Remember it will go up year after year, as it will be a rate.
"Private waste companies may cease to collect rubbish bags". We all know this could be a reality and, if so, council is obliged under the Local Government Act to pick up the service.
We all know if this happens the price will increase because this is the way council works.
Therefore, what is the point of Question 2 other to put the frighteners into everyone?
If Option C is chosen — and it will be as this council has a track record of ignoring the wishes of the ratepayers — will you be able to opt out of the 240-litre bin and the 60-litre crate and put all your rubbish in the 80-litre bin?
JIM WHITE
Castlecliff
'Me first' age
I wonder if our Government is moving from the "me too" age to the "me first" age.
Some major decisions are being made for which there has not been the rigorous thinking, and consideration of consequences.
There are many "me first" examples, but for the people of Taranaki the decision to halt the offering of new offshore oil and gas permits is a standout.
What was the message to national and international investors?
What is the message to other New Zealand regions where the Government is waving billions of dollars to encourage new high-paying jobs and, with the other hand and the stroke of a pen, they can deplete jobs, negate skills, reduce investment and destroy economies and communities?
That is certainly the message we are hearing in Taranaki and why all of us should let the Government hear our voice.
The hydrocarbon sector has been aligning itself with renewable fuels for several years, knowing that over time it has to change with the world.
The impact statement issued by the Government says: "The upstream sector, major consumers of natural gas such as Methanex, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, electricity generators, the Port of Taranaki, engineering and service firms in Taranaki, and Taranaki local government are stakeholders directly affected by the proposed changes.
"MBIE has not been directed to take consultation with these groups on the Government's final policy decision."
This Government repeatedly says that it will listen to what the people have to say in formulating policy. It is very strange then, that the major stakeholders have not been consulted.
The Taranaki Chamber embraces sustainability and renewable energy.
Fossil fuels and renewables can work side by side including in a transition environment.
It's been happening in Norway for a long time and in Scotland. If it can work there, we must consider it as a part of our future plan here.
This transition needs evidence-based preparation, proper consultation and a thorough economic and social impact study.
We are more than prepared to work with the Government through this process.
ARUN CHAUDHARI
Chief executive, Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
Sand dredging risks
The Trans-Tasman Resources seabed mining proposal must never proceed for the safety and welfare all New Zealanders.
I am a retired mechanical engineer and served as a marine engineer in H M Dockyard Chatham and in the North Sea, so I have an understanding of marine working environments.
One requirement of the proposal is a permanent, manned platform about 20km out from Patea to shelter the 100 or so workers. These workers would be recruited locally and paid standard NZ wages ... Yeah right!
That piece of coastline is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable seas in the world and only one of the $1 billion platforms used by big oil companies would be safe.
Remember, the last dredging operation here was abandoned several years ago when three workers drowned.
Ask any local fisherman how often he could guarantee getting a boat into this area and they will tell you never.
It can be "millpond" conditions one moment and fighting for life within two hours.
I understand shipping for this proposal will be supplied by the Asian company who will transport the payload minerals back to the Indonesian company running the venture.
One aspect that alarms me is if an Asian company did establish a sea route to this remote coast, who would provide security against drugs and refugee smuggling to Australasia?
Our depleted navy have no regular facilities to police this type of operation in the way the Australian navy have on their coastlines.
If I was a lawyer for the protesters, I would demand that all marine vessels and structures are under the control of the New Zealand and Australian marine and Customs departments.
R W BUTCHER
Aramoho
Send your letters to: The Editor, Whanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
