This contribution could have been the building of a road, a bridge a school or whatever was required.

It could be in the form of teaching a new national language or showing a villager a new cash crop that would benefit his village.

There were many forms of this service.

The most important thing I require is evidence of the contribution of these Australians across the spectrum of political, social and economic areas where the welfare of the local people was paramount and the objective was the ultimate Independence of TPNG.

Any of your readers who have such information could contact me on 02 9484 7120 or email: ronald_patton@yahoo.com.au

Ron Patton

Sydney

900 as one?

In Jeff Smith’s letter last week regarding the previous EIS

consultants, stating the Bega residents being apathetic as only 30 odd

submissions had been put in.

When she was told that over 900 residents had signed a petition against the tip, “she said that the council only counted the petition as one submission”.

I sure would like her to explain how she or the council can put 900 bodies in a one person coffin, and if the council treats petitions from its voters and rate payers in this manner then we are in deep trouble. Our voices and opinions will never be heard or acted upon in the manner we desire or require.

Jeff’s comments regarding EIS, was also spot on when he pointed that council must provide simplified versions of the EIS for the general population at no cost.

I couldn’t help but be amazed that the matter of litter containment issues at the Wanatta Lane proposed tip site appears to have been glossed over as if it wasn’t an issue of concern to the council or the residents living near by the tip site.

But it is one hell of an issue because the residences of Wolumla don’t want all the wind blown rubbish in their homes and yards.

On this same subject why is it necessary to have TWO tips near Wolumla, the recently proposed Wanatta Lane site and the previously used tip site just up the road on the southbound lane from the turn off to yellow pinch dam.

The site near the dam has been closed for some time since when the princes highway roadway was redirected to its present position, but the access to the tip site is still in place and I for one want to know why can’t that site be reopened and utilized instead of wasting thousands of dollars trying to establish an eye sore in the community that Nobody wants.

One major advantage of this existing disused site is that it is out of sight from the road, it is big enough to be expanded without adding to the contamination problems that would surely occur at the proposed Wanatta Lane site.

It would be interesting to know if the council even considered the site near the yellow pinch turn off, when it was looking at possible locations for the new tip.

And if it wasn’t considered then why not?

Alonzo Llewellyn

Wolumla

Response

to letter

Steve Strevens

BEGA Valley Shire Council has responded to a letter published in the Bega District News last Friday which raised concerns about the Tathra Wharf risk assessment.

Council’s group manager infrastructure waste and water Wayne Sartori said the facts remain as they were when Bega District News reported on the matter on October 2.

“Nothing has change since then,” he said.

“We asked Surf Lifesaving to conduct the risk assessment after recommendations by the coroner after the inquest and that report is not due before the end of October as was stated at the time,” he said.

“Council’s insurer Statecover has been informed, but that is standard practice and we are obligated to inform them of all incidents that may have an effect on them.

“We have not asked them to conduct an assessment as there is no need to do so; we have one being done at the moment.

“The assessment was done with the experienced risks assessors from Surf Lifesaving as well as members of the Tathra Surf Lifesaving Club.”

Mr Sartori said that when the report was received, all relevant parties would be informed and the process would continue from there.

“At the moment, we are simply waiting for the report to arrive,” he said.