Dogs run at other people, especially children; dogs sniff around peoples' belongings; dogs use the beach as a toilet; the beach is one of this town's premier assets, to treat it like the backyard suggests the town isn't interested in how it presents itself.

When I cross paths with dog owners and point to council signage, the response is mostly negative; ignoring the exchange is common, feigned ignorance also, and the list of excuses I've heard is long and uninventive, often arrogant and abusive.

On Thursday morning, the dog's owner tried to call it back, only after I'd reached sufficiently deep water did the dog's attention revert to its owner; who raised his hand in apology and genuinely seemed shocked by the dog's behaviour, he promptly left the beach. A gentleman who thought the dog had bitten me offered his witness. A little further along, in the direction the dog had been moving a couple with three children were enjoying the beach; what might have occurred had the dog settled its attention on one of the children. There are year-round beach areas where dogs are permitted, it shouldn't be a problem.

M W Kibblewhite, Warrnambool

I am calling on Warrnambool's mayor and councillors to respond with a resounding no on the issue of applying to the Essential Service Commission to break the rate capping. It is clear to everyone that the ratepayers do not want this rise and can ill afford it, some ratepayers choosing between buying medicines or paying rates. Warrnambool City Council must work within its means, finding efficiencies in whatever they do, just as we do in our day to day budgeting of our households.

We are told that the Warrnambool City Council has no money, $75,000 was given to a private airline that does not pay for landings or takeoff from our aerodrome, $30,000 for consulting fees for the rate survey and millions of dollars over budget on the CBD redevelopment.

We now have a new CEO who should be given the time to find these efficiencies rather than applying to break the rate cap, surely savings of less then one per cent of the council total budget can be found. Perhaps a monitor in place to oversee spending and a full forensic audit carried out on the Warrnambool council is needed?

Monday night's special council meeting will see councillors vote to apply or not, to break rate capping, if you are concerned about your rates rising make the effort and attend this meeting.

Council is very big on community consultation, the ratepayers have spoken with a massive 95 per cent saying no to any rate increase, but will the councillors that should be a voice for the people listen?

Brian Kelson, president Warrnambool Ratepayers Association.

I would like to congratulate Corangamite Shire on their forward thinking, over the past few years I have spoken with many new residents mainly in the Warrnambool area most being professionals in their 50s and early 60s retired or semi retired looking for a quiet lifestyle away from Melbourne. This region suits them due to the price of housing, the great infrastructure, proximity to beaches and other attractions but still within easy commute to Melbourne and Geelong. Train services have improved dramatically over the past five years, as have public infrastructure and road access to the Western District is much better with recent upgrades to the highway.

Attracting more residents to the region is a win/win scenario, beneficial to all, taking pressure off rates and taxes while giving the region more political power to attract government infrastructure funding to schools, hospitals, roads and other essential services. More people also means more jobs for our young people and more work for trade and professional services.

The shire's proposed Rural Living Strategy on the surface seems very sensible but there are some concerns current rural zoned land owners need answers to.

What impact will the new zoning category have on small properties currently engaging in an agricultural enterprise? Additional restrictions? For instance setting one paddock aside from July to early December to cut hay, this has been difficult in the past due to pressure from council to cut it much earlier re fire safety notices, will this be banned altogether?

Will the farm infrastructure need to be changed to suit the new zone category, shedding, property access points, etc?

Will the new zone attract higher rates, water rates, extra costs?

Access roads, unsealed roads, curbing and channelling, property developer's sub dividing existing small acreage requesting roads and curbs. Who shoulders the costs of any such developments? Does this mean existing property holders nearby need to cough up thousands of dollars so a developer can make a big profit?

Will regulations such as fencing types or requirements change with the new zoning?

Clearly there are many issues that require consideration. If this new zoning category results in expensive development charges, additional costs, further restrictions and time consuming paperwork it will defeat its purpose, rather than attracting new residents to our region instead causing them to look elsewhere to secure their ideal tree change destination.

I look forward to some council response to these concerns, in principle I commend the strategy but if this results in huge costs to the existing property owners I will be very disappointed.

Rob Graham, Terang

It seems the Liberals are more worried about leadership change than they are about climate change. Perhaps they should listen to the folks who have to live with the future, kids.

Don Swanson, Warrnambool

I have been riding my bike around Warrnambool for some years now. It is a major concern that some bike riders are observed not indicating at roundabouts and T-Intersections. They appear to think that drivers know what they are doing. This raises the angst of some drivers and therefore bring us bike riders into potential conflict.

It is a simple operation to indicate when turning with a hand signal. At a roundabout I put my hand down to show the vehicle behind me that I am coming away from the curb to the middle of the lane entering the roundabout. That way you don't get trapped in the roundabout by turning traffic. I also indicate what direction I am going by pointing straight ahead to let vehicles know my intentions. A hand wave thanking others for giving way also is appreciated as some wave back. This also lowers the tempo of manoeuvring about on a freedom asset pushbike. School children don't wear high visible clothing as dark uniforms are the standard. Yet they weave through cars and other children.

Graeme Broderick, Woolsthorpe

I find it interesting that you attack the state government in regard to Powercor and its lack of maintenance. What has to be remembered is that Powercor is a private corporation. It is not a government authority. The government cannot dictate to Powercor as the federal pollies espouse.There must be a federal election coming up.

It is interesting that Roma Britnell has not said anything as the Liberals sold the SEC and Gas and Fuel to private consortiums. Now we are paying the price due to a lack of moral and control over these proponents.

Graeme Broderick, Woolsthorpe​