Deals benefits our nation
THIS week the federal parliament will discuss the Chinese free trade agreement, at a time when the trans-Pacific trade deal is also on the table.
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The potential benefits to our agricultural industry and, as a natural extension the national economy, have been highlighted.
But if we really want to maximise the contribution agriculture makes to our nation and its terms of trade we have to look deeper than simply signing agreements.
More important is water policy and the need to find a better balance between productive and environmental needs.
As ABC News viewers were told on Sunday night, even scientists say governments are “flying blind” when it comes to the benefits, or otherwise, of pouring millions of litres down our rivers in the name of environmental flows.
At the same time food producers are unable to plant crops due to the inadequacy and uncertainty of water allocations, with a potential loss in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Let’s work towards trade deals that can benefit our nation, but don’t ignore the domestic policies killing an important part of our economy.
PAUL SCOULLAR, Deniliquin
Bushfire season safety
THE statutory bush fire danger period for the 2015/16 season across NSW has now commenced. During this time, the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre predicts many areas will likely experience above normal fire conditions.
I urge the community to assist our rural fire fighters by doing a few simple things:
1. During the bush fire danger period permits are required for lighting a fire, to ensure it is done safely. These can be obtained by contacting the local NSW Rural Fire Service fire control centre or your local brigade permit officer.
2. Make sure your family has an adequate bush fire survival plan. This helps with making important decisions about what action to take in the event of fire threatening your home or property. Adequate preparation saves lives. .
Each and every community across NSW should be proud of the tremendous work the members of their local rural fire brigades do, as they get on with the job of protecting the community.
Our NSW RFS volunteers are people like you and me, who give up their time and in many cases income, to help at a time of crisis.
Let's all do our part to help our fire fighters enjoy a safe and hopefully not too busy summer.
KEN MIDDLETON,
NSW Rural Fire Service Association acting president
Show others you care
ONE in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time they turn 85.
Sadly, many of the risk factors for breast cancer, such as ageing and being a woman, are inescapable.
A diagnosis will usually come out of the blue.
Perhaps, like many of us, a routine mammogram was scheduled, with the expectation of being in and out in 30 minutes.
But then the clinician notices something abnormal.
A few days later many women will hear the words “You have breast cancer”.
From our work supporting Australians affected by breast cancer, we know that it’s the simple things that can quickly become challenging.
Continuing to keep your hours at work, chasing after children, walking the dog – the everyday things often seem daunting.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember those we have lost to breast cancer, but also those around us who are living the experience.
