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Filipino plan disgusts
I READ with a mixture of disgust and disbelief of the plan by the Rann Government to import 50,000 Filipino workers into our state to fill so-called 'skill shortages'.
Adding insult to injury, the claim by Kevin Foley there was a concern the skills possessed by these much touted foreign workers would not be recognised in Australia and should be rectified by a taxpayer funded training institution in The Philippines to bridge the gap should be roundly condemned by local workers and union activists alike.
If we can find the money to import and train foreign workers, why can we not invest to a suitable level in the skills of our own youth?
Once again, local politicians showing contempt for their own constituents and seeking the easy way out.
ANDREW PHILLIPS
Callington 
Fish kill the fallout
THE TONE of the article headed 'Relax, it's only natural' (The Murray Pioneer, July 18) gives this writer the impression that the death of large numbers of bony bream in Lake Bonney was simply a result of natural occurrences.
If this were the case, surely there should also be visual evidence of this natural occurrence along the banks of the Murray River?
It appears convenient to suggest that the cold weather may be the contributing factor as is indicated to be the case of a fish kill at Walker's Flat.
However, a cursory glance at the average monthly temperatures recorded in Renmark and available at www.riverland.net.au indicates that for the months of May and June this year, the average temperatures are in fact considerably warmer than for previous year s records.
For example, last month's average temperature was 14C. For the 10 year period for which records are available at this site, at no time previously has June been warmer than this year.
In fact, during the years 1998, 1999 and 2000 the average June temperature was 10.2C. Similar can be said for May.
The fish kill therefore cannot be simply of a natural occurrence, but as a consequence of human intervention.
If the fish kill is to be attributed to cold conditions, then it can only be as a consequence of the disconnection of Lake Bonney from the Murray River.
The volume of water has reduced considerably, thereby reducing the ability of the lake to insulate itself and its inhabitants to temperature fluctuations.
STEVE THOMAS
Barmera
Get involved in Relay
I REFER to the Relay for Life article in last Tuesday's Murray Pioneer (July 15).
I belong to the Morgan team, which is participating for the third year.
As mentioned in the article, Relay for Life is a very rewarding event for those involved. Our team makes the journey to Berri with a theme each year. We set up camp, all dress up and have a great time.
The opening ceremony is always emotional as our team co-ordinator is a cancer survivor herself.
Watching everyone doing their laps and walking yourself is always fun and the candlelight ceremony is again very moving, as we all reflect on how we have been touched by cancer somewhere in our lives.
We don't sleep at all as we find plenty of antics to keep us amused - the simple things are often the funniest.
Of course we all look forward to breakfast and the closing ceremony, after which you can finally collapse in a heap and be proud of your achievements.
Living in a small town has not by any means made it hard to fundraise. As soon as you say it's for the Cancer Council, everyone supports you.
In 2006, our first year, we raised just over $3000 and last year we managed a staggering $10,000. This year we are well under way with our fundraising again.
Every little bit helps and while you walk all weekend, wondering if you will make it, you realise that cancer patients have to keep going regardless and so do we. I would encourage everyone to get behind the wonderful committee in the Riverland and support this event. Not only is it a fantastic weekend event in October but a rewarding journey along the way.
Come on Riverlanders, get your team together now, register and start fundraising. You won't regret it.
KAREN JOHNSTON
Morgan
Renmark Paringa priorities
MOST PEOPLE I have discussed the Renmark Paringa Council rates system change with say this is not good timing.
I am not against it in theory, but I am amazed we still seem to have a council prepared to go against public opinion.
Is this because we still have some of the old guard in the council or, perhaps the management is very persuasive and get what they want?
Quite a few people are wondering how the council decided to implement the new rating system after I believe a majority of people replying to the survey were against it. I believe they deserve to know the results of what appears to have been yet another ignored and now meaningless survey.
Come to think of it, where was the support for this idea in the local press? I am again amazed at the inability of our council to adjust to the economic times with the announcement last week of a rate rise.
Many locals have had to reduce business input to suit much reduced or negative incomes. Our council should be clever enough to do likewise, no ifs or buts, just do it. I am willing to bet many ratepayers will be happy to see some sign of economizing with our money.
Surely among the numerous jobs a council is in charge of there must be somewhere priorities and resulting expenditure can be adjusted to suit the times.
On the subject of our town being bypassed, I wonder if any residents along the highway have been asked by the council how much they would like quiet nights instead of the racket from transports going through much of the night. We have heard in recent times quite a few people asking for safer main roads in our town. With the advent of the 'second town centre' and the play area feeding off this main road, the safety of our residents should be a priority.
Sure we would lose some fuel and fast food sales with a bypass, however with good signage we should be able to attract the travellers who are intent on looking at the Riverland towns and shopping here.
Getting rid of the 'straight through traffic' I believe would reduce the pressure on drivers at the Eighteenth Street intersection and should add to the pleasure of driving into and around Renmark and Paringa.
I am joining a growing band of locals who are very disappointed with our 'new' council.
PETER TUCKER
Renmark
TEXT THE EDITOR
KEEP UP the good work Mr Moritz (The Murray Pioneer, Friday, July 18). It's great to see somebody finally standing up for the ratepayers.
JOHN
Winkie
TO AMY (Text the editor, July 15), I would imagine joggers do know where the pavements are, but don't use them because they are in such a bad state.
DES
Berri
HAYDEN STOECKEL, Sophie Edington and Grant Schubert all off to the Beijing Olympics. We're with you all the way. Best of luck and we'll be watching.
JEN
Loxton
Worth the interstate drive
MY FAMILY visited the adventure playground in Monash on Friday and I feel the need to congratulate not only the wonderful people who maintain this fabulous park, but the other people who visit there.
We didn't see one piece of rubbish lying on the ground. There was not one swear word or other bit of graffiti scribbled on the equipment, or anywhere else.
The others who were there that day enjoying the park with their family were all polite, courteous and friendly.
It really was a terrific afternoon we had, and kudos to everyone involved.
It is not the first time we have been, it won't be the last. We thoroughly enjoyed going out for lunch in Berri and dinner in Renmark before stopping to grab a bargain at the local antique store.
The drive from Mildura was more than worth it. Thank you.
KATE OLIVE
Buronga, NSW
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