Beagle Weekender Vol 286 November 25th 2022

Welcome to this week’s editorial,

Several years ago I laughingly commented that New Zealand should rename themselves to “get farked” because that is exactly what you say as you drive around the country, going from one stunning view to the next. It every turn and every twist in the road, from North to south, you find yourself unable to not say “get farked”. Fortunately the Kiwis also has the place name Aotearoa, that sums it up perfectly.

But this side of the Ditch we have a variety of other uses for the expression “get farked”. Mostly around defiance. I remember fondly riding in the back tray of my father’s old Holden ute with all of my friends. Wind through our hair as we bounced along dirt roads, fluing up into the air along with the spare tyre, the dog and any tools in the back if we hit a bump. When the rules came in outlawing that my father said the same thing he said when it was ruled you couldn’t have your arm out the window to indicate stopping or turning. “Get farked !” Eventually he came around to the new rules that also included not driving when you were drunk, using indicators instead of arms, and wearing seatbelts.

It seemed that there was a universal approach to accep ng new rules with an ini al “get farked” that, more o en than not, came with the addi onal declara on of Australia becoming a ‘nanny state’. If you go back over the decades there were the warnings about skin cancer with the popula on encouraged to Slip, Slop, Slap. Most parents did it, but to the young and older diehards the response was “get farked”, un l having a suntan was unfashionable. Fortunately we have changed. Occupa onal Health and Safety demands sunscreens, hats and appropriate clothing for workers and schools have rules in place.

We now wear High Viz, wear work boots on building sites, have scaffolding and safety harnesses and enjoy the monotony of reversing alarms on trucks. We can no longer smoke cigare es in cinemas and on aircra , we are required to wear flota on devices to ensure we don’t accidently drown and homes must have smoke detectors. Rules that all came with resistance and are s ll challenged from me to me, even though it is common sense.

This seemingly natural defiance against rules seems to be hard wired into some of our community. Mostly male, and of those it is the young ‘bullet proof’ males or the ‘tough as nails’ old males. The “No-one tells me what to do” males. Oddly there are also the defiant females who join the fray.

We are very odd animals, us humans. We are advised, from birth, of all the things that might hurt us. “Don’t do this, Don’t eat that. Don’t touch them and especially Don’t do THAT.” But we do. We drink, we smoke, we speed, we break the law, we do dangerous things and most of us survive…. But that all changes when we arrive at the recogni on of our own mortality. “Why Not?” is replaced with “Best Not”. We become more cau ous. We become far more aware that we are not ‘bullet proof’ and are in fact far more fragile.

You can see this at play on any day at your local supermarket. The resilient young and the cau ous old. We know that Covid is s ll out there and that the numbers are once again rising. We are advised daily of the numbers of infected and the number of fatali es. We are told of the symptoms and of the some me dire complica ons that might happen to each, and all of us. But we collec vely ignore this. Its as if Covid doesn’t exist any longer. Unlike the AIDS campaign there is no Grim Reaper to remind you at every turn. Unlike the cigare e warnings there are no photos on packets of mouth cancers. So now, without mandate, most are going without a mask, without appearing to have fear of contrac ng Covid, or having any concern they might carry it and are giving it to others. A collec ve “fark it, and a “get farked” to mask wearing, or cau on.

For a while there were the reminders of Covid with crosses on the floor 1.5m apart, sani ser pump-packs at entries, wipes for trolley handles and staff wearing masks. But those warning reminders appear to have gone by the by except in some small shops s ll showing cau on. Looking about however ,“Fark it”, seems to be the general response, mostly driven by “if they haven’t got a mask on then I don’t have to wear one either”.

But Covid is s ll out there. A Russian Roule e of unknown consequences, from mild to deadly. I ventured cau ously out to a public mee ng last week and came home with Covid. It is real and is not pleasant. For whatever reason I didn’t wear the mask that I had in my pocket. Most likely because had I done so I would have been the only one in a room of seventy with a mask on. Masks are a bind. They muffle your voice, fog your glasses and are uncomfortable. I muse, recognising I succumbed to peer pressure.

I think back to that town hall mee ng and realise that collec vely, with full understanding that Covid is s ll around and that it loves nothing more than a mee ng, a wedding or funeral to spread, we all, including me, decided collec vely to say “fark it” to wearing a mask, and indirectly “fark it” to any consequences.

Rules are put in place for a reason. O en to protect the individual, the collec ve, or the collec ve from the individual. With Covid about and no mask mandate rules we are le to determine how we might navigate our day to day. Most will hopefully survive but some, unfortunately the older or weaker, will not, and have not.

One day I intend to venture back out in public again but will do so with a mask. For myself and mine, and for you and yours. In the mean me take care out there because Covid is definitely afoot in our community. Un l next—lei

BBay's Oceanfarmr receives $1.45 million investment

Oceanfarmr, the aqua farming-tech startup, has just closed out a bridge funding round to fuel their interna onal expansion, raising AU$1.45M. The company was founded by marine biologist turned oyster farmer, Ewan McAsh

Earlier this year they launched an alterna ve to farming finance, Farm to Buy, allowing aquafarms easy access to capital for water-based farmland. While agricultural farms (land-based) o en have the op on of land as an asset to secure financing, aquaculture farmers have tradi onally found it more difficult to access capital as water-based farmland is not privately owned. Since launching the offer, Oceanfarmr has increased their revenue by 874%, pu ng them 3 years ahead of their original revenue projec ons. They have more than $60M in farm funding applica ons. The new funding will allow them to ramp up their presence, however they are already in 8 countries. Oceanfarmr (formerly SmartOysters) has received AU$1.45M in its latest funding round. Led by Katapult VC, the new funding will allow the aqua farming tech and finance startup to ramp up interna onal growth and expand their market first Farm-to-Buy program.

Dubbed the ‘google maps of the ocean’, Oceanfarmr allows farmers to accurately record the ac vity of their farm using innova ve GPS enabled technology. Most recently the company launched Farm to Buy, an innova ve offering designed to transform the aquaculture industry by providing aqua farmers accessibility to a finance alterna ve. The aquaculture industry is worth over $19 billion dollars globally, and Oceanfarmr’s offering provides huge poten al for the growth of the market. Since the launch of Farm to Buy in September this year, Oceanfarmr has received over $60 million in farm funding applica ons.

Oceanfarmr is in the top 23 impact tech startups to receive investment from Katapult group in its latest itera on. The selected startups represent the top 1%,of all 1,900 candidates from 62 countries into the accelerator program

On the investment, Ewan McAsh, Oceanfarmr founder, and CEO says, “We’re proud to be one of the 23 startups that will take part in the Katapult Accelerator 2022 program. Oceanfarmr was built to revolu onise the aquaculture industry, and with this funding we will be able to accelerate our mission. We are already looking forward, and will be focusing on building trac on as we bridge to a series A raise in the new year.”

