Hands off our libraries
The government has classed Mornington Peninsula as metropolitan – but we lack many of the resources other metropolitan areas have. We have, however, one – our libraries. They offer a wide variety of resources – books, DVDs, magazines, etc. – suitable for all ages. The libraries are scattered through the peninsula – offering easy access to all – particularly when public transport in this area is limited.
You have to query why anyone would want to close a library – do they or have they ever visited or used the library? They are a meeting place for many people, used for studying – you can use a computer, print out documents – and most importantly our librarians are there to answer and help with queries.
Librarians are essential to the library – and to tell them they have to reapply for their positions, many of whom have worked for the council for many years must have been a shock.
If a library is closed, does the council plan to use the money from the sale to go towards existing libraries or will it be swallowed up in general revenue?
It will be interesting to see what the council plans on doing. If this happens with one library – you could visit your local library and find a sign on the door saying “shut” and directions to the nearest library, which could be kilometres away. A sneaky but effective way of shutting libraries unless the community stands up and says “hands of our libraries”.
Sandra Barry, Rye
Libraries
What is it with our shire, they obviously have it in for our outstanding library service. Every few years it gets attacked, under the misapprehension that the community will just roll over.
We once had a fantastic library bus service, for parts of the shire not easily serviced by our main libraries. It took years of slow neglect and filibuster by the shire to kill that off.
And now again, our library service faces new cutbacks and devastation by an unthinking lot of non-representative shire officers and a few philosophically challenged council members.
Leave our perfectly well working libraries alone, and at least let the people of our shire have a say on this totally stupid proposition.
Rupert Steiner, Balnarring Beach
A century of potholes
I enjoy reading about what life was like 100 years ago, for example, the personal details such as where people travelled, gifts for good deeds, and descriptions of wedding parties, so I was amused, and somewhat dismayed, to read in the “100 Years Ago This Week” (13 October) that a letter writer in 1926 was complaining about potholes and the condition of local roads in Hastings.
A century later, motorists travelling along the peninsula could be forgiven for wondering whether much has changed. Some of the potholes on our roads are not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous.
It seems remarkable that, after one hundred years, the same complaint still matters.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Bush worth protecting
Well done to Elizabeth Cester and other locals whose submissions helped protect bushland and wildlife from a quarry expansion in Langwarrin (“Quarry extension application refused in Langwarrin green wedge”, The News, 20/10/26).
It’s a reminder that speaking up works.
Most of us value the bush, beaches and wildlife that make the peninsula special, but those places only stay protected when residents take the time to have their say.
With proposals for development on green wedge land and the planned luge in Arthurs Seat State Park, there’s plenty more to weigh in on.
A submission, a call to an MP or a chat with a neighbour all count.
Green spaces give us more than a view; they give us clean air, shade and birdsong. And once the bush is gone, it doesn’t come back.
Amy Hiller, Kew
Protect natural heritage
The destruction of old Messmate trees at Red Hill (“One hundred-year-old trees cut down”, The News, 13/10/26) and the community’s campaign to protect land at HMAS Cerberus (“Western Port community lodges Cerberus submission”, The News, 20/10/26) raise the same question: why are irreplaceable natural assets so poorly protected?
At Red Hill, two magnificent old trees were felled for a CFA shed, despite planning overlays recognising the site’s significant landscape and vegetation values. These trees provided wildlife habitat, stored carbon and supported biodiversity. Meeting planning requirements does not necessarily justify destroying such environmental assets.
Meanwhile, 17 community organisations have united to urge the Commonwealth to protect land proposed for divestment at HMAS Cerberus. Mornington Peninsula Shire proposes conservation as the primary use of the 1,164 hectares, allowing only compatible recreation, tourism or aquaculture.
A conservation park would protect native vegetation, Western Port’s internationally significant wetlands, wildlife corridors and Bunurong cultural heritage. It would store carbon, strengthen climate resilience and provide public access to nature while avoiding inappropriate development.
