As most in our community will know, Gavin and Jan, owners of our local newsagency, are about to move on to new adventures.

Although the loss to us all is still sinking in, I’d like to personally thank them for the wonderful service they have provided over the last decade and a half. From their original shop where Gina now runs her travel agency, and latterly from the shop next to the IGA, they have always served with a smile and good humour. I don’t doubt Gavin won’t miss the early starts delivering newspapers, but we’ll sure miss him. Their role, supported by great staff, has not only been an important part of our community, it has tangibly enhanced
our community.
Richard Lysnar
HAS TO BE SAID
When it comes to whingeing about some of the careless ways the environment on Tamborine Mountain has been mistreated or ignored by developers, the Council and planners, I have tended to keep my head down and accepted it all as “progress”, as other correspondents have suggested in past letters to the editor.
Well, in the case of the new galvanised pipe railing along Alpine Terrace, keeping one’s head down could prove dangerous. The inward-angled top rail encroaches on the footpath at child’s head and disability scooter height, and should a bike rider, adult or child get caught up in it, there could be serious injuries sustained.                                                                 Apart from the eyesore along what was a pleasant street frontage, I wonder how the residents will be able to safely maintain the nature strip, which has always looked so neat. OK, so I whinged.
Stan Rosenberg
HEADSHAKING IN RESPONSE
Just when you think governments, Federal, State and local can’t waste our money on infrastructure any more than they are, along comes the “visual assault” footpath. I certainly agree that the footpath is a plus, but am frustrated “no end” with the following:
The months of activity (slow at best) and traffic disruptions could have been achieved by private contractors in a quarter of the time (and at half the price!). Ever notice how with any type of roadworks there are workers, lollipop people, earthmoving equipment and trucks, however little is being achieved? If you want to know where our taxes, vehicle registrations and rates go, just observe the 5, 6, 7 or 8 workers standing around, with possibly one working.
The handrail looks like the perimeter of a prison (when does the razor wire get installed?). The mountain prides itself on beautiful rainforests, gardens and a peaceful ambience, but the government officials are determined to bring in the ugly stuff (perhaps the rally motorbikes will be using it?).
One must wonder who designs such ghastly structures. Now, everytime I go past this “THING” I shake my head and ask “Why?”
 Marty Haynes