Never mind that the rocks, particularly at the north end, are a natural barrier to those who might choose to "flout the law". Never mind that the vast majority of non-dog people don't frolic at the southern end rocks but the Pambula River Mouth beach.

There might be 13 places to walk your dog off-lead, but these areas represent less than one per cent (yes get out a map and look) of our coastline. Dogs are friends and companions to 40 per cent of Australian families and I believe those families (and their dogs) deserve better.

Once again it would appear the Bega Valley Shire Council has acted without any community consultation or consideration of local ratepayers.

As pointed out very well by Nicholas Roberts in last week's paper, the decision to close dog access to this area dramatically affects the lifestyle of many local residents who often daily visit this area to walk their dog, and have done so over many, many years.

It is also relevant that we believe the Poynton family, who live at the river beach access point, actually have title to the beach front up to the water line, and own various buildings on the beach itself.

Even the rock wall and path to access this up-river area was apparently built and paid for by the Poynton family.

Does the council have the right to close off beach area if it is privately owned?

Over many years John Poyton told us he was happy for us to use this area for walking our dog.

The council needs to rethink this decision, engage and survey the local community and reconsider its purpose, to serve the community.

This is outrageous, as a ratepayer why should we foot the increase? Why not increase the entrance fees as many people who use the pools are not ratepayers? It's financially crippling for senior ratepayers.

It's time to close the pools if they can't support themselves. The poor pensioners are doing it tough enough now trying to pay their rates.

As the weather heats up (and it's not even summer yet!) we need to remember our canine companions, who often suffer more than we do during high temperatures.

Most people know now not to leave dogs in hot cars, in which the temperature on a warm day can rise to 40 degrees in five minutes. Yet still police and motorist organisations are rescuing hundreds of dogs every year from this agonising fate. People are often unaware that parking in the shade and with your windows down doesn't make much difference to the temperature inside your car.

A less-known danger is faced by dogs who are tied up in yards without access to shade and water. Dogs should be kept inside in the cool but, if they must be left outside, The RSPCA have appealed to people to secure their gardens rather than use tethers, ensure there is always an area of shade as the sun shifts around the garden, and always to have two to three containers of water available, in case one gets knocked over.

If you see an animal in distress, please call the police or the RSPCA.