Response to EBCF
Ian Hitchcock, one of two convenors of the largely unheard of EBCF (Eurobodalla Business and Community Forum), makes some incorrect suggestions and allegations in his letter to this paper last week, which need a response. The message from the State Government wasn't, as he asserts, that our Council must wake up to the need to consider amalgamation. If fact it was the Government, not us, which said in the first instance we were a "no-change' Council and, after we had conformed within their set parameters, deemed us as "Fit for the Future". At the Local Government Conference a fortnight ago, I heard the Premier and Minister say that the process wasn't "one size fits all" so the idea that mega-councils are part of the process is not correct and "community of interest" is an important factor. I've seen no evidence at all that the northern communities of the shire want to join Shoalhaven Council nor that southern areas want to join Bega Shire.
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The only people saying this are those such as Mr Hitchcock who have agendas totally unconnected with a better deal for our ratepayers. Who would want us to join with Palerang and/or Queanbeyan Shires? Both have been found "unfit" by the State Government and, in the case of Palerang, a 53 per cent rate increase would be required to put them at break even. Throw in a low rate base, that's a small population, 1400km of roads, 700 of them gravel, part of a huge infrastructure backlog, and you start to realise the immensity of their problem and the weight they would put onto the shoulders of Eurobodalla ratepayers. And there are no incentives on offer from the Government as he incorrectly asserts, because Palerang and Queanbeyan don't want to parlay and the money is only available if everyone is a willing partner. The people of our shire want its elected representatives to make sensible decisions on their behalf, armed with all the information, and with the objectivity needed to make those decisions in their interests alone, not to further some shadowy political agenda. Most people understand that we have prudently guided our council through a daunting process successfully, and see our success at being one of only one third of councils rated "fit" by the government as an accomplishment, not something to be sneered at from the sidelines.
Clr Neil Burnside, Narooma
A Serious Breach of Faith
The Eurobodalla Business and Community Forum launched its five point Council reform agenda in August this year, including a small request in relation to the LEP. We asked that Council implement the recommendations of the Rural Lands Committee and ensures the removal of the E3 zoning and environmental overlays on private farm land. Given that Council had already supported these measures, our message was more of a reminder than an issue requiring special attention. Well guess what. We now find out that council bureaucrats and its paid consultants have hijacked the Rural Lands Committee report and reintroduced environmental overlays against the recommendations of the committee. Not only is this a serious breach of faith in relation to commitments made to the rural community, it is another slap in the face for the local member who organised the Rural Lands Committee.
Council tells us that the overlays mean nothing. Just information for prospective buyers. Well tell that to the old Bingie couple who council bankrupted using acid soil overlays that were later found incorrect. Tell that to Dalmeny residents who have been advised by recognised experts that two of the endangered native vegetation overlays for their lakefront are also incorrect. These maps are “indicative” and as such, should not be used in policy documents that are, or can be, interpreted as statute. It is our farmers who have created and maintain the beautiful rural vistas that attract tourists to the Eurobodalla. Please show them the trust and respect they deserve. Does Council think that it can burden our rural community with restrictive native vegetation overlays and then expect co-operation with ”Landcare” projects that will only add to the vegetated areas identified as potentially “under threat”? Wake up councillors. Let’s not see a repeat of the situation whereby one of Australia’s most respected agricultural experts, and a key member of the Rural Lands Committee, felt it necessary to demonstrate against the rural lands report at this week’s Moruya Sage markets.
Ian Hitchcock, EBCF convener (south)
Eurobodalla a Refugee Welcome Zone
I applaud the decision on Tuesday, October 27 to declare Eurobodalla a Refugee Welcome Zone. This unanimous vote reflects the openness and generosity of my local leaders I am looking for. As a newcomer to this Shire, I have been welcomed. Likewise, I would welcome refugees as newcomers to our shire. The current European refugee crisis makes us all realize we can do more to support people fleeing disaster and upheaval. Nobody leaves their home to live elsewhere easily.
Along with others, I would work to support refugees to visit and hopefully in the longer term choose to stay and live in our shire. Many agencies, including council, health, faith and community services and individuals, would work together to provide the necessary housing, employment and social and emotional support for this small number of newcomers, perhaps a few families, without reducing existing services. I applaud the offer of Bateman’s Bay Chamber of Commerce with their firm offer of several employment positions. Our fabulous area, that I now call home, can do this welcome well. And we all would gain from the increased vitality and diversity newcomers, including refugees, would bring to Eurobodalla and the region.
Meg Selman, Narooma