Letters
The Metro ‘Mickey Mouse?’ Please!
Your cover story labeling the Metro as “Mickey Mouse” was a surprise. Especially seeing it in a publication which could once be relied upon to present progressive opinion.
The proposed CBD-Rozelle line is the first stretch of a much wider network. Leichhardt Mayor Jamie Parker’s derisive reaction to it is predictable enough, after all, he has made no secret of his political ambitions. Balmain is widely seen as the first lower house seat for the Greens.
So here he is, megaphone in hand, defending the interests of a tiny minority of affected property owners in Rozelle, and, oddly enough, those of a privatised light rail operator nearby. Since the Metro is a “development” – it fits neatly with the conservative “anti-everything” agendas of those who are automatically opposed to all developments, anywhere at all. But especially “in my backyard.” A vote winner in Rozelle? We shall see…
His alternative, light rail, does have its place, but it is inherently limited. But perhaps Jamie Parker and the City News’ enthusiastic spruiking of it can be seen in another context. Until recently on the board of the company which runs that service sat Michael Easson, former Labor Council head and impeccably connected “Labor mate”. Mr Easson is also the Chairman of EG Property, the developer who is converting the old Flour Mill site at Summer Hill adjacent to the goods rail line. EG Property is also very keen on extending the light rail.
A coincidence, surely! But perhaps only to the naive writers of your story.
And whose side is the City News on? Certainly not the great majority of the people of the Inner West and eventually the rest of Sydney, who you apparently want to deny a 21st century, green form of mass transit.
Russell Edwards, Drummoyne
Councillors for nude rally
Since Councillors Meredith Burgmann and Chris Harris don’t mind being arrested for a good cause (‘Ratbag’ residents dragged to defeat, 02.04.09), I wonder if they’d like to join me in a nude rally to highlight the lack of rights faced by nudists and the green aspect of living without clothes.
Stuart Baanstra, nudist, Alexandria
Since Councillors Meredith Burgmann and Chris Harris don’t mind being arrested for a good cause (‘Ratbag’ residents dragged to defeat, 02.04.09), I wonder if they’d like to join me in a nude rally to highlight the lack of rights faced by nudists and the green aspect of living without clothes.
Stuart Baanstra, nudist, Alexandria
