PRAISE FOR PAPERS 
Dear editor,

Recently, the new President of Country Press Australia, Damian Morgan, said “…My top priority as President of CPA is to fight for the publishers who, in turn, are fighting for their communities. We’ll be wearing out the boot leather lobbying governments to protect our people from exploitation by tech platforms that profit from harmful content and put our children and democracy at risk…”

Local newspapers serve as platforms for regional views and offer alternatives to Australia’s mainstream media, which is 60 per cent controlled by one corporation, American News Corp.

Corporate and city interests dominate, while global tech companies are reducing local newspapers’ revenues and jeopardising their existence.

The role of independent local journalism cannot be overstated as they report on local issues of the towns and regions serves. Their stories are vital for community cohesion and are most often overlooked by the larger media companies.

By supporting local businesses that advertise in local papers, we can help their survival in these challenging times for the media.

When reliable sources provide Australians, wherever they live, with information, they can gauge policies, identify misinformation, and engage effectively in democratic processes.

In 1923, the national Returned and Services League of Australia adopted the motto, “The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance”. Just as true in those days as it is now.

Our local newspapers are vital for regional areas; support them whenever you can.

Robyn Deane,
Nambour.
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THE WAVE 
Dear editor,

Momentum builds for the Wave. Some want heavy rail, some would rather buses. As it is too hard to make a decision (to please everybody), let’s just have a bit of both.

Fast transport is about speed. However, if you have to change horses halfway through your trip, the journey not only takes longer, but there is also more inconvenience, especially for tourists, to juggle your luggage from one mode of transport to the other.

The Wave buses are the better option. So why not concrete a busway all the way? It’s cheaper, faster to build, less dangerous than railway crossings and a lot more flexible.

To you in power – get real!

J Konrad,
Peregian.
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PARLIAMENT 
Dear editor,

Democracy -  of the people, by the people, for the people. Which people – the unelected lobbyists of every relationship, persuasion and interest? All of them outnumbering  the elected who sit in Parliament? Just asking who’s who in this zoo?

Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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