Heritage protection not safe from developers

“Heritage controls will apply to the extent they are not inconsistent with the new standards”,says Paul Scully to developers (“Glebe heritage homeowners in developer’s sights”,March 10). The Minns government’s “new standards” will allow six-storey apartment blocks to be built within 400 metres of certain train stations,including in heritage conservation areas. It appears that from his use of the word “inconsistent”,Scully is,in fact,saying:“Heritage controls will apply to a heritage-protected home until a developer applies to knock it down and replace it with apartments;at which time they are free to do so”. Heritage is either protected or it’s not – if only the Minns government would finally tell us which it is.Catherine Halloran,Croydon

Planning Minister Paul Scully,responding to developer attempts to buy properties in Glebe (in a heritage conservation area),says:“It is expected that any new developments that might replace a building of little heritage value would improve or enhance the heritage items that surround it.”
I can see it now. The picturesque heritage cottages,and a tasteful block of three-storey apartments in the middle of the row. Great expectations indeed!Kay Abrahams,Freshwater

Driving emissions

I find it ironic that Peter Dutton complains about implementing fuel efficiency standards,saying it distorts choices,when Australian consumers are being denied 400 of the more than 500 globally available electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid models because of a lack of efficiency standards (“Emissions cap stoush heats up”,March 10). What about the health costs of continuing excessive auto emissions,not to mention the increased effect of fuel-hungry cars on the atmosphere when climate change is upon us? Does Dutton want us aligned with the only developed country not supporting increased fuel standards – Russia?Larry Woldenberg,Forest Lodge

Pay to play

As a cyclist,environmentalist and one who appreciates clean air,I look forward to the demise of huge SUVs on city roads (“Plan to get huge SUVs off roads”,March 10). All possible means should be employed to discourage their purchase and use for commuting unless necessary for work purposes. Adjusted parking fees may help,but a huge hike in registration and insurance costs would be the best deterrent. These extra costs can be claimed as a work expense for those who genuinely need them. In addition,a campaign should be introduced to convince potential purchasers that a giant SUV is not to be admired due to environmental destruction,danger to others,and selfish occupation of excessive road and parking space.Geoff Harding,Chatswood

We have too many big utes drinking too much fuel and thereby creating too much CO2. So let’s have a long-winded argument about whether fuel efficiency standards might make them more expensive. Or,we could treat them equally to other vehicles in terms of taxation. First,reduce the immediate write-off threshold down to $50,000 or even $20,000 so that there is less incentive for businesses to buy $80,000 utes. Second,make them subject to fringe benefits tax (yep,“commercial” vehicles are currently exempt) so that there is less incentive for every business owner to provide one for their spouse. There’s a lot of sparkling new utes that have business names on the side and are mainly used for the school run and shopping.Steven Lee,Faulconbridge

All one team

Parnell Palme McGuinness has trotted out her predictable attack on feminists who advocate for better outcomes and involvement for women in the workforce (“Corporate women have their special day,but what about the rest?”,March 10). Such women,she claims without evidence,are seemingly indifferent to the needs of others “trapped in patriarchal families and communities” and are instead in “a relentless quest to sever us from our choices”. She would do well to recognise that feminists place such emphasis on women’s abilities to access higher paid work and childcare because our choices are subject to our financial abilities to make them. Moreover,she should realise that feminists desire to improve the lives of all women,not just the ones who wear heels and designer clothes.Jennifer McKay,Ashbury

Brighter future

Dr Anne Summers is a respected and passionate champion of social justice. In particular,her contribution to the field of women’s rights,freedoms,protection and well-being is outstanding. But I’m sure I’m not the only one who hopes that one day this work will no longer be necessary (“Anniversary shows housing still a problem”,March 10).Meredith Williams,Baulkham Hills