This is yet another chapter in a book that is getting bigger, containing story after story of water mismanagement. What have voters done to deserve all this?

And as it all plays out we have ongoing damage to the environment and the reputation of hard-working food producers who get tarred with the "irrigator" brush.

It is unforgivable, and a blight on a political system which has put environmental votes ahead of sound water policy for more than a decade.

Future generations are sure to look back on the first 20 years of the 21st century and wonder how we could get it all so wrong

I can only hope this is the beginning of uncovering the total political mismanagement of our water resources. In the meantime, with an election coming we need to ensure that we put our vote in people we can trust, who are committed to fixing the mistakes that have been made.

I was concerned with recent media reports suggesting Member for Farrer Sussan Ley is heading for another easy win at the May 18 election, despite some strong opposition. I am not sure what the future holds for rural parts of the Farrer electorate if we do not send a clear message that we cannot continue with what has been happening.

The key issue is water policy, and in this area our electorate has been let down; we have been just pawns in a political game, with the Coalition prepared to use us as collateral damage to win South Australian and environmental votes.

Like most rural people I have been a Coalition supporter, but I can no longer tolerate the neglect. Because water is such a complex and sensitive issue, I do not believe anyone from a major party will have the political support to effect the change this electorate desperately requires.

No-one wants to be told how to vote, however I would implore residents across the electorate, in particular those in the major population centres, to give some consideration to the hard-working farmers who are suffering because the Coalition refuses to protect them, for its own political gain, and Labor will likely be worse.

I believe our vote on May 18 needs to reflect our fighting spirit, telling the nation we are not prepared to be sacrificed. I also believe an independent on the cross-bench has a better chance of protecting our interests than a government or opposition member who is forced to toe the party line.

All those beautiful long locks from the girls participating in the World's Greatest Shave in support of the Leukaemia Foundation (The Area News, Monday April 22) could be donated to Variety NSW.

Hair, 20cm or longer can be made into wigs for children who have lost their own hair during chemotherapy treatment.

Thank you girls and boys for braving the shave and raising a phenomenal amount. Special thanks also to your hairdressers who have given you a new hairstyle. Keep some clippings as a memento of the event. Your hair will grow back, albeit slowly. I know, as I have done the shave in past years. My husband has blood cancer.

Letters on election issues must bear the name and full address of the writer(s). Responsibility for election comment in this issue is accepted by The Area News editor Declan Rurenga. Writers should disclose any alliance with political or community organisations and include their phone number for verification. Election candidates should declare themselves as such when submitting letters.