How to react to sharks
NOW it's confirmed that Lake Macquarie is home to white pointer sharks, and possibly a breeding ground for them, should boaties be more aware of how to react and what to expect if targeted by one of these man eaters?
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There are stories of anglers being circled or even stalked by sharks as big as their boat. Most of us would be lost as to what to do in such circumstances.
Do you ignore them knowing they are capable of breaching the surface higher than the gunnels of the boat? Or do you make a run for it, even though sharks are faster than the average lake fishing boat?
I would imagine one would stop burlying, and pull in their lines, or maybe throw back the catch as a diversion. But then, would the shark think that the contents of the boat is a food source?
Some may say l am over-reacting and worrying over nothing, but it would be nice to hear from the experts, just in case the situation arises and people begin to panic, especially if they are in some of the flimsy excuses for a boat l have often seen.
- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek
Dumping no surprise
IN Lake Macquarie our council pays for the cost and erection of ‘No dumping’ signs and presumably the cost of rangers who police their policy. Yet when a ratepayer decides to take household waste to Awaba Waste Management Facility he is charged $330 per tonne for the privilege. Is it any wonder that at this rate people continue to dump?
- Alan Curry, Wangi Wangi
Kudos to coach
GREAT work Nathan Brown. You're the only coach who had the guts to do the rebuild the way it should have been done all along. I hope the club has the sense to keep you on an even longer contract so you can continue your vision. I know we are not there yet, and I believe your strategy is focused on 2018 and beyond, but I'm still going to enjoy watching the improvement, and the rise in confidence in our side.
- Eddie Niszczot, Thornton
Penalty process change
ON March 8, 2017, in the NSW Legislative Council (Parliament) the Fines Amendment Bill 2017 was passed. I understand the Bill amends the Fines Act 1996 and the Victim's Rights and Support Act 2013; transferring responsibility for the enforcement of victim's restitution debts to the Commissioner for Fines, Administration and the Office of State Revenue. The administration of restitution orders will still remain the responsibility of victim's services within the Department of Justice. Unlike the former system where fine defaulters could first have their licence or vehicle registration suspended, the Bill will allow the Commissioner to take enforcement action against a fine defaulter first, if civil enforcement action is preferable.
People should be aware of these changes. I urge the public to read the new laws, so they understand the system should they be faced with paying off a Penalty Notice.
- Leesa Warren, Toronto
What about the poor?
SO Malcolm you’re all about to change the anti-discrimination laws and you will think you have done OK, but you haven't mentioned the main discrimination in Australia ever – discrimination against poor people. Until you sort that one, you have done nothing.
- Craig Budden, Hamilton
Supercar accommodation
JUST a few questions for the Supercars organisers – accommodation for the spectators, drivers, pit crew and the press? Check out the motels – they mostly have no vacancies and there will be thousands needing accommodation. Parking for spectators? You can’t get a park in Newcastle now on the weekends.
- Wayne Ridley, Gateshead