Federal MP Zoe McKenzie, Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt and Victorian Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes must work together to support the calls for conservation to be the primary use of HMAS Cerberus. They should secure public ownership and lasting protection for this irreplaceable natural asset, ensuring its ecological and cultural values are preserved for future generations.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
Dromana disappointment
Lately there’s continued talk in the township of Dromana that the town planning has failed the community.
An increasing amount of hospitality venues keep opening, but a lack of retail keeps foot traffic non-existent Monday to Friday. Since the pandemic we’ve lost multiple businesses. Many have been replaced by evening operating restaurants. With next to no retail left in the precinct, there isn’t actually much to do in town anymore.
The slow construction of the pier combined with the lack of shops and things to draw people to the town, has really put a dampener on what was a thriving little place to live.
Exiting the freeway into the Dromana turn off (I’m sure the main arterial signage is still missing) the underpass at the Aldi is covered in graffiti and overgrown with weeds. Then the signage and roads begin to decay shortly after.
Dromana could be the gateway to the Peninsula, yet it’s been forgotten about.
If only someone was listening…
Adam Richmond, Dromana
Why Independents
When I was young, I believed in a benevolent government. I believed that political parties were working in the best interests of the nation and state. Over the years, I have realised that political parties are subject to many influences – big business and their lobbyists, big donors, and above all, the party line.
So I became interested in the Independent movement. Because an Independent MP is only answerable to the community they represent. There is no party line. They use their voting power to negotiate with the parties to achieve the outcomes that benefit the community.
The problem with the Mornington and Nepean electorates is that they are safe Liberal seats. There is small interest by the ALP in funding an electorate where it doesn’t expect to win an election. The Liberal party has little incentive to invest in us because we continue to vote them in. We have to make the seats unsafe in order to get the major parties interested in providing for our community.
By voting Independent, we achieve two goals. The seat is no longer safe and we put an MP into power who can negotiate with whichever party is in power and who puts our community’s interests first. It is time that we are no longer taken for granted. If the parties are the problem, why continue voting for a party?
Pam Pitt, Rosebud
VP Independents for Mornington Peninsula
School funding
The state election is now but five weeks away.
A newly arrived candidate has put her name forward and presented her view of what needs to done in regards to schooling in Mt Eliza.
Promising $20m to improve education facilities at the Mount Eliza Secondary School this candidate demonstrates that she does not really understand how budgets and education budgets, in particular, are allocated.
Chris Crewther has stated that, if re-elected, he would have access to $10m which would be used in upgrades and improvements at the Mount Eliza Secondary School.
For example, (i) a dedicated student well-being facility; (ii) a redeveloped senior learning and drama centre; and (iii) a master plan – to plan and cost areas most in need of attention in the Mt Eliza Secondary School.
Planning improvements in education, at any level, is costly and complicated. Chris Crewther’s suggestions are both realistic and feasible.
Numerous and consistent reports on educational standards, issues and problems from other countries suggest that Australia is not doing too well, when compared with other countries.
If a new state government was to be elected on November 28, with Chris Crewther, our local member, playing a major role, we could expect to see a different approach to many of this state’s most urgent and pressing social, economic and educational problems.
Michael W. Small, Mornington
Promises
Mornington is hearing plenty of promises from Liberal and independent candidates. What voters need to remember is that a promise without funding is just a press release. So don’t ask what they’re promising – ask what they’ve delivered and where the funding will come from.
For example, promising school funding that Labor has already announced isn’t a plan. It’s taking credit for someone else’s work. School funding is already on the way under Labor. Promises are empty when a candidate pledges what has already been committed by Labor.
Further, a train line to Mornington isn’t going to built with a promise. It takes a business case, a budget and a government to deliver. What is the cost, and where’s the timeline? Is that really our community’s priority?
Promises aren’t funding. Only a Labor government can commit the money, and Labor is the party that delivers.
Mornington doesn’t voices on the sidelines. We need a seat at the table where the budget is decided.
Dr Helen Keleher, Mornington
Follow the money
Every election we have to hear about those nasty independents being “funded” by Climate200.
It is interesting that Climate200’s core values centre around: community independents, integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability, climate action, political independence, political integrity, ethical political donations, lobbying reform, management of conflicts of interest, community representation, evidence-based policy, gender equality, respectful politics, constructive debate, cooperation across political divisions, and accountability to voters.
