Gary J. Wilson, MacGregor

I hope David Shearer is right and that the ACT government's proposed subdivision of Mr Fluffy home sites becomes a trigger for a complete review of planning policy across all residential blocks in Canberra (Tony Trobe, By Design p23 Nov 23).

This should include a rethink of the broad brush zoning system in favour of a more sophisticated and fine-grained approach which identifies those precincts which are more suited to higher density developments (for example, larger blocks adjoining ovals and parkland or on major transport corridors). Most of these are currently zoned exclusively for single residential use. The secondary residence policy has allowed more flexibility but unit titling and subdivision should be considered in an overall review of residential housing policy.

Any policy change should be underpinned by more qualitative design controls rather than the current box ticking system which has yielded some questionable outcomes.

Allan Spira, Lyneham

Loved the Vet's patient pup! (Page 3 Nov 23 "ACT vets under pressure") Sometimes these pets are given speedier and more compassionate treatment than to members of the human family as in Chris Burton's case. He came home from the Canberra Hospital's pre- operations waiting room after waiting four days for surgery."Long waits before surgery slammed" pages 8 &9 Sunday Times Nov 23)

Evelyn Bean, Ainslie

With the federal government's funding cuts to the ABC's Canberra office, let's hope that when bushfires are threatening this region, the DJs on the commercial networks can provide comprehensive, well-coordinated and up-to-date cross-border information and advice, all day and night, without any advertising slots.

Sue Dyer, Downer

I am pleased that A Curtis ("Let waterway trees grow", Letters, Nov 23) is concerned that removal of trees near waterways in the Jerrabomberra Wetlands could reduce the shelter available for shags, darters and pelicans. That concern for bird roosting habitat is dictating the phased removal of the invasive weed species of willows, especially crack and basket willow, in the wetlands.

While willows supply one aspect of the darters and cormorants habitat needs, they and the pelicans and other native fauna like platypus, water rat, turtles and fish, will benefit enormously from the removal of these trees. The vigorous growth of willows clogs Australian waterways with dense mats of roots which reshape water flows, increasing erosion in floods. The sudden rush of nutrients from the autumnal leaf drop robs other plants of oxygen; the seasonal fluctuations in shade and light disrupt native flora and fauna and the thin leaves and light wood do not provide suitable habitat for animals evolved to cope with Australian plants.

Willows, the sylvan equivalent of carp, should continue to be removed from the Jerrabomberra Wetlands to improve the ecological health of this potential natural jewel in the heart of Canberra. And, through the efforts of ACT government staff and volunteers, they will be replaced with native species appropriate to this region.

Grant Battersby, Friends of Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Barton

Chris Wilson's column (Canberra Times 16/11) did not mention that as well as injecting $2.1million into the ACT economy, the four AFL games played by the Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2014 also generated $596,000 in media exposure for Canberra.

This means the total return on investment for Canberra from the Giants in 2014 was nearly $2.7million. This is a significant return for the ACT government which has a 10-year agreement with the Giants to play four games a year in the nation's capital.

While crowds at StarTrack Oval Canberra were down this season by 5per cent, we are confident a strong fixture on 2015 will bring more fans to games both from Canberra and interstate.

This includes a NAB Challenge match against the Sydney Swans, a game on Anzac Day against the Gold Coast Suns to mark the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli and matches against high profile Victorian clubs Melbourne and Geelong.

One of the key objectives of the partnership with the Giants was to generate significant economic benefits for Canberra.

With the best fixture yet in Canberra in 2015 and more wins at StarTrack Oval, crowds will continue to grow as will the number of people visiting the national capital to watch AFL games.

This, along with increased television audiences, will help continue to build exposure for Canberra and establish the presence of the Giants and the AFL in the ACT.

David Matthews, chief executive officer, GWS Giants Football Club

This morning I was cycling on the cycle path along Bowen Drive, heading for Kingston. At the same time as I passed a pedestrian a cyclist overtook me, riding between me and the pedestrian. There was no bell-ring to signal his approach. This was bad enough, but it turned out that this cyclist was the first of a group of five mature-aged male cyclists riding close together. To cap the whole experience off, the fifth cyclist repeated the actions of the first, overtaking me at the same time as I was passing another pedestrian. It is this sort of dangerous arrogance that gives cyclists a bad name.

Sara York, Kingston

Senator Lundy is reported as saying that she will not appoint her successor as a senator for the ACT senate spot.

Senators of course are chosen by the electors (or in the case of a casual vacancy by a state parliament), not appointed by their predecessor.

I assume what Senator Lundy actually said - or at least meant - was "anoint".

Michael McCarthy, Deakin

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