We face three huge impacts on lives, homes, and business: accelerating climate change, winds and storm surges; bushfire destruction of lives and property; and a global pandemic.

This is no time for dog luxuries. All pets can run free within their own property.

In public areas, dogs, cats, goats, horses or other companion animal can exercise on a leash or tether under real control (owners must remove faeces).

Council is already over generous to dogs with pristine beach areas as "off leash" - threatening native wildlife, other animals, and humans.

Further luxuries for dogs are not an emergency.

Use proper budget process to prioritise proposals, remembering that we have homeless people (from bushfires and long-term), we need refuges from domestic violence, we have established priority needs in all areas of the city, we have COVID revenue stripping which will impact on service delivery for years to come.

If there is need, which can be justified, raise funds through due process from a levy on dog owners, or a levy on property development for each specific area.

Wollongong Council did a review in 2014 of the provision of dog activity parks and financial cost of set up was some $53,000 as well as yearly operational costs of some $18,000 per annum.

This report was provided to Shoalhaven Council as part of a proposal for a dog park and cycling track at Bernie Regan Sporting Complex as an alternative to the archery proposal for which council had apparently set aside funding.

I would suggest that a cycling track and dog park at Bernie Regan would meet with very strong community support and the cost very reasonable.

I have observed that the current placement of barriers is directing students away from the intersection of St Vincent and South streets, Ulladulla. The problem is that students treat the crossing area as if it was a normal pedestrian crossing even though it is not marked as such. I have noticed many will walk across in front of cars expecting them to stop and most do but I have also noticed the frustration of drivers as students disrespect the driver, casually walking along, sometimes looking at their phones.

This situation will only be alleviated with the installation of lights which gives a clear indication as to when to stop and go for all parties. They will also make it much safer for the buses turning right at the intersection.

Recently I had the honour of joining with veterans from the Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch for a service to honour the sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans, National Service personnel, Korean War veterans, and to recognise the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II.

I was also delighted to present a special commemorative medallion and certificate to our local living World War II veterans.

These medals are an important symbol to recognise the service of our World War II veterans.

They are now available to every living veteran on the South Coast to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.

World War II veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply by contacting my office on 4423 1782 or emailing Fiona.Phillips.MP@aph.gov.au.

Thank you to all our remarkable veterans and serving Australian Defence Force members for protecting us.