On March 24 I voted against accepting a 29-page response, prepared by Eurobodalla Shire Council staff, addressing the terms of reference of the NSW Government inquiry into the 2019/20 bushfires.
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My objection was that it was almost completely dismissive of the impact of climate change as a causal or influencing factor in the emergency recently experienced by our community.
My first awareness of the content of this response was but one day prior to it being published on the agenda for the meeting of March 24. As I declared at that meeting, I will write my own submission to the inquiry and am grateful that it need not now be rushed, given the new deadline of April 17. This welcome news was provided via the NSW Government website and confirmed after I contacted the agency responsible.
Cr Pat McGinlay
Okay, we got through the fires, the floods and now we have the virus.
We are in this together; again. We are dealing with unprecedented change. As a member of the local RSL and as a former Infantry soldier, I am sad to see ANZAC day cancelled. At a recent RSL executive meeting we explored options to at least do something on the special day. At the SES we are looking at how we continue to serve within the current restrictions. Even at the council we are looking at how we conduct our meetings.
We know, from the fires, that we are a resilient lot. Yet with social distancing, we will be challenged as the hand shake and the hug and back rub are put on the bench. Social distancing does not preclude kindness, a phone call, a smile, an act of generosity, a text message, The quality of our response is so important.
At Woolies in Moruya I was fortunate enough to buy an eight-pack of toilet paper. It felt like I had backed a winner. Times, they are a changing. Yet I have the privilege to live in our beautiful shire and to be a local councillor. So, in these "interesting" times of challenge and opportunity, what questions do you have for us as a council?
Stay well and wash your hands.