There is no evidence that the candidates are “controlled” by Climate200. They do, however, vet independent candidates to make sure they share these values before supporting them.
Before an independent is financially supported they must start the vetting process by filing a campaign support form which requires information about the community organisation, its candidate, community backing and values.
On the other hand, special interest groups supporting the Political Oligopoly share these core values: protecting members’ interests, influencing government policy and legislation, shaping regulations and taxation, securing financial and political benefits, lobbying politicians and decision-makers, seeking access to government and funding, protecting existing benefits and privileges, influencing public spending and resource allocation, promoting preferred policies, and resisting decisions that disadvantage their interests.
Most special interest groups, however, throw their funding all over the place hoping that it gives them an advantage after the election no matter who wins.
Unfortunately, unlike Independents, the Political Oligopoly Candidates do not have to declare who donates to them as campaign finance disclosure allows the money to flow through the party.
If we look at VEC data for Anthony Marsh in the by-election you would see he only received $5,000 and spent nothing. AEC data for Zoe McKenzie in the last federal election she had “zero” donations and “zero” expenditure.
So I am all for real time disclosures but first we have to level the playing field.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Commitment to respect
The shocking attack on Helen Haines outside her electorate office has left so many of us shaken. My thoughts are with Helen, her family, her staff and volunteers, and the community she serves with such care.
It’s also prompted conversations we need to have about how we treat people in public life.
Here in Nepean, Tracee Hutchison has spoken publicly about the sustained abuse she experienced during the May by-election, and how it contributed to her decision not to stand again. Whatever our political differences, we should be concerned when people are driven away from representing their community by harassment and intimidation.
As the independent candidate for Nepean, I commit to conducting a respectful campaign and making those expectations clear to everyone campaigning alongside me. I invite every fellow candidate to make the same commitment publicly.
We can debate policies vigorously, scrutinise records and ask difficult questions while treating each other with dignity. Personal abuse, sexist remarks, threats and intimidation have no place in that contest, whether in person or online.
To give that commitment practical effect, I propose that each campaign nominate a captain for every shift at pre-poll and election-day booths. That person would take responsibility for their team’s conduct, respond promptly to concerns and intervene if behaviour falls short. Candidates must remain accountable for how they run their campaigns.
Voters, volunteers and candidates should all feel safe participating in our democracy.
There is more that unites us than divides us. Let’s demonstrate that in how we conduct this election.
Kim Robbins
Independent candidate for Nepean
A fair go
In the by-election last April Anthony Marsh’s supporters harassed and intimidated his independent opponent, Tracee Hutchinson. She spoke on the Raf Epstein program on 20 October about the persistent personal attacks to which she was subjected. In speaking about the appalling attack on Dr Helen Haines, Andrew Taylor, the federal leader of the Liberals said that personal abuse is a threat to our democracy. He is right and yet Anthony Marsh failed to stop personal abuse of his opponent by his supporters.
Angus Taylor also said that ‘we have long been able to resolve our differences of view through long and vigorous debate’. That is not the case with the current Nepean MLA. He promulgated and amplified false claims about the cost of the Victorian treaty. He then refused several times to meet and listen to the views of the Southern Peninsula Allies Group who wanted to explain how the treaty, when implemented, would actually save money by ending wasteful expenditure on failed projects done without consultation.
The Liberals say they want to promote Australian values. A core Aussie value is to give things a fair go. If the treaty benefits do not work out then Aboriginal people will be the first to call for a change of approach, but to scrap the treaty, after 10 years of negotiating and planning, without giving it a fair go is un-Australian.
The current member for the state seat of Nepean is unfit to hold public office. If you support giving the Treaty a fair go, but cannot bring yourself to vote Labor, there is a sane alternative, which is to vote for the independent candidate for Nepean, Kim Robbins, and for the independent candidates standing for the Upper House, led by Antoinette Pitt.
