Opinion

Chris Oldfield. The other day a local person on Ormerod St told me she was cleaning out the spare room, ready for visitors. "But there’s nothing to do in Naracoorte,” she said. So, I relayed this to friends in the local tourism industry and they came up with a list of “What to see and do” which they provide to visitors – either before they come or when they get here.

As we approach January 26, I always follow the discussion around the day with some curiosity. What a range of views and varying degrees of passion, from fully supportive, outraged or ambivalent. Neither the pigment of skin nor the sexual preference clearly defines, in my experience, where one will fit. The history around the day is often in debate and the meaning for people too...

Southern Downs Regional Council's Regulatory Services Team is currently responsible for issuing approvals for various footpath trading activities ... interested in obtaining feedback from participants and/or clients of disability groups and agencies of service providers about what some of the issues/ concerns are that people with disability have with the current commercial use of footpaths in the region.

Patricia Gill. Local bushfire management committees will respond to the State Government’s thumbs down to a review of broad-scale burning as a prime method of bushfire prevention. The Shire of Denmark will call on the Bushfire Advisory Committee and the Local Emergency Management Committee to comment on Emergency Services Minister Dawson’s letter of last September ... It follows the Shire writing to Premier Mark McGowan in August asking for a review of the prescribed burning policy and practices to ensure both were effective in protecting lives, property and the environment.

Chris Oldfield. There won’t be any banks in Naracoorte or anywhere else in 10 years’ time – not in the country or the city, according to Opposition Leader David Speirs. Mr Speirs said there won't be any cash in 10 years time either ... “There won't be any banks in Naracoorte or anywhere else in 10 years’ time. There are no banks in my electorate,” Mr Speirs said ... “So, let's not allow our progress to be held back by that.”

In light of the discussion over many submissions on the topic of self-thinning forest understoreys and wildfire from our notable commentators - Jack Bradshaw, Philip Zylstra, Roger Underwood and Peter Rutherford - and the continuing differences of opinion, each was asked the following question, with a view to concluding the debate, at least for the time being, and hopefully on a constructive note: What more might it be useful to explore?

Danielle Moore. A seasonal update of where things are at in our local area ... This season has not let up. I’ve been an agronomist for 32 years, while there is rain there is still work to be done and it hasn’t stopped!: Jamie Weatherald, Nutrien Ag Bordertown ... “Its been pretty challenging from the vineyard side of things with many rainfall events...": Will Malone, Wrattonbully.

Rodney Stevens. As power prices are predicted to skyrocket by up to 50 per cent, a raft of alternative energy sources are being explored to satisfy our endless electricity consumption, including nuclear fusion, which the Nationals are open to exploring ... the CV Independent asked the candidates for the seat of Clarence their thoughts on the controversial topic.