Art is the soul of a nation and our nation badly needs now what Art (all the Arts) can supply.

Sport helps us to live, the Arts perform the same function - helps our MINDS to live.

Please never underestimate the power of Art.

Covid cannot kill the Arts, politicians can - and alas -they do.

RELATED:

I write in relation to our deputy premier's perceived 'stunt' last week saying that unless the SEPP44 (State Environmental Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2019) was put back on the table for discussion, he and his colleagues would cross the floor.

There's always something far deeper to that, that just appears to be a stunt.

And now it emerges! There are serious flaws in SEPP44, that if allowed to go through in its current form will be like shutting NSW down for business.

Protect koalas? Absolutely! But SEPP44 includes many dozens of tree species, such as cypress pine forests that koalas do not live in.

The mapping in SEPP44 is seriously flawed.

Almost no area of NSW is spared, and that includes the Southern Highlands.

If you have to have a survey on your property, it will cost you $10,000.

The ratepayer pays, not the government!

If it takes a stunt to finally bring the Liberal Party back to the table to rework this before it's made law, so be it.

The people, businesses and future of NSW is worth fighting for.

Thank you John Barilaro for getting this significant issue back on the agenda for discussion. You're one brave man!

I have great admiration for Gladys, but on this, the leadership of John Barilaro in defending the best interest of every person and business in NSW is to be commended.

Use the following link to see the mapping of NSW in this legislation. Is your property koala habitat? https://webmap.environment.nsw.gov.au/Html5Viewer291/index.html?viewer=KoalaSEPP.htm5

Who is representing our best interests? Give me John Barilaro any day.

Valentine Tyson

Central Councillor

Chairman

Wollondilly State Electorate Council

Southern Highlands Branch

National Party of Australia (NSW)