But the idea that Bede Burke or Russell Webb for that matter, are genuinely "independent" is an insult to our intelligence. The same might be said for Marjolyn Thomas looking at how she is aligning herself on social media.

How can the immediate past chair of the National Party honestly claim to be independent? How can Mr Webb claim to be independent when he is the Chair of their New England branch and glued to Barnaby's hip?

There is no room for party politics in local government.

Martin Harley, South Tamworth

It is alarming to see a plan to burn our NSW forests to make electricity. The NSW government recently moved to encourage far more renewable electricity sources in our state from truly renewable formats such as solar, wind and pumped hydro and was very successful with many investors and projects coming on board. We therefore have no need to burn our forests.

Burning our forests creates carbon emissions and no clever wordplay can deny that. With worsening climate change and the loss of important habitats and threats to species, our forests have an important role to play in supporting our unique wildlife and acting as a carbon sink. If we choose to cut timber, let it be to build houses or other useful structures that last for years and hold carbon, rather than for a moment in a furnace.

Consider also the health impacts on locals as burning wood releases more hazardous air pollutants in an area already significantly affected by air pollution from coal power production and coal mines. I urge the NSW government to say no to burning forests to make electricity and to shut down the market for native forests to be burned in power stations.

Kim Grierson, Teralba

I cannot help wondering how many of those attending the climate conference in Glasgow understand just how important the conference is in relation to making it possible for planet earth to continue supporting life.

My guess is that at the climate talks there is, in reality, a percentage of people attending the conference who really do not have a good understanding about the real causes and realities of climate change. It has no doubt been looked at by some as something to do tomorrow and as we all know tomorrow never comes. Even Prime Minister Scott Morrison is, at the conference, opposing the phasing out of burning of coal to produce energy in the short term in Australia, when scientists have been warning the World for years that the phasing out of coal is a must, in the short term, to enable net zero emissions to be reached by an acceptable date. It is terribly important for our politicians to respect and make an effort to understand the views of climate scientists. Decisions could then be made not only based on economic factors but also could incorporate environmental considerations including climate change.

Perhaps it may make a lot of sense when next voting at an election if we all make some enquiry about the climate views of those standing for election.

Brian Measday, Myrtle Bank SA

The Morrison government says Aussies should have to produce ID before voting to restore faith in Australian democracy.

But faith would be restored much more quickly if the Liberals and Nationals in Canberra just stopped their rorts, lies and cover-ups.

Mick Lawler, President Tamworth Labor

So many have fought so hard to stop the COVID, the scientists, medical workers, and the general public so why are there some that do the wrong thing or rather not the right thing as they refuse to get vaccinated.

There are many countries that require double vaccinations to travel and now just to work. The problem is that there are some, even nurses, who are losing their jobs which seems contradictory as their first responsibility is to save lives and so vaccinations should be an automatic choice.

Is it wrong that a tennis player, even one of the best, is not able to play till he confirms that he is double vaccinated given there are many other players who are vaccinated and wanting a chance? Is it too harsh to say the non-vaccinated deserve to lose their jobs and risk losing their lives? It is wrong to say that they have made their own choices and accept the consequences?

I know the answer but not everyone will accept it.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne