West Australia's E-Bike Crackdown Gains Support Amid Broader Community Concerns

In a series of letters to the editor, community members have voiced strong support for Western Australia's aggressive approach to tackling illegal e-bike use, while also raising pressing issues ranging from energy policy to public safety.

E-Bike Menace Prompts Calls for National Action

Darryl Tuckwell from Eleebana applauds the West Australian government's decisive move to confiscate and crush e-bikes that cause problems. "These machines have become a major headache for local governments," he writes, highlighting how out-of-control teenagers are creating havoc on footpaths and roads. Tuckwell argues that parents who purchase expensive e-bikes for their children often disregard the chaos they cause, and he urges other states to adopt similar measures swiftly.

Peter O'Neill from Warabrook echoes concerns about enforcement, noting that while laws exist to restrict social media access for children under 16, similar regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters are poorly enforced. "Is it the parents' fault, or lack of resources from our police force?" he questions, calling for a proactive review of rules for all e-powered devices, including mobility scooters and e-skateboards, to prevent injuries or deaths.

Energy Debates Heat Up Over Eraring Extension

The extension of Origin Energy's Eraring power station until 2029 has sparked heated debate among readers. John Cooper from Charlestown criticises the reliance on coal, reminiscing about a time of cheap, reliable electricity without solar panels and wind turbines. He questions the intelligence behind net-zero policies and the feasibility of closing Eraring in three years.

In contrast, Amy Hiller from Kew highlights the hidden costs of coal-fired power. She points out that Eraring's emissions contribute to climate disasters and health issues, including premature deaths and asthma attacks, affecting millions of Australians, particularly in the Hunter Valley. "The cost of extending coal is measured in properties and lives lost," she asserts.

Community Safety Concerns Extend to Waterways

Kelvin Faith from Whitebridge calls for a cull of bull sharks, citing safety fears that impact tourism and local activities like swimming in Lake Macquarie. "I cannot take my grandkids on our boat for a swim without major concerns for their safety," he writes, arguing that reducing shark numbers would lead to fewer attacks.