“Before developing the app I was using my memory, whiteboards and spreadsheets – which weren’t fast, were prone to some mes costly mistakes and could be an arduous task at the end of the working day and week.

"Over the last few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to meet with our farmers across Australia, the US and Europe and hear first hand the economic and environmental challenges they’ve faced over the last 3 years and how Oceanfarmr has allowed them to do what they do best and remove those typical pain points that have been the standard prac ce for years and years. Those stories are a reminder of why we first launched and the funding is a huge piece of the puzzle in how we ramp up our capabili es to con nue serving the aqua farming industry and the people who make it all happen.”

South Coast Community Colleges has Summer Skills funding available for these

skill sets:

 Statement of A ainment in Individual Support (Communica on and Empowerment of Older Power)



- Statement of A ainment in First Aid

- Statement of A ainment in Individual Support

CHCSS00081 - Introduc on to Disability Skill Set

CHCSS00097 Individual Support - Ageing Support Skill Set

To receive these courses fee free, you must meet this criteria: aged 16-24 not enrolled into school an Australian ci zen, permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand ci zen Currently living in NSW

If you are interested in more informa on about these courses, please enquire with our administra on on 02 4472 9202 or visit the website www.southcoastcolleges.edu.au

The Shed welcomes males over eighteen with the aim to provide a safe place to be involved in joint projects, snooker, photography, cards, table tennis etc or just have a cuppa and a yarn.

Our general open me is Monday and Thursday 8.00-12.00 am We also open Tuesday 2.00-4.00pm for cards (euchre)

Wednesday 2.00-4.00pm for snooker and the camera group meet Thursday 2.00-4.00pm.

For informa on contact brocky1967@outlook.com or ptuross@bigpond.com

Narooma Dog Training Club, a Branch of Animal Welfare League, advise

REPORTS OF DOG ATTACKS IN EUROBODALLA

By Yve Robinson

We are about to enter the Christmas break and can expect Interstate and City visitors to arrive with their dogs for their holidays. A few dog a acks have been reported in our area, none to my knowledge serious. We all need to be aware that suddenly you and your pet may find yourselves in a confronta on, which can be frightening.

The NATA Oval, Narooma, is a public park as well as a designated dog leash free area. Always check that dog free areas are being used sensibly and that dogs are playing under the watchful eye of an owner. Check that all gates are shut before releasing your dog.

Many parents also take their children to NATA Oval, and can easily be frightened by boisterous dogs. Some beaches are me share only so do check with Council before you let your dog loose.

Kianga Reef Beach is leash free all year round and is very popular with local and visitor owners. Try and pick a me when it’s not too busy and watch out for any hazards, and make sure your dog will come back to you when called, then you can take control of most situa ons.

If the beach is close to a busy road, as is Kianga Reef which is reached by nego a ng a long flight of steps, always put your pet back on the lead before leaving the beach area. I have seen many dogs run ahead of the owners and straight onto the road. A recipe for disaster. It can happen so quickly.

If you are unfortunate to be confronted by an off leash dog that rushes up to your dog suddenly, then do try and stay calm. Tell your dog to Sit/Stay beside you, stand s ll, while the owner collects their dog. DO NOT SHOUT at the offending animal, this only rouses your dog as well as the offender. Ask the owner politely to put his dog on the lead and remind him that all dogs should be on the lead in public places. The Council Rangers will be about and the fines are quite large.

The above all sounds quite civilised but some mes dog a acks get aggressive and not all owners are interested in watching their animal’s behaviour. You may happen to own a dog that is shy, nervous or overprotec ve of you.

If the situa on gets out of control, make sure you don’t get between the two dogs. Let your dog loose so that it can decide whether to fight or run, most dogs prefer the la er.

Most dogs do not fight once the other dog has submi ed by rolling over onto its back. In the event that your dog gets injured and needs veterinary a en on try to get the name, address and phone number of the dog’s owner, so the vet expenses are charged to them.

Just be aware of these situa ons, and both you are your dog will

community

have a very happy rela onship.

SUMMER SAFETY FOR YOUR DOG

Did you know it takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to skyrocket by 20 degrees? That’s why it’s so important NEVER to leave pets in a car on a hot day! Dogs le in a parked car in warm temperatures can very quickly become distressed, dehydrated and even suffer organ failure.

Unlike us, dogs can’t sweat to cool themselves down, so they are more prone to heat stress and more likely to die quickly in hot condi ons, especially puppies and older dogs. Signs of heat stress are excessive pan ng, reddened gums, blood shot eyes, rapid breathing, saliva ng, wheezing, vomi ng, weakness, staggering and loss of consciousness.

If your dog is displaying any of these signs, get them into a cooler loca on quickly. Wet them down with tap water (not iced water) un l their breathing se les down, and offer them a drink of water. If the symptoms persist call your vet for advice.

Here are some easy ps from Instructors of the Narooma Dog Training Club that will help keep your dog cool this Summer:

• Provide shade, and plenty of cool, fresh water.

• Leave your dog in an area that it is well ven lated.

• Keep your dog out of the sun between 10am - 4pm.

• Hot footpaths and sand can burn a dog’s feet, so take that walk early in the morning or late in the day, as the sun goes down.

 Give your dog ice blocks to lick. Add vegetable or beef stock and they will love this special treat!



Being sun smart for yourself and your dog will ensure that everyone in the family has a safe and fabulous Summer. On behalf of everyone at the Narooma Dog Training Club Branch of Animal Welfare League, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

community

Wheel Chair Access at South Broulee

Broulee Mossy Point Community Associa on advise: · Wheel Chair Access at South Broulee Council has a grant-funded project to improve access to a number of beaches in the shire for people with reduced mobility.

At South Broulee (near the new viewing pla orm), Council is installing a recycled plas c ‘floa ng’ decking to connect exis ng paths to the mobility mats. (See sample image to the right.)

Council will be installing a sandstone block retaining wall to help maintain the integrity of the path, and minimise the inevitable spread of sand over the path surface.

They will be plan ng up the disturbed areas a er the works. The block wall will be approximately 9m long, 800mm high and 500mm wide, and the lead-in path will be up to approximately 13m long and 1.8m wide, connec ng to the exis ng concrete path at the viewing pla orm.

Work is planned to be completed during the week 5-9 December, with the plan ng happening shortly therea er. Keep up to date with all the Broulee Mossy Point developments here: h p://www.brouleemossypoint.org/

Just some of the incredible photos you will find in the Narooma History in Photos social media group on Facebook.

community

ALARM: Ticks serum stocks are low or nonexistent

A warning to animal ownersParalysis Ticks are back in alarming numbers on the coast with warmer days and following the rains.

Local vets are running short, or have already depleted their stock of ck serum.

This means that if your animal is bi en and needs serum treatment there is a strong likelihood that none will be available.

The BEST thing you can do to protect your pet is to ensure they have a ck preven on treatment.

Bodalla Poets' Breakfast- It's Back!

The annual Bodalla Poets' Breakfast event is set to return a er a two-year, Covid induced hiatus.

Sunday 27th November is the date and the poetry begins at 9.00am.

Due to the unpredictability of the weather at the moment, the event will be held at the Bodalla Memorial Hall instead of the usual Bodalla Dairy Shed venue.

The normal breakfast arrangements will not be available this me, but complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits will be on hand at the Hall.

This year's programme will feature a poets' pick of their own favourite poems which have been presented over the years.

Please join us for a couple of hours of great entertainmentSunday, 27th November, 9.00am Bodalla Memorial Hall

Gold coin dona on very much appreciated! For further informa on - Sue - 0427 007 649 Be y - 0474 006 863.

Inaugural Taste Of Seafood Fes val In Bermagui Nov 25

and

26th

The Taste of Seafood Fes val, hosted by the Professional Fishers Associa on will a ract locals and tourists alike with a fresh fish market, informa ve industry displays, cooking demonstra ons, compe ons and games, live music and, of course, plenty of delicious seafood on offer.

Tricia Bea y, Professional Fisher’s Associa on CEO said, “It promises to be a fun day for the whole family with plenty of ac vi es for the kids.

“Taste of Seafood Fes vals, being held right around NSW, will raise awareness about local professional fishers and provide an opportunity for fes val goers to see, feel and taste locally harvested wild caught seafood whilst interac ng with members of the industry.”

“It’s an opportunity to educate the general public on the environmental sustainability of the NSW seafood industry, they will learn how it is caught, where it is stored and where they can purchase it,” explained Gary Howard,

are run by the Professional Fishers Associa on with the objec ve of

industry

suppor ng sustainable fishing prac ces. Entry to the Fes vals is

of charge

will

both locals and visitors to regional areas.

PFA Chairman. The Taste of Seafood Fes vals

championing local

and

free

and

welcome

community

Free Christmas Lunch for those in need

While most people look forward to Christmas, some dread it. It is an expense they simply can’t afford.

And for those who are alone, Christmas day lunch for one is not a par cularly pleasant thought.

If you or someone you know is likely to miss out on having an enjoyable Christmas lunch, the Combined Churches of Batemans Bay is offering a 3 course Community Christmas day lunch for those in need or who are alone on Christmas day.

And it is all free.

Every year the Community Christmas Day lunch is organized and catered for by a dedicated group of volunteers, and generously funded by some of our local supermarkets, local business, clubs and the Combined Churches of Batemans Bay. In previous years the lunch caters for over 120 people and this year we are expec ng to cater for up to 140 guests.

And for the guests the Community Christmas Day Lunch is everything that a Christmas day lunch should be –a full 3 course lunch with an entre of prawns followed by a main course of chicken, ham and/or turkey and salad, with Christmas pudding, custard and cream, and so drinks, tea and coffee in between. And there are gi s and shopping vouchers for all who a end. Young and old, singles, families, couples and kids are all invited.

This is the real spirit of Christmas – joining together to make this a special day to make sure everyone gets to enjoy Christmas day – especially those who have struggled in recent years.

The Combined Churches Christmas Day Lunch is a great team effort. The day would not be possible without the generous funding and supplies provided by some of our local supermarkets, businesses, clubs and the Combined Churches, to whom we are eternally grateful.

We are also blessed with a small team of volunteers who work for several months to arrange funding and supplies, then a number of volunteers who give up their day on Christmas day to greet and transport guests, prepare and serve on the tables, keep the so drinks, tea and coffee flowing on the day, and play Santa and his helper to distribute gi s and shopping vouchers to all the guests.

The Community Christmas Day Lunch is run at the Salva on Army Hall and the Anglican Church in Batemans Bay.

For those without transport, or who would prefer to have their Christmas Day Lunch at home, we have a courtesy bus and can provide home deliveries.

If you or your family are struggling to afford a Christmas Day Lunch and would like to join us for this special day, we would love to hear from you.

Bookings are essen al to assist with catering, so please book early. Please call the Salva on Army in Batemans Bay on (02) 4472 9644 by 18 December.

The Christmas Gala by U3A in Batemans Bay Dec 18th

On Sunday morning 18 th December at 10am, U3A are having a Christmas Gala, which will tell the story of the na vity in song and drama. The morning will feature The Three Tenors- Steve Johnston, Paul Marshall and Duncan McDiarmid, all having glorious and powerful tenor voices. The U3A Singers, conducted by Lyn Brown, happily accepted the invita on to par cipate, and numbers swelled when they heard more about the morning’s events.

Members of the church congrega on gleefully agreed to dress up and perform the Christmas story.

The much coveted roles of Mary and Joseph were given to Yemi and Oscar Gouillet; ideal candidates, since they produced twin babies earlier this year, Jada and Jus n. Of course the twins will star as the babies Jesus.

Obviously the Three Kings will be our tenors, and the angels will be the U3A Singers, with Gabriel being acted by Meredith.

We will not be reading from the bible. Instead the actors will be pu ng the message into their own words. As well, some favourite carols have been chosen to enhance the story.

In the tradi on of the Uni ng Church, this will be a fine example of Inclusivity, with Mary of Nigerian heritage, Jesus portrayed as a boy and a girl, and Believers, Agnos cs and Atheists all enthusias cally welcomed.

Come and have fun. Remember, 10am at the Batemans Bay Uni ng Church on Sunday morning 18 th December.

For further informa on, call Kay on 0438 717606.

www.iga.com.au/

Where have all the Christmas beetles gone?

Christmas beetles emerge each summer around Christmas me a er wai ng underground all year.

In the past, millions of these large, colourful beetles used to fly around in December and January. Sadly, Christmas beetle sigh ngs appear to be in decline. There is currently no formal monitoring program, so we don't know how bad the decline really is, or if it is affec ng all of the 35 Christmas beetle species. As soon as we know more about the decline, researchers can begin conserva on efforts.

