McCrae Landslide Debacle
I AM gobsmacked after reading the outcome (if you could call it an outcome) of the inquiry into the McCrae landslide on January 14 earlier this year (Inquiry finds burst water main caused McCrae landslide, The News 14/10/25).
It appears that 40.3 million litres of water, the equivalent to approximately 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools leaked undetected from a burst water main owned (but obviously not managed) by South East Water.
I had to re-read the article to make sure I was fully comprehending. The facts became even more shocking as I read on. The article revealed landslide risk was, and still is, largely forgotten when undertaking slope management. Apparently it does not feature in SEW’s procedures for detecting leaks? You have to be kidding.
Having witnessed the sophisticated slope management of slopes in Hong Kong where 40 level plus high-rise buildings sit on sheer cliffs all over that densely populated city, and where heavy tropical rain and typhoons deliver enormous amounts of water, landslide is always a possible risk with suitable engineering in place to circumvent disaster. Where there is a slope there is landslide risk full stop. Non negotiable. Why and how this amount of water leakage went undetected, and why it wasn’t treated as a matter for urgent address by both the shire and South East Water is alarming.
My heart goes out to the McCrae residents, the injured council worker and the owners of the destroyed property. I hope all impacted will be suitably compensated.
Tori Potter, Flinders
Corporate indifference
We are greatly disappointed, that in spite of community objections and determination by the majority of Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors and planning, not to grant a permit in June 2025, Optus are now going to appeal the decision through VCAT.
This proposed tower and ancillary equipment, twenty five metres high, is to be sited on land at the Lonsdale Street freeway on-ramp. This will dominate fifteen metres (almost the height of a four storey building) above the tree canopy and Lonsdale Street bridge, and present an eyesore to those entering and leaving our beautiful McCrae.
We must preserve the sightline across McCrae to the bay, including the iconic McCrae Lighthouse.
Surely the residents and the Mornington Peninsula Shire, being the responsible authority, must know what’s desirable in their own backyard.
Keith & Anne Brien, McCrae
Transparency in council
Cr David Gill’s notice of motion calling for improved scrutiny, transparency, and accountability, is timely and essential for restoring public confidence in our council’s meetings (Councillors vote down ‘transparency’ motion, The News 21/10/25). Residents on the Mornington Peninsula have witnessed too often how debate is stifled, legitimate questions dismissed, and decisions pushed through by a voting bloc that seems to value control over collaboration.
This pattern of behaviour is not democracy – it’s dominance. And when six votes can routinely silence reasoned discussion, it sends a troubling message about who holds power in the chamber. Gill’s proposed amendments seek fairness. Councillors should have the right to ask policy questions of officers, the chairperson should be required to record clear reasons for rejecting any question, and dissent motions should not be buried under convenience or politics.
These are fundamental safeguards of an open and accountable council, not obstacles to good governance. If such basic measures of fairness are resisted, we must ask why. Transparency should never be viewed as a threat. These reforms will ensure that future councillors, especially those considering standing in the next election, do not come in believing that this kind of bloc voting and procedural suppression are “normal.” They are not.
A healthy council should thrive on robust, respectful debate and decision-making that reflects a diversity of voices, not just the will of a majority acting as one. This is an opportunity to reset the tone of local government on the peninsula and show residents that integrity still matters and that open governance is not an inconvenience but a duty.
Anne Kruger, Rye
McKenzie confused
I watched Zoe McKenzie’s Facebook video post dated 21 October, with accusations against Ben Smith.
McKenzie and Smith are operating on different definitions of what a “Teal” is. McKenzie has used her broad definition to manufacture a baseless “gotcha” moment following the release of AEC candidate disclosures.
Smith is working from the generally accepted definition of “a woman Independent elected at the 2022 federal election on a climate/integrity/gender platform who the media colloquially/lazily began referring to as a group for convenience”.
McKenzie appears to be working from another definition: “anyone who receives Climate 200 funding”.
By that definition, she should also be calling Andrew Wilke, Adam Bandt, Rob Oakeshott and Senator David Pocock “teals”.
Smith never denied receiving Climate 200 funding. It was on his website and social media, and indeed in this very publication. Smith does, for reasons that should be obvious, deny being one of the women Independents elected in 2022 and so naturally, does not identify as a “teal”. This doesn’t mesh with McKenzie’s version of the media-generated hype label but she continues to use it to grasp at straws in attacking his character.
