The procedure was implemented to mitigate the high risk that was identified by the Coastsafe risk assessment report of 2008-09 that followed the drowning of three people at the Tathra Wharf; a tragedy that shocked and saddened the local community and the general public.

Council’s procedure has been questioned widely because it simply does not work in the way it has been implemented.

Not only is the closure ignored by fisherpersons and tourists, but the purpose of the procedure has been undermined by the obvious fact closures have taken place on occasions when sea conditions around the wharf sites are no more dangerous than usual. What was meant to make the fishing platforms safer has simply eroded people’s confidence in the council as the authority responsible for managing safety at the two wharves.

Subsequent to a meeting I had with the general manager in September 2015 I was informed: “At the end of this summer holiday period an internal audit to review current wharf safety controls will be conducted. This will be used to assess future actions and the voracity of current controls.”

Now is that time.

If we are to have confidence in the council’s determination to improve the management of safety at the wharf sites the proposed review needs to happen.

Until now council’s response to identified high risk has not been aimed at preventing another incident such as the one that claimed three lives in 2008, but at a rescue plan to prevent fatalities if such an incident did occur again.

I have never agreed with this approach, but if this is the way council has chosen to proceed I can only hope the internal audit review promised will happen and arrive at sensible and effective ways of improving safety for everyone, but particularly for children at the wharf fishing platforms.

I had to have a laugh a couple of weeks ago when I went to pay my rates.

At first I went to the new civic centre as I was sure the office was there.

Tried to open the door, it was locked. Go back to old office and there it is, in the entrance way with that so very 1960s look about it.

"I thought you all would have moved" I exclaimed.

"Oh no, we stay here without the air conditioning" admin woman said.

Then see other employees heading in the door through the entrance/admin 1960s reception – and I wondered to myself – who is this new building for?

Offices weren't upgraded, the public still have to enter into a dingy place to pay bills, the door to the new building is locked, and it’s no use as a theatre because there isn't anywhere to bring in props and sets through a back door.

If it’s only for "events"  then why wasn't it being used for the public discussion about Syrian refugees on April 2, and why did council use the Tarraganda Hall instead?

Curiouser and curiouser, said Alice.

While the show  season was in full swing in the Bega Valley, flying the flag politically at all the shows were the Labor and Liberal Parties.

Conspicuous by their absence were the Greens.   Does this indicate an arrogance and a belief that  they do not need to interact  with the community? Or is it indifference? Or just  laziness?

Whatever the motivation, it was very disappointing – we need them!