LET’S not make the flying school discussion about race.
It’s irrelevant.
If 200 trainee pilots from Australia were flying in the airspace over Swan Hill, would it be an issue?
If the same amount of potential noise was made, again, would it still be an issue?
For some, the only fear is Chinese students coming to “rule the rural city”. I thought we were a tolerant lot in the country.
I think we still are, but just the minority making their voices heard the loudest.
For me, I don’t care what race you are. We are all equal to use a public facility, day or night. I’d love to see all races given opportunities. Everyone matters. The town doesn’t belong to any group of people.
The aerodrome was built where it is, in the southern gateway to Swan Hill, in anticipation for a moment like now.
The next time you board a long-haul evening flight, maybe you will appreciate the importance of training at night and think of the critical training involved in comparison to controlling an Airbus aircraft in daylight.
Last week I made the decision to not publish letters to the editor that went on a racist rant.
As I sit here today, I’m satisfied with that decision.
Others directed their anger at China over their supposed coronavirus. It’s not the “Chinese virus”.
It’s a virus that originated from the country, not because of the country.
Meanwhile, locals seem to be threatened that council will sell out our sovereignty and our way of life.
Our way of life won’t be impacted by this, just because of the race involved.
Sure, some noise will be made, but that’s a different issue. These are concerns that council must consider with residents impacted near the aerodrome.
And, at the end of the day, council is yet to put pen to paper. They are entering a heads of agreement and council has pledged it wants answers, before any decision is made, on the issues that many have raised; noise, pollution, availability of accommodation.
Councillors made this clear at the April ordinary meeting they won’t consult ratepayers or even look into the agenda until they are satisfied with the answers.
The critics will now suggest The Guardian is in bed with council. But, just to reassure, we have covered both sides of the discussion. Both sides of the initial debate, both sides of the legitimate debate.
Some sections of our community also believe we don’t need Chinese infiltration of our airport, especially since they have taken over dairy farms in Tasmania and slapped tariffs on our barley.
The us versus them mentality won’t result in a progressive town, it will just divide and turn people and organisations away.
Let’s work together and at least try to make “outsiders” welcome. As one reader pointed out after meeting some of these students in Mildura, they are well-mannered, professional and here for one reason: to learn a skill that we are able to provide them with. The benefits are varied and many: boost for hospitality and the cultural experiences.
