Rod Murray, Ocean Shores
After the recent delusional diatribe from the Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (BCC), I’m a little confused as to what this ‘simple pleasures’ they continually espouse actually refers to.
Could it be the continuing increase of Queensland drivers who think they are still on the Gold Coast freeway when they drive through town and need to be educated where their indicator is?
Could it be the opportunity of some business owners buying their second or third businesses, some of whom don’t even live in town?
Could it be the privilege of having their businesses and prevailing infrastructure subsidised by ratepayers and subsequent rate increases?
Could it be the increasing homelessness for those unable to afford the increasing rents that the popularity of the area has created?
It is not acceptable for ratepayers to continue to subsidise the BCC with ongoing rate increases for roads that are becoming dangerous and the increasing pressure on infrastructure.
The mayor has taken the only logical option with the few tools available and called for paid parking.
Perhaps it’s time for rate increases for local businesses as well as paid parking?
Then residents might be able to park at the beach and we might get the crater out the front of our place filled in after two and a half years.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
