We are privileged to have this geological marvel in our locality: Australia's largest maar volcano and one of the largest on Earth. But Tower Hill is under great threat. Vermin and the spread of weeds within the park are continually spreading and are getting worse every year. Apart from spoiling the true beauty of Tower Hill, these weeds are so thick that they prevent grass from growing, forcing the kangaroos out of the park to search for food, and are regularly struck on the highway. In recent years with a petition, attempts were made to have Tower Hill reverted back as a National Park, but it appears the government has placed this in the "too hard basket".

It was believed that having National Park status would source more funds and give the park a better chance of survival. Our forefathers had the intelligence and the vision to proclaim Tower Hill a National Park back in 1892. While I agree with the broad concept plan for Tower Hill, urgent action is required to prevent the park from becoming completely choked with weeds and this national geological wonder becoming a waste land.

David Turland, Warrnambool

Victorians should be deeply concerned about the actions of Premier Daniel Andrews and his secret dealings with the Chinese Communist Government.

This week we learnt Daniel Andrews signed Victoria up to the so called Belt and Road Initiative without first consulting national security agencies or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - leaving senior officials concerned it could undermine Australia's push to counter the Chinese Government's growing influence in the region.

Belt and Road is one of the Chinese Government's key foreign policies which bankrolls infrastructure projects around the globe in return for direct benefits to Chinese firms.

But the Andrews Labor Government refuses to tell Victorians how much it will borrow from the Chinese Government to fund its projects or what projects it is borrowing for.

When China imposed huge tariffs on Victorian farmers in retaliation to Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus - Daniel Andrews' Treasurer Tim Pallas said the tariffs were "a consequence of the way that the Federal Government have conducted themselves".

The Treasurer sought to shift the blame rather than openly condemn the Chinese Government's actions.

When the most senior members of the Andrews Labor Government refuse to stand up to bullying tactics that will hurt Victorian farmers, you have to wonder what influence the Chinese Communist Government has over our state and our Premier.

Roma Britnell, Member for South West Coast

Lifting the moratorium for 'on-shore' gas mining, in Victoria, is ill-advised. Fossils fuels are finite, their uses toxic to our health, and life on earth. Real financial gains are limited to an elite few.

Our recent droughts, devastating bush fires, dust storms, followed by flooding in some areas, appear to have been forgotten. The warnings from climate scientists continue to go unheeded.

Land use for the development of fossil fuels detract from our capacity for regenerative farming and further diminish the biodiversity of our ecosystems. Clean air, water and food security are basic needs.

The government actions and community responses to the recent coronavirus outbreak are commendable and demonstrate that we can adapt in a timely manner to adverse events. Global warming is an adverse event that if not effectively addressed will eclipse the outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic. Population growth and our reliance on fossil fuels can no longer be discounted as factors that amplify climate changes generating disruptions affecting our very existence.

Government and community efforts need to be directed towards regenerative practices that help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Clean air, water and food security should not be replaced by the growth of the fossil fuel industries. Say NO to NEW GAS.

Pat Nesbitt, Woodford

It is strange that the Andrews government wants to raise $24billion but will not tell us who have to pay it back, where it is from and what is the catch. Is it part of the deal he has done with China? If so what right has he to do this against the advice of the federal departments?

Peter Briscoe, Warrnambool

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