From the tree-huggers to developers, everyone has an opinion on what should be allowed in our shire.

And when things don't go their way, the easiest place to put the blame is on the council and the decisions it makes.

Those who want more development blame the council for not doing enough, while those who want the shire to stay rural blame them for doing too much.

It would be impossible to make everyone happy, especially when we are talking about town planning.

Most people who live in Wollondilly are here because they love the rural lifestyle, rolling hills and its current population.

And while some of them would love to see our main street come to life with more businesses and choice, they know it would come at a price the coming of more homes.

I don't think more homes and people in Wollondilly would be a bad thing if the planning was done well.

We have some lovely developments in our shire including Bingara Gorge and Nangarin Estate which have beautiful homes with big backyards. If we had a few more of these developments it could give the population a boost and get more people in our main streets eating, shopping and socialising.

I can see why some business owners and developers are frustrated at our slow-moving towns and empty main streets.

But I also understand that at times the council's hands are tied and they must stay within the parameters given to them by the State Government.

Studies show that many of our residents want Wollondilly to remain rural and so do I.

But we need to remember that the next generation of residents might not stick around if there's nothing more than grassy paddocks to entice them that's just how kids are made these days.

Perhaps some more rural-style housing developments which keep our green belt in tact and get more people living and shopping locally could keep everyone out of the council complaints line.

mfenech@fairfaxmedia.c om.au