MORE WAYS TO GROW SUBURBS
After so many years of frustration, at last Wagga's northern suburbs look like having some retail outlets.
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Maybe we should also look into the possibility of having some local sports clubs such as cricket, an op-shop maybe run by the new school, a service club like Lions or Rotary, an SES operation, tennis courts, pony club etc.
Hopefully also a post office/bank/ATM will happen.
John Norris, Estella
WAGGA'S NRL LIFELINE REJECTED
I sincerely hope Wagga Wagga City Council does not bring the NRL games to Wagga.
We do not want COVID-19 here and that is what will happen. Stupid idea!
Vicki Bland, Lake Albert
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TRAIL CONCERNS EASILY ALLAYED
Obviously some local land custodians, including Mssrs Daryl Schipp and Alan Brown, are concerned about the Wagga to Ladysmith rail trail, with Mr Schipp saying: "It's going to disrupt our business dramatically" ("Farmers' fury as rail trail idea resurfaces", The Daily Advertiser, August 4).
I accept these as genuine concerns, as opposed to NIMBY (not in my backyard sentiments), so perhaps I can allay their stated worries.
- Biosecurity and privacy: People are restricted to a fenced pathway, per the Tumbarumba/Rosewood trail, where no such issues have been highlighted.
- Affect on calving cows and "more invasive than trains": I really doubt weekend pedestrians and cyclists will be a problem for a resourceful farmer compared to all the NSW and Queensland farms that will be affected by the upcoming inland rail route with 3km long double stacked container trains going through the properties all hours day and night.
- Weed spraying: No different to public roads adjoining farms/neighbours where farmers comply with their obligations - consultation with the trail management committee would be a solution.
In the UK and many European countries, there is "right to roam" legislation dating back centuries allowing the public access through farmland and with no fenced paths, although obviously some restrictions apply (many farmers enjoy having a chat with these people).
This causes no business disruption and neither would a fenced trail here, allowing a relaxing, quite safe and picturesque journey that other communities would love to have.
A visit to Tumbarumba on a sunny weekend shows the potential, with vehicles with bike racks outside eateries and pubs, and the Rosewood store and bike hire shops also benefiting.
Alan Brown has concerns some farms have assets near the trail. Every business in Wagga has assets adjacent to a public road or footpath.
It's easy to look for negatives. Yes, it will involve some cost to the ratepayer, so does the Oasis centre, Lake Albert, the library, the art gallery, sports fields etc.
The Wagga council is to be congratulated in progressing this exciting project and should make every effort to ensure we don't lose this never-to-be-repeated opportunity.
Geoff Parker, Wagga
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