The National Parks Association’s plan for the Great Southern Forest would reserve over 400,000ha of public native forest for carbon storage instead of destructive uneconomical logging for woodchips. 

Carbon credits could earn $20million per annum from these forests which would mean jobs in forest restoration, wildlife protection, fire preparedness and eco tourism; a sensible option for the future of our native forests.  

Dr Bronte J Somerset, Quaama

Unfortunately the old pirate ship has sailed forever from the Mogareeka playground (“Return the pirate ship”, BDN, 25/11).

The storm repair treasure chest is running low and the repairs needed were too great.

While it is true the ship has weathered many storms, her condition had deteriorated and the June east coast low was its final voyage. In the interests of child safety we had to remove what was left after the storm. 

But fear not young pirates!

A new adventure is planned, with a new ship, but we need to plan when is best to set sail so that we can stay on course.  

Please be patient and in the meantime enjoy some of our other playgrounds; across the river at Tathra Lions Park, or maybe Tathra’s Dragon Park or Chad Izzard Park on Francis Hollis Drive. 

If you’re travelling around the Bega Valley this summer, maybe try Bega Park next to the pool or Ford Park in Merimbula.

Richard Cunningham, Bega Valley Shire Council

I was disappointed to read the comments (BDN, 25/11) referring to fruit bats.

If we want to grow our own fruit and vegetables we have to deal with all sorts of competition for the food.

We can decide to share or net.

The flying foxes have lost two thirds of their habitat and so are struggling to survive, having been invaded by an over population of humans.

The bats are certainly not in plague proportions, but tend to congregate in numbers to roost where they may feel safe and there is water.

As the only pollinators of many native trees, some 80 species in all, the survival of our forests depends on them.

As we have seen with many birds, they have been forced to encroach on urban areas to survive.

Then they have to cope with the dangers of power lines, barbed wire, unsuitable backyard netting and hostile humans!      

I am cheered however that though their future may seem grim there are plenty of caring people who support the survival of our flying foxes. Perhaps it comes down to those who care about our native wildlife and those who care not.      

Pauline Buck, Candelo

The Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association (BVSRRA) wishes to acknowledge and thank Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) for initiating this week’s informal meeting and discussions.

Chaired by the Mayor, Cr Kristy McBain, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for representatives of the association and the newly-elected councillors to get to know each other, with the view of building a positive and constructive relationship between the organisations moving forward.

During the meeting, the association confirmed its belief that communications with council were continuing to improve.

Cr McBain extended an open invitation to the association to meet with council to discuss issues of concern. 

Peter Rogers, BVSRRA president