We are encouraged by your July 26 article ‘Council stumped on weir request’ and that our project application to remove or reduce height of 12 to 15 dead native tree stumps is being considered.

In 2006 accommodation owners approached this committee and ask that the weir be cleaned up as there were complaints from their disappointed clients unable to use their craft because of the ‘snags’.

The dead native tree stumps project is small.

A one-day effort.

The few stumps are close to the riverbank and picnic area in an area 350 metres x 30 metres wide, far short of midstream and area of approximately three quarters of a hectare.

Completion of the project will create a small area for safe, enjoyable, water activities for communities, visitors, tourists and campers.

It will be a credit to the Parkes Council and an asset to the shire.

Insurance: Was a consideration. Since the implementation of the NSW Civil Liberty Act 2002 – Claimant must prove negligence – there has been far fewer successful litigation cases.

Aquatic species habitat – Dead native tree stumps are solid core not habitat.

During ‘drought’ or dry times the nuisance stumps sit high and dry on the sandy riverbed sometimes for many months.

There is an abundance of excellent aquatic animal habitat nearby.

Health issue – Initially inspectors (government agencies) when visiting the site commented – “Why weren’t the stumps cleared before?” and “it is good that you are making the river safe”.

History – Dead native tree stumps are the result of timber clearing, by way of cross cut saws to increase the holding capacity of the 1921 weir wall.

Ninety five years later the stumps are hazardous. A very large number of similar stumps will remain in situ.

Thank you for publishing our letter of explanation.

Dear Editor

What a great success the festival was - this success was the result of a great community effort from all the businesses, community groups, Parkes Shire Council, volunteers and individuals.

This combined effort definitely shows what can be achieved.

We sincerely appreciate the support given to this festival and know that without the support from our local community, it would not be possible for Trundle to have a festival of such quality.

Trundle ABBA Festival Inc., has a long-term vision to sustain the event, to ensure it continues to be delivered each year and to provide benefits to the community.

Some of the key long-term objectives include:

There is a pride within our village and the visitors can ‘see’ it.

Visitors are keen to return – so thank you, once again, a collective effort bringing joy and fun to so many.

Dear Editor

If and when our Prime Minister gives a televised address to the nation, I hope that he includes the three main concerns that I share with many others.

These are climate change, climate change and climate change.

Malcolm Turnbull has good communications skills and has access to some of the best climate scientists in the world, who can help with his address.

In his address I hope he includes details of what is being done to prepare our nation for the climate change that has already started to occur.

I WAS surprised to read a comment from ‘Ted’ in the Central Western Daily stating that our newly-preselected National Party candidate for the NSW Seat of Orange now has a job until he retires.

This is unfair not only to Scott Barrett himself, but to all the electors who vote in the seat of Orange.

Scott is, I am sure, more than aware that if he fails to represent Orange by achieving worthwhile benefits for the city any thought of being “blindly” reelected is baseless.

A big thumbs up to the caterers at St George’s Church, who treated the Anglicare volunteers to a delicious Christmas in July three course meal. It was scrumptious, thank you.