How can this happen? The WCC had spent a great deal of time and money devising a plan for the redevelopment of Reid Oval. They consulted the community extensively before coming up with a plan which the Council ratified at their February meeting.

Now, a month later, the council changes the plan because one sporting club, which had strenuously opposed the plan that first went to council, advised the council that it has a contract which is legally binding and they would not step back from that.

The council are bound by this contract until 2026.

How could the council and their professional staff not see this coming?

Surely, as a part of their own due diligence, let alone the extensive consultation that supposedly took place, someone would have noticed this minor stumbling block.

I was particularly gobsmacked by the blasé attitude on display at the March meeting of council where Plan B was approved at an additional cost of $800,000 without the slightest hint of regret.

I don't have any particular view of the merits of either plan, but I am very concerned about a council that could spend so much time and expense considering a major project and miss something so obvious.

Jim Burke, Warrnambool

Previous studies looking to re-develop the harbour and bay facilities have raised the possible detrimental effects of sand and wave action on our bayside beaches.

I've asked a retired Warrnambool professional fisherman and personal friend how deep the water was at the Southside (back) of the existing pier. He said out at the east end and for about half the length of the seawall it is quite deep. Closer to the rocks and La-Bella reef near the now abandoned aquarium it becomes shallow and has no sand, only sandstone which is easier to remove than basalt rock.

A seawall of bluestone boulders that litter the countryside could be constructed from south of the old aquarium extending parallel to and past the end of the existing pier but not infringing the deep channel that boats access by lining up the two lighthouses guiding them into the bay. At this point the new wall could turn ninety degrees and extend just past the end of the existing pier allowing a safe navigable entry into the newly created harbour. If needed to preserve the deep-water channel, the tip of the existing pier could be shortened.

There should be little or no ongoing effect on the existing fishing and boat launch area which could be retained with upgraded facilities to suit the needs of the community. Over time the new harbour could be developed into a marina with tourism advantages. Nor do I foresee any detrimental effects on our famous Lady Bay beaches.

I've never noticed a sand build up outside the existing pier and this should be the same for the new parallel wall. The existing south side of the pier is threatened with wave action erosion needing repairs in the near future. This could be avoided or at least reduced being protected by the calm water of the new harbour. This side of the pier could be developed for boat mooring and access.

Construction facilities could be contained to the area about the old Aquarium with the main consequence being heavy vehicle access along Viaduct Road and bridge/roundabout. The works could be confined to off peak times and staged to suit a long-term budget.

Frank Harrington, Warrnambool

To Zane from Warrnambool, a huge thank you for assisting three old ladies at the Water Park outside Geelong. You are an amazing teenager.

A credit to your family and your school. A big thank you from Sue, Helen and Sue.

Sue Van Every, Clifton Springs

Stroke can be cruel and it can change a life in an instant. This devastating disease can take away things we take for granted each day like walking and talking, showering and eating independently. It can render simple, yet precious moments like dropping the kids at school, baking a cake or going for a Sunday drive almost impossible. One-in-four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime and the number of working age people impacted by stroke is increasing. While time-critical treatments have improved stroke outcomes in recent decades, there's no doubt recovering from stroke can be a long and challenging process both physically and mentally.

Stroke Foundation has a free service called StrokeLine (1800 787 653). StrokeLine is there to help those who survive stroke and their families to find the support services needed to live well. You do not have to go through this alone. The best outcomes are achieved when stroke is treated quickly.

Sharon McGowan, Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer

Dementia Australia is proud to launch The Dementia Guide, a comprehensive resource to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Updated figures show, in 2020, the estimated number of Australians living with dementia has increased to 459,000. Without a medical breakthrough the number of Australians with dementia is expected to be more than one million by 2058.
In the electorate of Wannon there are an estimated 3,870 people living with dementia, which is expected to increase to an estimated 5,330 by 2058.
The Dementia Guide is relevant for people of all ages living with all forms of dementia and those impacted by dementia. It provides information to assist everyone to learn about dementia, treatments, and available support and services.
The Dementia Guide is available to download for free online, or for readers to request a printed copy, at dementia.org.au/resources/the-dementia-guide.
People with a diagnosis of dementia, or concerns about their memory or a loved one, can also access support through the National Dementia Helpline - 1800 100 500.

Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia

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