I have dreams

WHILE our political leaders are so obviously failing us with their lack of vision, I am left to make up my own dreams of something better.

I dream of an altogether slower and more friendly world where we work less, spend less, grow more of our own food, generate most our own electricity and have a strong community that is based around trust and a fair go for everyone.

I dream that we will care more for each other and treasure our environment.

This will mean we have a more equal society, which is supported by our tax and education system.

It will build trust right across our community and result in much lower crime rates and mental health problems.

A greater connection with our environment will make us feel more secure while we build our knowledge of nature’s bounty and learn to produce most of what we need.

I dream that we will be able to walk, cycle and use public transport for most of our travels because our lives will be more locally focused; our roads will be safe for slower and smaller vehicles and our public transport system will be the focus of our infrastructure development.

Imagine if our bike tracks were also green belts so that we could cycle in the shade and maybe stop for a few mulberries along the way.

I dream of lower house prices and less mobility. This will be supported by policies that promote stability and encourage us to turn our houses into homes.

Negative gearing and tax breaks on the family home will be long abandoned.

First-home owners and other people with housing challenges will be able to access affordable land where they will be allowed and encouraged to construct their own homes using recycled and other materials.

I dream that our values will be focused on caring for each other and our environment.

I dream that we will all know that this is much more important than money.

ROSELT CROESER, Shoalwater.