How you can help

Associate Professor Tanya La y from the University of Sydney - School of Life and Environmental Sciences needs the public's help to track the popula on of Christmas beetles so that we can iden fy species that may be at risk. You can play a big role in the project by becoming a ci zen scien st (or ge ng your kids or grandkids involved) and sharing any sigh ngs of Christmas beetles from your local area. If you would like to learn more, register by comple ng an online form and Associate Professor Tanya La y will send you detailed instruc ons on how to par cipate.

Register your interest in becoming a ci zen scien st h ps://university-comms.sydney.edu.au/survey.php? sid=30092&name=register-your-interest-in-becoming-a-ci zen-scien st Learn

Moruya Red Door Theatre presents - "Agatha Crusty & The Village Hall Murders"

Moruya Red Door Theatre presents - "Agatha Crusty & The Village Hall Murders" by Derek Webb

A fantas c mystery comedy whodunnit with a cast of 15.

Agatha Crusty is a crime novelist. And when her sister-in-law Alice invites her to spend a few days with her in the village of Chortelby, it’s not long before she gets caught up in a series of murders which seem directed at members of the All Saints Village Hall commi ee. Packed full of wit and very funny scenes, this is also a genuine murder mystery with an ingenious plot which will tax the li le grey cells of the audience at the same me!

Shows at the #Moruya RSL Hall Sat 26 7pm Sun 27 2pm Ma nee Fri 2 Dec & Sat 3 Dec 7pm Tickets Selling Fast

Nov 26th - Solo West at Club Catalina

Nov 26th - Rock and Roll Dance Party at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

Nov 26th - Steve Mar n – Tuross Club (7.30pm)

Nov 26th - Howling Mitch at One Tree Inn , Tuross Head

Nov 26th - Flock of Haircuts at The Patch, Tomakin Social Club 7:30

Nov 26th - The Peppercorns at St Johns Church, Page Street, Moruya 5:30pm Tickets $25

Nov 27th - Sam Stevenson at Tukka Cafe Moruya

Nov 27th - Jamie Parkinson – Club Malua (2.30pm)

Nov 27th - Ben Fowler at The Patch, Tomakin Social Club 2-5pm

Dec 2nd - Summer Dance Party with DJ Ma Brown at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

Dec 2nd - Joe Driscoll – Tomakin Club (7.30pm)

Dec 2nd - Pearlerz – Club Malua (8pm)

Dec 3rd - Pearlerz – Tuross Club (7.30pm)

Dec 3rd - Sam Stevenson – Soldiers Club (8pm)

Dec 3rd - Michael Menager Trio at One Tree Inn , Tuross Head

Dec 4th - Jeff Aschmann at the Dairy Shed Bodalla 12:00- 4:00

Dec 4th - Sam Stevenson – Tomakin Club (1pm)

NAROOMA KINEMA’S FILM SOCIETY presents: The Velvet Queen

This is an event to be excited for, this film is currently rated at 100% on Ro en Tomatoes and is set amongst the beau ful backdrop of Tibet, featuring original music from Nick Cave. All are welcome, book your ckets here for the last Film Society of the year! This French Documentary follows two men who explore the high-al tude wilderness of Tibet with many cameras, filming wildlife from a respec ul distance and searching for the rare snow leopard.

Reading Gadfly 262

By Robert Macklin

Coincidence is a wonderful mystery. It happens at the beginning of every new non-fiction book, especially a biography. Other author friends report the same phenomenon – suddenly a distant relative opens a whole unexpected chapter of the story; an obscure but vital book leaps from a secondhand bookshelf; an email arrives from the blue that introduces the perfect publisher…

It’s been happening again recently, and it set me thinking about the larger issue of the great coincidences of the past – the sudden unexpected arrival of the perfect persons to change the course of history just when it was most needed.

We could start with the great thinker Socrates blessed coincidentally by an equally profound author in Plato to raise all the questions of ethics and morality that we’re still puzzling today. Or the great social and engineering visionary Caesar Augustus who brought order and connectivity to the vast continent of Europe.

What odds that a privileged young British woman named Florence Nightingale who through sheer determination, courage and caring invented the profession of nursing? And what wondrous coincidence joined the brilliant Polish-born Marie Curie with her Parisian husband to overwhelm physics with the powers hidden in the element of uranium.

By what coincidental magic did the German/Swiss Albert Einstein find himself in a Munich school that taught by rote, so he was forced to teach himself algebra and geometry; that he just happened upon Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason and by combining mathematics and philosophy navigated an entirely new concept of the universe that utterly changed our perceptions of the world around us.

The political experience is redolent with coincidence – the wealthy, elitist Franklin Delano Roosevelt who threw his background overboard and laid the foundations for American democracy’s social justice system. The ‘has been’ Winston Churchill was returned to 10 Downing Street just when he was needed to hold the line against the Nazi ravages of all things decent.

Mahatma Gandhi who transformed himself from a Durban lawyer to a powerful symbol of anti-colonial rebellion to bring India freedom from centuries of British oppression at exactly the right time

Think of the four disparate lads from Liverpool who combined to produce a thrilling revolution that changed popular music forever. More recently, another youngster, Sweden’s Greta Thunberg arrived to galvanize a generation to fight the apathy that threatens the world with climate chaos.

Unless you think I’m finding a Pollyanna pattern in the mystery there is, of course, the other side of the coin – the fateful coincidences that produced the Hitlers, Stalins, and Putins who have ravaged without conscience, and the Trumpian creatures who threaten the future today.

But it is deeply gratifying to see the mad Mullahs of Iran getting their just deserts because a single courageous woman, Mahsa Amini, slain by the ‘morality police’, has become a symbol of hope for political freedom. And for us, the convoluted political career of Anthony Albanese coincidentally became the perfect foil for the bulldozing antics of his gross predecessor.

So, the question arises – as the campaign for an Aboriginal Voice in the Constitution falters and fades from the political front of mind, who will arise from among the ranks to symbolize and secure this act of national decency?

Come on coincidence – time once more to do your stuff.

robert@robertmacklin.com

Reading—A beer with Baz

Bazza checked his watch and shook his head repeatedly. He swivelled to a cacophony as a smiling Mick strode through a gabble of res ng galahs with ludicrous pink chests soon do ng the blue sky.

“I don’t see the point of arriving at the farmers’ market at this me, Mick. Everyone is packing up.”

Mick looked skywards and sighed.

“Bazza, Bazza…..Bazza. You get the best deals at the end of trading. The farmers do not want to take their produce home so it’s the best me to bargain. Watch and learn, Bazza….. Watch and learn!”

Mick led them to a stall, picked up a pumpkin and felt its weight for a long moment. He clicked his tongue and offered the farmer six dollars.

The farmer shook his head.

