Premier Chris Minns says he wants to build up and not out, but it is easier (and I am guessing cheaper) to build on greenfield areas (“‘Building on paddocks is much easier’: Why Sydney keeps expanding outwards”, July 23). Here’s an idea: the government should consider putting a levy on building in greenfield areas which it could use either to coerce developers to build in the city or to fund infrastructure in greenfield suburbs. Yes, it may be a tax, but the electorate may not mind so much if wealthy developers are the only ones paying it. Another benefit is that we preserve our precious flora and fauna, which developers will happily bulldoze in their search for profits. Barry O’Dwyer, Earlwood
Blacktown mayor Tony Bleasdale said Sydney’s urban sprawl had created “infrastructure deserts” where schools, swimming pools and trees were lacking.Credit: Wolter Peeters
Defence of the democratic realm
Struggling to make ends meet and struggling to survive literally (“Three quarters of Australians back more support for Ukraine”, July 23). Both are harsh truths, yet Australians by and large fully appreciate the greater stakes at hand by supporting Ukraine in its struggle to exist. We are fortunate that Australia sits quite comfortably in its continental island armchair, but from our comfort zone we have the ability, if not the responsibility, to send the struggling younger democracy of Ukraine the brilliance of our technological defence innovations, par excellence military training and humanitarian succour. Steve Dillon, Thirroul
Learning safely about safe sex
We continually underestimate what children are capable of understanding and information about human sexuality is where we underestimate the most (“Banning books on sex is dangerous for kids”, July 27). Provided the information is age appropriate, children can calmly and sensibly acquire knowledge about human sexuality as they do in all other areas of the school curriculum. Knowledge is power, and in no area do children need more knowledge than in an understanding of the respectful and consensual way that sexual activities should be conducted. Books can play a role, but only in the company of planned instruction. Trevor Somerville, Illawong
Bagging a bargain
I have a postgraduate degree in fine arts and consider myself reasonably intelligent and as having some aesthetic knowledge (“Louise paid $2500 for her dream bag but says it was a ‘superfake’“, July 23). However, I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want to spend $4000 or even $2500 for a handbag that looks scarcely different to one that could be purchased for far less than a tenth that price. Heather Johnson, West Pennant Hills
No time for own goals
Talk about an own goal by those behind Team No (“Voice of referendum draws out critics”, July 23).
By applying their substantial media diamond-toothed resources towards Tom Mayo, the only result to date is a blunt blade. Despite the negative predictions of recent polls, months away from polling day the titanium resilience from one of the architects of the Uluru Statement remains untarnished; indeed it shines.
Far from proposing an “aggressive and radical agenda” as claimed by one of the No spokespeople, Mayo’s voice is measured, calm and quiet: no insults, no recriminations, no megaphone politics, no hidden agendas. Rather, a softly spoken Yes to shaping a fairer, respectful and more equitable Australia. Cleveland Rose, Dee Why
Love of one’s life
The perpetual Romantics among us are sad to hear that Mike Cannon-Brookes and Annie are parting ways, not long after the same announcement from Nicola and Andrew Forrest. Clearly, deep pockets alone are insufficient to repair the relationship crevices that we all face. Will it be hard for them to find genuine love again, untainted by wealth? I wish them happiness. Forty years on, I still love the same man. He’s invaluable. Amanda Berry, Hamilton East
Bin there, undone that
Sydney Council’s rubbish collection “service” is appalling and a betrayal of public trust (“Anger grows over rubbish dispute”, July 23). This is not just because of a workers’ strike. In Kings Cross and Potts Point, hook-billed ibises and large rodents feast on waves of overflowing garbage and dumped garbage. Countless complaints over the past six months have not produced any tangible improvement. Council has failed to satisfy its roads, rates and rubbish criteria for responsible government. Andrew Woodhouse, Potts Point
Inner-city residents are frustrated by ongoing problems with waste collection in the City of Sydney.Credit: Scott Mackay
Insurers feel the heat
If you want confirmation that global warming is a real and present danger, that the climate crisis is upon us, and that ever more severe and frequent environmental disasters are guaranteed, just follow the insurance companies (“Insurers warn of premium high tide”, July 23). In this twisted economy of ours, money talks. Perhaps those who reject the science, dismiss the signs or refuse to change their eco-destroying behaviour may after all harken to what the money is saying. Meredith Williams, Northmead
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