Comments 2012
December 18, 2012
An interesting read
I so look forward to the Bass Coast Post ... the most interesting stories
and news articles ... I have learnt of new places to visit, learnt about
plants, birds and other interesting stuff. I liked and couldn't agree
more with Bob Middleton and his common old blackbirds (December 15).
Keep up the good work. Have a wonderful happy bright safe Chritmas and New Year. Eat plenty, be merry.
Carman Rose
December 5, 2012
Sam left his mark
Re Sam Scimonello’s sewing machine (September 22), how timely to have written this story in the year of his passing. Well done. We have only known him and his wife a short time but they certainly left their mark.
Bianca Stefani
Suffer the little children
December 5, 2012
I can't accept that there will only be one more 'instalment' to read! Frank, you can't do this to us!! Truly, you are to be applauded for this grand effort. You have a wonderful gift and I sincerely hope that you will entertain us with many more stories. Thank you for the sheer enjoyment of it all.
Vilya Congreave
December 4, 2012
Congratulations to Frank Coldebella on such an insightful factual writing style about school days with the Josephites (The agony and the ecstasy, December 1). Went through the same at St Lawence's Leongatha, not as bad though. Love the humour - keep up the good work. I wonder what Mary MacKillop would have made of it all ... it certainly was not what she had in mind. Viva Belluno.
Bianca and Nadia Stefani
December 2, 2012
Absolutely loving Frank Coldebella's memoirs of childhood at St Joe's. Change the name to St Mary's or any other Catholic primary school in the '60s and the stories are much the same.
Thank you for bringing back so many childhood memories, some good, some bad but all forces that shaped many lives, including mine. I would not be the strong woman I am today if not for the experiences in my formative years. Secondary school was just as memorable but more enlightening as I was taught by the same forward-thinking and emancipated nuns who taught Germaine Greer.
Now I am looking forward to Frank's next instalment.
Janice Orchard
November 28, 2012
I've loved reading Frank Coldebella's memoir. Sadly, much of it would reflect the experience of many educated in Catholic schools at that time.
Alba Del Bianco
November 23, 2012
I, like Frank Coldebella, went to St Joe’s Primary School (what feels like a million years ago). His vivid descriptions have brought the memories flooding back. That white dusty playground that seemed to be bursting at the seams with children. The only thing missing (which may well be included later on) was the small milk (often warm due to standing in the sun) that we were forced to drink! No thoughts of lactose intolerance in those days.
I look forward to the subsequent parts of this story. Well done Frank and Bass Coast Post. Keep up the great articles.
Adriana Tiziani
November 26, 2012
Keep on strummin'
I read Bob Middleton’s story on Rob Wilson (November 25, 2012) with amazement. If I’d known in the Bass Strait 12 that I was playing alongside a Melbourne music legend I would have smartened my act up! Thanks for the story, and I hope Rob keeps strumming that Gretsch for years to come. Good looking young bloke, too.
Andrew Shaw
November 25, 2012
Tough bickies
The recent Shearwater Festival has reminded me of a curious little tale I was told many years ago by an elderly woman living on Philip island.
She talked about how she first came to Philip Island as a young woman working in the Arnotts biscuit factory in Burwood. All the staff were given the day off from working in the factory, and went for the day to Philip Island for a picnic lunch and to collect eggs from the “mutton bird” nests to take back to put in the biscuits !
Any-one else heard that one?
Carolyn
November 25, 2012
Anzac Day massacre
I hadn't heard the one about the eggs but my neighbour Jim Bell told me that as a young plumber he was working on the island when one of his workmates suggested they collect a few eggs one lunchtime. Jim stuck his arm down a muttonbird hole and extracted an egg - which was followed a few seconds later by the biggest tiger snake he'd ever seen.
That was the last time he ever collected eggs but he never lost his taste for muttonbirds.
Jim said the rangers were all returned servicemen so Anzac Day was D-Day, when the poachers knew they would have the place to themselves and invariably returned with bulging sacks of the young birds.
Catherine Watson
November 20, 2012
Keep it natural
On Cup Day, as we were driving south on Coghlan Street towards the cemetery and koala reserve, we saw a sign in the paddock on the right near the corner of Rhyll Road stating it was the site of the future Phillip Island feedlot. It reminded us of the film Food Inc. Phillip Island brands itself as a '"natural attraction" but there is little that's natural about confining animals in an artificial 'feed lot'. I am horrified at the prospect.
