Productivity now a pipe dream
Congratulations to Albo referred to by the Chinese leadership as the handsome boy. The result was anticipated but not to the extent of the swing. The Liberals left with not much hair on top, but another three or possibly six years under present regime will create an enormous black hole for the country to climb out of. A special congratulation to our local rep Pat Conahan, a family man, a solid credible individual, just one of every National seat in the country to be returned. But of course, the best intentions of whoever is in power can be thwarted by whoever holds the balance of power in the senate. Country Australia once the backbone of our great country is in decline. Urban growth, green hypocrisy plus this ever-increasing growth, (at enormous cost) in our unproductive workforce.
Our younger generation via our education system brainwashed even taught to be ashamed of our history. Even my own granddaughter on a drive to town asked me did I think my generation should apologise to the younger set for what we have left behind.
A recent comprehensive survey via our A.B.C. country program revealed that 30% of our fruit and vegie growers indicate that within one or two years they will be tossing it in. The vagaries of the weather, returns on their produce, labour costs if they can actually find employees, input costs and the big one, regulation and bureaucratic crap. Sad to realise that much of our younger generation have totally lost touch with the land and everything within and have scant knowledge of how or where our most essential item (food) comes from.
A pipe dream but imagine a farmer’s party competing with labour and their union masters. No produce without a 30% increase at the farm gate, 37-hour week,insurance, super, holiday pay, sick pay, long service etc etc. Food on the table would realise its true value. All fantasy stuff in to-days affluent society, but who knows that down the track we may be forced to fully appreciate the two basics tucker, and a roof over our head.
Darcy Browning 0266558539
We can do Better.
I was saddened and shocked with disbelief reading about the aerial shooting of 700 Koala’s in Victoria.
As I shake my head in disbelief and put my head in my hand to try and stop the images, I repeat to myself how could we do that to these wonderful creatures.
The devastating fires in Victoria have destroyed over 2200 hectares the Koalas had been caught in the tops of the trees, burnt, traumatised and now without food or water.
The government says the unprecedented step was taken to prevent further suffering of the animals, after a fire in Budj Bim national park burned through 2,200 hectares, including a large area of manna gum, a key food source for koalas in the park. (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/25/why-were-hundreds-of-koalas-shot-in-an-aerial-cull-in-victoria?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)
It took me back to 2020 standing at the Ebor lookout looking west, the scene was surreal, for as far as you could see it was just black sticks, nothing left, nothing moving, no sound, just devastation. Talking to the people working with Blaze Aid I heard stories of animals frozen in time as the fires roared through incinerating them mid stride. A mob of Kangaroos was racing up a hill closely followed by the flames, only to be stopped at the top by a fence and incinerated.
In the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, it stated: Unprecedented is a word used all too often to describe natural disasters. In the case of the 2019-2020 bushfires, it was a description used by many.
We heard harrowing personal accounts of devastation and loss. Over 24 million hectares were burnt. Many Australians were impacted, directly or indirectly, by the fires. Tragically, 33 people died and extensive smoke coverage across much of eastern Australia may have caused many more deaths. Over 3,000 homes were destroyed. Estimates of the national financial impacts are over $10 billion. Nearly three billion animals were killed or displaced and many threatened species and other ecological communities were extensively harmed. https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/natural-disasters
On the mid north coast, we have a unique opportunity to create a park that will allow the Koala, the Glider and many other unique species to survive.
The time is now, we need to act and create the Great Koala National Park in full as recommended.
We also need to be aware, respectful and support forestry workers and make sure there are options and jobs for them.
Let’s make the Great Koala National Park happen.
Colin Hutton
Thora
Diggers Swimming Club Concerns
Bellingen Diggers Swimming Club is a local community group and have been using and enjoying the Bellingen pool since 1997.
Over these years we have contributed financially to some of the infrastructure including a shelter, BBQ and tables.
Unfortunately the reduction in opening hours at the pool last season due to staff shortages, contributed to a decline in our member numbers.
The last few seasons we have also had difficulty running our weekly swim meets due to the time pressure of early pool closing.
Additionally the night we are allocated has been changed by management three times over the last three seasons and this makes it difficult for our members to commit each year.
The reduction in the opening hours of the pool also meant that many were unable to train before or after work, resulting in having to travel to other facilities out of the local area.
We understand the lease for the running of the pool is up for renewal and would appreciate that potential new managers be open to consult with clubs and other user groups in regards to times available and that opening hours be extended.
We would hope that Bellingen Shire Council consider these issues before a decision is made regarding potential management for next season.
Committee Members