There was a big turnout at a meeting last night on the far south coast of New South Wales for discussions to consider changing the area's energy use.
More than 400 people called for the Bega Valley Shire to commit to a target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2020.
The meeting was called by the Clean Energy for Eternity group, which was set up by Bega doctor Matthew Nott.
Dr Nott says he was delighted with the response to the meeting.
"People of the Bega Valley really do believe that we can make a difference in tackling climate change," he said.
"In getting such a big turnout last night, I think we are in an excellent position now to generate change, to change the way we think about energy in the Bega Valley and to also to hopefully influence other shires around the country to show that in a regional centre, you can make a difference."
Country mayors ask for federal and state help with water recycling
Tuesday, 22 August 2006. 07:25
The New South Wales Country Mayor's Association wants a new national funding agreement to improve water infrastructure and provide subsidies for recycling.
The association's chairman, Ballina Mayor Phil Silver, says inadequate water and sewerage systems are in need of urgent repair.
He says the mayors have called on the state and federal governments to begin negotiation with local governments for a new tripartite funding arrangement.
Councillor Silver, says while there is a push to be more responsible with water, the new systems and recycling are expensive.
"We're the ones that deliver it, we're the ones that cop it if it's not fair and it's not the right standard and we're also the ones that are left with all the grief in the community trying to pioneer these new systems," he said.
"The Commonwealth and the state want us to do it but we're expected to do it with zero funds."
He also says householders should not have to wear the costs through rates.
"The state and federal governments want us to pursue creative water methodologies but if the households connected to it have to pay for it entirely it will be too expensive for anyone to afford," he said.
The deputy Mayor of Griffith, Dino Zappacosta, agrees.
"As country councils we are facing the worst time in history in regards to looking after our water infrastructures and hence the question was asked, 'why can't we have a tripartite solution to the problem where the Federal Government makes it easier to give money with the states to local councils to upgrade their local water infrastructures?'" he said.
There has been a lot of talk about boat ramp fees for Merimbula in the past few weeks. With a number of views put forward in the Merimbula News Weekly. I, for one, agree with what seems to be a vast majority around town who are saying boat ramp fees are not the way forward for providing better facilities for the community.
How would one police who was paying and who wasn't? Employ another council worker to do this task? At the proposed fee of $5 per boat/ day this would hardly be cost effective. And the option of voluntary fees, well.... we know what would happen there!
If people are truly serious about fixing Merimbula's infrastructure woos they need to look towards the State and Federal Govts and research the availability of grants. From what I understand (correct me if I'm wrong!) the fantastic pontoon style jetty at Pambula was partially funded in this manner.
This is the way forward, not slugging locals and the ever declining tourist. Surely in the vast resource of our retired population, between games of golf and bowls there is someone out there who has the skilla and time to look into this for the lakes and Foreshore Commitee.
Opinion pieces are not neccessarily the opinion of The Bega Valley Network inc.
Great Living in the Bega Valley
A recent survey has been published showing that the Eden-Monaro electoral zone emcompassing the Bega Valley, and therefore Merimbula has the third best Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) score in NSW. Coming in behind the Richmond and Riverina electoral zones! And only by 0.01 and 0.1 respectively!
The survey, the national happiness scorecard was compiled by Robert Cummins, professor of psychology at Deakin University. The survey is based on how satisified people feel with seven areas of their lives; standard of living, health, realtionships, what they are achieving in life, safety, community connection and future security. With the Eden-Monaro coming out on top of the norm in five of seven and under in none of the above catergories!
I guess it's a case of tell us something we didn't allready know!
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