I have never, in my life, come across a series of councillors who have such avid determination to negatively impact one section of their community. Their dedication, perseverance and persistence with this intent could be legendary.

Yes, once again, the residents of Wolumla, especially in the vicinity of Frogs Hollow, are to be the target group for the next industrial brainwave. And where is our local voice protecting our lifestyle? Seemingly fully behind those introducing the next axe through our rural existence. 

The crematorium? Had to be in Wolumla because…? 

The Central Waste Facility? Had to be in Wolumla as it’s the centre of the shire and the affected residents could just be the sacrificial lambs for the benefit of the rest. Oh, hang on a minute. Let’s renege on our original agreement of the CWF being a standalone project and throw in the NBN! 

Yes, NBN satellite dishes certainly fit in well with the rural landscape and acreage of refuse. Very attractive, really. And, as the residents already have to put up with the CWF, what does it really matter? 

Did I forget to mention that, after all was said and done, the CWF applicants ‘forgot’ to factor in waste management on a public holiday timetable, so that local residents are now subjected to the CWF operating not just on weekends but  public holidays as well? Who needs a pleasant Christmas if you’re not in the parts of the Bega Shire that matter?

Upgrade Merimbula airport? Yes, but make sure those massive trucks come the back way through Wolumla because we don’t want the ‘residents’ being impacted by noise so early in the morning.

But the latest brainwave is the use of Frogs Hollow airport as a training ground for Chinese student pilots. Yes, you read correctly. Chinese student pilots! 10 squadrons of 36 students each, multiplied by 40 hours in flight training time, per intake. I’d like to say words fail me – however, apparently they don’t. 

What fails me is the understanding of any of our councillors who continue to wreak havoc with a targeted slice of their community under the guise of ‘improvement’ and ‘progress’.  As if we haven’t had enough already.

Once again, everything we hold dear is threatened. How many times must you target us before it’s sufficient?

Maybe there’s just more land in Wolumla than there is in China? I mean, why else would they have to come here to learn to fly planes? Obviously, China isn’t big enough.  Luckily though, Wolumla is now globally known as the place to put all the bits nobody else wants. 

Yes, councillors – for this to even be considered by you, consistency is certainly your strong point.

Beth Smith

Wolumla