While Mr Napthine indicated that there were funding programs available, council would need to apply to the program like every other applicant. No political gift, no guaranteed funding - a competitive process. WCC subsequently applied on two occasions to such funding programs and were knocked back on both occasions.

To further correct the false statement that money was offered in 2013 for construction is an article (The Standard, February 22, 2013, 12-month wave and tide study to shape harbour marina project) where Mr Napthine funded a preliminary study that was needed before an application for a facility via the competitive process was advanced.

" ... Neville Dance described the study as a step in the right direction, but conceded works were still years off."

"He said fishermen would also have to wait at least two years on outcomes of environmental and financial feasibility studies".

Dr Napthine talked up the study. "This study will help inform redevelopment designs for the harbour by deploying a submersible tide and wave recorder. It will be used to produce a 10-year retrospective report on wave conditions".

Fantastic that The Standard provides nearly 150 years of historical facts that we can reference. Sometimes the facts don't make for a good fable

Mike Neoh, Warrnambool City Council candidate

The current campaign by the ratepayers' group calling for a clean sweep of the Warrnambool City Council was based on the now repudiated credits card issue.

Councillors and staff at WCC have been subjected to a sustained, highly inaccurate and unfair attack, all for the purpose of maximising the chances of certain candidates at our current council election.

The Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, has thoroughly and independently investigated the credit card and found no widespread misuse. If I am correct the Ombudsman's finding are the third investigation into the same matter and underlines the fact that there was not widespread misuse.

Any candidate who went along for the ride in this witch hunt does not deserve to be rewarded at this council election. Councillors whose public statements were consistent with the outcome of all three reviews into this matter deserve our support. WCC needs their knowledge, experience and integrity.

Peter Steele, Warrnambool

I was disappointed that given the $14m debt of the Warrnambool Council, a candidate's top priority is to spend money ripping out recently installed parking meters and install sensors. I am a senior citizen and find the CellOPark app simple and easy to use.

I'm offended if Mr Moore thinks elderly people are stupid. The CellOPark app is widely used throughout Australia and I imagine visitors would be familiar with it. Surely there are bigger priorities?

Steve Lamborn, Warrnambool

I am astounded by the comment piece by Andrew Thomson in The Standard, October 10 and in particular his reference to an overblown fiasco and social media beat up. Any half forensic reading of the Ombudman's report raises serious questions around councillors and senior staff accepting hospitality from Mr McMahon and claiming ignorance that it was being paid for on a WCC credit card not to mention other dubious expenditure of at least one other senior manager and the wining and dining support for Liebig St businesses.

Give me a break. There is far more to this story but as the Ombudsman alludes, outside the remit of her curreny inquiry and obviously The Standard does not have the will or ability to forensically investigate what is happening in our community

Peter Verdon, Warrnambool

In reply to Kylie Gaston's plans for Albert Park (The Standard, October 13) I am there every day and like it the way it is in its natural state. We do not need anymore fenced off areas with what looks like long grass.

People are happy to walk on the tracks already there and dogs can be off leads which they enjoy. Leave it as it is.

Ros Orr, Warrnambool

The isolation of COVID-19 restrictions have highlighted how critical the feeling of being valued and having a purpose is to our well-being and mental health. Many of us have found ways to keep busy and invented things to do during the lockdown, but for others the isolation and worry for future employment has had a deep impact.

While the feeling of isolation and loneliness have been new for many of us, for others they aren't new and are unfortunately were part of pre-covid life. Our elderly, unemployed and homeless have told us for years they feel isolated, alone and cut off from society.

We must use the lessons of lockdown to build policies to empower youth, bring comfort and companionship to our elderly and connect our community - all while stimulating recovery, business and employment.

I hope we can think about jobs differently. Starting with our youth who are the highest risk group of falling into an ongoing cycle of not having any experience which means they are unable to find ongoing, secure work.

What if instead of just handing out government welfare payments, we handed out hope, experience and worthwhile jobs that make a difference in our communities and the lives of those around us? I believe most people would prefer the prospect of employment progression over a hand out.

The economic stimulus packages that will flow on the back of this pandemic need to focus on creating new jobs that anyone can step into, to help them gain experience and feel empowered to progress further.

We can create jobs that provide support to vulnerable people through programs like community transport. We will need jobs that keep us safe from the Coronavirus. Environmental programs can also provide fulfilling and important jobs while having obvious big picture benefits.

Or it could be as simple as giving a young person the chance to work beside an experienced worker - paid or as a volunteer - just to get some experience and a foot in the door.

Programs such as Standing Tall have already proven just how important mentors are to our young people. Extending this beyond school would be of value to young people finding their way in the world.

While we are planning our state's recovery, lets focus on creating meaningful work and experiences, provide support to the vulnerable and help our young people on a path of growth and future employment.

Roma Britnell, MP State 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 and in print.