The truth will out
With her wish for a Royal Commission into climate science, Pauline Hanson has completed the Holy Trinity of requirements for recognition as a raving conservative. Having excelled in xenophobia and homophobia she now proudly adds climate change denial. No doubt Hanson imagines a like-minded group of anti-science Royal Commissioners including George Christensen, Cory Bernadi, Alan Jones and Andrew Bolt. However, as Malcolm Turnbull found, trying to clear the Senate of obstructionist ratbags, you must be careful what you wish for. In reality, a properly constituted public Royal Commission would include the world's best climate scientists with experience in the physics, chemistry and biology of the atmosphere, land and oceans.
Evidence from irrefutable peer-reviewed research would tell us what Australian governments already know: the earth is warming dangerously, it's because of fossil fuel emissions, and we face catastrophe unless most of the world's fossil fuels, including Australia's massive reserve, stay in the ground. A Royal Commission appears unlikely though, because as Australia strives to become the world's fossil fuel export superpower, Labor and the Coalition are as much in denial as Hanson. Absurd as it may seem, all Australians must press for a Climate Science Royal Commission. It's the only way to reveal the truth and prevent catastrophe.
Lawrie Wilson, Ballarat
Yet again we see our elected BCC officials burying their heads in the sand. Instead of embracing the proposal for a motor sports complex, which CAMS is backing, and could put millions of $'s into the local community, Vicki Coltman has found it easier to say that it is too hard within a two year time frame. Where is the vision? Where is the tenacity to make things happen? Where is the commitment to the region? Sure, it can take a lot time and a lot of money but with the right commitment and dedication to the region, anything is possible. Instead of dismissing the proposal look at what needs to be done to make this, and any other project a reality. For too long this council and past editions have just plodded along.
Graham Edmonds, Invermay Park
