With it being only about a third full, I went looking for the reason in the new shop. It did not take me long as I went about my shopping to realise that it was obvious that the prices in Nelson Bay reflected the lack of competition in the area as there was very few specials to look for and some prices higher than at Salamander Bay.

As one of my neighbours said to me, it looks like Woollies is waiting for the tourists to come to make their money as us locals will go to Salamander Shopping Centre where we have the choice of Coles and Aldi to keep prices down.

Frank Ward OAM

Shoal Bay 

The new jetty and ramp facilities at Lemon Tree are fantastic.

But the pool netting, which I hope is only temporary, is highly dangerous. It is a lightweight fish net that distorts with the current. On the north side, it stretches right under the pontoon when the tide is running out.

A child caught in the current, which can be substantial at Lemon Tree, could easily be dragged under the pontoon and be unable to swim out, due to the netting. On the southern side, the netting alone could trap a child as the tide runs in. The pool needs solid netting that isn't distorted by current. This situation must be addressed urgently or there will be a tragedy at Lemon Tree.

Rick Frost

Mallabula

I was very upset when I saw the ‘for sale’ sign land at on Port Stephens Drive and the bushland where koalas and other wildlife live.

What right does an organisation have to destroy the natural habitat?  I only hope it doesn't amount to anything, I am disgusted.

Lynne Clark

Salamander Bay

Congratulations to the organising committee of the Lost Highway Bluegrass Festival at Karuah on a great 2016 festival.

 I have been to plenty of festivals over the years, the Lost Highway Bluegrass Festival 2016 is up there with them all. It may not be as big and attract the big names, but the vibe was better then most of them.

A great venue, good sound and some amazing artists made for a very memorable weekend and  it's local, 15 minutes from home. It was organised and run by a dedicated group of volunteers that did a terrific job, including the preschool mums and dads that provided great food.  I hope that the council and local businesses will again get behind next year’s festival and provide support to the organisers to ensure it remains the great attraction it is.

John Cunningham

Raymond Terrace

Rusty the Dalmatian and myself would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously to the RSPCA when we fund-raised on the Tilligerry Peninsula in the lead up to the Million Paws Walk at Morpeth on Sunday, May 15.

Your support has enabled us to hand over a cheque to the RSPCA for $1038. Once again a huge Thank you.

Sue Goddard  

Lemon Tree Passage

Just a thought to those that enjoy that takeaway beer on the way home from work in the car – drop your empty bottle in your own bin at home.

Please don’t throw it out the window onto the roadside – how long do you think that bottle takes to break down? 

Jenni Woolard

Anna Bay