Approach nuclear option with necessary caution
While nuclear power proponents emphasise the longevity and potential of nuclear plants, several critical issues warrant caution (Debate nuclear power, Letters 2/7/24).
The initial cost of nuclear power is substantial and while it is suggested this is an investment, the financial burden on taxpayers cannot be ignored. Government ownership of nuclear plants does not eliminate the risks and high costs of maintenance, security, and waste disposal. These expenses could strain public resources, diverting funds from other essential services.
The lifespan of 80 to 100 years for nuclear plants overlooks the risks associated with ageing infrastructure. Ageing plants become more susceptible to accidents and costly upgrades. Rapid technological advancements could also render current nuclear plants obsolete. Nuclear waste remains a critical concern, with no foolproof method for safe, long-term storage. This presents ongoing environmental and health risks for future generations.
Regarding renewable energy, while replacing solar panels, batteries and wind turbines every 25-30 years is a consideration, advancements in technology are continuously improving their efficiency and lifespan. Renewable energy systems offer flexibility and scalability, allowing for a diversified energy portfolio. The growing electricity demand due to electric vehicles can be met with renewable energy coupled with energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies, providing reliable and sustainable energy even during low solar or wind activity.
Finally, the economic benefits of cheap and reliable electricity are not exclusive to nuclear power. Investing in renewable energy can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract industries interested in sustainable practices. While the debate on nuclear power is important, we must carefully weigh the risks and long-term implications. Renewable energy offers a safer, more adaptable, and economically viable path forward for our community.
Simon May, Mornington
Nuclear changes
Many comments have been made about nuclear energy. As far back as 2017, [the Nationals’] Barnaby Joyce ruled it out due to cost. [Liberal] Angus Taylor stated in 2018 that nuclear was a long way off. A mere two years ago, [Liberal leader Peter] Dutton didn’t support big nuclear here. He was opposed to it.
I agree that politicians can change their minds, which has often proved fruitful. And here we are again with changing minds, thoughts, and ideas. It will be interesting as time passes as to what stays and what gets left behind. Dutton’s detailed information is crucial to creating a well-structured acceptance plan, emphasising the importance of careful planning and future decisions.
Anne Kruger, Rye
We’re waiting too
We write in response to Heather Mackay of Heidelberg’s letter (Waiting for history, Letters 18/6/24) regarding our Pioneer Cottage which is not currently open to the public to view. Thank you Heather, we hope the shire takes notice of your letter.
The HWPHS has made numerous inquiries about the pioneer cottage to MPS and its lack of interest in conducting the repairs. The cottage has been on the radar of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for many many years however funds have never been found to fully repair it. We believe that the shire is very much aware of the condition and we are not going to hold our breath waiting for something to be done before it falls down.
The cottage was built in 1900 with just two rooms and over the next couple of years, two more rooms were added – it is typical of the fisherman’s cottages that were built by them for their families. The pioneer cottage is a lasting look into how the fishing community lived their lives in Hastings. It’s a foundation of the heritage and living history of Hastings.
As the shire owns the building, it is a shame that such an asset is being left in such disrepair, however it seems the funds can never be found to preserve this important part of peninsula history.
Dianne Maloney, President, Hastings-Western Port Historical Society
Seaweed under threat
The innovative seaweed business established by Mornington Peninsula local Cameron Hines shows the way forward (‘Superfood’ seaweed food with grand visions, The News 26/6/24). While most of us associate seaweed in diets with Japan, Australia’s First Nations people and other countries with seaborders have a rich history of eating seaweed too.
However, as oceans warm, kelp forests are increasingly at risk.
In 2012, the Australian government declared giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests endangered. Around 95 per cent of our giant kelp forests have disappeared as global warming increased the strength and temperatures of the Eastern Australian Current (EAC) creating an environment too hot for the giant kelp to survive. The map of previous giant kelp forests is revealing.
The work of Southern Seagreens to nurture local kelp supported by a Council Climate Change grant is important. Giant kelp can grow half a metre a day reaching 30 to 80 metres in length, meaning kelp forests can sequester carbon up to 30 times faster than terrestrial forests, an effective carbon sink. Australia has one of the longest coastlines so the potential for local kelp to play a role in combating climate change is significant.
