Letters a vital part of community discourse
People write letters to newspapers for various reasons. Some use this platform to express frustration about current issues, complain about problems in their neighbourhoods, or share a range of grievances. Others submit positive letters praising various topics.
However, the complaints appear to dominate letter submissions, particularly concerning issues like potholes, air pollution, plastic waste, animal welfare (including concerns about bandicoots), activities atop Arthurs Seat, and the need for clarity in the news. This is a legitimate forum for people to air their problems.
While those complaints are valid, my attention was drawn to heartwarming stories, such as three sisters in a swimming competition, women walking across the peninsula, a rainbow seat at the Mornington Cemetery, and a tale reminiscent of a Trumpian nightmare. These stories and the popular letters page are essential to newspaper reporting.
With eleven newly elected councillors, many more letters will likely be submitted over the next few months.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Ethane power
While not ideal in terms of environmental impact the new ethane power plant at Hastings is a vast improvement on the alternative that existed before (Ethane-generated power facility opens in Hastings, The News 19/11/24). Previously the ethane was simply burnt, spewing damaging carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for no practical benefit. This new plant utilises that previously wasted energy to make electricity.
The reality is gas will be part of our power generation for the foreseeable future until renewables become truly embedded in the grid. It was also good to see local MP Zoe McKenzie appear for the photo-op, I had nearly forgotten what she looked like.
Ross Hudson, Mount Martha
Eagle support misplaced
Unlike Mr Barriball (Support for Eagle, Letters 20/11/24) who clearly has vested interests, I believe the majority of those opposing the Eagle amusement park development are very aware of the facts associated with this development. They have done their homework reviewing architect drawings and consultants’ reports and are not relying on the spin delivered by the project’s consultants at the community information session held a month after submitting the proposal to the minister for approval.
This grotesque Luna Park style development is unacceptable in a state park which already attracts over one million visitors annually and has one of the highest levels of biodiversity and a unique ecosystem not just on the Mornington Peninsula but within the entire state.
The project comprising a huge metal roller-coaster style luge running in both directions from the summit to the Eagle base station, a summit eight storey viewing tower, second storey restaurant/function centre and road overpass on concrete columns lit up 24/7 and expanded base station with sound and light show is a gross over development of Arthurs Seat (Wonga).
The project will result in traffic and car parking chaos, further displacement and destruction of wildlife, increased fire risk, damage to visual amenity, more rubbish and environmental damage. This hardly aligns with their documented vision of “minimizing their environmental footprint”! The developers are putting business interests over environmental and cultural considerations and prioritising commercial interests over the natural beauty of Arthurs Seat; a special place.
All those opposing the development should urgently email The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning at reception.kilkenny@transport.vic.gov.au or sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au.
Jennifer Atkins, Arthurs Seat
Balcombe Boardwalk
Let’s procrastinate a bit longer. It’s with astonishment that I read the article regarding the damaged Briars section of the boardwalk (Calls for boardwalk fix as shire proposes options, The News 12/11/24). Why has nothing happened? What actually did the departing CEO and the appropriate officers do regarding the repair of the boardwalk? Taking over two years to come up with three mesmerising proposals?
It appears there have been more studies, more consultations, more environmental consideration, with nobody in control really knowing what to do, so let’s invite the public to have their say as well. So after all this a further two years or more can pass without any action. But we do appear to be doing something. Councillors and shire officers, earn your keep and get it moving!
When the original boardwalk was built in 1990 it stood for over 30 years. The alignment is there, consultation with stakeholders would have taken place then. By positioning the boardwalk on the same alignment, no further flora will be impacted. With some beefing up of footings and robust diagonal bracing it will stand for longer then 30 years.
Why even suggest other alignments? Of course, then you will then need to do all of the consultations, with every stakeholder putting their hand out for a slice of the pie.
Let’s get real!
Gerard van de Ven, Mount Martha
Support bandicoots
I’ve never seen a bandicoot. Have you?
There are 20 known species of this iconic Australian animal and almost all have significantly reduced numbers due to land clearing, hunting for their fur and the impacts of invasive predators. I therefore applaud Dromana Secondary College students for using their creativity skills to draw attention to the threatened southern brown bandicoot that is supposed to call the peninsula home (Student art helps save endangered bandicoot, The News 19/11/24).
We can all help to support native species like the bandicoot by recording sightings on the iNaturalist citizen science app, planting native gardens, keeping cats indoors and sticking to tracks when enjoying nature reserves.
Thanks to young people for leading the way!
Amy Hiller, Kew
Representative?
I recently received a teal coloured flyer advertising Independent 4 Flinders. This flyer states they are a local group committed to “better representation for the federal electorate of Flinders”. Later that day, I saw their advertisement on social media for a Flora and Fauna event. The speakers for this event include five white men and one woman. How ironic! Surely a group committed to “better representation” would have had better representation of women! Brings to mind the adage: “Do as I say, not as I do”.
Sally Morrison, Mornington
Verse for the potholes
Goodbye tyre, goodbye rim.
Torn to shreds, bound for the bin.
That familiar crunch, and hissing sound.
Which one did it? They’re all around!
Now Ranald’s on it, a “pothole competition”.
This worthy adversary is on a mission.
Word has got out, the politicians quake.
“Something must be done. Our jobs are at stake!”
The governments are on it, they’ll fix this mess.
They’re assembling the crews, they’ll be the best of the best.
They’ll work round the clock, damn the high cost!
Filling potholes with pixie dust and fairy floss.
C Jenkins, Tyabb
Expand POTW
Ranald Macdonald’s proposed competition (Pothole of the week, Letters 20/11/24), while excellent, is far too modest.
My suggestion is that we expand this competition to include a number of categories:
Deepest pothole, Largest pothole, Pothole with the longest life, Pothole that has been ‘repaired’ the most times, Greatest number of potholes in a given distance.
Readers could then vote, with the grand prize as suggested by Ranald.
Just a thought.
Mike Wilton, Safety Beach
A Bigger Plan?
On reflection, maybe I am looking at the potholes from the wrong angle. Maybe it is intentional and VicRoads is being brilliant.
By ALLOWING the proliferation of holes in the roads, its strategy is to:
- Slow the traffic, resulting in less accidents
- Protect our wildlife from speeding vehicles
- Improve drivers’ skills and reaction time
And their approach clearly is cost effective.
Less drain on taxpayers’ funds!
Ranald Macdonald, Flinders
