Horse beach ban ‘disappointment’
The decision by Moyne Shire to continue bans for racehorses to be exercised at Killarney comes as a disappointment to trainers, especially the smaller hobby trainers and nearby landholders. It is understandable that holiday seasons should exclude horse activities, from public safety concerns, but there is no logical reason that the winter months couldn't accommodate a small number of horses, doing slow work at the water's edge and wading. A permit system could easily be implemented by Moyne Shire, on a user pay basis. Moneys collected could be used towards signage, general activity information, and carpark upkeep. Some of the comments coming from The Standard reports of the meeting, eg racehorses at "full gallop", indicate a total lack of knowledge about the horse activities. It leads me to question whether there was anyone with any practical experience or knowledge of horses, who could speak on behalf of trainers.
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Tammy Good, horse trainer, Warrnambool
Remember past before rushing into war
In his recent April 25 speech, at Villers-Bretonneux, Member for Wannon Dan Tehan repeated the usual mantra about Australian soldiers having died for “our values, our freedoms and for our sovereignty”. However, in 1914 and 1939 Australia did not decide to go to war for these reasons. Our constitution did not enable Australia to make a declaration of war. At that time the British Imperial Government was responsible for the foreign policy of countries in the British Empire including declarations of war so when Britain declared war we were automatically, and without consultation, also at war.
Australia had no choice about whether to go to war and we went to war for whatever reasons, commercial or otherwise, Britain had for doing so, regardless of whether or not Britain’s interests were the same as ours.
Since World War Two we have gone to war for whatever reason, commercial or otherwise, our American allies have had for going to war. At the time we were told that this was because of the Domino Theory or to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction but now we are told the usual mantra. However, Australia was never attacked or in danger of attack and our freedom, democracy etc. was never under threat.
It is a lot easier to get the public to support the military, past wars and Anzac Day if our past wars are perceived as being for good, just reasons such as to protect our values and our sovereignty. If the public has a positive view of the military and past wars it is then easier to get people to support future wars.
Recently, PM Turnbull has hinted that Australia may be involved in an expanded U.S. military strike on Syria. He has also stated that he trusts the judgement and wisdom of the American President and offered to support the U.S. in any confrontation with North Korea.
In future we will be told that these wars were for “our values, our freedoms and for our sovereignty” but it will be for whatever reason the Americans have, regardless of whether or not their interests are the same as ours.
For people like Mr Turnbull and Mr Tehan, who want to lead us into new wars, it’s not “Lest we Forget” but best we forget.
Peter Martina, Warrnambool
Please keep footbridge
Please Warrnambool City Council do not remove the footbridge over the Merri River in south Warrnambool The Standard, April 20). This bridge is used daily by the public and even more so in the summer. It is a beautiful area to walk and the bridge allows you to walk down both sides of the river and enjoy the wildlife and fauna. It also encourages children and families to ride their bikes in a safe environment. Save our footbridge.
Glenda Hand, Warrnambool