Where are we at with ‘Our Place’?
NOW that the first devastating blow has been delivered by the removal of the planted gum trees on the perimeter of the Pioneer Settlement has been struck, it is time to reflect on the procedure that our Council, both elected members and bureaucratic staff, has employed to force this action on the community.
The whole procedure of the ‘Our Place’ programme has been tainted with a complete disregard for the concerns of the ratepayers and community visitors with a less-than-transparent strategy.
It has been obvious from the start that the main players in the game have been hell-bent on achieving their desired outcome despite the protestations of the ‘Scrap Our Place’ group, who have been ably supported by a majority of the community.
The shameful attitude from the key players, who have given variations of the truth, to use ratepayers’ funds to employ legal counsel in averting a legitimate procedure of a listed Heritage Council hearing because counsel needed three months to collect data, was simply a delaying ruse whilst preparatory work for Our Place could be undertaken.
The question which needs to be asked is how much of these actions have been discussed and approved in Council, including the cost expectations.
At a recent Ratepayers meeting which I attended where two sitting councillors were present, a discussion ensued on the issue of Our Place, and two councillors agreed with me that when the result of the hearing is know, that would be the time for a roundtable discussion with all involved parties.
In view of this week’s deliberate actions and the three month delay in the hearing… I believe that time is now.
Perhaps this would be a good time for SHRCC staff to remember that they are servants for the community and they should be responding to the ratepayers’ concerns.
It would also be timely to remind elected councillors that as representatives, they are a conduit to convey those concerns when making decisions in Council.
David Quayle, SWAN HILL
Acceleration of destruction
IN the Mallee I see vegetation disappearing from roadsides, fence lines and lanes along cropping paddock verges.
This loss seems to have accelerated recently.
Herbicide has been broadcast either intentionally or negligently against paddock perimeter and allowed to drift.
Mallee trees are being destroyed or degraded and lower vegetation such as grasses, shrubs and grounds covers are disappearing – at least those not already ravaged by rabbits, plough, and grader blades!
“Accidental” fires conveniently remove older native habitat – thus yielding to greater crop efficiency.
Mid-August we drove along Lalbert-Culgoa Rd and witnessed such destruction taking place on the roadside.
What is happening?
As the farmers see it daily, they may not recognise the net loss.
In none too long, the horizon will be devoid of natural vegetation.
It will appear as a vast treeless plain.
I am sure this loss matters to your community.
The soil, paddocks and crops you tend now resemble a large factory floor, measures are in inputs outputs and a fiscal ledger.
Is the Mallee a place for people who love and admire their environment, or is it just a factory?
Not only is there an infinite story behind each disappearing living thing.
There is loss of the story of agriculture in your district.
Tree lines mark the way of the horse drawn plough, and the old droving routes to market or water.
I see farmers systematically removing natural impediments so their even bigger machines can move freely across the factory floor.
I wonder what landscape farmers wish for.
I urge farmers and community leaders to resist destroying the roadsides and the old growth along fence lines and to seek opportunities to preserve and add to native vegetation.
Congratulations to the farmers and shires who protect and establish native vegetation areas.
I encourage communities to preserve the Mallee identity by supporting its namesake vegetation.
Gigi Simpson, WANGADARY
