Press Release 12 September 2018
Category : General News
Cr Gaedtke believes Travelling Opens the Mind and Heart
After travelling around Western America for five weeks, Councillor Gaedtke has arrived home with greater awareness of major differences and major similarities between Australia and America. A major difference is the population figures which records America with 325.7 million (2017 United States Census Bureau) and Australia with 23.4 million (2016 Census).
Cr Gaedtke said “that it has been 5 years since John and I took time out from our busy schedules to enjoy quality travelling, and we have been reminded of the benefits of doing so.” Whilst it is good to be home, Cr Gaedtke is aware that there are many points of interest that was learnt by spending time in another country.
“We were both amazed by the road and bridge infrastructure that Americans have and the foresight of future planning. Here we saw highways that already have numerous trafficable lanes but with future lanes visual and ready to be sealed to accommodate future growth and traffic demand.”
There are so many different forms of providing energy to this vast and everchanging country. Cr Gaedtke and her husband rode a hired Harley motorbike past huge solar farms, giant windfarms, nuclear power plants, oil and natural gas producing regions, enormous power generating plants with never ending power lines that were built to supply communities with this valuable resource, regardless of the terrain or the size of the community needing this basic commodity.
Cr Gaedtke advised that she was surprised by the availability of good quality water resources. “It certainly brought life to areas that would not support such without the provision of reliable water sources” said Cr Gaedtke.
The display of patriotism and the support of veterans and active-duty military, and those who serve their country was proudly acknowledged in every state visited.
After talking to the locals, it is interesting to learn that Australia is behind America with certain initiatives. Questioning, analysing and learning from other countries is a significant opportunity not to be underestimated.
Photo – John and Cheryl at the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Arizona.
