The photo shows specifically the historic pin oaks that make the streetscape of the northern part of Station Street unique in the Southern Highlands. 

We may have missed our last chance to see this magnificent heritage display.

Wingecarribee Shire Council planning, from August 2017, is that construction of the proposed Station Street Upgrade, between Bundaroo Street and Bowral Street, would commence in early 2018.

Before the autumn leaves?

On the right side of the photograph, the first three pin oaks will be cut down.

The pin oak at the far end on the right side also will go. 

These are just four of the 159 trees that will be removed in Station Street between Bundaroo and Bowral Streets.

Highlands Matters has collected more than 1300 signatures on a petition opposing the proposed Station Street upgrade, equivalent already to one in eight adults in Bowral.

One of the crunch issues for Wingecarribee Mayor Ken Halstead is the extent to which the Station Street upgrade is driven by an infrastructure grant from the NSW Government.

Use it or lose it. But is there a better use for the grant? 

Wingecarribee Shire Council told the community in August 2017 that a future stage of this project will extend Railway Parade along the railway corridor south from Bowral Street, across council-owned land, to join up with Moss Vale Road at Links Road. From Harris Farm to the Oxley Motel. 

Would this second stage first be a wiser use of the grant? Please, Aunt Gladys, the money you gave me last year to buy chocolates, is it OK if I spend it on school books?

I understand that business can be tough and making sure you take advantage of every marketing opportunity is important, but when is it too soon to cash in on the next big event?

Easter is to be held this year on the long weekend from Good Friday on March 30 - that is almost two months away. Yet already Easter eggs are taking prime position in major stores – I guess that shouldn’t be surprising considering hot cross buns were available immediately after Christmas.

With such a commercial approach to special occasions such as Easter and Christmas it is not surprising that their true religious meaning is lost on so many people. I will happily admit that I love to celebrate Easter with my family, especially my grandchildren who get a real kick out of the Easter egg hunt at my place.

However, I feel the the hard commercial sell is a bit too much. For goodness sake we haven’t even celebrated Valentine’s Day yet! 

Do you have something on your mind that you want to share? Why not get your message across in the Southern Highland News Letters to the Editor? Publishing consideration is given to all letters, with preference given to those that are 250 words or less. Please include name and contact details. Contact details will not be published. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or legal reasons and will be published online.