“No mate…... The price is eight dollars. It takes a bit of effort to grow these pumpkins and the recent weather has hardly been helpful. I also pay transport costs and the rent on this stall. Eight dollars for a single or I will do three pumpkins for twenty dollars.”

Mick pulled Bazza to one side.

“There you go, Bazza. I’ve haggled him down to less than seven dollars a pumpkin. Now….. we will give the farmer me to reconsider. It’s important not to be too keen.”

Bazza shook his head and flashed a half smile at the farmer.

“Mick…..you are not saving a dollar. In fact, you will be spending twelve dollars more and will end up with two pumpkins you don’t need. I think you should try a bit of collec ve bargaining.”

Mick screwed his face.

“Collec ve bargaining, Mick…….. find other people who want pumpkins and offer to buy all the pumpkins the farmer has le . That way you will probably get a pumpkin for six dollars or less, and the farmer will be happy to sell all his produce.”

Mick rubbed his chin and eyed the bus stop.

“This current industrial rela ons legisla on tying our parliamentarians in knots is pre y much about workers’ rights to do the same thing; to bargain collec vely when selling their labour.”

“Bloody hell, Bazza. ……..Only you could bring poli cs into buying a bloody pumpkin. That legisla on is all about union power and bringing the economy to a stands ll with strikes.”

Bazza rubbed his earlobe.

“Let’s just leave the word ‘union’ out of it, Mick. I think you have a few prejudices and tend to talk clichés when it comes to unions. Just as you have the right to strengthen your bargaining posi on with the pumpkin farmer by joining forces with other buyers, workers should have the same right when nego a ng wages.”

Mick eyed the pumpkin stall and then raised his eyes as the bus arrived.

“Now Mick…….. that revolu onary body called the Reserve Bank of Australia is even calling for wage increases. The key to increasing wages is giving workers more rights to collec vely bargain.”

Bazza rubbed his chin.

“You see, Mick………”

The sentence was left hanging as Mick strode over to the passengers alighting from the bus, began talking earnestly and pointing to the pumpkin stall.

Have a beer with Bazza at john.longhurst59@gmail.com

Moruya Books

invites you to a Literary Lunch with Julie Janson

Aunty June is the proud owner of a TAFE cer ficate III in Inves ga ve Services. It took her thirty hours to complete online. Now, she has set up her own private inves ga on service: Yanakirri Inves ga ve Services – Confiden ality Guaranteed.

Madukka: The River Serpent is a striking novel about family and resistance.

Julie Janson is an Indigenous woman of the Burruberongal clan of Darug na on. A teacher, ar st, playwright and poet, Julie has won many awards and grants for her wri ng, She is co-recipient of the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize and winner of the Judith Wright Poetry Prize.

Her novels include The Crocodile Hotel, The Light Horse Ghost, Benevolence and her latest debut into Crime fic on Madukka: the River Serpent.

@ The Moruya Waterfront Hotel

Thursday 1st December, 12pm—2pm

$25 for a 2 course lunch

Bookings Essen al — 4474 2242

100 Years Ago—November 25th 1922

MR. Bert Coppin, who was the successful tenderer for the contract, has commenced the work of erec ng a dwarf retaining fence at the Moruya Court House.

ONE of Nelligen’s oldest iden es in the person of Mr. Albert Edward Webber, died at the age of 79 years on 14th inst. With the excep on of one son, his family of four stalwart sons and daughters with their mother were present at the death-bed. The funeral took place on 16th, the remains being interred in the C.E. por on of the Nelligen cemetery. …

MR. A Fenning’s punt, loaded with logs, foundered off Schnapper Point, Bateman’s Bay, on Friday of last week. The crew had barely me to make their escape before, the punt sank.

Above: Bert Coppin in the white overalls

THE giving of stamped receipts for payments by cheque became compulsory last week.

THE old jealousy between Tilba and Central Tilba has been vigorously revived by the proposal to have a combined cheese factory for the district on a site known as Marshmead Willows, situate between the two villages. At present each centre has its cheese factory, that at Central having 30 suppliers, and that at Tilba only eight. Both have been condemned by the Department, and hence the sugges on for a combined factory, and the site men oned has been selected by the Departmental officers as the best for the purpose of water supply. If erected there the Tilba suppliers would have to travel a mile further, while those at Central would have to go only about 600 yards further than at present. …

The Central men, while agreeable to a combined factory, are dead up against the proposal to have it so close to its hated rival. So things are at a deadlock. If the people there were as united on this ma er as they invariably are on poli cs, all would be well.

NERRIGUNDAH. –(From our Correspondent.) I have to report the death of another old iden ty, Mr. Hugh Perry, at the ripe old age of 81 years, at Cadgee. The deceased was a na ve of Kiora, Moruya, and was wellknown throughout the Far South Coast districts, and was one of the pioneers of the wa le bark industry at Cobargo and Dry River, and also a dairy farmer. Deceased married Miss Martha Inskip, who pre-deceased her husband many years ago.

There were nine children, three of whom have died, Mrs. S. Ferguson, Mrs. J. White, and Peter. Those remaining to whom we extend our sympathy are Mr. W. Perry (Kyogle), Mr. Hugh Perry (Cadgee), Mr. Sylvester Perry (North Coast), Mrs. R. Goward (Eden), Mrs. D. Goward (Eden), and Mrs. J. Thompson (Kiama). …

Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. h ps://www.mdhs.org.au

Book launch : ‘The Elm Grove Story’ – a mys cal journey

Local authors, Edwin and Laurel Lloyd-Jones’ book ‘The Elm Grove Story’ – a mys cal journey will be launched by Anglican Bishop George Browning and his wife Margaret on Saturday, 26th November at 2.30 pm at St John’s Anglican Red Door Hall in Moruya.

When their book was published in April this year Edwin and Laurel decided against holding a book launch due to the high risk associated with the covid pandemic. However, now that things have improved, and upon the urging of many people, they have decided to combine the celebra on of Edwin’s 88th birthday with launching their book. A reading, and an invita on for brief comment from those who have already read the book, will be offered along with a ernoon tea and some birthday cake.

“All are very welcome and, if you are coming, we’d love to know in advance so that we have a big enough cake to share,’ said Laurel. ‘We are offering a specially reduced book price for the launch, and as we have had an amazing response from readers both here and overseas, we thought it would be a good idea to inform people about it in our local region. It has brought posi ve comment from both those who are agnos cs as well as those who hold a faith in a greater power.

