Relocating art gallery not a good option
There is much discussion around a new art gallery for Warrnambool. Relocating it to Cannon Hill should not be an option, as that open space is a legacy of previous generations for everyone to enjoy.
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Perhaps it's time to re-design the gallery with two floors above, with lifts for easy access, and stairs that also have the artworks on walls for the visitors to enjoy while climbing.
Any building heritage issues with the present gallery could be designed into the total revamping of what would be a more spacious gallery.
Ross Altmann, Southern Cross
How can we have confidence in ESV?
As a permanent resident of Terang, the region significantly impacted by the St Patrick's Day bushfires due to failing infrastructure, that is under the jurisdiction of energy provider Powercor, I read Richard Riordan's comments (The Standard December 1) about the energy regulator withdrawing the bulk of its charges against Powercor.
Like Richard Riordan, I believe the residents of Victoria are owed an explanation, so I called the energy regulator Energy Safe Victoria.
I was put through to their complaints coordinator. Her voice mail was given my name, number, address and reason for calling. I received no return call.
Minister Lily D'Ambrosio, how is this keeping Victoria safe and accountable when your "regulator" won't talk to residents as well as our local MP?
How can residents now have confidence that ESV is acting to protect our safety if it won't answer questions important from members of parliament or local residents?
John Glazebrook, Terang
Disappointing council development approval
It was extraordinary to read The Standard's headlines South Warrnambool flooding "under the microscope " on Thursday evening. As one of the objectors to the new 20-lot subdivision near the golf course and Mervue Estate, who asked for it to be scaled back because of concern about the impact on the nearby flood prone wetlands as well as downstream properties, it was exceedingly disappointing to learn of its subsequent approval by council.
And now we find that the same council has sought and won $90,000 to assess the flooding problem - or should I say the clearly far more than one-in-100-year flood levels.
Does this mean that the new 20-lot development will be put on hold until there are findings and assurances that it won't lead to even more inundation? Councillors, developers and engineers who approve developments come and go, but wetland and riverside residents are left to deal with their lack of foresight for years to come.
Marilyn Schroeder, Warrnambool
Pandering to anti-vaxxers a desperate vote grab
COVID vaccination for all who are eligible is fully justified on public health grounds. Scott Morrison's recent pandering to the reluctant and anti-vaxxers represented a desperate grab for votes and was not in the interests of most Australians already fully vaccinated.
The daily infection and fatality rates in Victoria and NSW remain a concern. Only health and age exemptions should apply so that this highly infectious virus and its variants is properly controlled and its deadly impact minimised
Tony Delaney, Warrnambool
Chance for church to demonstrate generosity
The catholic church, it seems, has been provided a rare opportunity to travel the road of redemption. The forecast redevelopment of the old senior school campus of Emmanuel College has the potential to provide desperately needed multi-purpose housing solutions, inclusive of broad range income families, single parent families and the biggest poorest demographic of them all... single older women with no super.
I hope the catholic church doesn't sit on its hands for too long wondering what to do, when the problems they can attend to in this community are clear and obvious. Collaboration and cooperation goes a long way... I hope they have the creative personnel to do something generous in this space.
Genevieve Grant, Rosebrook
Vale Pat Gleeson - his loss will be deeply felt
On Wednesday, Warrnambool celebrated the life of one of its great citizens. I was also proud to remember Pat Gleeson in the Victorian Parliament in recent days.
Pat was a great achiever and volunteer, a wonderful dad, grandfather and husband. His was 78 years of a life well lived.
He made his mark in the automotive industry - spending three decades selling cars from his dealership. His family says even after retirement he would remember every car he sold - and when - and to whom.
He was a top sportsman - so capable at football - a mighty kick - and handy with a golf stick. Any club was lucky to have him.
He volunteered and started things that today just keep going: the ACME Field Days, the WUNTA festival, the beloved Rotary Hole-In-One. He donated so much. He did so much. And in return was loved so much.
Everyone knew Pat, and Pat knew everyone. He was gracious, generous and energetic with everything he did and everyone he met. His loss will be felt - a compliment not afforded to all.
It seems Pat has made his way into The Standard throughout his life, a public figure even in his passing. In these pages last week, his wife of 55 years, Helen, said Pat's ambition was to go to the moon.
He may not have made it there - but there's no doubt - he's looking down on us from a much loftier place today.
My sincere condolences to his beautiful family.
Vale Pat Edward Gleeson.
Beverley McArthur, MP, Member for Western Victoria Region
Seeking an independent candidate for Wannon
The Voices of Wannon community group have decided to seek an independent candidate for the federal seat of Wannon after our MP Dan Tehan cancelled his meeting with us, has not rescheduled and failed to act on what the people of Wannon who spoke to us advised were their key priorities.
These priorities are detailed in our report What Wannon Wants.
When we listened to the people of Wannon in conversations held across the electorate, they said overwhelmingly that:
- they want better representation from their Federal member;
- they want more transparency and integrity in the political process;
- they want more action on climate change;
- they want refugees and asylum seekers treated with compassion;
- they want improved access to health services;
- they want more affordable housing; and
- they want better transport infrastructure.
Last week Liberal Bridget Archer crossed the floor of the House of Representatives to vote to support a Bill moved by Helen Haines the Member for Indi designed to create an effective Federal Integrity Commission. Wannon's Federal member Mr Tehan voted against this Bill, despite knowing that this is what Wannon wants.
We are seeking an independent candidate - someone who shares our values of being inclusive, transparent, respectful and behaving with integrity, to truly represent the Wannon community.
Shelly Murrell, Allansford
Wannon report deserved Tehan's respect
While I have definite opinions regarding policy and changes that I believe would be in our best interests as a nation, my thoughts today are around the processes of our democracy.
I commend Roma Britnell MP for her openness to her constituents and for presenting their concerns to her state colleagues. Calling out inappropriate behavior - such as threats of violence against your opponents is possible without discarding the concerns of thousands of people willing to take to the streets in protest.
Then there are the comments attributed to Dan Tehan MP in The Standard (27/11/2021) regarding the Voices of Wannon movement. A group of individuals from Mr Tehan's electorate spent a considerable amount of time and energy interviewing people from Wannon about their experience of living in Wannon and their current concerns. The resultant report highlights lots of positives about living in Wannon and the majority issues of concern identified.
The group had an appointment to present the report to Mr Tehan which was cancelled at the last minute. I can understand that Mr Tehan has considerable calls on his time. I am disappointed that rather than apologise and book another appointment he has publicly questioned the independence of the group and labelled the action a stunt.
I believe our political representatives deserve respect for the difficult role they take on. I ask that they respond in kind. A report representing the views of almost 200 of your constituents is surely worth considering Mr Tehan.
Katherine Stewart, Warrnambool
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