Community centre
Regarding comments on suggested uses of the recently vacated Bega hospital, Bega already has a community and cultural centre – the Old Bega Hospital at the southern end of town.
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Unfortunately a fire ripped through the heritage building in 2004, so a large section of the centre is out of use until repairs can be funded.
There is a Trust and Friends organisation, both working very hard with the NSW Crown Lands and all levels of government to find the money to rebuild our community centre. The objective is to get the roof repaired and bring the building alive again, so that the 40 groups that were meeting regularly can, once again, provide their skills, services and friendship to our community.
The state government has promised $500,000 for a new roof – provided other funds are found to complete the new centre.
The site is open and the community is welcome to drive in and look. The magnificence of the colonial-era red brick building is still obvious despite the fire damage and 12 years of decay. It will be returned to its former glory, to proudly serve our community and visitors once again.
Valerie Little, Tathra
Fluoride safe, effective
The report about fluoride in your paper recently suggested that fluoride in water caused kidney disease. Also that the water tasted different with fluoride.
This is simply not true.
Fluoride in water as used to prevent dental caries is colourless, tasteless and odourless, so Ms Rixon could not have known if there was fluoride in her water.
There is no evidence that preventive fluoride in water causes any kidney disease.
There is ample evidence that it is a safe and effective public health measure.
Seeing how much severe dental disease we have in the area I am disappointed the council is delaying its introduction.
The local dentist who is against fluoridation is certainly at odds with mainstream dental opinion and all world health bodies.
Dr Janet Watterson, Tura Beach
Weather opportunity
Nature recently made a statement that has rocked some parts of our region, yet revealed a silver lining – the chance to take a realistic look at what we have and do.
Trees were damaged and felled and among other structures, Eden woodchip mill’s loading facilities took a direct hit.
Unfortunately for a few, the export of woodchips stopped, gathering of native logs slowed and some jobs have been threatened. Though some noise has been made by politicians about emergency funding to enable the industry to revive and survive, what will actually happen on the ground and when?
Well, since the Regional Forest Agreements were signed about 18 years ago to continue the industry, albeit strongly contested, things have changed dramatically.
Climate change is an accepted reality, native species continue to decline, consumer patterns have radically altered (ethical timber sourcing is now mainstream) and carbon banks are universally sought to mitigate global warming.
Blindly supporting an industry because that's what has always happened isn't what a smart society does. Many experts, indigenous and other credible community groups, NGOs, and long term residents In the Far South Coast, see this as an opportunity to review what is occurring and seek solutions for a better future.
The Great Southern Forest strategy is a dynamic, innovative and exciting approach to preserving our natural resources and building community cohesion and resilience. Jobs would be created and revenue based on tourism, management and education. GSF is a joint venture of National Parks Association, National Trust Far South Coast and South East Regional Conservation Alliance.
Worth considering, I feel.