Ralph Catts, Rye
Respectful and polite
In the lead up to the coming election there is an opportunity for all candidates to consider their behaviour and take responsibility for the actions of their supporters during the campaign. There is no place in our democracy for “dirt sheets” or personal attacks on candidates.
I have witnessed the intimidation and harassment at the Rosebud pre-poll and polling day election centre. It does no one any good. Rather it deters genuine enquiry from voters looking for answers and advice in order to make an informed decision prior to completing their civic duty of voting. Running the gauntlet to vote has become an unnecessarily stressful event for many when it should be a happy, friendly community experience.
Is it possible for the candidates, one of whom will be afforded the honour of representing our electorate in the state parliament, to co-operate and agree on a code of conduct for themselves, their volunteers and supporters.
We can disagree, we can be passionate in our beliefs but we can also be respectful and polite.
The candidates are opponents, not enemies.
Rosemary Bates, McCrae
Independent thought
Being out of step with the majority of peninsula residents is criticised by M. G. Free (Election predictability, Letters, 20/10/26) in his description of certainties in life.
He could have added that staying a safe Liberal seat doesn’t really seem to achieve much either.
By attacking support, or supporters, for independent candidates such as Kim Robbins in Nepean, he fails to acknowledge that fresh eyes and an unencumbered approach free from party priorities and restrictions might give us a better result.
It takes enormous courage and commitment to stand against the party machine and Kim Robbins has that in spades.
Following the mob, whether Liberal or One Nation, is hardly likely to be the most thoughtful or effective approach.
Post election, the majority rules but pre-election, independent thought has to be best.
Alan Hall, Rye
Unnecessary criticism
M. G. Free, I find your criticism of David Gill and Joe Lenzo for being “out of step”, somewhat chilling (Election predictability, Letters, 20/10/26). As well as ironic, given your family name!
How would evolution of idea, production, society, and species ever occur, were all to remain always “in step” with the rest?
It would all be a sad echo chamber, which it all too often already is in political circles.
No, it is historically those who have the guts to stand out from the crowd, with their lateral thought, imagination, foresight and ethics, despite discouraging heckling from the rusty, who have led us all forward.
We were made human, not sheep.
Paula Polson, Dromana
Mornington forum
Thank you to Greens Candidate Kai Titcher and Labor Candidate Kerry Macdonald for paying their respects to the Boon Warung people in their opening address at the candidates forum on Monday 19th in Mornington.
Greens candidate Kai was the only candidate to speak of supporting Treaty which he did in his closing words.
When much has been talked about removing the Treaty with First Nations people by the Liberal and One Nation parties should they be in government after the state election, it is disappointing this important issue for all Victorians was not addressed by other candidates at the forum.
I encourage people to attend the Treaty and First Peoples Information Sesssion on Saturday 31 October 2pm in The Studio, Wilsons Rd Mornington and thank the Southern Peninsula Allies with First Peoples Assembly of Victoria for organising this.
Georgie Stubbs, Mt Martha
Egg-lection time
At three-years-old, Eggeral candidate for Coop SchieflEgg would, if she wins, become one of the coop’s most average-aged Member of Coops. SchieflEgg was hatched on Coolart Rd, and emigrated to the Coop when she was young. She joined the egg-layers at age six-months, laying hard before stepping back into a Reservist role and completing a Bachelor of Eggonomics.
SchieflEgg is committed to winning the perch from Paul Egg-curio.
“Genuinely, I’m standing because I’m the best chicken for the job,” said SchieflEgg. “My opponent seems more focused on cock-fights and how well his crowing is received.”
SchieflEgg will also be contending with ex-Eggeral Peter Hengelico. “Hengelico quit after not getting pre-sel-egg-ted and joined the Eggeratarian Partly. Six days later, he is now running for One Lay-tion.
“When was the last time Lay-cinta Allen came to the Coop? The same for Hen Carroll. He’s never laid here (because he’s a rooster) yet he’s trying to convince you he cares for you?”
SchieflEgg believes humans have given up on the Coop. “I had to travel to the other side of the coop for food-scraps, and have seen the worst of coop-holes,” said SchieflEgg.
“But it goes further than that. Humans have given up on roosters too, and Egg-curio still stands up there crowing in a voice that doesn’t resonate with the community.
