I was told it is only a small increase of 3.96 per cent in our rates.

If the state government sets a 2.5 per cent increase, that’s a rate increase of 6.46 per cent a year forever and a day.

In the old money they would say if you invested your money at 6.64 per cent you would double your money over ten years.

Great windfall for council with low inflation, low interest rates.

I was told that most people were in favour of the increase.

I have spoken to many people who say ‘we are on a fixed income or are pensioners and don’t like the extra burden on their income.

I pointed out to the employees at the pop-up the amount of development in the Hastings which is at no cost to council.

I also enquired about the Section 96 which developers must contribute to and where it is spent.

If this proposal goes ahead, it will affect every person in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area.

If you lease or rent you can expect your landlord to increase your rent.

This will impact on you and your business bottom line.

Other councils in NSW were passed Fit for the Future with the government’s pegged rate rise.

Why can’t this council manage its budget like other councils or any business and household, as we must do on low interest rates?

Has council made a request to the Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, for an extra rate rise of 3.96 per cent? If not, why not? It would be rejected.

They say this has most people saying yes. This is not my finding.

I think this is a sneaky way of getting around the government to increase rates.

Don’t be fooled; it’s price gouging at its best.

I would like our local member Leslie Williams to take this rate rise to the minister and also to the ACCC.

Brian Lynch

Lakewood

I read with interest the article by Caroline Baker, under the heading Land Clearing, in the December 14 Camden Haven Courier.

I was also amazed by the complete destruction of all vegetation on the North side of Ocean Drive, Lakewood, east of Kew.

The trees were all there at 7.30am and totally cleared by 2.30pm the same Day.

I sent an email to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, asking how this could have been approved under the current Residential Tree Preservation Code DPC 2013.

I received a return email from a Development Assessment Planner which stated:

”I can confirm the recent vegetation removal undertaken on Lot 4 DP 1205335 was approved by Council as part of Development Application 2009/302.

The application primarily relates to construction of a manufactured housing estate but did include vegetation removal in this section of the land zoned residential for future residential use.

DA2009/302 was approved by Council back on September 1, 2010.

The application and assessment included specialist ecological reports which specifically addressed the proposed clearing (including the relevant tree management provisions applicable at the time).

The reports and assessment identified appropriate mitigation and offset measurers which now form part of the development consent.”

Well, I am glade he explained that fully, except he did not specifically answer my enquiry in plain English. I am used to this from government and semi-government bodies.

I hope this information will be of benefit to Caroline, if she intended to write to Council, especially regarding animal welfare and habitat.

It appears to me that we, the ratepayers, have to play by different rules to Developers.

Carl Metcalfe

Lakewood

Isn't it amazing, if I want to remove a dangerous tree threatening my house and adjoining properties, the council and greenies will come up with some inane answer.

It's home to a red spotted grasshopper or a blue ringed sparrow or a six-legged koala.

The land clearing on both sides of ocean drive between Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills is nothing short of scandalous.

It is out of control to say the least.

The developers are taking every tree, shrub, twig, any greenery at all to make a clear start for new housing.

How can the Council approve such blatant clearing?

It seems that Lake Cathie and Bonny Hills will join up.

Council must reign in this destruction with tighter guide lines. ASAP.

Jack Colless

Lake Cathie

The Kendall RDA is wishing all our sponsors, donators and suppliers in the Camden Haven joy this Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Thank you for being with us in our relocation to the Kendall Showgrounds in 2016 which would not have been possible without your valued help, caring and assistance.

We look forward to inviting you all to our official Open Day in February 2017.

From all at Riding for the Disabled – Kendall Centre.

Elizabeth Wallace

President