Even if you forget about the numerous heritage aspects of the area, original land grants right next door, convict built dwellings, National Trust and significant heritage churches and houses including the former governor’s residence, all in the near vicinity. If none of this matters and tourism and jobs is all that counts, then let me remind him. The reason people love the highlands and visit as tourists is because of its old-world charm, the preserved cottages, the lovely old homes, the gardens, and trees. This is what gives this area its appeal and a lot of jobs in the first place.

There is a lot to object to in this proposal, but the two standouts are the size and architecture. I am not against development per se, but it must be appropriate and in keeping with its surroundings. In this case the development should be smaller, more discreet and should look for its design features in what already exists in the area. Investment in the Highlands is welcome, but not at the expense of the character of the region, the very reason we live here in the first place.

Jenny Ferguson

Sutton Forest

Premier Baird tried to do the right thing, banning greyhound racing in July because, as he said at the time, a special Commission of Inquiry had found "damning" evidence of the "unnecessary slaughtering of tens of thousands of healthy dogs". He subsequently did his now infamous backflip, betraying the hopes of thousands of compassionate supporters.

Greyhounds are gentle dogs who want nothing more than to snuggle and spend time with their people and be included in their families. Instead, they are treated like machines. Many are "discarded" as puppies in the name of "selective breeding". Others are shot, bludgeoned to death or simply abandoned to fend for themselves when they’re deemed too old, injured, slow or exhausted to continue racing profitably.  

All over the world, people no longer wants to support an industry that subjects these gentle, sociable animals to a life of servitude and misery. The greyhound racing industry—like many of the dogs used in this cruel "sport"—is dying.

If Mike Baird had stuck to his principles on banning greyhound racing, he would have left a lasting legacy of compassion and been remembered as one of the great Premiers of this state. What a waste.

Ashley Fruno

Associate Director

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia

With the downgrading of medical marijuana by the Therapeutic Goods Administration last year out of the category reserved for dangerous drugs, I felt a deep concern for our youth. More so when the tendering opened up to allow private business to grow the cannabis crops.

The drugs we have most problems with in Australia, those causing most harm and deaths in the community, are all legal. Alcohol, cigarettes and prescription drugs. Prescription drug addiction is a hidden disaster with Australia only running behind the US internationally in terms of addiction rates.

When money can be made from the private sale of any form of drugs, it is the clean taxpayer who ends up picking up the tab for the grossly increased health spending to take care of those caught up in the horror of addiction. All the while fantastic profits are being pocketed by the companies selling these drugs to growing numbers of users. In 2016, $6.7 billion was made selling legal cannabis in the USA. It is a booming industry.

To see the end result of “medical” cannabis in the community, look no further than Los Angeles in California, the first US state to legalise the medicinal cannabis in 1996. People openly smoke on the streets - joints and bongs. Healthy looking people and young people clearly not in the late stages of cancer or another serious illness. Walk down popular tourist spot, Hollywood Blvd, and one is assaulted by the smell of weed. So much so, it is completely offensive to the non-user and requires covering the mouth and nose to prevent inhalation of second-hand smoke.

Marijuana is not a harmless drug and to the young growing brain, it clearly takes a toll both mentally and physically. The weed of 2017 is not the same as when baby boomers were growing up. It is potent, much stronger and ample research exists of its negative effects. Our politicians need to go and actually look at how it has played out in the US, walk the streets, talk to those dealing with rising addiction with their youth and not just listen to the well-paid lobbyists who ply the halls of Parliament hoping to cash in on a government concerned about the needs of a small percentage of medical patients in need.

Monique Wright

Drug-Free Ambassadors Australia