The 100th edition of the holiday guide says: "The Narooma area is rapidly becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in NSW. Known as the Nature Coast because of its pristine golden beaches, its spectacular blue lakes, inlets and rivers and mountain scenery it is one of the few unspoilt natural beauty spots."

Nature lovers would agree with this description, while fearing our reputation as the Nature Coast is being threatened by climate change , deforestation, and development.

Under the administration of the current council, trees are being cut down, animal habitats destroyed, and fishing zones extended for the immediate financial gain of farmers, developers and fishermen, with little or no regard for scientists' warnings of the damage being done to native flora and fauna in a fragile coastal eco-system.

Is it really wise to be encouraging even more expenditure on tourism when so much of our natural environment is at risk? According to a recent (August 28) editorial in The Sydney Morning Herald: "Nature is losing the battle against pollution, human population, growth, agriculture and climate change."

Climate change denial could be added as another obstacle to be overcome in the Eurobodalla Shire, where the majority of councillors will not even acknowledge its seriousness, let alone take climate change into consideration when making expenditure decisions that could take the nature out of the "nature coast".

It would seem that Roads and Maritime Services are now counting cars using Centenary Drive as they try to build the case to close the right-hand turn for people wanting to access Bar Beach and the busiest boat ramp servicing Montague Island.

This is a disgrace.

They have installed their counting equipment at the quietest time of the year in Narooma and will no doubt justify their decision to close the road to traffic from the south based on "it has a low number of traffic movements".

What a sneaky, sly way to gauge traffic volumes on that road.

Rather than treat the Narooma people like fools, why don't RMS fix the intersection by providing a slip lane northbound on the highway?

After all, it would only cost a mere fraction of the money being spent "gold plating" roads in Sydney.

How about the RMS hierarchy treats us with a bit more respect?

The members of the Dalmeny-Kianga Rural Fire Brigade invite you to participate and assist in celebrating our Open Day as part of our "NSW Rural Fire Service Get Ready Weekend" to be held at the Mort Avenue Fire Station on September 8.

There will be a free sausage sizzle, entertainment for the kids and a community education stand.

The station will open from 8am and the community is invited to inspect the facility and equipment.

Members will be on hand to assist with any inquiries regarding the service, or should you wish to inquire about becoming a volunteer.

Come along, and help us celebrate the day.

See you there.