Letters to the editor - May 10, 2017

The tree species referred to as being preferred by koalas in the article can be found throughout the Bega and Eurobodalla shires. Koalas are only found in a relatively small area of the shires, which have these trees.

If one were to believe that koalas will benefit by planting trees outside of the small area they occupy, one would also seem to require a belief that the planted trees or spread seeds (should they grow), will be somehow special, relative to all the other trees.

Added to this is the uncertainty about the NPWS approach to managing actual koala habitat; in particular, the recent large burn engulfing forests with recent koala records in the Murrah Flora Reserve.

Putting aside the potential that koalas could have been injured or killed, there is also the potential that the area of suitable habitat has been reduced. So I look forward to the outcomes of work confirming koalas still occupy the burned area.

The new Moruya Red Door Theatre launched its first production to a full house in Moruya. The night was a real celebration of community theatre.  A night made possible by the work of many hands. 

A big shout out to the actors, who also formed the committee and put in many hours behind the scenes in set construction, painting, promoting and so forth.  Starting a new theatre group from scratch meant that we needed all hands on deck.  The success of the play is testimony to the vibrant arts and culture scene we have in the Eurobodalla.

Thank you to our community and sponsors whose support and patronage has been wonderful.  And of course, to our very first director, Linda Heald, of Narooma, congratulations.  For those interested in being involved in our next production keep an eye out on our Moruya Red Door Theatre Facebook page.

Is Barnaby Joyce the worst Minister for Agriculture in Australian history? Virtually everything he does has the potential to harm, rather than assist agriculture.

Foremost is his total denial of climate change, the most significant problem facing our food producers.

This stance is exacerbated by his constant criticism of renewable energy resources and vociferous support for coal mining and the like. He recently encouraged farmers to allow fracking on their land despite the known risks to freshwater quality.

Indeed, he appears hell bent on increasing carbon emissions, not reducing them. His other sins include throwing scientists at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority into total disarray by forcibly transferring them from Canberra to Armidale (a classic case of pork-barreling).

His petulant performance on a recent ABC Lateline program in criticising Westpac for publicly stating their intent to not provide finance for the Adani coalmine was shameful. Primary producers would fare better without this clown.

Australia’s volunteers are unsung heroes and this month we celebrate their contribution.

It is National Volunteer Week and so we’re using this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who make our society stronger. 

Together we can dramatically boost the power of good.