There were rumours, and many expressions of concern for the trees and the birds everyone had come to know and took for granted that it would always be enjoyed. Even the little possums that joined the neighbourhood. Turn on the radio, the television, look at the news in print, worldwide there is genuine concern at the loss of our valuable insects, bees, butterflies, these all form part of our ecosystem. Birds will be next, and right at the very end of this eco-destruction is humans.

We depend on a healthy and diverse ecosystem. One does not exist without the other. So why don't we preserve our urban green areas? Trees and plants that have taken decades to grow into magnificent givers of life. When I look at the proud advertisement board in front of St John's, proudly showing townhouses that to me look like boxes clumped together, the background showing non-existent trees I feel sad for the 35, mainly native trees doomed. No more bird songs, no more eucalyptus lemon scented leaves or bottle brush red.

We can talk about climate change, devastation all we like, but we need to preach with our actions. Start here, eco-friendly developers with a good sense of aesthetics could incorporate at least some of the trees and plants into their final plan. How good would that be? Am I dreaming, many will say "yes you are".

It was good to see that the council has made what I consider to be the right decision regarding the circus animals coming to town. This is possibly the only way many children will have the opportunity to see those animals up close, as the cost of travelling to and visiting a zoo or wild life sanctuary is prohibitive to low income earners.

However it was disappointing, to say the least, to read that Cr Kat Bennett wholeheartedly endorsed the slur on four of her fellow councillors.

I think it certainly highlighted her immaturity. Perhaps in time she will become mature and represent all of her community effectively. And regarding the ban on exotic animals, no one asked my opinion on this subject, or the opinion of anyone I know. Just an observation from an oldie who is older than the councillors.

Congratulations to Wodonga Council on making the right decision regarding the hiring of council-owned land to circuses with exotic animals, based on the truth and not animal rights groups' claims and propaganda.

Cr Kat Bennett should be asked to resign from Wodonga Council due to her childish behavior following the council's decision. I commend the council on making the right decision.

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