Firstly, as we are all aware the Shoalhaven is an area with significant home ownership. Unfortunately, in relation to this initiative, many of these properties are owned by individuals who live outside of the area. Therefore, the $300 payment will be directed to individuals who live outside the Shoalhaven catchment area. Inevitably the $300 will be spent outside the Shoalhaven.

Secondly, the payment is being given to ratepayers. This means people who are renting and often the most financially challenged are not gaining any benefit at all. Which makes this $300 payment regressive and inequitable. Thirdly, if someone owns four properties they will receive $1200. Those whose need is least will benefit most. Again highly inequitable.

If council is genuine about stimulating the economy of the Shoalhaven area I am sure there are better ways to do it than this poorly conceived initiative.

Being a resident of Manly, and being familiar with the work of the Royal Far West here in Manly, I was interested to read about the extent of their reach into areas beyond our sunny, seaside location.

If reconciliation starts by listening and sharing stories with each other what better way to facilitate that than through the SWAY program this article covered. The use of local Aboriginal language and yarns forms the perfect base for both mutual understanding and connections to form.

And starting young when ideas of identify and competence in the hearts and minds of both Aboriginal and non Indigenous children are evolving, this program is ticking lots of boxes.

I was thrilled to read about! And much encouraged about the future of our country.

I am appalled by the proposed multi million dollar development at Huskisson and I don't even live in the area.

How is it that it in Australia the whole coastline seems to be up for grabs,and the source of profits for developers at the expense of the quiet amenity of residents, wildlife and the environment?

Fact is, there is already too much development along Australia's coastline and what remains should be left as it is - indeed with three small fibro houses and a backyard coffee shop.

The end effect of such developments is always the same - the area is eventually spoiled, all in the interests of a handful of greedy people.

My plea is that this quiet corner of natural beauty is left well alone as is and not turned into an eyesore.

This development of the Huskisson motel is far too big for this area even if screened by bushland. More importantly the height of the buildings is questionable. pedestrian and road traffic will be increased and saftey will be compromised significantly. A big rethink by council and ratepayer input should be considered before progressing to the next stage.

New tenants of the proposed Huskisson development will be disappointed that there is a growing lack of shopping facilities here. Huskisson does not have a supermarket, no newsagent, no clothing or shoe shops. Similarly Nowra is losing shops right and left. So it is getting back to the old days, when we had to go to Sydney for quality anything. Also no marina, which would be essential fo rich folk who have expensive boats.