DEAR News Of The Area,
IF the “Great Koala National Park” is legislated, will it be as devastating as some suggest?
In the late 1950s Macksville had a population of about 2000 and relied on industries such as bananas, dairy, saw milling, Midco abattoir and small goods and was supported by five banks.
A large swathe of banana plantations have disappeared, the late John Beaney advised that 50 dairies have closed with only three left, Midco has gone as has four of the banks and milling has largely disappeared (sleeper cutters in particular).
On top of this the highway bypass was a concern for business.
Considering these losses/changes the town has moved on and grown to be more than three times the population and having to bring in overseas workers to fill vacancies.
New industries have developed.
No doubt if the “Park” goes ahead some people will be directly affected and should receive support in adjusting.
Either way the district will continue to grow.
Regards,
Max TURNER,
Macksville.
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