Letters to the editor

What’s government got to do with Ita?

Cleo’s celebration of sexuality didn’t lead to the liberation of women.
Arguably, it led to an increase in early pregnancy and abortion in a world that still revolved around men’s needs and wants.

Stories about the hardcore feminist issues of career development, finance, surviving rape and female safety were not consistent with pandering to the male Packers, with looking immaculate, selling feminine hygiene products, nail varnish and eye shadow.

Conservative Ita’s rise may have been based on looks as well as journalistic skill, if any.

As for the mayorship, perhaps working for the Packers taught Ita everything she needs to know about controlling corruption and vested interests in Sydney, but I doubt it.

Etiquette and grooming are all very nice, but does Ita know anything much about building infrastructure, traffic and transport, logistics, town planning, limiting pollution, emergency contingencies, drafting legislation, controlling development, limiting corruption, helping low-income residents and catering to stressed inner-city communities?

What is it that qualifies her for the job of mayor?

Jane Salmon
(former PA to Ita Buttrose at NACAIDS)

Pedal power is cutting congestion and helping the city breathe

Workers who use Sydney’s cycleway network to commute to and from work each day are helping ease congestion and making a significant contribution to the City’s overall economy and amenity (Letter to the editor, August 25).More businesses are recognising that the growing number of their staff who cycle is resulting in a healthier, more productive workforce so they are providing employees with end-of journey facilities like showers and lockers to encourage them to get on their bikes.

The city’s bike paths are all about providing another transport option while freeing up public transport seats and reducing congestion for people who need to drive and more people are using them to beat morning and afternoon congestion.

It’s essential we improve people’s ability to move across Sydney through an integrated transport network that includes better public transport and safe viable sustainable transport option.

That’s why the City is developing the Liveable Green Network, a series of continuous green corridors across the City with dedicated tree-lined pedestrian and cycleways linking where people live, work and enjoy their entertainment.

The City has no plans to remove magnolia trees to build new cycleways in Challis Avenue, Potts Point. There is no plan for a cycleway in the area in the next decade. In fact, the City has recently planted two additional magnolias on Challis Avenue on the newly widened footpath.

Terry Lee-Williams

City Transport and Access Manager

City of Sydney