“I will be different. I will be squawking for less roosters.
“The issue is that with grime out of control, we have humans that can’t see the point of cleaning the coop only to have it dirtied up again.
“If we want prosperity, we need claw-and-order. Get the grime back under control, and we’ll get cleanliness back. I’ve had nearly two chooks tell me they want 24-hour laying-stations, and I will make sure that happens.” .
Margot Ransom, Tyab
Twentieth anniversary
A huge “well done” to the president, committee, manager, staff and the wonderful volunteers, at the Bentons Square Community Centre – on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Bentons Square Community Centre on Thursday, October 22.
The Bentons Square Community Centre goes from strength to strength in providing both a facility and the many and varied programmes for the local community.
Thanks are due in no small way to the driving force and foresight of ex-mayor/councillor Anne Shaw some 20 years ago.
Ongoing council backing has been essential and invaluable. Anne, along with local MP Chris Crewther, attended the anniversary, and were able to observe “first hand” the reasons for the welcoming environment at the centre.
A committed president guiding a community minded committee, plus a manager in the true sense of the word, who adds to these management skills by providing a welcoming and happy place for the wonderful volunteers and attendees to a programme, or maybe just drop-in for a chat.
There are, of course, the supporters/partners of those mentioned who also contribute to the success of the centre.
A personal thank you to all responsible seems most inadequate and very humbling, but “thank you” and well done on 20 years of well-deserved anniversary celebration.
Roy and Helen Francis, Mornington
Leave it as Tanti
The letter from Max Garrard (“Real community”, Letters, 20/10/26), describing his admiration for the Tanti Park Housing Commission estate in Mornington is valid.
There is a pleasant ambience around the place. Perhaps it’s the homogeneous nature of the people where nobody is better than the next fellow; or is it the pleasing layout of the estate with wide streets and footpaths both sides, house blocks of 500 or 600sqm, with a good backyard. Buying this house was a modest price for a modest house, not particularly cheap but interest fixed at 5.5% for 30 or 45 years. I never paid a single dollar to a bank, lawyer, estate agent, insurance company. We had a loan from the government and we repaid the government. All legals, insurance, etc., was organised by the Commission. “You are eligible – here are the keys”.
A home is essential for all young couples, a solid base for family life. Best of all, your wife was not forced to work.
But there is a bad flaw in Max’s letter. He reckons that Tanti is now called Mornington Park. It is not!
Mornington Park is down by the pier. Nobody has ever asked me, a resident of 50 years, if I want a name change.
The Tanti name has character and historical significance. Leave it. Some estate agents and others have been trying for years to change the name in order to offset the old stigma that Tanti once had. These people don’t even live here.
How utterly stupid to want to call it Mornington Park when such a named place already exists a few kilometres away.
Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington
Random act of kindness
To the lovely soul who placed two (carefully wrapped) perfect yellow roses under my windscreen wiper at Centro car park Mornington on Wednesday afternoon 21/10, thank you !
You not only made my day, but your kind gesture has had the flow on effect, like the ripples on a pond.
I hope someone makes you feel as special as you did me !
Anna Froelich, Mornington
Civil discourse… and Cliff
I am alarmed at the violent attack on Helen Haines. I am dismayed that Australia has gone so far down the populist path resulting in personal attacks on politicians that have been truly horrible, and they’ve gone well beyond freedom of speech.
There’s a big difference between robust debate and cruel attacks on a person’s health or beliefs. The last federal election saw a change in how people behaved at polling booths which was scary. I used to enjoy polling day and the democracy sausage but now we need a security presence to keep us all safe.
Social media uses political algorithms that use sensational, emotional and divisive content over factual reporting which encourages people to think and act in a certain way and that has resulted in angry, ill-informed people.
In the last federal election Ben Smith’s posters were defaced and nasty words written across his face. He was just a man who wanted to represent his community, not the Devil as he was portrayed.
Most people don’t feel like hurting/killing our politicians but there are unhinged people who believe all the nasty words and conspiracy theories and feel the need to harm or eliminate that person.
