Seedlings and signs in a state of confusion
In a recent exchange of emails between council, through its general manager and a responsible community group, the role the public is allowed to play in beautifying and protecting our coastal foreshores and other parks, reserves and highways and byways is now enshrined.
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It has been stated on behalf of council that it is not illegal for people to go onto public land and plant seedlings.
The type and quantity of such seedlings is not in any way constrained. Further there is no particular restriction on the public land in question – it would seem that all public land is open.
It can be ocean foreshore land, parks and reserves, playing fields, roadside verges, the lot.
Now while there may not be a necessary hankering for such actions across the broad community there may indeed be pockets of us that are inclined to getting out our wheelbarrows and getting to it.
If so then get into with a will with council’s benign blessing.
What is not made so abundantly clear in the messaging is the legal right to go onto public land and to remove older seedlings.
Perhaps that is in the system somewhere but it has not been clarified.
Also contained in this correspondence is a set of protocols for erecting what some would consider illegal signage.
The rules of the game are that a group of people can erect a sign of their choice in any location and stand around said sign and if inclined take a selfie.
Now provided that when asked they all deny any involvement in any action to erect the sign then that will sufficient for council to let the matter rest.
These are indeed gloriously open times when in days gone by we may have been a shade fearful of consequences for such actions as outlined above. But no longer with these more community friendly views that abound.
Hallelujah!!
P. Dean, Cambewarra
Showground a mess
As ratepayers and users of the Showground and Ben's Walk we are disgusted by the manner in which the commune has been allowed to develop at the showground.
Before we are accused of being heartless or elitist we are involved with the support of people in need.
We do not need to dilate on any of the unsavoury incidents which have occurred, suffice it to say kids going to gymnastics at the showground should not have to develop a sense of acceptance of such an untidy and unruly mess.
If council has vested control over the showground it should exercise that control as it has in the past and find a solution.
RM & JM Baker, Nowra
Egos put on hold
On the political scene we have a do nothing Prime Minister and Federal Government dominated by right wing dinosaurs whose purpose is to frustrate the process of social change and promote division and hate within the community based on race.
We have a state conservative government which creates roads that turn into car parks during peak periods and is selling off state owned assets including our public hospitals.
The only bright spot on the political scene for us in the Shoalhaven is the election of Greens councillors and mayor.
At last we have fresh young people, who have a practical balance between development and the environment.
Despite the difficulties our Mayor Amanda Findley has had over eight years dealing with the council's old guard she will lead a greatly united team to serve the people of the area.
Let’s hope that all our elected councillors can put away their egos and work together for the benefit of all Shoalhaven residents and ratepayers.
