reading Dear Beagle Editor,
Norfolk Island Pine It was our first Christmas tree
What future for the so-called “Nature Coast’’?
Measuring up to my knee
Vol 16 September 15th 2017 28 April December 7th, 2017 Vol 48 27th 2018
I planted it long ago,
Will it be a re5rement village inhabited by ci5zens who come here to escape the turmoil and crowding of the ci5es and wish to live in harmony with nature?
Never expec5ng it to grow To such a spectacular height, Guarding other trees from sight.
Perhaps “Suburbia by the Sea” with families, affordable housing, schools, hospitals, houses, parks, schools and shops.
Birds jump from branch to branch
It could become a playground of the rich, with expensive restaurants, and grand holiday homes. Maybe a tourist des5na5on with ar5ficial natural a@rac5ons enhanced by entertainment venues and souvenir shops.
Summer comes and leaves turn brown
Or will it become a combina5on of all things that results in the largely undeveloped region of the Dalmeny/Narooma region becoming another “Gold Coast” from which the conserva5onists and small village lovers wish to escape?
Standing steadfast, as winds blow.
Chasing each other for a chance To find shelter and some bugs Among the leaves and be snug.
All this can be made possible by a local council which has responsibility for far more than roads, rates, bridges and taxes, and which has already made the decision to bulldoze large areas of bushland for housing development. Times have changed and our unique flora and fauna are at risk. Will the new council to be elected on the 4th December give more considera5on to the natural world on which we all ul5mately depend, and protect areas of natural bush that provide vital animal habitat and are good for the soul. Elect councillors who will protect our natural environment and SAVE THE TREES. Susan Cru@enden
beagle weekly : Vol 236 December 3rd 2021
30
Dropping them to the ground But my Norfolk con5nues to grow
A boy climbs up with Christmas lights Every December, ligh5ng the night With Christmas spirit to bring some smiles To family and neighbours for a while... And aFer that it remains evergreen Ready to bring cheer, for yet, another year! By Mary Murray