Given the vast majority of those who voted for the “teals” were disenfranchised Liberal voters, she would do well to move on from this obsession with mis-identifying Smith a “teal”, and address the 4.4% swing away from her this year in Flinders. I suspect this style of policking may have something to do with it.
Karli Baker, Dromana
Transparency reforms?
Zoe McKenzie, in her scathing rebuke of Ben Smith’s funding transparency is right about one thing – we deserve to know who funds campaigns in our electorate.
Party-level data releases in February but this will not show what was spent specifically in Flinders on Zoe McKenzie’s re-election or exactly where those funds came from, nor will it include the eye watering estimated $600,000 – $800,000 spent on smear campaigns against Ben Smith.
Will McKenzie call for integrity reforms that show dis-aggregated funding to the electorate level to match the Independents’ transparency and meet community expectations, or will she continue to distract from the real issue with petty Facebook reels? Our community deserves better.
Kiran McLennan, Sorrento
Sydney spend
The AEC’s latest disclosures show Teal candidate Ben Smith spent more than $1.7m on his campaign in Flinders, with over $1m funnelled in from Climate 200 in Sydney. So much for a local grassroots campaign.
I did the maths, and that’s about $70 for every first preference vote. I’m glad our community saw through it. I hope this makes future candidates who think they can parachute in with Sydney cash realise their money would be better spent elsewhere.
Di Kleinert, Blairgowrie
Sign of the times
Congratulations to the fine voters of Flinders electorate. We were not to be swayed by the wads of cash bestowed on “Independent” Ben Smith. As predicted, but never confirmed until now, Smith received nearly $1.8m in donations, and spent a little over $1.7m. I suggest he uses part of the leftover to remove the signage on the premises he rented in Main Street Mornington. It is still there.
I wonder if that contravenes the shire’s policy which requires “they are not displayed longer than 14 days after the event (i.e. the election) is held, or three months, whichever is sooner”.
Jack Wheeler, Mornington
Nomenclature
I presume Barry Rumpf was referring to me in his letter (What’s in a name?, Letters 21/10/25).
As he asked, my qualifications include a double degree in Science and Education, a Master of Science, and a PhD in chemistry education.
I taught senior chemistry for over 30 years and later spent a decade in science education research. I therefore feel qualified to comment on science-based issues such as climate change, as I understand the theory and measurements – particularly regarding CO₂ and global temperature.
I am not a climate scientist, but my training leads me to trust those who are. Just as we go to a doctor, not a mechanic or some Joe Blow on Facebook for medical advice, I rely on scientific experts rather than radio shock jocks or politicians with no science background. My comments are grounded in data, analysis, and peer-reviewed conclusions, not assertions.
Rumpf claims there are equal numbers of scientists on both sides of the debate. That is simply untrue. Tens of thousands of scientists worldwide recognise the reality and urgency of climate change, while only a small minority dispute it. I prefer to side with the overwhelming majority of experts. Finally, I cite my qualifications only when they are relevant to the issue at hand – in this case, climate change.
Dr Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
Science denial
Scientists are, if saddened and frustrated, mostly pretty undaunted by the persistent denial of established climate science by a few die-hards determined to rely on their own version of “common sense” and the “pithy assertions” of others. (What’s in a name?, Letters 21/10/25). Some psychologists have even taken the challenge and investigated and published on the psychology of climate change denial itself.
Of course, “down-to-earth” correspondents are, like everyone, entitled to their own opinions. But they should not be offended when other people, sometimes with titles and relying on proven and verifiable statements from reputable sources, (aka facts), have different opinions to theirs.
If they’re genuine truth-seekers they’ll look at the psychology papers, maybe via Wikipedia’s very readable summary, and identify which of the seven varieties of denier they are.
Lesley Walker, Northcote
Tell it to our firefighters
Climate change is worsening but Barry James Rumpf claims it is “just a scam and does not exist” (What’s in a name, Letters 21/10/25). Some believe climate change is a conspiracy due to distrust in governments or scientists, or the misinformation and disinformation they receive.
The 2025 Global Risks Survey ranks misinformation as the top short-term danger the world is facing.
While Trump is a climate misinformation powerhouse, there are long-term vested interests in the fossil-fuel sector who have been actively undermining science for decades. And who can forget our own former PM, Tony Abbott who infamously said, climate science is crap.