We were two agnos cs living in Sydney, and raising our two children, when we were bowled over by a clear, inner call that took us on an adventure from suburban life to Goobarragandra, near Tumut (in the remote Snowy Mountains) where we founded a spiritual retreat centre in 1983. Prior to this Edwin had been a musician and business owner and I was working as a social worker.

In the founding of Elm Grove Sanctuary, we welcomed people from many different faiths, or of none, who were o en referred to us by health professionals, hospitals and cancer groups. Individuals, and o en families, came due to a member facing a life-threatening illness or other major challenge in their lives. Within the counselling support offered, and amidst the serenity and beauty of nature, they found rest, solace, healing and acceptance of their difficult life situa ons.

Our charity, the Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust, remains founded on deep trust. The many amazing things that enabled the sanctuary’s development came about through trust and the loving support and shared vision of so many people. Our centre func oned purely on a dona on basis and over me we built accommoda on buildings, and an ecumenical chapel, for our guests believing that, if it was for the common good of all people, then the funds would become available. This was never found wan ng. Within the mystery of a loving and benevolent creator we saw many, many miracles unfold.

‘While Edwin and I are Franciscan Chris ans we always sought to care for the environment and to offer a warm welcome to people irrespec ve of their individual faith or life circumstances. We saw the healing that love can provide for people in close connec on with nature. The Indigenous people of the region, and the wider community were addi onal delights. We were supported and loved in our endeavours by many people in Tumut along with the invaluable support the local Shire Council and Bishop George Browning and Fr Francis Carroll, the Catholic Archbishop of Canberra Goulburn in their role as guardians of our community The li le Followers of St Francis.’

People interested in the memoir unable to a end the launch can find the book ‘The Elm Grove Story’ – a mys cal journey (ISBN: 9781922722553 and published by Greenhill Publishing) online through book distributors or through the local bookshops in Bega and Moruya. Further details can be obtained by emailing – egstrust2@gmail.com or Laurelandedwin@gmail.com

Gallery Bodalla

reopens

with “rocks and hard

places”, a wonderful new show by Stuart Whitelaw and Rodney Hayes. Stuart and Rodney have been close friends for over 50 years. They were both taught by Lloyd Rees during their me at University of Sydney School of Architecture They were inspired to do this combined exhibi on by one of Lloyd’s works called ‘Portrait of some rocks’. Commencing on Thursday 1 December, the exhibi on runs through to Saturday 31 December, open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm.

Opening drinks with Stuart and Rodney will take place on the side deck Sunday 4 December @ 3pm (please bring a mask to wear as it is a condi on of entry inside the gallery, with individual choice outside on the deck)

You can also visit the exhibi on online at www.gallerybodalla.com.au All inquiries: gallerybodalla@gmail.com or call me on 0421 238 174

It will be lovely to reconnect with you all again.

Valerie

Thrilling, Terrifying And Inspiring

Lisa Blair rocked a packed Batemans Bay Sailing Club Clubhouse with her tales of circumnaviga ng Antarc ca twice on her yacht Climate Ac on Now. Dismasted in the Southern Ocean on her first trip, Lisa had a huge struggle to cut the mast free and sail north to Cape Town under jury rig.

Comple ng the first circumnaviga on with another mast, Lisa determined to go again a er me to heal and recover. A er beefing up the rig, Lisa succeeded in sailing the fastest solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnaviga on of Antarc ca and was the first woman to sail round that con nent.

It was another incredible voyage with huge storms, knockdowns and immense effort. Climate Ac on Now is decorated with thousands of post-it notes with people’s climate messages.

Lisa has seen the damage climate change is wreaking on our oceans and is determined to spread the message.

Above: Lisa with local women sailors and, the packed clubhouse Thanks to Bev and Snitz for the catering, Ceals for the necklace gi to Lisa and everyone who helped make it a great night.

sports

Tuross Head Fishing Club 2023 Flathead & Bream Tournament

The prepara ons for the 2023 Tuross Head Fishing Club’s Flathead and Bream Tournament are now well underway. Entries are arriving on a daily basis. It is going to be a great event. Most entries so far are repeat entries, so, it is me for more general informa on.

Tuross Head (on the far South Coast of NSW and four to five hours south of Sydney) is a very friendly coastal village of about 2,200 permanent residents, It has a micro climate caused by mountain ranges in the west, a lake on either side of the township peninsular and, of course, the broad Pacific Ocean out on the eastern frontage.

Coila Lake is very much an “Intermi ent Closing and Opening lake and lagoon” It fishes well but is not used for the Flathead and Bream Tournament.

Tuross Lake is also classed as an “ICOLL” but is mostly a dal lake and part of the Tuross River system that has it beginnings high in the distant mountain ranges. A decade or so ago all commercial fishing was banned and is now recognized as a recrea onal fishing haven. Although many species of fish are caught, Tuross Lake consistently produces boun ful and large Flathead and Bream.

The Tuross Head Fishing Club (a sub club of the licensed “Club Tuross”) has been running the FBT for a decade and a half now. It is a lure only and keeping with the conserva on fishing haven aspect the Tournament is strictly catch and release. Outside of the Tournament, recrea onal fishers are free to keep DPI legal fish that they catch.

The Tuross Head Fishing Club Flathead and Bream Tournament is held over the Canberra Long Weekend holiday and in 2023 will be run over March 10, 11, 12. We cap the number of entries at the first 250 received as there is limited space in the Club Tuross which is used for meals etc.

There are only two entry categories, Junior (sixteen years and younger) and Adult. The entry fee is $150 for adults and $90 for Juniors. All entrants will receive a fishing shirt and meal as part of their entry. Prizes - Shimano is our ongoing major sponsor and is happy to provide us with high end quality rods and reels for category winners. There are always spot prizes and raffles over the Tournament period. Judging – We will need to inspect any large Flathead or Bream that may be in conten on for major prizes, however, scoring is done by placing the caught fish on a DPI “brag mat” and using a phone camera to record a clear image and transfer that image to a phone number we will provide. We will give each compe tor an individual number to display on their brag mat and a code for that days’ fishing.

Behind the scenes, we have so ware that is being updated as the images of caught fish are received ul mately giving a running scoring. In short, it’s a great event and compe tors always enjoy themselves.

More details, rules and regula ons and the entry forms can be found by following the link or by using this QR code.

h ps://www.clubturossfishing.com.au/flathead-andbream-tournament

Eurobodalla Thursday Tennis Ladies Compe on.

The Grand Finals were held at Narooma courts on Thursday 24th November. What a fabulous way to end the compe on for 2022! The weather was beau ful, the tennis was excellent and there were lots of supporters who came along to cheer and watch! Even a few fellows came to watch wives and friends play, and all were catered for! A wonderful fes ve atmosphere had been created.

