'Simple query, no answer'
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I have one simple question - will the Liberal National Coalition equal or better the commitment of $25 million by the ALP towards capital development of the new Eurobodalla hospital? I was not allowed to ask this question on a recent teleconference with the Prime Minister and my question is now blocked on social media.
Simple question - no answer.
Dr Michael Holland, One Eurobodalla Hospital campaign
Upset at tree felling
I want to share an event which took place in Nelligen yesterday, May 7.
I was walking my dogs in the morning when I noticed heavy machinery had moved in to prepare an area on the western side of the Clyde River, which had been purchased by the Eurobodallal Shire Council for overflow parking.
The manager of the site asked me not to walk my dogs through that area as they needed to remove "a couple" of trees. So far so good. We all realised they may need to remove one or two trees to accommodate better access.
When I returned from town at about 3pm, I looked with horror at the site where 18 well-grown leylandii fir trees had stood in the morning. All had been cut down and made into mulch and this morning the two remaining Chinese elms had been removed. I know they are not native trees and that some had to go, but 20 trees, 18 of which were healthy specimens, in two days?
With a bit of thought, planning and discussion, I am sure at least 12 of these trees could have remained to provide shelter and protection for numerous birds and shade for the cars belonging to the people who enjoy water sports on the river, particularly in summer.
From a quick ask around, none of the local villagers were aware of the destruction about to occur.
Anne Spencer, Nelligen
Editor's note: A Eurobodalla Shire Council spokesperson said: "The trees were removed as part of the first stage of construction of a new car park at Nelligen Boat Ramp. Recognising the importance of marine infrastructure facilities to the community, the council has in recent years constructed a new ramp, pontoon, and existing boat parking at Nelligen, with the assistance of grants funding. Phase two of this project is to construct parking, due to the ramp's heavy use on weekends and other peak periods. The council has been working with the Nelligen Progress Association on the much-needed project for some time. The council purchased the Wharf Street block of land for the purpose of the car park upgrade. The bulk of the trees removed were cypress pines planted by the previous owner. In order for the community to get the most benefit from the site and maximise the space, the trees were required to be removed. Once the car park project is complete, the project will include new landscaping."
Hugs not so free
On a beautiful Sunday morning, I decided to conduct a social experiment: "Would giving free hugs make people happy?"
I've lived in the Bay for five years and moved away three years ago to Canberra for university. I could have easily conducted this experiment in Canberra, but thought the South Coast would be a better place with "nicer people" who would be happily involved.
As I stood in Stockland with my sign "FREE HUGS", a lot of people came up to me and asked me why I was doing it and let me give them a hug.
The smiles on people's faces were everything I had hoped for. The experiment was going really well and just as I thought "wow! this is really working", a security officer approached me: "Sorry to burst your bubble of happiness, but this is a private property and you can't be doing that here."
As I write this a few hours after the unfolding of the event, I still haven't wrapped my head around it. Giving hugs to people and making them happy: how is doing that not allowed? I was shocked and confused as I wasn't asking for any money or doing any advertising. I still don't understand why I wasn't allowed to do what I was doing and why the shopping centre, being a private property but a public space, had the right to restrict me from making people happy. Right now, I feel really deflated and disappointed that I was asked to leave the centre and stop giving people hugs. Maybe, I should have asked for permission? Maybe I should have paid a fee to stand there and give hugs? Either way, this is, to me, a perfect reflection of what has become Batemans Bay; a town that restricts creativity, spontaneity and happiness.
Pauline Siteaud, Maloneys Beach
Editor's note: The shopping centre was approached for comment on this letter.