Generosity abounds
To the residents of Tathra who were affected by the bushfire, we'd like to share our experience as we went around collecting donations during the Band Together concert. The crowd were amazing in their generosity. Everything from gold coins to $50 notes got thrown into the bucket. One lady dropped two sandwich bags full of coins she had been saving. Some brought with them donations from others who could not not make it to the event - these were wrapped in notes with messages of love and best wishes. Many people rummaged through their bags to find every last coin. Some didn't have any change on them but made the effort to track us down later; we had many who made it a point to wade through the crowd to give us their heartfelt contributions. The spirit of thoughtful solidarity and support was abundantly evident all round.
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The concert wouldn't have been successful without the contributions from the artists, many individuals and organisations but two people deserve to be recognised: Darren Jones, the organiser and Jess from the Turf Club, Thank you for courageously taking on the lions share of the work!
Vera and Rick, Bald Hills
What’s in a name
I recently attended a launch of what was called a Bega Valley Community Directory, an initiative of our council. While I applaud the concept, having had a lot of involvement with volunteers over the years, I had a basic problem and that is its title!
I believe its correct title should be the Bega Valley Shire Community Directory, “shire” being the operative word. In this way it clearly acknowledges those towns that would not see themselves as being in the Bega Valley. Which is probably why the description Sapphire Coast has become so popular with them? I understand the council has a policy in this regard which supports my argument, but clearly it is not enforced.
Ross Williams, Kalaru
Consultation boycott
The Environment Protection Authority is holding “consultations” next week on new laws known as Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals (IFOAs) governing native forest logging in NSW. I will be one among many forest campaigners around the state boycotting these events.
Why? The outcome is a forgone conclusion with the new laws clearing the legal decks for the industry to go for broke while there are still some trees remaining.
For decades this region has endured some of the most intensive logging in the state to supply the Eden chipmill. Governments should now be looking at fair and responsible ways to wind up the industry. They should stop deluding themselves and the public that our forests are a magic pudding that can keep on producing indefinitely and pretend environmental values are being protected. The draft IFOAs implicitly acknowledge Far South Coast logging will remain the worst in the state. Other regions will catch up, but ours will still be the winner in the race to the bottom. Enough is enough!
Harriett Swift, Bega
Debate is too late
We are now having to deal with the consequences that deer in the past were classed as game and not pest. At last deer have, in our district, been added to the pest list, but it is probably too late for eradication.
Again we are faced with the issue of the brumbies and the argument by some that they should be protected for heritage reasons. Rabbits, foxes, and pigs, for example, could be classed as heritage as they were all introduced by European settlers for a particular reason, ignorant of the effect on the natural environment.
Aerial culling is regarded as the most humane and effective method employed to date. But now we have brumbies and deer out of control! Environmental and not political decisions should be made in dealing with non native animals before they get to this stage. It seems it is always too late!
Pauline Buck, Candelo