The clubhouse looked lovely with lots of flowers everywhere and there was a fabulous spread of lovely tasty food for all to share! There was ample sea ng and shade provided. Thank you to all the helpers!

Tomakin really did pull off a hat trick by winning in all three divisions!!! Congratula ons Tomakin! That may be a first in EDTA and ETLC history! But really, congratula ons to all finalists for 3 excellent matches! Players some more photos of the day will be added to the link from last week!

Division 1 Tomakin 6 sets 43 games defeated Bay Babes 2 sets 23 games. A er 6 sets, there were only 10 games in it, so the last 2 sets went on! Some fabulous tennis was on show on court 1 and there was lots of cheering on!!!

Division 2 Narooma Gold 4 sets 40 games went down to Tomakin 5 sets 43 games! Yes it was full of high drama!! A 5th set was required as a er 8 sets it was 4 sets all and 37 games all! 1 & 2’s had to go out for a 5th match! Marlene Adams, of Tomakin, took me out due to feeling ill and, despite Narooma being up before the break in play, they lost their mojo and the set when

Edwards came on as a replacement for the next set and the rest is

Division 3 Tomkatz 5 sets 31 games defeated Bay Breeze 0 sets 18 games. A win was declared a er 5 sets, but it was far from easy this me. Breeze girls put up a great fight, star ng off the day with a e breaker set! 2 of the other sets went to 6-4! Congratula ons Tomkatz on never losing a match and only losing 8 sets for the en re Comp! The girls had a social game and a bo le of champus while the other teams finished their matches.

Eurobodalla Tennis Clubs are already making plans and taking names for the next comp. - which will begin when school goes back next year. Go along to your local club and get prac sing, if you might like to join us for a year of great tennis in 2023. Broulee club will be hos ng and running the compe on next year.

Marlene recommenced. Anne

history! Congratula ons Tomakin!

sports

Moruya Women’s Golf Results

Wednesday, 23rd November

Beau ful weather and dry fairways en ced 21 women to par cipate in this week’s Stableford round, which saw some great scores recorded.

Val Moore (right) played magnificently, taking out 1st place with an outstanding 41 ne . Runner-up was Pauline Nash, who has also been playing consistently beau ful golf, finished with 39 ne .

Balls went to: L Gibbs (39), C Becker (38 C/B), M Douglas (38), J Lumsden (37), S Knight (36), B Roberts (34 C/B), P Reid (34), V Goodwin (33 C/B), M Bingham (33).

NTP Div. 1 5th Hole Margaret Douglas Div. 2 5th Hole Vicki Goodwin

Tuross Head Vets Golf Results For 23 November

A 2 Person Stableford Mul plier event was held by Tuross Head Veteran golfers on Wednesday 23 November 2022. Winning combina on was Mike Birks with visi ng golfer Lachlan Grave on a score of 27 Stableford points. Other major prize winners were Gail and Len Rogers with 25, Jeane e and Ian Miller on 24, and finally Bruce Harding and Rick Brake with 23.

Minor prizes were awarded to three groups, Steve Collins and Frank Pomfret, Blaise Madden and Leonie Snodgrass, and lastly Chris and Ian Wra en, all teams scoring 21 points.

The infamous Bradman award went to the combina on of Peter McRae and Lars Gaupset, whilst nearest the pins were won by Leonie Snodgrass on the 4th, Kevin Reilly on the 6th, and Chris Wra en and Paul Coffey on the 7th.

Neil Mather won the Accuracy drive compe on.

Right: Winners Mike Birks and Lachlan Grave

Tuross Head Fishing Club Goes

To Quaran ne Bay in EDEN

Members finally had a Fishing Compe on weekend without rain, However I did not predict the strong winds that blew. Fishing Club members travelled to Eden for a wonderful weekend away.

Saturday and Sunday morning gave members an opportunity to venture out to Twofold Bay to fish before the wind started to make condi ons too uncomfortable. Fishing was hard but most members were able to record some fish.

A big thanks to Gav for organizing our rival Red and Black Hat compe on. Sadly the Red hats somehow managed to win only because of Gav's dubious rules. Thanks to Mike for bringing his cornwhole bag throwing game which was great entertainment and to Jeanie who gave the ladies an art pain ng class. The Quaran ne Bay Cabins are a great annual getaway

Fishing results. October Goblet PIGFISH was not won and will carry over again.

November Goblet FLATHEAD was won by Bruce Kennedy catching a Sand Flathead 51cm worth 86.25pts. Mens Outside winner was Gavin "Red Hat" Robinson with his favourite Morwong 48cm worth 89.94pts. Womens Outside was won by Jeanie Dixon who also caught a Morwong 48cm worth 89.94pts.

Mens Lake and Estuary was won by Bruce Kennedy who came home early and went for a fish catching a Bream 32cm worth 76.69pts.

Junior division was won by Ryan Weatherby catching a Leather Jacket 42.7cm worth 86.1pts.

These were the only category winners . Mystery Fish was no. 26 Whi ng 47.3cm was not won. The Turkey of the Month I think we are s ll deciding. Number of fish recorded was 43. With 8 different species being caught by 15 Club Members.

BROULEE RUNNER’S RESULTS

WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2022

The field of runners may have been small however it was all quality as there were 8 personal best mes achieved. In the 2-Kilometres the achievers were Laura Lopres , Mel Miller, Alyssa Birks, Emily Bredin, Maggie Bredin and Chris Van Der Senden. In the 3-Kilometres Chloe Tangney improved as did John Hicks in the 4-Kilometres. Tonight, there was a no ce with all the names of record holder both male and female over the 3 distances. These will be closely watched as runners will be keen to collect one of these records.

It is worth men oning Lilly McIntosh, who holds both the women’s 2- and 3-kilometre records. Lilly now has her sights set on the 4-kilometre record. We are looking forward to some outstanding achievements in the next few weeks. John Ligh oot needs one more run for 30-run shirt; Michelle Baby only one more run for a big 100; and Adrian Connor needs two more runs for a bigger 200 runs and Andrew McPherson needs two more runs for an even bigger 300 runs.

Tackle World Moruya Fishing report

25th

Nov 2022

Moruya River.

The river is s ll on the improve, with warming ocean currents pushing into the system, sparking bite ac vity, and reduce rainfalls having li le to no effect on the water condi ons.

Big des this week as a result of last nights dark, will see fish being able to push up into water on the flats that isn’t usually accessible. A good opportunity to get onto the flats and fish the areas that doesn’t normally see fish. Shallow running hard body lures and lightly weighted so plas cs or even surface lure all work very well in temp ng hun ng fish in these areas.

