It was apparent throughout this trip, but none more so than in the Bega Valley. 

I wondered how farmers cope with the eradication of this weed given the costs of sprays and other means of control. 

A chance observation of the Agricultural Gazette of NSW dates October 3, 1916, provided a clue to an approach to eradication.

The Gazette’s story is headlined Grasses under Drought Conditions at Hawkesbury Agricultural College.

The articles written by WD Kerle stated: “Eragrostis Curvula (Weeping Love Grass) – This plot was laid down in Autumn, 1913.

“Throughout the dry weather of 1915 it grew steadily and exhibited excellent drought resistant qualities, and also a suitability to a poor soil.

“Unfortunately, the leaves of this grass are of a very harsh nature, which limits its value considerably as feed for stock.”

Well if the state government bodies was responsible for bringing the weed into the country surely it should be accountable to greatly assist in removing it.

Further research suggests the Soil Conservation Department played a significant role in its introduction to Australia in order to provide a quick growing grass to stabilise fragile soils! 

NSW Primary Industries is using the internet to communicate the level of infestation in the state, but is awareness raising sufficient action and should be DPI being doing much more to assist farmers in eradicating it?

It seems as though farmers are paying a high price for an initiative undertaken by the DPI’s equivalent 100 years ago while the DPI plays but a token role today in response.

Perhaps it is time for the NSW Farmers’ Association to flex its muscle and demand a more concerted effort to control if not compensate farmers for a problem that was not of their making.

Narooma is known for its beaches, its natural beauty, and its peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.

But lately the quaint seaside town is coming to be known for something else: gun culture.

Against the wishes of many residents, Narooma has for three years played host to a hunting exposition called HuntFest, and last year HuntFest added sales of guns and ammunition to the event.

People living in Narooma and surrounding towns are concerned, and rightly so, about a festival that celebrates and encourages killing, and provides the tools to do so. Particularly when the event is open to children.

With the proliferation of gun violence and school shootings in many parts of the world, it is negligent and dangerous to promote killing as a fun and entertaining pastime.

Most school shooters started by torturing and killing animals. 

Locals who are opposed to the event have reached out to PETA for help, and we are calling on the Eurobodalla Council to refuse to renew the festival's permit.

Huntfest could easily be replaced by a celebration that evokes peace and beauty, in true Narooma style.

Many other towns attract a lot of visitors and a lot of positive attention by hosting arts and crafts festivals to showcase the work of talented local artisans. Farmers' markets, children's fairs, boat parades and festivals of wine, music, or craft beer are hugely popular and universally enjoyed. 

PETA asks residents of Narooma and surrounding areas who are uncomfortable with having their seaside home associated with hunting cruelty to write to the Eurobodalla Council and ask that it replace HuntFest with an annual celebration that we can all be proud of.