Politicians are just people who believe that they can do a good job of representing their community and, we, the constituents can vote for who we think will represent us best.
Most people vote for who they think can best represent them and their family. So we all go and vote and the party/independent with the most votes will win. Whoever wins will, hopefully, try to do what they believe is best for all. If we’re not happy with them, then we can vote them out at the next election.
Politicians are people and to dehumanise them is to go down the path of Trumpism which is not democratic.
And where is Cliff Ellen, AKA Barley Charlie? I hope you’re okay, Cliff, I enjoy your letters – even though you barrack for the wrong team!
Nerida Miller, Mt Martha
Where’s Barley Charlie?
For what feels like forever, the bottom right-hand corner has featured the familiar contribution from BarleyCharlie@90.5, who has become something of an institution.
His letters often wander down unexpected paths, leave readers scratching their heads, and rarely follow the neat, orderly route most of us would take. Yet that has always been part of their charm. In a world where so much writing sounds the same, BarleyCharlie has steadfastly remained BarleyCharlie.
Whether you agreed with him, fully understood him, or found yourself rereading a paragraph twice just to work out where he was headed, his weekly presence became as dependable as the page itself.
So this week, with that familiar spot filled by someone else’s letter, one can’t help but wonder: where’s BarleyCharlie? I hope all is well and that his distinctive voice will soon return to its rightful place in the bottom right-hand corner.
After all, some traditions are worth keeping.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Editor’s note: Due to the foibles of technology, no letter arrived in our inbox last week, despite Cliff sending one. You’ll be please to know he is back this week!
Who’s Clive?
Hey Clive (BarleyCharley@90.5, Letters, 15/10/26), you seem to have spent some time writing stuff, but I’m sorry, man, I am having trouble understanding what you mean: “the road to wisdom. riddled with pot holes?”, “Zombies (sheep) or control the difference for now, answer: Very Little”, “Is there a Big Brother lurking in Bendigo Bank?”, “AFL Football playing for Cricket Australia”, “Princess Pauline’s diatribes”, “Woolworths really really home insurance????”
Hey Man, what are you on????
Dr. N. D. Hallam, Flinders
Barley Charley @ 90+
Bye bye my 91st October, sooner the better. Am I as bright (are U as bright) as you think you are, bank balance not withstanding?
Politicians almost all; not to tell their right pocket what their left is thinking. Kindly do not get me started on our politician about “nothing” namely Angus Taylor, attacking our little mate Albo on national security.
As a leftie union man Albo had his moments; no Billy Shorten obviously, but intentions nevertheless, which is more than we can say for Taylor, ditto Princess Pauline. All three are rolling in hefty bank balances, recalling an old philosophy of my thinking – the bigger the bank balance the more the holder assumes superiority?
Some of my intelligent buddies (90% Liberal voters) at the local RSL never discuss politics. Apparently, there’s a sound reason, yet to discover UNLESS Livius Patavinus, BC; “He had a mind so equally versatile for all things that whatever he was doing, you would say he was born for that one thing alone.”
And in Albo’s crowd – “What we’re witnessing is nothing more than a shock and awe lobbying approach by US tech, designed to swamp government decision-making.”
Shouldn’t say this; I don’t miss Robert G Menzies but I miss Greg Hunt?
The darling schoolies here in downtown (upmarket?) Rye, back to school, reminding myself, safely, to put my rubbish bins out.
An election in Victoria, those piercing eyes, Jess Wilson, state budget, community safety/police, bail laws; promises, promises. Young Jess likely to succeed, promises to the backline (historical) in favour of more attacks; previously hidden Labor faults?
Watching television daytime surely for lonely people, and/or nutters, assuming no medical reasons. I thank God, assuming he/she is the reason, for my imaginary friend Barley Charley.
Ditto to my intellectual friends, pretenders mostly, but keeping moire toes UP.
And to overseas, killings continue, Australia shielded from it all, but for how long, not so far off (seemingly?) from WW3? NO? Okay, old age but praying.
Finally, the song – “You can’t always get what you want, but you can try.” Just saying…
Cliff Ellen, Rye
