Fire's fishing crisis
I would like to draw your attention to the fishing industry crisis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
My son owns the Rathlin 11 charter boat and has not had a charter since New Year's Day. As you are aware all of the businesses in the town of Merimbula rely on the tourist season to get through the winter months. The fishing businesses bring in a huge amount of tourists to the area from all parts of NSW, Canberra and Vistoria and they all book accommodation, eat at the local restaurants and go to the clubs and the like. This loss has impacted on the local fishing shops as well.
I would like to thank your paper for keeping us informed with all of the news happening regarding the fires.
Kristine Martin, Tura Beach
Insurance payout
What I am about to say may not be popular with some, but needs to be addressed. Once again taxpayers will be covering some cost for those people who don't pay for insurance. Why does the government keep handing it out if people make that decision.
It was not long ago that the proposal to have fire insurance included in our rates which would ensure every property was covered was voted down. In light of the recent and ongoing fires I think legislation should be introduced to make insurance compulsory.
Gary Gilchrist, Tura Beach
Plan for businesses
Businesses owners in Merimbula found these government announced programs have limited impacts for small businesses recovery while it is appreciated. We need far more than that.
Our appeal is backed by Merimbula, Tathra, Pambula and Bermagui Business Chambers that represent more than 350 businesses in this region.
We proposed a recovery plan that we know will work for us (small businesses on the Far South Coast). It is a bold request, yet it is practical, achievable and promising a tangible result. It requires less dollars but a much better result versus what has been announced by the government so far.
In short, the economic impacts of the bushfire affected areas will be far greater than property loss. A foreseeable second wave of irreversible economic disaster is coming if these recovery efforts are not well-managed. The authorities must acknowledge that a dramatic solution is required for this "unprecedented" disaster to effectively mitigate the potential economic crash.
Robby Robertson - Top Lake Boat Hire Merimbula
Peter McCarthy - Sunset Kiosk Merimbula
Allan Hsiao - SummerHill Motor Inn Merimbula
We'll never forget
During the weekend of January 4-5 Eden was threatened by bushfires. The situation was dire with very limited resources to fight the fires coming from an already stretched local RFS.
Over this period I was accommodated and provided for at the Merimbula RSL evacuation centre. Any town rivalries previously felt melted away. The RSL staff, local volunteers and services, provided us all with the highest levels of compassion and care.
As more Eden residents poured into the centre early in the evening, following the evacuation of the Eden Fishermen's Club firstly, and later the wharf, the support provided did not flag in any way. Everyone was welcome, registered, found a space, fed and made to feel as comfortable as possible in this space. Nothing was too much to ask for from the staff and service personnel who must have been stressed and fatigued themselves.
Eden people do not forget. We will remember your generosity of heart and the shelter you gave us all during this bushfire emergency. On behalf of all Eden residents who spent those days and nights at the Merimbula RSL evacuation centre I shout out "thank you ".