Proposed Closures of more remote Communities in W.A. ????

Submitted: Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 14:02

ThreadID: 83488 Views:4398 Replies:5 FollowUps:7

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Fred G NSW

Interesting article today on the Proposed closures of remote communities in WAHERE

Should bring some interesting responses from any comunities involved. We have all seen a lot of these places over the years, and taking away established infrastructure seems a step backwards. Once it's gone, they won't get it back.

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Reply By: Dennis Ellery - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 14:52

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 14:52

Once its gone they shouldn't get it back.
You have to draw the line somewhere – some these places have only a couple of dozen people in them. It’s uneconomic to supply nurses, teachers and buildings below a certain population level.
Others have government housing that is regularly destroyed by its inhabitants. In both these cases it’s a waste of my taxpayer dollars and I support a general toughening up on the eligibility for handouts.

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Follow Up By: Member - Paul F (INT) - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:34

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:34

Think I will wait and see how many candles this lights

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Follow Up By: Rob! - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:36

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:36

Denis,

Unless you live in the CBD, it's also uneconomic for many of the services that you get (for my taxpayer dollars) to exist. Yet, I'll bet you feel that it is your right to have them.

R.

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Follow Up By: Gary.L - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:58

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 15:58

I believe that the Bell Tower is a money loss proposition and the public transport system that is in place in the cities is being heavily subsided by all tax payers, even those that live many 1000km away and do not travel to the big smoke.

The nurses that are working in the remote communities in the Kimberley not only look after community members but also th many travelers that come to this unique part of Australia. When travelers get lost, bogged or are in immediate need of assistance, the police in these places are often called in to assist.

Many of these communities are cut off from bigger town due to road closures this time of the year. Community members often make the correct call to sit the wet out in FitzroyXing, Derby, Kununurra, Broome. Perhaps these government workers dobthe same/ take leave during this part of the year.

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Reply By: Fred G NSW - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 16:35

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 16:35

Here is a link that provides some great pics of theOombulgurri Community one of those mentioned. Check out the Grace removalist semi on the barge. Air and boat are the main access options, due to very rough/wet track in it seems.

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:05

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:05

We drove into Oombulgurri from Home Valley in 2007.
The 85km took 3 days. Toughest drive we have done.
Some stunning country in there.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:07

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:07

Slide show....

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

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Follow Up By: Fred G NSW - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:17

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:17

Peter, all I can say is, Sensational mate. Great pics. Now we know why they come in and out by barge and plane :-)

Thanks,

Fred.

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Reply By: Member - TJ (VIC) - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 16:46

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 16:46

My kids got treated for throat infections at the Ngallagunda Community Clinic on the Gibb River Road in August. The Sister had been there a long time and I thought she was brilliant. She told us a lot about the Community and it's people and also about current events that were going on. Our kids were spared a drive from Drysdale River Station to Derby before they received medical help. I don't mind my taxes going to these clinics as they are for all Australians just like my local hospital. I wonder what it costs to run?

TJ...

AnswerID: 440982

Reply By: Muntoo - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:43

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 17:43

Oombie should be shut down yes, its been a waste of money for years now.

Rapes, suicides, drug abuse, alocohol abuse, child sex offences you name it.

I know alot of people from Oombie.

They have planes everyday to Oombie but would prefer to be in town drinking and fighting. Not saying every community is the same cause they arent, but Oombie in particular needs to have its resources cut down big time.

AnswerID: 440987

Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 19:58

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 19:58

Muntoo,
You are right on the money – I was up there as a young bloke nearly 50 years ago. Nothing’s changed.

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Reply By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 23:50

Friday, Jan 07, 2011 at 23:50

I'm having a dollar each way on this one, I agree that many places are not viable, there is no real infrastructure at most of these towns or communities and i agree that money could be better spent. BUT BUT BUT !! Governments are there to support things that do not pay their way via the private sector. If only Governments actually realised their real purpose and got the hell out of our lives!!! Having said all that, i am still struggling with the waste in the original post LOL !! Michael