We can only hope that the people who have come together over this issue will remain connected, so as to continue the conversation about the way our shire’s infrastructure assets are being managed.

Perhaps concerned citizens would like to continue meeting in Littleton Gardens at high noon each day to discuss their concerns about the abuse of due process and the lack of accountability and transparency in our shire?

The simple truth of the matter is that the tree, as was the case with the other large gum trees previously removed by stealth, was always in the way of the planned engineering works.

Rather than explore alternate options that would allow for this majestic piece of natural architecture and an invaluable monument to Bega’s history to be retained and protected, council was always arrogantly determined to ignore the community’s wishes and simply destroy it.

Many in our community believe that the only things that Council really values are fashioned from concrete, steel and plastic and that everything else, is seen as being expendable.

In 1963, Kevin Tetley photographed the wasteland that was then Littleton Gardens.

The BVSRRA believes that council won’t be satisfied until it has returned Littleton Gardens to that barren state.

Judy Geary

Vice president, and 

John Richardson

Secretary

Bega Valley Shire Residents and Ratepayers Association 

Wallagoot