I refer to your letter published in the 20 September edition of the Tweed Coast Weekly.
Your attempt to attribute some sinister coincidence between certain facts, or purported facts, and the recent fire at Cudgen Nature Reserve shows an appalling lack of judgment.
The suggestion that there is some connection between the outcome of the election and this fire is just silly. Serious, however, is your insinuation, with reference to locked gates, with new locks fitted, that Leda had something to do with it. The facts are as follows:
1. I was telephoned on the Friday that the fire occurred by Mr Damien Hoffmeyer of the NPWS’ Murwillumbah office who advised me that there was a fire, but that it was under control between NPWS and the RFS who had gained access to Kings Forest, so that there was no need for anyone from Leda to attend.
2. I invited him to contact me at any time including over the weekend if he needed my assistance in any way. He said he was sure this would not be necessary.
3. No new locks have been fitted. The Leda lock is the same one that has been there for at least five years.
4. I was phoned also that Friday by an anxious neighbour to whom I suggested that concerns about fire management in the future be brought to the attention of the RFS, who had our contact details and with whom we would cooperate in every way possible.
Mr Hoffmeyer’s telephone number, by the way, is (02) 6670 8600.
It is one thing to pass malicious gossip about, but something quite different to have published letters containing the nonsense you have written.
You really should take the trouble in future to ascertain the facts. One way of doing so is by telephone. My mobile number is 0410 540 371, at which I am available at all reasonable times.
Reg van Rij
Leda Developments Pty Ltd
