Sir,

Don't you love the way things happen here. On page 15 of last Wednesday's paper I was pictured for my work in putting together a wine/food/gardens promotion, which has been supported by the State Government, while on page two we read about how council wants to shut down the Bowral Farmers Market.

In strategically thinking about how to promote the Southern Highlands as a wine and food destination a farmers market quickly became an obvious thing to do. Most other places have, or plan to have, one. If Ms Bonett had not started hers then I would have had to organise one and I know others are keen to do the same.

The location is perfect - centre of our main town attracts a lot of people; good use of civic space that residents can enjoy for one morning a month (not much reason to go there otherwise); indoor/outdoor facilities.

It has been said that the choice of product could do with some improvement but, hey, we don't have that many producers here, particularly at the end of winter.

Not many farmers live in the Southern Highlands. While a market made up of largely local produce is ideal we have to accept that it cannot always be the case here. And, the seafood has been very much appreciated and it will always have to come from out of area.

Local charities have been involved so an element of community collaboration is present. Isn't it nice to see people working together for the common good.

This market is not only about delivering goods from the producer to the consumer. It is just as much about creating an impression about the Southern Highlands that it is still a rural area - a bit of a beat-up but very important as part of our tourism push nonetheless.

Those business interests in Bowral who want to close the market down should think about the bigger picture. A market that opens for five hours a month can hardly impact on existing businesses and if it does then maybe they should think about doing something else. The market is about lifestyle and tourism - benefits for everyone in the shire.

I have asked council to consider working with Ms Bonett to create a market with an acceptable minimum percentage of local produce rather than just destroying what is an obviously good idea. A novel approach?. We'll see.

Michele Scamps

convenor, Southern Highlands Food and Wine Strategy Group