Sadly, research has shown that no amount of measurement or evidence will change the mind of the people who believe climate change is a scam or a hoax. Fortunately, surveys consistently show they are in a small minority.
Most global citizens, from all walks of life, understand that burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases that are warming the world at a dangerously fast rate. As former Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins, said after the Black Summer bushfires, “Hotter temperatures and drier conditions, driven by climate change, are the root cause of these fires. It is a dangerous distraction to suggest otherwise.” Telling Mullins it’s a scam and does not exist would not go down well.
Chris Cook, Essendon
Support fossil fuels
Imagine your life with no more barbecue gas, or shampoo, or a car without plastics, and no more concrete. As you drive on bitumen roads, you are driving on the by product of the fossil fuel industry.
A barrel of Saudi crude contains a blend of just about everything you use daily; from gas, through fuels and lubricants, detergents, plastics, and tar. About three percent of the barrel is tar, and that makes about a square metre of bitumen road. Alternately, two 50 litre tank-fulls of fuel in your car contribute a square metre of road, or two potholes worth. Over a ten year life, your car contributes 250sqm of bitumen.
As we electrify our road fleet towards all-electric by 2050, each electric car sale removes about 35 metres of dual bitumen road from the Australian network, which at the moment is amazingly huge. A million electric cars remove 35,000 km of road, and we are predicting five times that many.
If like me, you are planning to buy an electric car, make sure its 4WD, and expect lots of potholes.
Just tell yourself you are saving the planet; one pothole at a time!
John Dusting, Mornington
Respect nature
As a member of the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group, I was devastated to discover the reckless damage to native trees and shrubs in the reserve (Vandals trash Mt Martha’s Sunshine Reserve, The News 21/10/25).
Sadly, this is all too common. Mountain bikers also make jumps, disrupting delicate ecosystems; others take to the vegetation with chainsaws or pull out plantings that members of the conservation group have toiled to establish.
Like all reserves across the peninsula, the Sunshine Reserve offers a rare sanctuary for wildlife.
These special places are home to endangered species that need protection and care from all of us. Please respect them.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Hospital experience
I am anxious that others do not have to experience what I did at Frankston Emergency. I am 82 years of age and presented to Frankston Emergency at 7:30am last Thursday. I was in extreme pain with nausea. We were triaged very speedily and I saw a doctor a couple of hours later.
I had a CT scan which confirmed that I had acute appendicitis. I was then asked to take a seat in the waiting room, which was filling up fast. I remained in that seat until my husband tried to get me transferred to Peninsula Private. After 14 hours I was finally transferred and was operated on immediately. All those hours in a hard chair with acute pain should not occur. We chose Frankston because we were advised that the best doctors and surgeons were on hand.
Ann Brown, Mt Eliza
Get tougher on kids
WHOEVER wants to lead Victoria next year will need to do more about youth crime. We all hear about how bad it is but where are the plans to remedy it? They will need to listen to the people; those dealing firsthand with these youths, the families, social workers, Magistrates, lawyers and all parts of the system that can be part of future actions.
My ideas are: bring in bonds to be paid for those that are not first offenders. Break that bail condition they forfeit the money which can be spent on more facilities for these offenders. Bring in ankle bracelets for recidivists and take away all their social media appliances such as mobiles, tablets and computers. Curfews for night, and if they commit car theft then each offence is points against them getting a licence or owning a car. Try prison mentors; people to talk to first offenders and give them an experience of life in prisons, and what their future will look like if they continue. Meet with parents and access their home environments, if the parents cannot be part of the solution, then they become wards of the state for a stipulated period in which counselling, classes, education, and skills training are given to keep them away from the negative environments that reinforce their criminal behaviour.
Only my thoughts but none of these are in place now so time for the do-gooders to step aside and try stronger measures. Sending them to facilities to mix with more young criminals is not the answer either, make them more responsible for their actions.
We deserve better as we are ones who suffer because of their lack of change, and the government needs to be more proactive and we will vote for those who listen and support us.
Rhonda Cooper, Mornington
Truce headlines
I might have predicted that history would repeat itself in my letter last week. Some headlines to the point!
Israel reinstates ceasefire hours after deadly strikes on Gaza. killed at least 26 people in Gaza, including at least one woman and one child. At least one strike hit a former school sheltering displaced people.
