Greg Ferguson convened a public meeting, attended by more than 100 local residents, to hear what the developer was proposing. It was clear the overwhelming majority of people either didn’t want the supermarket development at all or at least wanted it to reflect the character of the town. The developer on the night declared he was willing to amend the design to make it sympathetic to the Heritage style of the town, he also stated he would be willing to accept changes or conditions of consent to provide connectivity to the town centre. It appears these things have not been reflected in the DA before Council. To Council’s credit, it deferred making a decision on the DA pending an onsite meeting to address some concerns. Let’s hope that the changes the developer had agreed to make are high on the Council’s agenda to ensure they are addressed.

As far Angela Georges rant is concerned, I accept that it had nothing to do with the fact that she is closely related to the people who own the land!

Fraser Buchanan, commercial property owner Pambula

There is a growing consensus in the medical/dental community that fluoride has little - or even no – benefit when it comes to preventing dental cavities and is potentially very harmful to children.

The fluoride added to town water is based on industrial or fertilizer toxic waste. The most effective way to have healthy teeth is good nutrition, diligent oral hygiene and regular dental care. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics data show that more than half of Australian kids between 6 and 10 have tooth decay; Australia has the fastest-growing rate of obesity in the world; and almost half of Australian kids are overweight or obese. This is due to the high consumption of sugar. How is the addition of a potentially harming residue in the town water supposed to fix the damage? 

Bernard Lagarenne, Merimbula

I am responding to Ron Finneran’s letter (“MNW” - 29th June) that disapproved of me speaking about the Pambula Beach disabled ramp’s safety concerns.

I was asked by the journalist to have an interview and bring in dangerous pieces of the ramp. I acknowledged that the ramp was “a wonderful idea” and that “most of us take for granted the opportunity to use the beach”. The newspaper was contacted because those who use Pambula Beach needed to be alerted that the ramp poses serious safety concerns for swimmers and boat users with its brick-size, broken pieces with jagged edges, protruding screws and its capacity to float and be catapulted in waves. Two people have been struck by the ramp. Surely Ron would agree the public has a right to be made aware of such concerns. 

Ron stated that it would have been more effective if I’d worked with the shire. Unbeknown to Ron, I spoke to the shire’s Leisure and Recreation Co-ordinator, Justin Welsford, a month ago. I expressed the dismay of many surf club captains, over a 20m section being left on the beach despite king tides and the prediction of 15–17ft surf. Mr Welsford was informed about the shire causing massive plastic pollution, with some pieces as small as a coin. I outlined safety concerns and suggested to him that Pambula Beach was unsuitable, with the ramp having escaped three times in six weeks. He did not point me to the Access Committee.

Ron wanted me to be more helpful. I had already done that, including picking up pieces of the ramp on a daily basis.

Greg Ferguson, Pambula Beach