Unfortunately I do not share your interpretation of my letter to the editor, nor the claims made in your correspondence to me in relation to this matter.

As such I still hold a precautionary position, valuing as I do, the historical, social and environmental context of the Wingecarribee Shire.

These values and advocacy extend to both European and Aboriginal Heritage as well.

Mr Duncan your suggestion that I have proliferated a litany of mistruths, is an opinion that I do not share and one that I am sure will be tested in the court of public opinion in the not too distant future.

In spite of Hume Coal (Posco's assurances), that there will be no environmental damage, nor impacts upon the water table, amenity or natural lifestyle of the Wingecarribee, I remain sceptical.

I am also disappointed that my offer to relax my position and to meet with Hume Coal in a councillor briefing, if WAG members were also invited to attend was rejected outright, by yourself, as was my request for an address by Hume Coal in an open council meeting.

I believe these actions do little to instil confidence in the openness and transparency of HC (Posco) in these matters.

As a councillor representative of this shire, with a long history and credibility of environmental values and social advocacy and a councillor representative of WAG, I will continue to monitor and comment on things as I see them to the best of my ability and in accordance with my conscience and in protection of these values.

If this opinion does not meet with your approval, I can only point out that I am not on the payroll of Posco and am therefore to speak my mind without compromise.

Clr Larry Whipper, Wingecarribee Shire Council