LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Fantastic efforts from Aussie tennis players

Such has been a great example of self discipline  and we can indeed feel mighty proud of their fair sense of play. Also evident were the full house of supporters at all matches, irrespective as to what other nations were competing.

As Rafa (like Roger) whom we have become to seeing as being one of our own, said "even though the Aussies want their own players to win they make him feel special by cheering him on also". Indeed we do, we tend to barrack for all-comers competing on our shores.

Wasn't it great to see our flag represented by so many in numerous ways either waving it or wearing it on their heads. It is our symbol of our nation, like Anzac Day we remember all those who fought under its banner to enable us to enjoy the freedom we have today, a freedom that was gained at a tremendous cost, "Lest we Forget".

We must never allow anyone, anywhere to strip away from us these days of importance, to us, like those peddling a Republic which is communist orientated. Our nation runs on Constitutional values that actually are proven to work, let's hang onto them.

Long live our flag, our Australia and our Anzac Day and our culture unique in itself which is why so many flee republican regimes to come here for our lifestyle. Happiness is being content with what we have rather than wanting more with a whole lot of contention.

South Australian politicians couldn’t lie straight in bed even if they wanted to. With constant whinging they have seized 100 per cent allocation, water reserves for next season and an overabundance of environmental water to keep artificial lakes full.

There has been little accountability of their behaviour while everyone upstream is in trouble.

There is no shortage of recreational water, drinking water, garden water, fishing water, irrigation water or sea water in SA.

We have witnessed one of the most shameful events in living memory.

Catastrophic fish kills in the Darling and other environmental damage in NSW have finally caused the bush to revolt in fury as we head towards the polling booths. Niall Blair’s brief visit to the Menindee Lakes further inflamed the locals as he continued to blame the drought and everyone else for the fish kill. It’s not rocket science. The locals know that if you rapidly drain an essential natural resource in this land of ‘drought and flooding rains’ there will dire consequences.

Yes, we are in drought, but our forefathers in an effort to drought proof this country built water reserves. The Menindee Lakes, when full, can manage up to six years’ worth of critical water supplies.

Just ask the locals. The fish kill is directly attributable to water mismanagement by state and federal governments and the MDBA. It’s as simple as that!

Country people are defined by their optimism. The climate and markets can dish up extremes.

We’re resilient and eternally confident that we can make a go of things, produce food and fibre, raise our families and support our communities, regardless of the many difficulties we might face.

The biggest hazard to our way of life and health is political incompetence. We’ve been left to use the basin’s most unusable water. Poor quality water is dangerous to everyone’s health.

Supplies have been rapidly drained from our dams, rivers and lakes as the over allocation to downstream and the ocean continues. A key element of the MDBA’s charter is water quality. They have completely failed.

We have had endless inquiries into water management and the MDBP. It is time to take stock of all the recommendations. Most of the research and inquiries have already been done.

It will take years to heal and the people out west won’t forget how our political representatives and government bureaucracies have neglected, ignored and abandoned us.

Email the editor: letters@areanews.com.au or post a letter to PO Box 1004, Griffith, NSW 2680.

You can also drop it in to our office on 11b Banna Avenue.