It is with dread and grief at the decimation of our country that we wait out this fire season.

We have seen the overwhelming response of Australians is one of a generosity of spirit.We are united in our love of country and each other. This generosity is the right response as we recreate in response to the nature of our country rather than continue in ways that suited our countries of origin. Although many of us descended from other countries we must now adopt the management strategies developed by our Indigenous peoples over the last 60,000 years. We can't go back entirely to the ways of our Indigenous land managers but we must incorporate the things that worked for our continent for thousands of years into our re-creation of our place. We are united in our love of country and each other.

Lots of talk about reducing emissions to reduce global warming but a fundamental truth is that clearing of forests and cattle farming contribute greatly to global warming yet we continue with these practices. Hard hoofs here also compact soil, preventing growth of native grasses so our soil blows away. Let's farm feral camels, alpacas and kangaroos instead.

It is paradoxical with a great deal of forest burning that we actually need to not only preserve the forest we have but to plant more. They are essential for maintaining a healthy water cycle thus reducing the risk of fires. The longer we put it off, the less hope we have of keeping our planet safe.

It is also time we looked at where we put our settlements. Rather than settling in forests on coasts and flood plains we move to places which can have buffer zones of parks and lakes around them. Plant fire resistant native trees in and around towns to provide cool havens that contribute to the water cycle. If we put the people who like lots of space in the outer ring and gradually condense the housing toward the town centres, we could create the benefits of both town and country thus reducing the need for vast alienating metropolises. Each settlement would have healing forests outside the buffer zones of parkland and lakes for everyone's health and enjoyment. Making flood plains, eroding coast lines and forests public reserves would also boost our tourist industry, increase our security and reduce the devastation during fire and flood which costs us and our economy.

So let's demand we link up our state forests and parks in groups and corridors for the good of our country and our safety during our country's natural disasters. Our native environments need to be managed as a green resource for the production of oxygen, maintenance of water cycles and conservation of wildlife. Forests, wetlands and river systems are our lungs, air conditioning, wildlife refuges and water generators. They are a resource not for logging, wood chipping, building on and draining but to be managed to provide recreation, promote tourism and prevent vast fires. The Great Koala National Park recommended by our scientists is one good idea. Preservation of wildlife is an essential part of healthy forest management, apart from the psychological benefits of seeing them in their natural habitat. Without them our country will not thrive.

Time for our government to step up and change laws to stop clear felling, a useless forestry industry, poor river management and indiscriminate ecologically untenable development and agriculture. Let's keep being generous, We are all in this together and we need to share our country differently.

We are not the main lungs of the planet but we need to lead by example so other countries will restore forests and habitats. For our future as humans on our beautiful planet. Our children see no future and they are right. Let's do it for our grandchildren. Surely we can use our great technological advances to rebuild our world in an ecologically sensitive way rather than using it to play avatar games?

It's time we all grew up. I'm sure all those who have suffered and lost people, homes and native habitats during these fires know it is past time to get serious.

Love Leslie

Leslie Hardwick, Bellingen

Mylestom Pathway Project is a proposal to construct a 1.8 wide slab of concrete approximately 600 metres long (over 1000m2 of concrete) on a fragile natural riverbank.

Another blatant example of humans thinking it appropriate to dominate a natural landscape because it suits their desires. Surely we have enough concrete in our shire already. Surely there are some areas of this beautiful shire that warrant 'stepping lightly'.

Can we not pause to consider how humans might adapt to our environment and our changing conditions, rather than always thinking that the environment should be adapted and manipulated to meet our wants/needs.

The riverbank is presently accessible to everyone. Cars can park alongside a picnic table so that anyone including people living with a disability or mobility issues can access a picnic table or seat and enjoy this beautiful, natural, public space.

A concrete pathway along the riverbank will create problems that do not currently exist. A clear case of if it's not broken - don't fix it.

Lizzy Wilkins, Mylestom

Scott Morrison took a long plane trip

To have a holiday on a tropical shore;

On weekends from work he did skip,

But now he wanted to have much more

Whilst Scott relaxed, many fires began,

The bushland was burning each day,

So back to Australia the PM ran,

Saying "I'm so sorry that I was away"

"... But it's nothing at all to do with me,

As the fires are handled by each state";

His detractors replied, with some glee,

"Tough, 'cos now you're in trouble, mate"

The PM was consumed by remorse,

So he went to shake each battler's hand -

"If needed, I'll do handshakes by force,

To win back the votes of this land"

Poor old Scotty had felt the media's bite,

And was scared of being left on the shelf,

He decided to fight his foes with might -

But his worst enemy was actually himself.

Andrew Guild, Bellingen