Racing should continue
After reading Monique Ferrier's comments (The Standard, April 3, letters), I felt I had to try to put the record straight to some of her assertions. Monique's point that the proposed two-day May racing carnival will bring 'thousands of industry employed staff to Warrnambool, guaranteeing an increased number of COVID-19 infections in our regions'. The modified program means the total number of stable staff required would amount to between 200-300, half of whom are locals. Non-local staff will travel down and back to Warrnambool on the same day. They bring their own equipment, just as Warrnambool trainers take their own equipment when they travel to other cities in Victoria. Both medical and government advice agree the extremely strict protocols that racing has initiated mean this important industry should continue unless otherwise advised. Racing is part of the agriculture and primary industry sector. Horses need care whether competing or not but unlike many other industries, it would take months to re-start the competition arm which employs over 30,000 Victorians. Without owners paying for the care of these horses in stables, I hate to think of the fate of these magnificent animals. Up to 3000 horses are in training at any given time in Victoria alone. Prizemoney barely covers training costs. Cr Kylie Gaston's statement at Wednesday night's council meeting likening the May races as Warrnambool's 'Ruby Princess' moment, please! Insulting and no facts. Information is readily available on Racing.com website.
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Tammy Good, Warrnambool
Why is it so?
The Victorian Government has effectively closed, at least temporarily, all sport and recreation with the one big exception of horse racing. I would love to hear a plausible explanation from the government on why this is so as it is hardly an essential industry.
Russell Allardice, Port Fairy
Timely reminder
In a Warrnambool supermarket this week I saw a well-dressed, middle aged woman picking up and returning oranges, after sniffing some of them, before making her choice. I glared at her, she smiled back sweetly, apparently oblivious. I remember London fruit stalls with signs on their peaches: "Please don't squeeze me till I'm yours." Perhaps there should be similar signs on all loose fruit and veg, in fact on all supermarket items. The present degree of consumer choice was designed for a different world.
Stephen Mackey, Koroit
Fuelling debate
After my recent letter to the editor about the price of fuel in Warrnambool, nobody offered any reason why we have high fuel prices. Then lo and behold on 06/04/20 an article appears that Portland has fuel for less than $1 per litre as well. Some of these service stations have connections to Warrnambool companies so why is fuel so expensive here?
Peter Brown, Warrnambool
Restrictions query
I want to try to understand the logic of banning someone fishing alone or getting bait while other activities are permitted.
Peter Briscoe, Warrnambool
Stay at home
I am so proud of the people of South West Coast.The vast majority of people are doing the right thing, people are staying home unless they absolutely have to be out and when they are out they are practising social distancing.
This is how it needs to be as we battle this virus.
Limited contact with others is the only tool we have to stop the spread of coronavirus and we are beginning to see the results of everyone's efforts. The curve is starting to flatten but we can't be complacent. We need to keep up the self-isolation and social distancing.
I understand there has been some confusing messages in the state government restrictions and things seem to be changing on a day-to-day basis. I know it's hard to get your head around what you can and can't do.
The overarching message is always stay at home but if you need a hand trying to get your head around the exemptions, I am here to help as your local member. While my office is closed to walk in visitors, my team and I are still working and are available on the phone or email to help with any queries you may have.
Thank you for your great work so far in helping fight the coronavirus.
We will get through this together and come out the other side stronger than ever before.
Roma Britnell MP, Member for South West Coast
Please note: The Standard prefers letters to be less than 250 words. Preference is given to shorter contributions. Letters must include the author's name, address and contact phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published at standard.net.au/comment/your-say/ and in print.