Get the job done
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I cannot believe nothing has been done about the safety at the Tathra Wharf.
The wharf should have been fenced immediately after the O'Neill tragedy.
Enough of your procrastinating councillors, get off your butts and get the job done before there is another tragedy.
Keith Beresford
Sydney
Reducing risk
I suggest that a fence on Tathra Wharf would detract from the fishing opportunities; it could also result in people choosing to climb on to the fence to fish or choose to fish from nearby rocks with increased risks.
I suggest a better option would be to install a series of bollards or posts on the wharf edge.
These could have rod holders attached.
Set back further from the edge, between the bollards, could be some bench seating.
While not creating an impenetrable barrier, it would significantly reduce risk while making fishing easier.
Rob White
Tathra
Unacceptable position
The Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association (BVSRRA) shares the concerns voiced by Paul Cozens in response to the reported comments by Mayor Bill Taylor on the Tathra Wharf issue (BDN, 27/6).
In responding to calls by Linda O’Neill for the installation of a safety fence on Tathra Wharf, Cr Taylor reportedly claimed “there were arguments for & against” the proposal.
The BVSRRA would argue that, while the Coastsafe Australia report offered clear reasons why the installation of safety fences at both the Tathra and Merimbula Wharves should be considered, not a single reason has been advanced for not adopting that recommendation.
The BVSRRA believes Cr Taylor’s reported claim that those at council responsible for such matters are “not recommending” the installation of safety fences on the wharves is not an acceptable reason for council not having proactively examined the merits of doing so.
Notwithstanding what council bureaucrats are not doing, the BVSRRA thinks it ironic that Cr Taylor stood ready to defend the removal of trees from Littleton Gardens on the basis they were “a trip hazard”, but is prepared to ignore common sense and install guardrails in high risk situations where their absence has given rise to a tragic loss of life.
The BVSRRA calls on BVSC to commission a rigorous, transparent and independent review and assessment of all the recommendations contained in the Coastsafe Australia Report and Coroner’s Report and to commit to implementing the recommendations arising from that review.
In the meantime, residents/ratepayers interested in informing themselves on this important issue can read the Coastsafe Australia report on the BVSRRA website, www.begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au.
John Richardson
BVSRRA secretary
Financial abuse
Today I was faced with the very real possibility of having to watch my tick-ridden feline friend die a slow and painful death.
Not simply because parasites were injecting her with paralytic toxins, but because I didn't have $500 up front to pay for her care.
When I asked if I could organise a payment plan I found the clinic to be very reluctant in entering into an agreement with me.
When I delved a little deeper I found that these highly skilled professionals that provide a pivotal service to our community are being financially abused.
I have two questions.
1. Why do we as a society think it is ok to exploit the generosity and trust of a kind and compassionate local business?
2. What will it take for us as a society to start thinking about the impacts our actions have on virtuous community members and their innocent animals?
Tracey Walsh
Tathra
In good faith
I would like to make the following observations.
Firstly, BVSC councillors are elected members of council and are also ultimately responsible for any decisions made by council and employees.
The comment made by the BVSRRA "seen as an attempt at self-parody, the BVSC design team's Ted Dexter was reported…" - I think it is unfair to target and name council employees undertaking their work in good faith on behalf of the council.
Secondly, the comment "they are spending $2million on Littleton Gardens so it can hold events, concerts and so on - how are three cubicles going to cope with what could be 1000 people at one of those events?" shows little application of common sense.
The proposed toilets are designed to provide facilities and a service based on the normal daily requirements.
They are not designed to accommodate 1000 members of the public.
It is expected that BVSC, when organising an event that attracts that number of people, would supplement the existing toilet facilities with portable toilet units.
Thirdly, I would be interested to know if the BVSC was approached by the BVSRRA for comment before placing this controversial comment and if so what timeframe was the council given to respond before posting this comment?
Finally, as a Bega Valley Shire resident I do not authorise the BVSRRA to use my resident status in demanding action by council on my behalf.
Some of us are happy to fight our own battles.
John Thomas
Bega Valley