The review was produced by Otium Planning Group, a multi-national company based in Melbourne. According to its website, Otium Planning Group’s core business is managing the implementation of projects on behalf of local government for, among other things, large indoor aquatic facilities – coincidentally what its “strategy review” recommends for Bega Pool.

While no-one is denying the need for significant improvements at Bega Pool, the recommendation of a $8.5million project BVSC can’t afford apparently serves Otium Group’s business model first and foremost, not Bega Valley ratepayers.

This may explain the absence in its so-called “analysis” of any concrete recommendations to actually improve patronage at council pools (noting it reported all pools managed by the shire recorded a “downward trend” in patronage with the exception of Sapphire Aquatic Centre, for which the report incredulously couldn’t provide data).

As much as some people despise Australia’s fauna, particularly wombats due to fencing issues, and macropods as they are viewed as competitors for pasture, many people do appreciate and value their presence. 

And as much as some accidents are unavoidable, the number of dead wombats along the highway between Pambula and Bega is unacceptable. We excuse trucks for their size, speed and inability to avoid hitting an animal, therefore accepting that this is the price “we” pay for transported goods.

We humans don’t pay unless you are the one rescuing or caring for an orphan, which may bring joy but also unconditional commitment in raising and releasing, in the hope a good long life is guaranteed.

How then do we lessen the road kill/injury rate for our already pressured wildlife, including reptiles and echidnas? 

Besides being ever vigilant motorists; how about reducing speeds in certain hotspots, or deceasing traffic at certain hours in the night or creating corridors/tunnels allowing smaller creatures to move through. 

Nothing is impossible.

One would think due to the number of dead wombats on the roads that they are indeed common, but there is no denying that due to residential housing, habitat loss, fencing material/design, sarcoptic mange, roadkill and shootings, wombats are facing an uncertain and wretched future, as with our wildlife in general.

In reply to Helen Kelly’s Just A Minute column (BDN, 5/8), I wish the world was as sunny as you believe. No matter how hard we try to abide by your lovely thoughts from day to day, realism has to cut in.

I know “turn the other cheek”. I know “do unto others”. I know “compassion to all good men”. Now that’s where I have a problem.

I am not a religious man, but ethical and moral. If we were all to follow these thoughts and rosy beliefs, life would be fine. Unfortunately we aren’t all in the same boat.

Some people steal,vandalise, trash, burn and run amok, because either they feel it’s their right, or that they don’t give a “rat’s” about other people’s property.

Somehow Helen, they seem to think that it’s their right to interfere with other folks’ goods and whatever they deem fit to claim as their own. A large majority of hard working, honest, law abiding (misdemeanour exceptions considered) citizens should believe that their own is safe.

I do believe in the goodness of man Helen, but some days are dark. I love your faith and your ideals, but kindness and forgiveness can only go so far.