The mayor, on the other hand, has declined our request for a face-to-face and re-issued the generic press release via one of her assistants.

We found this to be quite insulting.

Our next step will be to request meetings with individual councillors to see where that may lead.

Editor’s note: An incorrect phone number was previously listed for Mrs Kalnins. The correct number is 0412 001 455.

A lot has been said about the Batemans Bay Bridge over the years and the traffic turmoil it causes when it is raised for the local ferry to pass underneath.

The government, after years of lobbying, has agreed to build a new bigger and better bridge over the Clyde River, that it indicates will better serve users of the Princes Highway for some years to come.

The media releases you’ve associated yourself with claim 26 metre B-double road transports will be able to use the new bridge, suggesting that will result in the supply of goods by the Princes Highway more efficiently or economically, cheaper and possibly with less-large vehicle movements.

That’s a good outcome for the shire’s business and economy if that’s what actually occurs.

However, there are several other problems with the highway in the Eurobodalla Shire and the (projected) productive benefits or economic benefits associated with B-doubles. 

(There are) inadequacies associated with the present route. One of the problems is the Mogo Bridge; another the Narooma Bridge. The Moruya main street roundabout is a potential hazard for them as well.

How far south of Batemans Bay and north of Narooma do you expect B-doubles to travel efficiently and economically, knowing there are significant points of delivery and bridge problems, as well as road alignments?

What are you proposing between now and when the new bridge becomes operational to rectify those matters? 

Should we include the Clyde Mountain’s Kings Highway B-double issues as well?             

This week (National Volunteer Week, May 21-27) we’re saying a huge thank you to the people who take action and make our country a happier place.

Volunteering happens in all kinds of ways; like the simple act of sharing a social media post about supporting newly-arrived migrants which, when thousands of others share, can have a huge impact.

Other kinds of volunteering require a bigger commitment, like driving elderly isolated people to regular medical appointments and social outings, and can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals.

At Australian Red Cross, volunteers are a lot like our engine room; they support communities when natural disasters hit, make daily phone calls to isolated people, greet customers to our op shops, donate blood, and fundraise for us.

This week we’re celebrating not just our volunteers in New South Wales, but everyone who takes action to make our society stronger, more connected and supportive.

Thank you for your generosity and making New South Wales and Australia a better place.

Find out more about volunteering at redcross.org.au/volunteer