is a safety issue. Just a simple footpath or even the grass cut on a regular basis would be a great start.