To replace Eraring's 3000 megawatt turbines will require 825 wind turbines, costing around $6 billion, which would only have a 10-year use-by date before they would need a replacement or refurbishment.

I am glad Malcom Turnbull can add up numbers when he said total renewables were simply unaffordable.

Considering 3000 megawatts must be available at all times, and wind power is unpredictable, places like Eraring’s coal-fired generation must be kept operational, manned and maintained, as a back-up 24/7.

Let’s hope some sense comes out of my reasoning because we cannot afford to have a South Australian-style drama where all coal-fired generators had been decommissioned and replaced by renewables when winds too strong for wind turbines, or an interstate transfer, shut the network down, sending the state into total meltdown.

We have been warned. Don’t put all our energy requirements in the hands of Mother Nature, she can be rather ruthless and unpredictable.

- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek

I FOUND it very disturbing reading the letters concerning the Trinity Point helicopter noise problem.

It is all very well to waffle on about this, but I could not see any numerical parameters listed. 

I worked in the aircraft industry for over 40 years. If these experts were to give a set of parameters for the public to digest, then the public could reach a consensus.

Remember, not all helicopters have the same noise factor. If these experts were to measure the decibels for the main choppers that would be operating to and from Trinity Point, they could publish the minimum and maximum decibel readings and ensure that they conformed to enviromental and health concerns.

For instance, they could tell us the limits were, say a minimum 50 decibels or less, and a maximum of 75 decibels, remembering that 85 decibels and over can affect health and hearing, especially over long periods of time.

- J.Barr, Balcolyn

MIKE Baird was the Premier who supposedly did so much for this city. Like last year, when he awarded that major rail contract, to South Korea. That cost hundreds of jobs, and undoubtedly, spelt the death knell to the industry in Newcastle. It makes you wonder.

- David Davies, Blackalls Park 

WHATEVER you may think of Mike Baird’s reign as Premier, of one thing we can be certain: his farewell party will be wrapped up before midnight, and it will not be moving from one venue to another. Don’t you feel so much safer?

- Scott Hillard, New Lambton

BE proud of our flag. Our national symbol. Celebrate Australia Day like we should. Like we always have. The far left greens whose idea it is to burn the flag should have charges laid against them for trying to incite a riot. Happy Australia Day to all.

- Matthew McAlary, Waratah

THE abuse of the elderly is a bigger problem than most people realise. I would say elder abuse would be worse than child abuse. There is no reason for anyone to be silent of these elderly abuses, as silence gives consent. The shame of it all. Where do these victims seek help when no one listens or cares? The government must take direct action now to stop the abuses of our elderly.  

- Richard Ryan, Summerland Point