Mayoral mega byte
I wish to express my concern regarding the transparency of many government departments, puppet political leadership and out of control bureaucratic departments. Together with the downgrading of local investigative journalism many important public issues are escaping under the radar. The financial transparency of the Eurobodalla Council is no exception! I addressed the council in October 2015 concerning some $30 millions as proceeds from assets sales and purchase of assets to the value $64.444 million dollars. No explanation was offered at that meeting from the mayor, GM or councillors .This issue is considered of great importance as upon questioning the council failed to acknowledge if these figures were subjected to an independent external or internal audit. The figures were amongst many others that were publicly displayed during the exhibition period to justify rate increases and that the council was “Fit for the Future”. My concerns were also expressed to the local member prior to Christmas. I hung up my “Santa sock” and “Easter Bunny pillow” in expectation of a ministerial or mayoral minute. Pillow and sock remain empty! Following follow-up public addresses, the GM, Mayor Brown and audit committee members, Burnside and Schwartz, all remained silent. No satisfactory explanation regarding the validity of multimillion dollar figures asked nine months ago have been given. They vehemently deny having sold the council chambers for $30 million but have not denied the purchase of several retirement villages in case of being declared “Not Fit for the Future”. Suddenly figures have been “doctored “ and changed by millions. Is that notorious “Eurobodalla mega byte” gobbling up the missing millions? Disturbingly, if ESC figures are incorrect, IPART’s decision cannot be reversed. The Minister should request an immediate forensic investigation into Eurobodalla Council figures before any rate rise is approved.
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Peter Bernard, Dalmeny.
Give a greyhound a home
The news that greyhound racing will be banned in NSW and the ACT is most welcome. As Premier Mike Baird said, this industry is responsible for the unnecessary slaughtering of tens of thousands of healthy dogs. Now that the industry has been given notice to close down, the fate of thousands more is uncertain. The government must ensure that the greyhound racing industry stops all breeding programmes immediately in order to make certain that there are not even more dogs in need of "forever homes". Over the next year, any money earmarked for building or renovating tracks should be reallocated to promote desexing and dog-adoption programmes. Greyhounds are gentle, friendly dogs who love nothing better than human company, a kind word and a loving touch. If you are thinking of taking a new companion into your home, a greyhound, or any shelter dog, will offer loyalty and affection. Please don’t buy a dog from a breeder and sentence one of these beautiful animals to an early death; adopt a companion and offer him or her, and yourself, many years of joy and love.
Desmond Bellamy, PETA Australia.
Election looms, groups form
Meet, greet and share a treat at the Muffin Shop, Mossy Point with a fresh, new, dynamic group for the upcoming council elections.
The objective of the group is to represent you, address your needs with integrity and resolve and build trust between council and community. All are welcome. Come along and share your ideas and concerns on Saturday, July 31 at 3pm. For further information, ring Suzanne 0431 486 617.
Community Voice Eurobodalla.
Citizen’s Jury
Appears the response to the Citizen’s Jury invitations has been poor to date. Why weren't those who received invitations jumping through hoops to register? Not a hard question to answer, is it?
Allan Brown, Catalina.