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What a week!
A bastardised version of astronaut Neil Armstrong's famous words when he set foot on the moon - "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" - applies to Princes Highway upgrades.
Wannon MP Dan Tehan revealed to The Standard on Friday the Princes Highway west of Colac to the South Australian border had been added to the National Land Transport Network. It is a small step but giant leap forward. It's something to celebrate.
The campaign to have the highway recognised as nationally significant stretches back two decades and across the reign of seven different prime ministers. The recognition has also had various names, road of national importance, AUSLINK and now the National Land Transport Network.
Our stretch of the highway is now in the running for more funds and upgrades. Essentially, roads on the network are a high priority for maintenance - something that has been shockingly lacking.
Anyone who drives the highway west of Colac knows how dilapidated sections are and how a lack of investment has rendered it dangerous. Last June we revealed less than half the overtaking lanes earmarked for the Princes Highway between Colac and the South Australian border in a 1999 strategy had actually been built.
Not for the first time a group formed to fight for a better deal. The Princes Highway West Action Alliance argued that outside "a limited number of passing lanes" there had been "no significant improvements to what remains a dangerous stretch of road".
Mr Tehan and the alliance, headed by Warrnambool Bus Lines owner Steven Lucas, have plenty more work to do before we see improvements and a flood more cash.
Mr Tehan and his government last year committed $60 million for upgrades between Warrnambool and Port Fairy but so far the state government has not matched it nor given a green light for any works.
Mr Lucas earlier this week said more than 100 jobs would be created during upgrades prioritised by the alliance - something that would help kick-start the region's pandemic-hit economy. It's been a long road but light is finally at the end of the tunnel.
The highway announcement was some good news at the end of a draining week dominated by COVID-19.
Warrnambool residents are breathing easier after Midfield Meats closed on Monday over virus fears after an inspector visited the site last week and then days later tested positive. The site was closed for three days while all 900-plus workers were tested. Thankfully the results were negative and operations were back to 80 per cent capacity on Friday and should get to full capacity on Monday. Thankfully Midfield management took the steps it did despite the health department advising it did not have to operate.
But those living in the Colac and Portland areas are on high alert after clusters developed. The Colac cluster relates to an outbreak at the city's lamb abattoir while Portland's, much smaller, started after a woman, who had legitimate reasons, travelled from Melbourne to the city. Our thoughts are with those impacted.
Our thoughts too are with hospital staff and management across the region. Midfield general manager Dean McKenna has gone to great lengths this week to thank South West Healthcare chief executive Craig Fraser and his staff for guiding the company through its emergency. And we will continue the theme for those on the pandemic front-line. Thank you.
Last week I mentioned how great it was for kids to be back playing sport but the COVID-19 cases this week have thrown a spanner in the works. The Warrnambool and District Football Netball League juniors were due to start next weekend but on Friday night cancelled the season.
A feel good story of the week was this one about little Evie Wagner (pictured) who has become an ambassador for organ donation after a life-saving transplant.
Reaction to last week's sacking of Warrnambool City Council chief Peter Schneider has not been positive with state MP Bev McArthur calling for all councillors to stand down and an administrator appointed. For the second time she attacked those responsible. We asked our readers what they thought and while the council has not shared all reasons to protect confidentiality, the findings were overwhelming.
It was good to see a positive council development this week. Cr Mike Neoh is calling for a new walking/cycling track to be created between one of my favourite spots - Childers Cove - and Lake Gillear. This is the sort of thinking we want to hear more about - ideas that benefit residents and tourists.
Please remain vigilant against COVID-19 and while we are frustrated with having to take precautions, we need to, our friends, neighbours and family are relying on us all.
Stay safe.
Until next week,