When Milton resident Bill Deverall decided to go public about Milton over-development concerns he wanted to see if his views "would strike a chord" with other residents.
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His views did not strike a chord but rather raised alarm bells and got some great online debate going.
Bill loves where he lives but fears what makes the village sparkle, will become dull due to inappropriate development.
It seems many others share his views.
"There's too much development going on and putting new houses in Milton will ruin the country/rural area," one resident said online.
Another resident raised concerns with council.
"I received the Shoalhaven City Council's newsletter today and in it is their draft plan for our region," the resident said.
"I responded with my concerns about over-development with housing estates decimating surrounding forest and cramming houses side by side.
"I included the example of Corks Lane in Milton, Summerfield in Mollymook and the concrete jungle in Narrawallee. There are many more.
"The impending destruction of the only forest left untouched by the Conjola fires surrounding Manyana has seen the community there become very organised and gain increased support outside their village; from greater NSW, nationally and internationally.
"We need to combine to gain greater strength."
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Another resident does not want the Shoalhaven to copy mistakes made just up the coast.
"Seriously look what happened up north to Shellharbour and surrounds," the resident said.
"I remember driving through and it was green rolling hills. Now it's a full-blown city. Crazy how everything is changing so fast. It's really sad."
A common theme is that people feel Milton is losing its appeal
"It's a shame - I love driving through Milton so relaxing. If they have to develop then build home styles that blend with countryside themes," the resident wrote.
One person saw what was happening and moved.
"I couldn't believe the speed and extent of development in the area after an absence of four-and-a-half- years," he wrote.
"I lived and worked as a carpenter and builder here for 26 years. Happy to have pulled up stumps to move to North Queensland."
Some others feel we have to be realistic when it comes to development.
"The place is growing and that's that, may as well get used to it," the resident said.
Another person mentioned the benefits that comes with development
"Time to move forward. More buildings and more jobs and more people and more employment," was the resident's take on the matter.