Elaine Taplin
November 20, 2012
Bean feast
Just tried the broad bean dip recipe ('Bean there, haven't done that', October 27) and it was delicious. Thanks very much.
Neil Rankine
November 17, 2012
Rubbish!
Here's a tip for gardeners in case you have missed it . From November 1-December 16 in the Bass Coast Shire we can take our garden waste to the local transfer stations and put it on top of all the other garden waste free of charge. Then they mulch it and you can buy it back if you want to. It’s an amnesty period to help reduce fuel in the case of bush fire. I usually arrive with my trailer load on the day after the offer closes but this time I got smart and noted it down on my garden calendar.
Bob Middleton
November 6, 2012
A great result all round
Ditto to all accolades regarding your election day coverage ('How Alan Brown changed our lives', November 3). And if Alan Brown played a part in the genesis is of the Post then I actually owe him a vote of thanks.
Your article regarding the opportunity that has been inadvertently created at local Council level by the Reform Group's appearance could not be more appropriate. And another thought comes to me in the wash up of this election and the brand new council it has created, which of course firmly includes Phil Wright in that he now has a whole new environment in which to air his point of view.
And it is this. The new council contains two Reform candidates. So no doubt they will still hold to the agenda of council review that they held in the run up, and will do their best for it to see the light of day. The huge asset that we now have is that their position, once it is fully researched and made public, can then be objectively assessed by an impartial body, rather than accepted verbatim by the author, proponent and executor, all tied in one.
So a great result, and great coverage.
Roger Thorrowgood
November 6, 2012
Knowing the score
I wanted to respond to your article about Alan Brown and the Reform Party. I went to the Bass Coast Post to get some background for the contenders in the election and was influenced by the fact that some chose not to participate.
It DID put me off them and I felt that the contenders who had taken the trouble to prepare a thought-through statement deserved my vote - on top of the fact that it was clearer for me what they stood for, whereas there was a large black hole where the other contenders' statements could have been. I know their information was available elsewhere, but as I was accessing the web in my last minute decision making (don't think I'm alone there!) - your site was what had the most influence.
I love the feel of a newspaper or a book - but you're winning me over to the new format. Oh dear - could an iPad be on my Christmas list?? You never know.
Hilary Stuchbery
October 28, 2012
Hats off to the Post
I am going out today to buy a hat so I can take it off to the Bass Coast Post for their reporting of the Bass Coast Council elections. Normally I find following such an event a dull pastime but the information provided in the run-up to election day and the "hot out of the oven" progressive voting reports had me totally engrossed.
We are privileged to have such a informative web site and I hope it continues to find the wider audience it so justly deserves.
Bob Middleton, Loch
Editor's note: In the interests of full disclosure, we should reveal that Bob Middleton is one of the Bass Coast Post's most valued contributors so he is a bit biased. But he makes a good point: our election coverage showed the potential of the Post to cover breaking news by pooling the knowledge and expertise of our readers, who are also our writers. Many thanks to our correspondents who kept us informed throughout the day.
September 29, 2012
Time to come clean on 'efficiencies'
Re Candidates keep their heads down, Alan Brown has indicated that he cannot understand the increase in staff levels at the council over the last 16 years and that if elected, would undertake a review to look for 'efficiencies'.
The Reform Team must explain what 'efficiencies' they will be looking for. How will this process impact on council jobs and important community services? Will maintenance of infrastructure and environment be reduced? Will important community services for the elderly be reduced?
I'm concerned about what the election of the Reform Team will mean for the community. There is a lack of information about what issues this team stand united on, other than the dreadful prospect of reducing community services via job losses.
Casey Hill, Inverloch
September 23, 2012
Still waiting for a refund
Re Vern Rickman's Folly and Seranade at Sunset - despite several written and oral promises no refund was forthcoming for three pre-paid meals.
Faye Burgess
September 16, 2012
Good reading
What a great story, John Henry, keep it up (No back pedalling on testing ride, September 15). I would probably fall off a bike if i attempted to cycle
I wanted to say how much i liked the poem Wild Death (August 19), even though it made me cry. I had been on my way to feed a friend's chickens and stopped to pull a dead kangaroo off the road. Much to my horror her little joey was also dead in the pouch ... then I read the poem ....
