Copyright smh
Byron on the map Eryk Bagshaw writes Byron Bay has been a “tourist hotspot” since the 1890s (“Justin Hemmes wants to conquer Byron Bay. A primary school is in his way”, October 19). I grew up in a country town about 80 kilometres from Byron Bay. During my childhood in the 1950s, the only tourist attraction in Byron Bay was the slaughtering of whales. Our family of seven would pile into the Kombi as soon as word got around the bush telegraph that a whale was being slaughtered and off we would head to Byron Bay to watch and smell the blood of whales being spilled. Little did we know that one day all would be forgotten and forgiven and that Byron Bay would be much prized by the rich and famous. Helen Russell, Leichhardt How wonderful that Justin Hemmes is declaring his love for Byron Bay and its community. Are the good burghers of Narooma aware of this new north coast romance? He has invested heavily there and changed the face of hospitality in that beautiful South Coast town. What a shame the man-bunned, Birkenstock-wearing restaurateur cannot develop such an affinity with western NSW. Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Lightning Ridge would welcome soy latte or almond mocha, a plate of smashed avocado and feta on sourdough served with some juicy eastern suburbs gossip. Peter Snowden, Hawks Nest Iemma’s call to action In the midst of a housing crisis, I don’t know why Morris Iemma’s meetings with the premier or ministers, disclosed or not, is a big deal (“How Morris Iemma opens doors for Sydney property developers”, October 19). We need leaders, politicians or businesses to drive the building of houses expeditiously. Providing more homes has been a talkfest for years, but we need urgent action by any means. Former premiers and ministers from both sides have been involved in several businesses and lobbying on behalf of their clients. It is nothing unusual and Iemma is not doing anything wrong. If he can get thousands of homes built in the next two years, he should get a gong. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill The next time the Minns government boasts about its determination to urgently solve the housing crisis, everyone in NSW struggling to rent or buy a home might reasonably ask how exempting any developer from a rule to prevent a significant loss of existing dwellings can possibly be consistent with that commitment. Ross Duncan, Potts Point Like so many ex-politicians of all persuasions before him, Morris Iemma has taken to the well-trodden road of self-enrichment by selling his political connections to the highest bidder. While not illegal, it’s no wonder people are increasingly losing their faith in politicians and the system. If only they would take a leaf out of Julia Gillard’s book and keep a low profile after politics. Paul Duncan, Leura
