Working with integrity
The pools need to be supported. If they are really "double dipping" as it seems to be implied, then this is an offence and will be found out. This council has actually done some terrific things - and I see the so called "business folk" of the shire are having a hard time. Leanne Barnes has always been someone who has worked with intelligence and integrity. Be careful folk what you say because you may be done for libel. If you don't have all the information, perhaps don't speak out.
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Corinne Markov, Brogo
Poor planning
The Bruce Steer Pool development for accessibility urgently needs redesigning. Much of it is going to be paved. Families picnic and children play on that grass. In summer, grass (unlike pavement) is cool on the feet, good to sit on (unlike pavement) and looks good (unlike pavement).
The water accessibility ramp for "all level of swimmers" is not built on to the breakwater, the obvious existing site, but is a new independent structure. Bruce Steer Pool is always full of kids yet this ramp reduces the swimming area by a third. How are excited kids not going to fall and be injured on it? Why leave the long strip of water between the breakwater and the ramp? How is it not going to silt up?
Why not pave the breakwater track, placing steps at intervals into the pool. If wheelchair access is the purpose then the breakwater serves better as it's wide enough to park a wheelchair and let other users pass by.
Four boil notices have been issued since 2010, where Bermagui water has been rendered unpotable by the leeching of effluent from toilets poorly sited beside the Brogo catchment areas. Why put a toilet near waters used by the community? Why not upgrade the existing facility and replace the decrepit stairs with an elegant path?
Council has little understanding of what is great about Bermagui. People come to experience and enjoy its beauty and unspoiled nature. This ugly unintelligent development diminishes an unspoiled, easygoing place in our town.
Imogen Hall, Bermagui
Not council's ATM
Bega ratepayers are not council's ATM. I retired in 2013 and moved to Bega for three reasons. Great environment, great people and as pensioners a cost of living cheaper than cities. The cost of living theory has certainly had holes blown through it.
The rates have risen dramatically in the last six years to where they far exceed what I was paying in an affluent suburb of Sydney. When I moved here my water bills averaged $200 per quarter. They are now $500-plus.
Now to my biggest concern, the proposed sewerage installation in Nth Bega of which I am a resident.
I had received no correspondence from council on this issue only from the sewerage contractor who has a vested interest. I was asked to fill out a survey and answered no to every question. Today's paper put a wry smile on my face regarding council's proposed community engagement strategy?
I was told by council I would "only" have to pay for the plumbing costs on my land to connect the sewerage. Problem is my "only" consists of 105.3 metres of pipe across two paddocks through a large orchard with copious tree roots and then dig up all the concrete at the back of my house. It would cost a motza. Add to this $1300 annual sewage bill and it's a bigger nightmare. Compare all this to the $500 I pay to have my septic emptied every five years.
The sting in the tail is if I don't connect I will be charged an unconnected fee of $600pa which will only grow annually as all things council do. Phones lines and electricity lines go past my house - if I choose not to connect it costs me nothing.
Message to council "show me the money". I would like to know what happens to the money you keep taking out of our pockets?
