It is strange though that, despite other councillors' delegated memberships of various external bodies particularly those supposedly involved with transport, development and lobbying governments, the information now being sought remains seemingly unknown to them. One must wonder if our shire should continue to spend six figure sums annually on memberships and attendances at such bodies when such vital information appears to be neither already known nor being actively pursued by the current delegates.

We look forward to hearing the results of Clr Constable's initiative but I doubt much fruitful discussion will ensue analysing benefits of the memberships which, in the absence of accountability through public reports, can easily be perceived as merely providing certain councillors with opportunities to get away and enjoy meeting "the boys"...and maybe pursuing their own agendas.

Jeff de Jager

Coila

We regularly see stories in your publication that get people’s hackles up, but not since the charcoal plant have I heard the public so infuriated about an issue – the story on the major abalone bust in Sydney (Narooma News online).

Do John Brierley and Andrew Nye really expect the general public to buy that rubbish? This bloke has more than 3000 abalone, some undersized, with apparently no legal right to be trading in them and, now he’s been caught, supporters are playing the race card.

Most people these days recognize cultural heritage and accept the past and it’s only the system that holds up further progress, but this stuff just widens the gap again. I dive and there are regulations we all abide by simply to protect the environment itself and no one owns the resource but mother nature herself.

If traditional owners say they have the right because their forefathers were here first and yet we can’t, then is that not racism in itself? To call this bloke a martyr is an insult, as he is just another environmental vandal.

To say they should be able to take whatever they like is another insult to the environment. Mr Brierley states that his people are living in poverty and have bills to pay; so have all the broader community who get up every day and work their butts off, while others reap the benefits.

He states it’s ecologically sustainable to continue these practices. Where does that information come from? He also states that they will take this to the High Court. Who will pay for that? The wider community is sick to death of cultures hiding behind the race card every time it suits them.

You can’t go forward if you keep looking back.

During February, Eurobodalla Shire Council is surveying the community.

Your confidential answers will help develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan, required under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

In our community, nearly two and a half thousand people need help with core activities. That’s seven per cent of the population. It is estimated that 7,000 people or 19 per cent of our population are living with disability. 

Phone 4474 1264 for details.