Acting for community
Firstly I would like to commend Bega District News for the provision of local news in a factual manner, bias noticeably absent.
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I read with interest the consultant's report on councillor behaviour and its refreshingly candid comments on the poor behaviour of some councillors - and how by extension that impacts on the council organisation and the community as a whole.
It's a pity that those persons could not be named and shamed. However with the upcoming elections we have a chance to pick completely new councillors who may better act for the community and with respect toward their colleagues.
I trust the Bega News will encourage those running to state their views in the BDN. I also hope those running will meet with the public at every opportunity before the elections.
Robert Geary, Merimbula
Appalling behaviour
The appalling behaviour by some councillors has been going on for years and nothing has been done about it. As this article points out, "If these councillors had been federal or state government employees, they would have been fired".
No-one should have been subjected to repeated abusive behaviour. You only need to watch a meeting to see who is involved. Also if there is not already a rule that says councillors are to have no alcohol before a meeting, there needs to be one.
Amanda Midlam, Eden
Proud of achievements
I am writing in response to an article published last week highly critical of the current Bega Valley councillors. My particular objection was to the anonymous consultant feigning surprise that decisions could be made "given the polarisation".
Likely a harmonious team could have achieved more, yet council worked hard through fires, floods and COVID, progressing multiple significant projects. I am proud of my achievements and others too worked tirelessly to represent our community.
A problem for councillors throughout the country is the lack of support to combat bad behaviour. The existing Code of Conduct is costly to apply, confidential, with very weak consequences.
I am proposing to the next Local Government Association conference early 2022 that strong policy be developed such as that which protects workers in many sectors.
Cathy Griff
Delightful bridges
I was reading a book review in a weekend newspaper recently that contained a passage about a horse-drawn dray crossing a bridge, describing how the wooden bridge planks "paradiddled" under the wheels of the dray.
It brought to mind the occasions I've driven across a timber bridge and enjoyed the sound and feel of the wooden planks buckling and rattling underneath as I pass, almost as if the bridge is welcoming a visitor with a kind of rhythmic fanfare, announcing their arrival to the other side. It would be a sad loss if future generations missed out on enjoying this delight.
Cuttagee Bridge is one such delight.
Peter Russell, North Narooma
Thanks for rescue support
Guy, Tania, Angus and Nugget would like to thank the VRA for attending the call out on Saturday morning regarding Nugget's expedition down a rabbit hole under our house in Cobargo.
After many hours of digging and calling him, it became apparent that Nugget had done himself a mischief and got himself stuck under the concrete slab near the bathroom.
It had been a long day and we were running out of ideas when about 7pm Saturday night we decided the only thing to do was cut a hole in our floor to get him out. It was the most awful feeling being able to hear him, but not being able to reach him.
We were all exhausted and couldn't continue after starting to cut the floor Saturday night- what a job! After a very unrestful night's sleep we got up first thing Sunday morning thinking the worst. Guy went back under the house and started calling him. Nugget responded so we got stuck into getting him out.
It was amazing Guy had cut the floor in just the right spot. He had only just started jack hammering when Angus saw Nugget's head pop out not very long after we started Sunday morning. We were all very relieved to have Nugget out. Nugget wasn't sure what all the fuss was about.
Not what we were expecting for our weekend, but a great outcome and lots of mess to clean up. Thanks again VRA.
Tania Lingard, Cobargo
'Guaranteed failure' if no target
The way the state and federal governments have responded to the pandemic shows how much value we put on our health and safety as a society.
Why have we not responded in the same manner, when it comes to the climate crisis?
All medical bodies and colleges recognise climate change as a health emergency. But instead of taking this seriously, our government feeds us repackaged slogans and vague promises in shiny new pamplets.
Aiming for net zero by 2050 without strong 2030 targets is no cure for our climate crisis; it's guaranteed failure. The federal government must invest in the health of our environment, the health of our nation and the health of our economy this decade.
We can improve air pollution, improve respiratory health, minimise climate damage and drive down energy prices for households and industry with an ambitious clean energy-led COVID recovery package. Anything less is putting our health, economy and livelihoods in grave danger.