Coming the raw prawn
I was shocked to find raw green prawns from China for sale in a South Coast supermarket (see photo above).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This is high risk for our prawn industry, due to potential contamination of our estuaries with various diseases such as white spot in prawns. It is cheaper to buy a few of these prawns at the supermarket for bait, rather than Australian bait, put some on a hook and throw into a waterway for fishing. There is a sign on the price label "not to be used as bait”, which is absurd if this is what our government Quarantine Authority considers front-line defence in biosecurity for Australian waterways.
The useless sign also gives people the idea of using the prawns as bait. Freezing or chilling any meat product does not kill viruses or bacteria; they just go to sleep and wake up in one of our rivers ready to multiply and contaminate local marine life. There has already been expensive closures of prawn farms on the North Coast due to white spot disease. It is especially dangerous to our agricultural industry to import any raw meat/egg/dairy product (also fruit and vegetables).
Our government has a vital role to protect Australian agriculture. I have contacted federal and state MPs requesting an immediate ban on the import of green prawns.
Gary Smith, Tuross Head
Bridge too far
Eurobodalla Shire Council contracted bridge builders to replace the bridge over Candlagan Creek on Beach Road.
The structure was completed in fine style and looks set to stand for a long time. We all benefited from the wisdom of the builders in ignoring much of the advice offered by council engineers. The council finished with unrolled gravel on tar at both ends of the bridge, so we all got the spray we deserved. The road at the north end was uncooperative and had to be reworked a number of times, giving contractors and workers regular employment.
Some months back, the council re-surfaced, again with unrolled gravel on tar, the stretch of George Bass Drive between the Tomaga River and Annetts Parade. It had to be re-done shortly after – on the second occasion a roller was used. While this appeared an utter debacle, it kept many workers happy.
The resurfacing stopped where it should have started. The short road between Annetts Parade and the bridge remains in worse condition than the resurfaced piece. The lumps and bumps and excitement as we cross from Annetts Parade make it worthwhile, especially as the speed limit is 100kph and it’s a semi-blind corner.
A few days ago, the council resurfaced Beach Road at both ends of the bridge - with unrolled loose gravel on tar. Pedestrians especially are blessed to duck and weave amongst the shrapnel. Pushbikers can ride within the firmer tracks made by motor vehicles or take their chances in the gravel. The short piece that needed substantial work was ignored. The council has again put a patch over a dangerous and recurring pothole. This will require continuing attention and should be a valuable source of employment.
Clive Banson, Mossy Point
More, not less
Until we have paved footpaths, the beach is the safest place to walk our dogs.
There are only a few places where you can walk without having to constantly cross the road to find a safe path. The main roads are clear examples. George Bass Drive, a new road, doesn’t have pedestrian paths, and the road narrows with Armco around impassable creek crossings, forcing walkers on to unsafe roads. How can residents walk dogs in such conditions? The beach is free of traffic, relatively flat, accessible to all and utilised by dog walkers. Why change? Does the council think residents can’t understand Time Share? We need more beach access, not less.