For the first time in 66 years, this land, that was gifted to the people by the Thisilton family is now under threat by development. The building is a massive 18m long, 15m wide and 4.2 high.

If approved, the ambient landscape of this area will be changed forever. Generations of families have treasured this parks existence, treasured its amenity, treasured its ambience and treasured its recreational role in the community.

Councillors have to ensure strong and effective representation of the community on this matter because they manage this tranquil park like so many others, and they also must importantly remember, that current and future local community parks must be protected on the ratepayers behalf at all times.

They should consider the long term effects of their actions and plan to meet the needs of the local community. Burrill Lake Action Group, was formed urgently to act as a conduit between council and the residents, then two weeks later, 82 angry and vocal residents attended the BLAG public meeting and recommended unanimously that Shoalhaven City Council reject the development application outright.

Residents are naturally worried about the loss of ambience and the impediment of the views from their nearby surroundings.

The fanciful idea to challenge council and the hundred of ratepayer to erect such a building of such portions, for the proponents own use, on such a small unspoilt park of the park boarders on insanity.

The Action Group will continually keep residents fully informed and asks members of the community who want to protect and save Barker Reserve from development to urgent write to Shoalhaven Council and drop their submission to the council office in Deering Street, Ulladulla by Friday, December 20.

I was interested to read in this weeks Times of the proposed boat shed to be built in Barker Park Burrill Lake.

This park was dedicated to the late Col Barker for his outstanding work for the community of Burrill Lake.

He was president of the Burrill Lake Progress Association during a period where there was deep concern about the condition of the lake.

As I worked with him as secretary of the association I am aware of the time and effort he put in after travelling to Nowra for council meetings and lobbying local politicians to have the causeway removed and a new bridge built to enable the lake to flow unimpeded and reduce the ever growing siltation.

Unfortunately, he did not live to see this happen. However, to disregard the favour the local people felt for this man is very insulting.

Build the shed somewhere else!

Why is this climate-denying government spending $598.5 billion on defence, including on submarines which won't be operational for 15 years, while cutting the RFS budget this year?

We need immediate defence against bushfires so there should be a large financial commitment by the government to have the resources and personnel equipped for ongoing emergencies.

Imagine what it would be like for our national Defence Department if they had to raise money themselves, with raffles and phone appeals! Yet this is what our amazing RFS has to do several times a year.

Let's ask this negligent government to get its priority into sensible perspective.

Do you have an opinion you'd like to share? Send a letter to the editor using the form below