Coal miners needn't worry
THE fear of catastrophe in mining towns when coal is no longer needed is causing concern among mine workers of today
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Where are these stories coming from, and why are they circulating when Australia and the world's economists are saying coal will be around for the next 50 years with increasing demand then leveling off for possibly a further 50 years.
Until something better than steel is discovered, coking coal will always be a necessary part of the smelting process when manufacturing steel. Steel manufacturers will eventually outnumber coal-fired power stations, and developing nations will always use coal-fired energy until they can afford the transition to renewable energy, as is happening now, because these countries do not have the finance to subsidize renewable products.
So, to all those miners and their families who are concerned for now, I can't see you worried for another 100 years.
I realise the renewable industry need to promote their product, but not at the expense of causing family grief and uncertainty.
- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek
Away from fossil fuels
NOISY protesters encouraging organizations to transfer funding and servicing away from fossil fuel companies are just a small part of Scott Morrison's problem. Some 1136 organisations worldwide, including over 200 from Australia, have divested $11.48 trillion away from fossil fuel investments.
The deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has warned "the transition to a low-carbon economy won't be easy, and it won't be cost free, but it has to be done".
Australian Prudential Regulation Association board member Geoff Summerhayes told an investor group conference his "view is that the energy sector transition (away from fossil fuel) will play out a lot quicker than everybody thinks". Probably by 2030.
He suggested transport, agriculture and property would soon follow.
Fire-fighting organisations, facing catastrophic fire conditions; and the National Farmers Federation, concerned about increasingly abnormal temperature, drought and rainfall patterns; are also pleading with governments to speed up the transformation away from fossil fuels.
- Richard Mallaby, Wangi Wangi
Boaties treasure lake
I WRITE is response to the letter from Leanne Molenaar, of Brightwaters ("Plea to boat owners", Lakes Mail, November 7). We can assure you that we take the environment very seriously when it comes to operating the Trinity Point Marina.
Knowing all of the owners who moor their vessels within our facility I can assure you that none would dump rubbish in the lake and in fact many would stop and clean up a mess before they would drive past it.
We value the clean water and that's why so many people want to recreate within Lake Macquarie. Whether on a SUP or a large cruiser we all share the passion for clean water and enjoyment on the lake and must respect each other's right to share the lake.
Trinity Point Marina operates under the pledge to reduce single-use plastics within the marina and is preparing for its Clean Marina audit and accreditation under the Marina Industries Association program.
We work to educate our boaties and visitors about boating etiquette on the lake when it comes to speed and more importantly wash.
With over 30 years' experience operating marinas we would welcome the opportunity to talk with Ms Molenaar and discuss our commitment to the environment and the lake.
Trinity Point, Bardens Bay and Lake Macquarie are truly special places to enjoy life with family and friends and we want to see that preserved and enhanced.
- Andrew Chapman, marina manager, Trinity Point Marina