It was great news to hear NSW transport minister Mr Constance state last week “we’ve taken our commitment to supporting cycling, particularly in the city, to a different level, we're committing over $600 million and a lot of it is about trying to separate cyclists and pedestrians from the dangers of traffic. It's all about healthy living, active participation and working with local governments to roll these out as quickly as we can."

Equally encouraging promises were made by Jodi Mackay Labor transport spokesman who vows “to end war on cyclists” by spending $412 million over the next four years if elected. Stage two of the bicycle strategy for the Highlands was adopted by local council on May 25, 2016, eight years after stage one in November 2008. 

Why aren’t we hearing the advocacy to fund cycling  infrastructure from our local council and candidates and sitting members for Wollondilly and Goulburn electorates? There’s been no demonstrable improvement in cycling facilities for years. Cyclists and motorists do not want to mix on narrow roads with dangerous verges and half finished cycle paths. So show us the money! Our children and families deserve better from our elected representatives.                        

I'm a daily rail commuter from Tahmoor to the City and return, and have just read a press release dated February 28, from Nathaniel Smith, Liberal candidate from San Souci who is running for the Wollondilly seat in the upcoming State election.

To solve our commuter train problems because we don’t have enough reliable trains, he is promising to add commuter coaches to solve the problem. Well Nathaniel, we are already familiar with commuter coaches - at least once a week we use them as they replace the Southern Highland trains when they regularly break down.

Unlike the election sweetener of construction of the Sydney Metro West railway that has been fast-tracked to begin next year, which will more than double the existing rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, the Southern Highland train service remains a third world broken system that the current government refuses to fix.

I am the independent chair of the Hume Coal Charitable Foundation which was established three years ago to provide grants and apprenticeships (through 1300 Apprentice). The  foundation supports charities and worthwhile community groups requiring assistance, to advance their goals in providing help to worthwhile causes in our Wingecarribee community. Some of those activities are:

I have extensive involvement in the charitable sector of the shire and, like most places, the need invariably outstrips the available resources. Hume Coal's willingness to commit funds through the foundation is unmatched, in particular, for the youth of the district.

Since 2015 the foundation has committed over $300,000 to causes and organisations meeting strict criteria with independent insight. A further $500,000 has been dedicated to Hume Coal's sponsorship program since 2013. I am also aware that by the end of 2019 Hume Coal will have expended $1.25m as part of its apprenticeship program.

There are not enough services to meet the requirements in our community particularly training and jobs for young people to remain in their local community. I fully support Hume Coal projects and hope that others will take into account my views - not just those who are seeking to undo the good work of the charitable foundation and other Hume Coal activities. 

If the project is approved the foundation will continue with its good works, that in my opinion, is second to none compared with other business organisations.

Letters on election issues must bear the name and full address of the writer(s). Responsibility for election comment in this issue is accepted by Southern Highland News masthead editor Jackie Meyers. Writers should disclose any alliance with political or community organisations and include their phone number for verification. Election candidates should declare themselves as such when submitting letters.

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What scared the pants off you as a kid? Can you add any to this list?