There are many questions either directly or indirectly affecting the hall, but first and foremost perhaps is whether it should be demolished or refurbished.

It is an emotional issue for many in Bega and needs to be carefully considered by council.

Judging by the feedback gained at community consultations, and the needs and wants of local groups, to rebuild it would be a massive cost.

If we have the money that might be a good idea, but we don’t - or at least council doesn’t.

Do we need to temper our desires; do we need such grandiose plans?

If we do tear it down are there plans to rebuild straight away?

Do we have anywhere to build it if it needs to be bigger?

If it is not going to be bigger (and it will need to be huge to cater for everything we want) then why knock it over?

That’s just a few of the questions but the major ones are: cost, desire and practicality.

Let’s take it further.

Is refurbishing such a bad option?

Perhaps we should have someone look at it to see what could be done to fix up the stage, the acoustics, and how to fit what we want into the space we have.

Taking away the supper rooms complicates the matter and to redevelop means probably having a second storey, which means taking the roof off which means…get the picture?

Then how do we connect it to Littleton Gardens?

And if there is limited space and the hall is to be redeveloped, are there other places in town that could be developed to serve the community’s needs?

Then we have all the associated problems with traffic and what happens while Woolworths is being built.

It is a complicated matter and one not easily solved.

The worst thing council can do is rush in and make a decision it - and the community – might come to regret.

We need a lot of strategic, non parochial input to achieve the best outcome that will serve the people of Bega and surrounds for many years to come.

So what are your thoughts?

Let them be heard.

One thing, though, is without dispute: we need a plan before a brick is touched.