For the most part Seniors are pragmatic people. We understand life. We’ve lived it. Been there, done that, got the ‘T’shirt as the saying goes.
We understand the need for growth and development, the need to keep the economy ticking over.
But we also understand cost versus benefit. We understand that development that costs a great deal of money yet has negligible benefit to those that it is supposed to be for is wasted money, especially when there are far more pressing needs.
Logan City Council and the state government claim that their proposed rail trail between the twin Over 55s resorts of Waterford and Bethania, will have 50,000 visitors a year, that is almost 1000 visitors a week if that figure is correct. [I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that politicians can be a little bit “theatrical” with the truth.]
One would imagine that most of those people would be return users, that is, people who use the path either regularly or occasionally as time and weather permit.
But, to be fair, let’s assume that 1000 people per week [50,000 per year] will be positively impacted by this development.
Well and good.
But wait, there’s more.
Approximately 1000 people live in the twin resorts and they will be NEGATIVELY impacted by this development 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 365 days a year.
That is 365,000 people per year.
That’s right folks. 365,000 people per year will be negatively impacted by a project that is slated to cost $7 million and will possibly blow out to twice that figure by the time it is completed. [If you know someone in the building trade, ask them about the cost of materials these days].
What council are proposing is not a “Rail Trail” [Google Rail Trail and see what you get] it is a pathway.
Possibly up to $14 million for a PATHWAY. You must be joking.
Jeffrey Ker
Waterford
