While I applaud the attempt to engage public debate, I think it also needs to be said that council needs to have vision and we must have shovel ready, approved plans if we ever want to secure major grants in the future for projects that will make the Shoalhaven an even better place to live, work, stay and play.

No one is suggesting council put up all the cash and no one is suggesting it’s all going to come about straight away – it might be a staged approach.

The point is we must have plans and I think it’s really sensible to move towards regional sporting facilities. It is simply not feasible to have 49 pools, football grounds, etc. I, for one, am really excited about the prospect about all my kids potentially being able to do their sports in the one place on quality facilities, with parking (and coffee).

I look forward to hearing what the wider public has to say on this issue as well throughout the exhibition process.

The new Kangaroo Valley sewerage works remains a blight on our valley's scenic beauty. Viewed from above the valley floor, it presents as a huge black cesspit. I recently requested that Shoalhaven Water plant some screening trees. It has rejected this modest proposal on the following grounds; no request for screening trees was made during the planning stage, there is no budget for planting any trees, tree leaves might block the drainage channels. 

These are such ridiculous excuses for inaction, that I feel compelled to alert the community to the attitudes that Shoalhaven Water has to our environment, and to its neighbours.

I am shocked and flabbergasted at the  lack of empathy for society and environment shown by the NSW Premier and his party and their complete disregard for the fact of climate change. For me it indicates  that they are dangerous psychopaths; people to be trusted by nobody.

P. Nicholas, Nowra

As a wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator I attended the recent Nowra community consultation on the NSW government's draft biodiversity and land clearing legislation.

I am deeply concerned about the possible effects of these proposed laws.

Our much loved wildlife needs trees for homes and food.

The primary threat to biodiversity is habitat destruction and these new laws will only make it easier to clear habitat.

The scariest thing is the NSW government has no idea how much clearing will occur as a result of its changes to land clearing laws and this is just not acceptable.

We need trees to cope with drought and ensure a good water cycle for our farmlands. Our wildlife needs all the help it can get.

So Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten, you want our votes. Here is why you will not be getting mine.

The 33 coffins with the remains of fallen Australian serviceman being carried down the ramp of a plane in  majestic ceremonial fashion and neither the above two were there to witness and honour their return.

You failed to observe the actions required of the last two lines of the Ode played each night in our RSLs: we will remember them and lest we forget.

Not much of either was on display that day by both parties. If you are there when we send our troops off then be there when they come home. We will remember you and we will not forget your disrespect.