Dr Nick Thies, Warrnambool

The state government's response to the problem of horses on the beach is the classic bureaucrat's balls-up of what really should be a fairly simple idea. Horses in the numbers that are suggested should not be on any open beach at all for all sorts of reasons. The trainers should be given the chance to responsibly self-manage their use of what resources we can offer them. They have already indicated they would be prepared to contribute to the financial cost of developing an area. The idea that I proposed wherein the unused and sparsely managed space directly north and east of Viaduct Road at the breakwater would adequately offer a suitable solution to the whole issue. However, I don't think anyone has seriously pursued the idea. The Mills Reef, Killarney and Warrnambool beach proposals are fraught with enormous problems and all come with a need to roster and police at an unacceptable level. The beauty of the Viaduct Road solution is that it doesn't unacceptably interfere with any natural environment; it would be a relatively cheap option; it keeps the industry within the immediate Warrnambool area and it creates a new tourist/spectator activity. It is my belief that a investigation of this option should be undertaken. I suggest that all parties should politely ignore the dunderheads who came up with the stupid and ill-considered plan presented in The Standard, November 16.

Richard Ziegeler, Dennington

I agree 100 per cent that when persons from another country come to Australia and break the law in a serious fashion that they should be deported at once. The evidence would have to be beyond reasonable doubt and should be effective immediately. It’s obvious that some of Melbourne’s thugs do not give a dam for the rule of law. I am sick and fed up with people coming here and treating this country how they like. The law applies to everyone and if people are not accepting of it then they need to be fast tracked back to their old neighborhood.

David MacPhail, Warrnambool

It surprised few that One Nation politicians were quick to celebrate the win of Donald Trump in the US. What they have in common is the racist objective of banning all Muslim immigration to both countries wch includes Syrian and other refugees. Fortunately the US constitution will ultimately prevent the president elect getting his way, while here humanitarian decency and a fair go for all will prevail against our brand of Trump.

Tony Delaney, Warrnambool

A recent statement from a Corangamite Shire councillor regarding the seeking of compensation for poorly completed road works raises the question of why aren’t more publicly-funded organisations accountable? A glaring candidate would be VicRoads.

Under its umbrella of influence are the city’s traffic lights, these lights are usually non-functioning in the proper manner by what is referred to as ‘cycling’ in which they cycle through their various states with no traffic present.

I am sure we have all been sitting at a red light while there is no traffic within coo-ee.

In the past ringing the number provided on the large control box would see a crew of repairmen scrambling to rectify this issue as it was categorized as ‘urgent’ and as such would be repaired with a 24-hour period.

Now all callers are told to leave a message and the offending lights are not repaired for months on end, the Raglan Parade/Glenrowe Avenue set are one set that springs to mind.

Now seeing as an exorbitant amount of money was spent on the so-called synchronisation of the Raglan Parade lights, and given that the synchronisation no longer works (speak to anyone who drives late at night and see how many red lights they encounter despite little to no traffic flow), why can’t the city council seek reparations from the service provider?

What regard is there for the needless amounts of unnecessary private vehicle wear and the associated carbon dioxide emissions due to excessive stop-start traffic?

Not to mention the frustration and added time penalties.  It would seem to me that the public sector had let its constituents down on this case and many others, so when can we see accountability?   

Scott Norris, Warrnambool 

Recently we conducted a community consultation process in Koroit asking residents for their views on safety in Commercial Road and kangaroos around Tower Hill. We received dozens of responses, with overwhelming support for a reduced speed limit down the town’s main street and the installation of a new fence around Tower Hill, to protect motorists and wildlife alike. Other suggested safety measures at Tower Hill included a further reduction in the speed limit and improved signage. Thank you to everyone who responded. It’s still not too late – feel free to email me at james.purcell@parliament.vic.gov.au or contact the office on 55682929 if you would like your opinion heard. We will continue to represent your community and fight for safety improvements to Koroit and other towns around the district.

James Purcell, Western Victoria MP, Port Fairy