The government needs to explain why Whitlam, north of the river, was prioritised ahead of land adjacent to the main commercial centre proposed for the district, south of the river.

The decision fragments development and delays the provision of major commercial facilities. Whitlam residents by necessity will shop at centres in northern Canberra, a trade that will be difficult to recapture. If Molonglo is to be a coherent development, the major bridge connection linking north and south Molonglo needs to be expedited.

Development in Molonglo and throughout Canberra is rarely high-quality, affordable and/or sustainable. The review of the ACT planning strategy provides an opportunity to place development on a sound footing.

Essential to the review are a detailed analysis of issues and an accompanying infrastructure plan indicating when, where and why development is to occur. A competent review will give the government credibility and hopefully avoid the repeat of decisions such as light rail and the un-co-ordinated acquisition of rural leases.

Mike Quirk, Garran

I have no idea whether President Trump received lots of money from his parents or whether there was tax fraud in relation to valuations. The statement from his lawyer, Charles Harder, has confused me even more.

The statement was in relation to material published in The New York Times, and said, "The facts upon which The Times bases its allegations are extremely inaccurate".

An examination of the points is worth considering, starting with "the facts". Is it too simplistic today to say something is inaccurate rather than quantify how inaccurate? There is also some room to reinterpret this as it says that their basis was wrong but could the suggestions be confirmed with fuller disclosures?

If it's wrong, the President should release the old tax records and sue them for millions and demand an apology. Leaders should be the most open people in their countries and be willing to face their accusers openly.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Box Hill, Vic

Writing in the October edition of The Monthly, journalist George Megalogenis states, "Australia needs a new title for the politician who replaces a prime minister between elections". He suggests that either acting prime minister (APM) or caretaker prime minister (CPM) would be suitable, reflecting the fact that the "new leader has not been tested by the people at the ballot box".

I wonder if there is a more adventurous name, and associated acronym, for this important, albeit transient position. Examples relating to specific incumbents could have been NKPM (not Kevin), RATOPDPM (replacement after thirty opinion poll disasters), STBPM (stopped the boats) or ABDPM (anyone but Dutton). While it has been aptly demonstrated that AAIPM (agile and innovative) is a misnomer, a more generic title suitable for a future intra-government coup could be DTECPM (defeated the empty chair), TNWPM (till next week) or RCPM (Rupert's choice).

Perhaps a plebiscite to decide? Or should legislation be enshrined so every Australian takes a turn to be prime minister a week at a time?

Peter Crossing, Glengowrie, SA

Australia is a world-leading economy, avidly embracing technological advances and proudly boasting 27 years of unbroken "growth" but, perhaps intoxicated by big-picture scenarios, somehow fails citizens' basic needs ("Tree, creeks found to be contaminated", Sunday CT, September 30, p3).

Geography condemns Jervis Bay to be in the eye of the perfect storm, with NSW Environment Protection, ACT Health (Department of Infrastructure), Department of Defence and Wreck Bay self-determining community, all having the opportunity to kick the contamination can along.

Presumably signs (to be erected by whom?) are for community benefit, as they will be of nil benefit to flora and fauna trapped in the PFOS/PFOA-contaminated ecosystem. There are warnings of fish contamination in some creeks, but they (also mammals and birds), unlike flora, utilise extensive feeding grounds. Despite revelations of cancer risks from the above chemicals already identified in Newcastle, Defence's human health risk assessment will not be due before year's end.

In June, Fairfax reported on Tartan Senior High School, Oakdale, Minnesota, home to 3M™, where abnormally high incidences of cancer resulted in a litany of human disasters, strongly linked to environmental PFOS. This revelation might facilitate Defence's assessment, giving it greater urgency, as lives are at risk.

While countless billions are flagrantly wasted defending borders and fending off mythical terrorists, protecting citizens from real and present danger is low on the pecking order.

Albert M. White, Queanbeyan

There was an interview on Canberra ABC Radio 666 this week with Dr Sue Wareham from the Medical Association of Physicians Against War (MAPW). She said MAPW had applied to the National Capital Authority for approval to hold a silent peace vigil on Anzac Parade during the forthcoming Remembrance Day 100th anniversary commemoration.

The station kept the theme going for most of the morning, asking people to text or phone in with their opinion on whether a peace vigil should be allowed on Anzac Parade that day. I was taken aback that a number of people indicated they felt that such an action was "political". Why is advocacy for peace or peace vigils and marches seen as political when war – the ultimate in political action – is not?

Barbara O'Dwyer, Kingston

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