Firstly, may I address the cynics out there and assure them that this letter is not a subtle advertisement for the Greens. It’s merely a ‘pat on the back’ for a job well done and greatly appreciated.
I would like to thank MP Tamara Smith and Ballina Shire Cr Kiri Dicker, as well as General Manager of Ballina Shire Council, Paul Hickey (and staff) for their endeavours to preserve our native wetlands from obliteration at the hands of adverse development, by trying to implement ‘Conservation Zones’ within our Ballina Shire for future Australians to be able to enjoy. I’m not going to document their individual efforts here, just say they ‘played hard, done good!’
I can tell you I have never voted for the Greens in my life, and have always looked at both the state and federal elections in terms of choosing one of the ‘big two’. However, in retrospect, I’m wondering if I really want to now support ‘those’ associated with prioritising the spending of $38 billion on nuclear submarines to ‘shirt-front’ China, or friends who ‘quite frankly m’dear, “do” give a damn’, and help preserve our local pristine ecological environment and quality lifestyle from any local ‘hidden’ would- be ‘belt and road’ wannabes? (You know, next time I might just give Albo the elbow and of course, nuttin’ for Dutton.) But hey, if you’re into nuclear submarines, take no notice of me, both the ‘boys’ will look after you there, be that in say, 2030 or so! Depending on if we’re still all here after the next flood or two in the meantime.
Meanwhile, the ‘battle for paradise’ is not over yet! And it’s not in the lap of the gods either, it’s now in the lap of the lawyers, who are really just overpaid jockeys on racehorses (both wearing blinkers), completely indifferent to any principle at stake, other than the winning-fee they’ll get from their successful ‘owners’.
Remember, ‘Darrell’ was only successful in saving his castle with the help of his (otherwise unaffordable) mate, the QC.
So if, and when, the billionaires appeal the Land and Environment Court decision, might I now ask: ‘are there any generous retired QCs out there with some time on their hands and looking for something to do?’ (like saving our planet!).
That said, the primary theme of this letter remains one of gratitude to the aforementioned persons who put their hands up and walked the walk, not just talked the talk. Irrespective of whether their efforts are successful against the ‘mighty dollar’ or not!
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
