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All voices should be heard in the debate regarding whether the Eurobodalla should hold out a helping hand to people fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
The Bay Post/Moruya Examiner is receiving a passionate flow of letters from both sides of the debate and we can be sure many in between are weighing up their views.
Some are automatically saying Australia and the Eurobodalla have an obligation to help in any way we can. Others fear we would be importing a terrorist threat into our neighbourhoods. Still others point to the lack of affordable housing, jobs and infrastructure in our shire.
This argument carries weight: on every indicator, the Eurobodalla and many other regional areas fall short. We struggle for a fair share of the public health dollar, hospital beds, nursing numbers, community services and more. We need more jobs and more educational opportunities, better roads and public transport.
Here’s a thought: what if we could help solve both issues – taking our share of refugees displaced in a theatre of the world in which we remain a military player – while also boosting our own regional economy?
Australia’s post-World War II economy was boosted precisely through a wave of refugee settlement, coupled with a serious infrastructure push. One only has to look at the Snowy Hydro Scheme to see the results.
A growing population puts pressure on regional areas – particularly areas where our economy depends on natural resources – but can also kick start a sluggish economy.
The concerns of those who fear a future home-grown terrorist threat should not be dismissed – all security checks should be carried out – but would it not be a wonderful outcome if we could hold out a helping hand and also help ourselves?
A serious conversation should begin at all levels of government - involving as many in the community as possible – on how the Eurobodalla could reinvent itself economically with a major development project.
Another sector worth considering is food production. Migrants have always been the backbone ofAustralia’s market garden economy – something our region leads the way on.
Offering security to those in need, whilst ensuring our own food security, would be a home-grown meal worth sharing.