Each day, there are new aspirants wanting more money for whatever it is their spoilt, selfish little hearts desire. One time, this was a great country, for which the cream of our land laid down their lives to make it safe for we, the lucky ones, to remain. If you wanted a club house, you got together, collected money, while usually local businesses donated materials and members and others gave of their time and effort.

Not now; they yell, shout, march, even spit to get what they want from the microscopic pit of money (hang on ... there’s no pit of money, just the pit and the interest payments) left by our white-haired male and ginger-haired female Prime Minister of yesteryear.

The murders of innocent people in America by a lone gunman, who walked into a gun shop and purchased a semi-automatic weapon, reinforces we must not relax our gun laws here in Australia.  

Reject any party that wants to relax the laws in relation to gun control. As US President Obama says “this massacre is a reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon” and “ we have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be. To do nothing is a decision ”.

Vote carefully at the next federal election.  Ask candidates in the council elections if they support gun proliferation.

I wish to convey my strong opposition to Eurobodalla Shire Council's proposal (to rezone Melaleuca Park, Catalina).

There are only two small parks (as distinct from some larger foreshore parks ) within the Batemans Bay and Catalina precincts.

A recent attempt has been made to sell Albert Ryan Park for commercial development and now Melaleuca Park is under threat by a non-commercial educational entity. This proposed rezoning will divide and consume at least two thirds of this popular park, ultimately to the detriment and exclusion of residents.

Melaleuca Park is well cared for, flat and pedestrian friendly for all age groups, unlike other nearby general community-use zoned public land.

I have concerns as to protocols that can allow any person or organization to make a grab for a public neighbourhood park, placing their own ambitions and needs ahead of the wider community expectations. The council appears to disregard the community value of small neighbourhood parks.

Why were the applicants not offered any of the other non-park areas of vacant, flat, cleared, cost-effective and serviced land currently zoned for general community use?

I am not disputing the credibility or validity of the Muddy Puddles group, but Melaleuca Park should not be rezoned for the construction of this facility. 

This proposal to rezone Melaleauca Park and to further grant a 30 year lease for development sets a dangerous precedent.