The central space of Albury should be an open area where people can gather and enjoy the city; residential development on any part of the open square should not be allowed and would detract from the open space.

IN OTHER NEWS:

In regards to the name of this central open space, perhaps it should revert to one of its original names as "Dean Square"?

Leave residential development out of this area.

I refer to the story "Speedie retreat on cash claims" (The Border Mail, February 19).

Serious questions need to be asked as to the motives of the Wodonga mayor making unsubstantiated and since proven incorrect statements, misleading the council in regard to federal funding promises from the last election.

She has refused to take ownership of the comments, also refused to identify the apparent Canberra-based source.

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One wonders why Cr Speedie would make such comments in the first place, unless political point scoring was on her mind.

I would have thought any request for information as to election promises by the government should have been directed to either the relevant ministers office or, at least, one of the members who represent the local area.

That would have set the record straight before such an embarrassing gaffe.

Apparently, even a quick email to local state member Bill Tilley's office would have shed the light needed.

I believe it is incumbent on all elected representatives and officers to ensure information given to council and residents is true and any breach of this trust should result in sanction.

Local council meetings should not be a gossip session.

We should be appalled, disgusted and ashamed of ourselves as a population that we have just endured another devastating fire event in our beautiful country.

With our wealth, technology and highly educated population, that fires of this magnitude and devastation still occur is a disgrace.

The loss of wildlife, habitats, housing and infrastructure is beyond belief.

As a farmer of 60 years' experience of growing wheat and having burnt hundreds of paddocks of stubble, I believe I have some qualifications to speak about fires. I also have long-service medals for firefighting.

We will never eliminate fires but we must take serious steps to reduce fires.

We have more forests than ever shut up as reserves.

We must control these reserves by whatever means, such as grazing, logging and selective burning.

Our first inhabitants did a much better job of thinning the forests than is currently the situation.

With our vastly increased population people are going to build houses in different places, they must be responsible for their own houses, and councils and land managers must set rules for safety and encourage, not hinder, house owners to be safe.

Fires will still happen. With less fuel load and some serious firebreaks along strategic roads, they may be reduced, contained and controlled, even with climate change.

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