Consider changing vote
We are entering a period of time when the allocation of our country's resources will be decided on party needs rather than public needs. That means Wannon will, yet again, be sadly neglected. We are "represented" by a boy from Hawthorn who is more interested in furthering his own career than representing us as an electorate. Watch our university be relocated to either Ballarat or Bendigo in the name of marginal votes. Ponder why our average income is amongst the lowest in the state and wonder if it has anything to do with the appalling standard of infrastructure that we endure in this region. But don't, under any circumstances, consider changing your vote. You might achieve something if you did and we couldn't have that could we?
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Gary Sayer, Warrnambool
Having an election go
It seems almost certain Australia will head to the polls on July 2. It will be an opportunity to choose between a Turnbull Government that penalises the poor, cuts important services like health and education and attacks working conditions, or a Shorten Government with a positive vision for this country. The seat of Wannon is a very hard ask for Labor. We haven’t held it for 61 years and I do not underestimate what a huge task it will be. But Labor has worked tirelessly since the last election developing constructive, well thought out, costed policies to benefit everyday people. We’ll restore decent levels of funding to hospitals and schools, support a Royal Commission into the banking industry, support workers in industries, including farming and support same sex marriage. Labor will mount a credible Wannon campaign. We do not have vast sums of money like our opponent, but we have energy and enthusiasm and a desire to deliver better outcomes. I will be working night and day to convince people that Labor is the right choice in Wannon.
Michael Barling, Labor candidate for Wannon
Observe before voting
I address this to my fellow Warrnambool ratepayers. It certainly appears that campaigning for the next council elections in October has begun. As one who has been attending council meetings over the last few years as an observer, I urge you all to do yourselves, your families and this great city of ours a favour, and attend at least council meeting in the next few months. As some, or maybe all sitting councillors will be contesting the next election, you will be better equipped to judge their performance, rather than relying on media reports, councillors’ self-assessments or other people’s opinions. Ask yourselves: If I were employing these people in my business, would I be happy with their performance, views, attitudes, demeanour and value for money? Remember that it is us, the ratepayers who pay their entitlements. Wouldn’t you want a team that could work together for the betterment of your enterprise – our city – and put aside their own personal interests and egos to create a happy and challenging environment? Please, before October, attend at least a meeting, observe and judge before you vote.
Gavan Nevill, Warrnambool
Invest in festival patrons
I read with interest Port Fairy Folk Festival brings in almost $10 million to the local economy. I have been attending the festival for 39 years. I believe it’s about time the local community gave something back to festival attendees and put some money into infrastructure to support the festival. It could be something simple like toilets, we are still using portaloos. Come on local politicians and councillors, work together and see if you can put some of that money spent to ensure the numbers keep continuing to come to the festival. I now enjoy the National Folk Festival in Canberra more. Their site has more infrastructure and space. Port Fairy Folk Festival needs help to keep it a positive event for all the community.
Denise Heathcote, Manifold Heights
Slow down cyclists
I’m writing to express my concern about pedestrians and cyclists using the shared pathway along the Warrnambool foreshore. As a frequent user of the walking track, I am frustrated by the amount of careless bike riders who when approaching (and mostly at a fast pace) do not use bells and slow down. They are dangerous. Cyclists need to realise they are the less vulnerable road user and take care to react to unpredictable pedestrian moves. Bike riders should ring bells as a courtesy well in advance and be prepared to slow down to whatever speed is necessary to ensure they can react safely to whatever a pedestrian does and pass slowly at a safe distance. Many people use the pathway and I can see that a pedestrian and a cyclist colliding is an accident waiting to happen. Cyclists, please ride in a manner that does not endanger other users. If you wish to travel at a fast pace along the shared pathway then ride on the road.
Olivia Shangie, Warrnambool
New trains plea
In March, government-owned V/Line failed to meet its timekeeping target on any of Victoria’s 13 trains lines including Warrnambool’s. The continuing growth of larger provincial cities such as Warrnambool means 2016 is the time to commit to new investment. The Melbourne-centric Labor Government must bite the bullet and order a new fleet of long distance trains. In the April 27 State Budget, Daniel Andrews and his lacklustre Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan must commit to a new fleet of long distance trains to be on the tracks within three years. To simply order more VLocity railcars would not be sufficient. These trains lack the comfort required for trips of three hours or more. Inaction from Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan on April 27 will not be good enough.
David Hodgett MP, Opposition spokesman for public transport and ports