There seems to be a small band of discoloured water that is hanging around Mogendoura, that is unable to exit the system, with s ll good levels of fresh coming out of the mountains and the incoming des holding it there. This will clear in me, but in the mean me it can be a good area to look for flathead or bream that are able to hunt a bit more freely under the cover of slightly discoloured waters.

Under the town bridge and up to the hospital, there have been good reports of both bream and flathead being taken.

Whilst towards the front the plague schools of small chopper tailor seem to be hanging around, making gear taxa on a li le higher than normal. With a warm weekend forecast and a slight chance of drizzle, it looks to be a good weekend to get out explore the area, and drown a bait. Tuross River.

The major news from the Tuross area, is the good prawning that is currently being experienced in Coila lake. Even though the channel is s ll open to the sea, reports of 4-5kg of prawn per person have come through the shop. With the mouth s ll open, fish the run out de with your light and scoop net. Just be careful that the middle of the channel is s ll of a good depth, and big neap des means more water running out of the lake on the run out de. Par cularly if you are wearing waders! Going for a swim in waders is a scary proposi on. Tuross lake itself, is as usual a haven for good flathead as the season and waters warm up. From the mouth area up past 4 ways and even up past the metal bridge at Bodalla, good flathead and bream have both been taken on baits and lures alike. Don’t be too surprised if you find a mulloway in some of the deeper holes throughout the system. It has been known to happen .

Rock and Beach.

With the winds we have experienced this week, there haven’t been too many report from the breakwalls, headland or beaches, as a sandblas ng isn’t the nicest experience you can have. I would expect that the salmon, bream and whi ng will s ll be available on all beaches this weekend. So my advice is, you a guaranteed to catch nothing if you stay at home.

Offshore.

With swells under 2m this weekend and winds tomorrow morning, forecast to be very low, I would look at a early morning session, and be back at the boat ramp before lunch when the winds are set to increase. Look at the magic 30-40m mark around the reefs for snapper, mowong, and gummies, while the shallow sandy areas around the 10-15m mark should be holding good flathead.

For the game crews wan ng to chase something bigger, I’m don’t have anything to report from this last week. As you will all have seen this last week on our social media pla orms, we have had a new supplier come on board with Kings Adventure gear now in abundance upstairs and also down stairs. Just in me for Xmas shopping , there is something here for the outdoor person in your life in the shop. Please feel free to come in and check out our range. If we don’t have what you are a er, we are happy to order gear in for you as well. Stay safe everyone and remember, “every days a good day for fishing…”

Team Tackle World Moruya.

OUT NOW—your latest Beagle Abode :

Eurobodalla’s leading real estate guide

The beagle abode is an online weekly Eurobodalla real estate guide showcasing the current Eurobodalla market and our many realtors.

The beagle abode is the new addi on to the South Coast Beagle that owns The Beagle and the South Coast Travel Guide: The Nature Coast of NSW : from Durras to The Tilbas

The Beagle Abode has been established to provide that service while also providing our readers with a glossy overview of latest proper es on the market each week.

You can find Beagle Abode on the Beagle website under REAL ESTATE

The latest Beagle Abode lis ngs are also available each week as a FlipBook on the website and also distributed to readers via our social media pages and our twice weekly mailouts.

CLICK HERE: h ps://www.beagleweekly.com.au/real-estate

real estate

Stamp Duty Reform - Opposi on

Last week we reported that the Stamp Duty reform is now up and running, albeit only available to first home buyers. For those that may have (inadvertently) missed last week’s edi on, here is a brief summary before we tackle the opposi on’s posi on to the policy.

Eligible first home buyers can now choose to opt into the First Home Buyer Choice where they can choose to make an annual land tax payment rather than the upfront stamp duty they pay for homes valued up to $1.5 million. The new land tax equates to $400 plus 0.3% of the unimproved land value, which would be paid on an annual basis. Analysis shows that if a first home buyer purchased a $1 million house and sold it 10 years later, which is around the median holding period, the annual property payments over the 10 years would total $19,881 in present value terms compared with $40,090 in upfront stamp duty - a saving of $20,209.

The new reforms have certainly met with various levels of support from many industry groups, however the current opposi on is completely opposed to the idea, sta ng they will repeal the legisla on if elected into power next year.

Macrobusiness.com.au summarised the opposi on’s key cri cisms of the scheme as:  They “refuse to aid and abet Perro et in his quest to introduce a land tax on people’s homes, without a mandate from the people themselves 

The tax will add pressure to family budgets. It will not lead to lower property prices. And it is des ned to affect more than just first homebuyers. 

If they stay in their home forever, they pay the tax forever. 

The typical family in Sydney would pay about $2400 the first year of the new tax. The tax rises whenever their property’s value rises.

 This is different from the state’s exis ng stamp duty system. That is not a perfect system. But one of its redeeming features is certainty. People know that the charge is fixed.”

It is also argued that while stamp duty is a significant inhibitor for first home buyers to enter the market, the bigger issue is the price of proper es in the first place which has been brought about by lack of available proper es to purchase.

The website went on to summarise the benefits of the scheme as being:



Mobility: Abolishing stamp duty would encourage people to move to homes and loca ons that best suit their needs.

Efficiency: Allowing households to move where they want to live means more efficient alloca on of public investment in transport infrastructure, land and health care resources. Moving to a broad-based land tax would also encourage a be er use of land by discouraging land banking and vagrancy. 



Equity: It is unfair for buyers of the circa 5% of homes that turnover each year to pay puni ve taxes to fund services provided to the other 95%. It would be much fairer to share the load via a broad-based land tax.



Revenue stability: Because stamp du es are a func on of both dwelling values and sales volumes, they are highly vola le and experience large booms and busts. Land taxes, by comparison, are far more stable.

I suppose with a state elec on coming up next year, we will all once again be in a posi on to cast our vote which will determine which system we end up with.

South Coast Property Specialists (Carlene Franzen) Tips #1124:

Locksmith

TV Antenna

Trees

The Beagle business and trades Directory a to z

Waste Management

Late entries

The Beagle Trades and Business Directory provides local Trades and Businesses a free lis ng in a hope that they might gain work from it, and con nue to provide employment and economic benefit to their families and our communi es. Adver sing is usually outside the affordability of many smaller businesses and sole traders. The Beagle supports locals. These lis ngs are FREE. If you are a local business and would like to be listed please contact us as we o en turn over these lis ngs to give everyone a fair go. Email beagleweeklynews@gmail.com Trades and Businesses can also list themselves on the Beagle Trades and Business Group in Facebook at h ps://www.facebook.com/groups/1303512213142880/