Israel announced a halt in supplies. Since the ceasefire went into effect on October 11, Israel has reportedly killed at least 97 Palestinians and injured 230 others, and violated the truce agreement 80 times – 21 of those violations and 45 deaths occurred on Sunday, October 19, including massacres at a school, café, beach, and refugee camp.
- Israel Defies Ceasefire With Heavy Wave of Airstrikes Across Gaza.
- US officials travel to Israel as new strikes threaten to unravel progress towards achieving peace in Gaza.
- Israel unleashes airstrikes across Gaza Sunday, killing at least 45.
- Death zone: Israel implementing ‘shoot (civilians) on sight’ policy at Gaza “Yellow Line”.
- Israel says ceasefire and aid to resume after airstrikes kill 26 in Gaza.
- Masked Israeli Settlers Assault Palestinians, Torch Cars in West Bank. Israeli forces suspiciously “sped off” away from the area shortly before the assault began.
On Sunday, Israel said it was suspending humanitarian aid into Gaza. Lebanon’s health ministry has reported more than 270 people killed and around 850 wounded by Israeli military actions since the ceasefire. Israel launched waves of lethal airstrikes yesterday and cut off all aid into Gaza “until further notice”.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Angry Lenzo
Joe Lenzo is a very angry, vituperative man. His bitter rants are getting more desperate over the last few weeks and have become increasingly filled with hatred towards Israel.
He is talking absolute nonsense when he states that “Israel will find a reason to create a false-flag event to violate (the truce).” The only such events have been created by Hamas – think the hospital missile strike that supposedly killed 500, which turned out to be a terrorist misfire that killed 50 misfortunate souls.
Since the truce started Hamas have been executing Palestinians and killed two Israeli soldiers. A truce generally means a cessation of hostilities. But how easy is it to blame Israel? Retribution will be swift from the IDF every time Hamas violates the truce and seeks to provoke Israel’ something they are doing on a daily basis.
He also talks about Palestinians returning to their homes so that Israel can initiate a “cost reduction initiative to kill more people per bomb than ever before” when searching for their dead. Wow, Joe, you can’t get much lower than that, can you?
There is more garbage in this letter about Israel violating other “phases” of the truce now that the hostages have been released. Try not to forget that Israel has released around 2,000 Palestinians, its’ people are celebrating the truce and are awaiting the return of bodies of murdered hostages (many of whom Hamas now cannot locate).
I am betting that Hamas is doing their best to re-arm themselves and launch another murderous attack. I have no doubt that Joe Lenzo will be cheering them on and justifying any horrors they commit in the future, including concealment behind their own people. Let him stand with Hamas. I stand with Israel.
Kevin Cahalane, Mornington
Barley-Charlie@89
Kevin Rudd, the pinnacle of self righteousness, up there with Donald Trump on the scale of self love. Trump “I don’t like you” to Kevy, me too.
Another, Bob Hawke’s third term as PM, walking on water, put downs of our Pauly Keating, not good. Albanese a different kettle? Again, a need to be loved, living in his yellow submarine? Our Treasurer (Jimmy) for mine, the need to watch his back?
The Opposition suggest considering Liberals (kids) university students, surely a diamond in their ranks? Did somebody say The Greens? Silly billies; speak when you’re spoken to, other than the moody Sarah Hanson-Young. Politics the world “Aceh isn’t Aceh anymore” Ludwig Donath, The Jolson Story 1946.
Suggest equally attributed to USA politics, particularly the President and his like band of yes men and women, his authoritarian leanings, (Albo’s new mate?) perhaps in everyday terms, tickets on himself?
Qantas; Spear-phishing, a cyberattack using “fraudulent electronic communications” emails, texts, phone calls to trick into revealing information, asked to pay tax from/to the ATO. Funny really; the ATO as crooked as the cyber mob.
Also funny, an honest politician; by and large, (maybe?) 5% crooks, 5% honest, the remainder more concerned with a good feed at the dinner table.
Finally one: Israeli forces, airstrikes, closed off territory to aid supplies, starving, innocent Palestinians?
Finally two: Rye closing in on “upmarket” reputation, renters begone; same as first 20 years Westgarth, Merri Creek bridge to North Fitzroy? It’s not the same anymore, for the better? Just saying…
Cliff Ellen, Rye
