The news that our State Premier Nathan Rees would like to help fund a new series of the television shocker “Underbelly” and that perhaps it could dig up some of our city’s shady past is not what we want to hear.

But the whole thing has already regained the headlines with the local daily running a story about the matter and going to the further extremes of naming those, along with photos in some cases, who were embroiled in our paedophile days and the Wood Royal Commission.

Having our shady past dug up again and the paedophile saga that left the city gasping for air isn’t wanted, whether or not a new ‘Underbelly’ series might create jobs and so on.

What this city needs is PROGRESS rather reliving the past.

I suppose, however Mr Premier, anything that takes the focus of attention away from you and your largely useless government would seem like a good idea to you at any time.

If you truly want to help us down here give us more financial support for necessary major roadworks – and that would only be for starters.

Digging up our past will not be flavoursome and will serve no useful purpose at all, and let’s hope the local daily thinks likewise.

Stories by the dozen

The BHP Retirees held their mid-year lunch last week with more than 100 veterans of the Steelworks in attendance, and the stories of past years flowed thick and fast.

Eldest there was well into his 90s, but he was still chirpy and recalled the days when they worked for the largest steelmaker in the Southern Hemisphere.

The ‘boys’ will get together again later in the year for a Christmas slap up and more talk about those ‘good old days’.

Encouraging

The latest issue of ‘News from your Council’ is by far the most positive I have read for many a long day.

Most pleasing to read about is such progress as a new library at Thirroul, a priority for better roads in a range of suburbs, the proposed new skate park in our southern suburbs, restoration of Collins Creek at Woonona which five years ago was infested by 77 different types of weed, and moves to install SQIDS – Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices – at beaches and creeks at Corrimal, Kanahooka and North Wollongong. The SQIDs are installed below ground and are devised to catch rubbish before it reaches our waterways.

But I’m not sure we need to spend $17 million to revitalise the Crown Street Mall, the Town Hall and the Civic Plaza.

While the restoration of the Town Hall will be welcomed by those of us who can recall many pleasant times there being entertained by The Arcadians and others, it really shouldn’t have been allowed to deteriorate in the first place.

West Dapto gets an airing

That mischievous little bird tells me that last week’s meeting between the city administrators and new neighbourhood group chairpeople spent some time discussing the future plans for West Dapto.

Seems Council is still wanting to go ahead and open up land for hundreds of new houses down that way, and without solving the traffic problems first.

Okay, I know there is work taking place on West Dapto Road, but due consideration has to be given to a much wider scenario before any new housing boom, or bust, is given the nod.

Not many gongs came our way

Wollongong didn’t feature overly much in the Queen’s Birthday honours list, but congratulations to those few who were recognised for service above self.

Once again, however, the numbers around Australia were dominated by professors or associated types – 36 in all – and doctors of this and that, 43.

Then when you add members of the judiciary and countless public servants the chances of Joe Blow and Miss/Mrs Blow getting a nod become less.