Tammy Good, South West Owners & Trainers Association, Warrnambool

In response to the redeployment of our coastguard vessel (The Standard, February 6) I felt it did not truly reflect how I was feeling. The statements I made detailed the reasoning behind the move were not my own thoughts on the matter but how I saw the decisions being made. I feel gutted by the prospect of being without a rescue vessel in Warrnambool after the work and money that was required to establish the service and to keep it running. I hope this never eventuates. As a member of Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association I refrain from commenting detrimentally about the association but this does not make the bitter pill any easier to swallow. The Warrnambool community have contributed greatly to the service which has performed many assists and searches in our waters. I am quite sure those who have been brought in from distances well off the coast would see the value of the service whether for one rescue or many. Volunteer members are willing to turn out at any time to help those in trouble. We have never failed to respond to a call and will hopefully continue this record.

Adrian Calderwood, flotilla commander Warrnambool Coast Guard

I am deeply disturbed about the loss of the Warrnambool Coast Guard vessel CG16 (The Standard, February 6) as there are several issues not addressed. The local community has invested financially over many years to enable the acquisition and maintenance of this particular vessel. The relocation of CG16 to Queenscliff will mean there is no reasonably sized rescue vessel between Queenscliff and Portland. This constitutes a distance of about 300km of rugged, unforgiving coastline. The nearest other large rescue vessel at Portland is likely to be extremely busy during the tuna season and would be of little assistance for incidents near and to the east of Warrnambool. Response time for marine incidents is often important and Portland’s vessel, even if available, is two hours away in good conditions. The loss of Warrnambool’s vessel, with no immediate and suitable replacement imminent, could mean the permanent demise of the Warrnambool Coastguard Flotilla. All of these issues have significance for the safety of local seafarers. In the past two months the Warrnambool vessel has participated in at least four incidents. The trend is for more use of our waterways and I would encourage Warrnambool citizens to protest against this move at all levels.

Keith Prest, Warrnambool

As mayor, my concern is that council provide the right outcomes for our community. We can only do that if decisions are made within a constructive and well-governed environment. Open meetings are local government monthly forums for public, transparent decision making on issues that affect the community, the future growth and aspirations we have for our city. At Warrnambool City Council, councillors meet weekly, and have the opportunity to be informed on a diverse range of subjects, ask questions of council staff and others in relation to matters coming up for decision and be informed on matters of importance to council. Members of our community attending monthly open meetings come to see focused decision making and have every right to expect that meetings are constructive, respectful and timely. On the contrary, meetings, which become long and rambling, with debate going off point, sabotage the ability of the whole council to debate the key matters of concern. This is why speaking times are also utilised by Commonwealth and state parliaments and a vast number of organisations in their meeting protocols. I believe the local law about council meeting speaking times, which has been in place since 1995, is effective. Council local laws provide the framework for timely and well focused meetings. Speaking times allow councillors to make well considered arguments which ensures all councillors have the opportunity to voice opinions. It may take some councillors a little time to adjust, however, preparation is key. I believe all councillors can and should be able to make succinct arguments in the time allowed. I look forward to a year of robust decision making.

Cr Kylie Gaston, Warrnambool

With council elections set for October, I believe it is time for other people to start thinking of running and give voters a chance to understand their platform. This gives ratepayers the opportunity to ask questions, quiz you on issues and get to know you. I’m hoping good people will nominate. It can sometimes be a daunting role that requires an understanding of budgets, planning, land issues and strategic planning, all which require commitment and sacrifice. For me, the role is about doing the best for my city. It’s not about personal profile or political ambition and this allows me to represent the community without fear or favour. This is a golden opportunity for committed, hardworking individuals to put back into their community. I hope that prospective candidates who are elected share my belief they are not there just to rubber stamp council decisions. It is my intention to run for another term in council and I believe it would be invaluable if those who propose to nominate could attend council meetings regularly. That way, all successful candidates are aware of current issues, understand the dynamic of council and hit the ground running. Those who have a genuine love and interest for the future growth and prosperity of our wonderful city, I urge you to carefully consider attending monthly council meetings and then develop policy strategies as an enthusiastic new candidate who will be prepared to stand for council at the October elections.

Cr Peter Sycopoulis, Warrnambool

The free parking experiment in Warrnambool's CBD over Christmas was an outstanding success for businesses and citizens. It has been decades since the CBD has seen such vitality and optimism. What should not be lost was that this proposal had been made every year by past councillor Jennifer Lowe and myself and more recently by Councillors Kelson, Sycopoulis and myself. One can only imagine what our city would look like now if our common sense proposal had been supported. How many now empty shops would be occupied by prosperous businesses employing countless citizens.

Cr Peter Hulin, Warrnambool