In addition to traditional land-based agriculture, a well managed seaweed industry can also help Australian farming become even more sustainable. Reducing methane burps is another story.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
Kindness, care and respect?
A comforting headline, Lobbying for peninsula in Canberra, along with our Zoe McKenzie’s Peninsula Post promotion nonsense. And the reality, Rye isn’t Rye anymore. No negative gearing, capital gains concessions, profits, the rich getting richer and friends moving for cheaper rent, or camping? Our new Governor-general “kindness, care and respect” if only. Hypocrisy is a given here on our Mornington Liberal Peninsula, positivity a survival necessity. What, me worry? One freezing day at a time.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
Let them eat scones!
I’ve received Zoe McKenzie’s latest issue of Peninsula Post in the mail. I’m glad wheelbarrows full of our taxpayer’s money are being used to print this when the average person on the street is battling to afford to buy food due to the cost of living crisis. But don’t fear anyone, Zoe has included a scone recipe. Is this her Marie-Antoinette moment?
But Zoe, your subjects cannot afford bread!
“Let them eat scones!”
Zoe, can you spare me a cup of flour?
C. Jenkins. Tyabb
McDisagree
Responding to the letter about the fast-food franchise wanting to open up at BP in Dromana (Stop takeway, Letters 2/7/24).
I for one am all for the fast-food franchise. Not only it will create more jobs, especially for the kids down here, but also would be good for our local economy. I guess not everyone isn’t against the idea of McDonalds moving into Dromana, unlike a few that are against most thing wanting to open up anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula.
Your anti fast-food franchise people don’t speak for everyone, including me. I do hope it does open up and I bet the anti-fast food franchise people will end up going there too.
Kerrie McCoy, Dromana
Avoid past mistakes
Is Australia in great danger of a repeat of the financial/illegal, and excessive immigration (with social cohesion) of the Whitlam, Rudd and Gillard years, all combined? [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese’s Labor must heed the dangers of the Reserve Bank’s fundamentals being tampered with because, in business, without “meat on the bone” your financier/shareholders may leave you standing alone.
It’s no secret, why a profit, your business has never shown; it’s why so sadly, so many of your employees, to the door, must be shown; it’s why the love of your life’s heart, may be turned to stone (leaving you so sadly, in a home, all alone).
So, Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and Co, in the “real world” of making money in business (as against merely doing so in politics) is not so easy. Because if you want taxpaying employees, and their profitable taxpaying employers (thus all Australians’ affluent futures): then, for all of them to have enough “meat on the bone”; you simply must leave, long established, profitable business methods, and circumstances well, alone.
Howard Hutchins, Chirnside Park
Freeze won’t happen
Were Frankston councillors just playing politics when they passed a motion asking for a report from council officers to freeze rates? (City considers freezing rates, The News 2/7/24).
This motion was brought before council just months before the coming October council elections and will be dealt with after the elections.
How can the state government freeze land tax when it needs revenue to just pay for interest on its massive debt? Yarra Council is asking the state government for increased revenue to keep state roads in its city clean, maybe Frankston Council can make savings doing a similar thing where the council carries out state government services.
It would be good to freeze rates but the reality is that this will not occur.
This is politics being played out.
Russell Morse, Karingal
More foreshore space
Frankston will need more recreation space near the beach and foreshore as we head into the next century. This includes creating more parkland as well as the visual recreation, which happens for all, when we can look across to the sea.
At present, there are valuable basic foreshore and creek natural reserves. Now, we need to add more space, trees and all-day sunlight access for people to continue to enjoy this area.
This week, members of the Frankston community, including myself, have been sharing their visions at the ongoing VCAT C160 hearing.
I have frequently advocated for Precinct 4 (the contentious high-rise location) to be created as a parkland and I agree with many of the submitters including Eva Welch’s proposal here for an underground car park for visitors. We eagerly await the decisions of the Planning Panel Members with hope for the outcome.
Jenni Alexander, Frankston