Carman Rose
The big picture
September 4, 2012
I so enjoyed Bob Middleton's piece on the murals dotted around Korumburra and beyond ('Master of the Passing Parade', September 1). It illustrates well what this technology can do with quality content. Where in a traditional newspaper format could we see the range of photos and well researched text that this story, this artist, deserves? This contribution helps old schoolers like me appreciate the potential of online publishing.
Linda, Wonthaggi
Closing the circle
August 26, 2012
I love the artist’s comment: “I'm going to paint over it so no one else has to feel bad about it.” ('At last, home is where the art is', August 19). Created and removed by the same guy kind of has a nice circular feel to it.
Speaking of public murals, I read that the Keith Haring mural in Collingwood is finally going to be preserved and/or touched up. They’re calling for tenders.
Andrew Shaw
Wild Death
August 19, 2012
Violence wasn’t in your nature
I dreaded such an end for you
hoped at your age you could avoid
the monsters roaming on our roads
you would know they carry death
in the glare of their eyes
on your last visit you came alone
as if you wanted to say goodbye
we watched each other for a long time
then without a hurry you hopped away
this morning I saw your long tail
flattened on the black bitumen
your body on the road’s edge
still as a grey rock
your wild death doesn’t count
in statistics of road fatality
in your mob another leader will rise
but I won’t forget you
for the last five years
you were part of my life.
Barbara Orlowska-Westwood, Inverloch
Sad but beautiful
August 21, 2012 - Well done. I loved Barbara Orlowska-Westwood’s poem about the kangaroo – sad though it was.
Jane Denton
Well done, all
August 7, 2012 - If only I could write such wonderful interesting articles and stories. Well done, all .... The photos of the eastern spinebills are simply BEAUTIFUL.
Carman Rose
That Maggie!
July 20, 2012 - Love Bob Middleton's comment (July 9). Very interesting ... come to think of it I wonder if it's the same Maggie i know - the short black one!!
Carman Rose
Where can we buy it?
July 12, 2012 - Does the Bass Coast Post appear in print? If so, which news agencies have it? I do not remember seeing it anywhere.
John Henry, Inverloch
Editor's reply: I'm afraid this is the future of newspapers, John. Not as good to wrap the scraps in but you can read the Bass Coast Post any time, anywhere, and no trees were killed in its manufacture.
Where have all the people gone?
July 9 2012
So The Gurdies has had a decline of 174 in population (Dalyston, Grantville our boom suburbs, July 9). Where are all the empty bargain houses? With a name like The Gurdies, maybe it's dark, damp caves that have been left unoccupied. But what did these 174 terrified souls flee from? Where did they go? What shall become of them? Will Bass Coast provide support and counselling?
We know The Gurdies boasts a quarry and I cannot get the words of the Peter, Paul and Mary song out of my mind:
"Don't go down to the quarry in the middle of the night
'Cause you'll never come back, you'll never be right
We lost Maggie there just last spring
And Big Ben Johnson, he couldn't do a thing."
Since I do know a Maggie who lives in The Gurdies and who constantly goes missing, the words of the song should carry an ominous warning for us all.
That outpost known as Harmers Haven, with its unknown people movement, is and always will be a mystery to us outsiders and it would be wise of us not to ask questions.
Bob Middleton, Loch
Uploading photos
July 6, 2012 - Looking good! I enjoyed the photos of "Love Nest" and "Winter at Harmers" but I don't know how to upload photos so can someone give me some advice?
Sue
Editor's reply: Hi Sue. Unfortunately we don't have the capacity for direct uploading of photos to the website yet. Please email photos or other contributions to basscoastpost@iprimus.com.au.
Long live grassroots journalism!
July 4, 2012 -Nice to see the threat of Hurricane Gina hasn't damaged grassroots journalism - good on the Post for keeping people in touch with their own community.
Andrew Shaw
Exciting times
July 4, 2012 - This project/site is so exciting! Look forward to reading lots more.
Sue Saliba
Coastal rural land strategy vital
June 28, 2012 - Good to see the new web page. One issue that should be addressed as a high priority is the future use of rural land. Bass Coast Shire Council has a rural land strategy that will set new directions for land use. There is no doubt that the future of farming will be different than the past use. The Australian primary industry and particularly the shire council is being challenged due to factors such as the high Australian dollar, demand for blocks near the coast, the dominance of Coles + Woolworths, Australian labour rates and many more factors.
It is a good time to bring these issues to the fore to ensure that the council's land policy has considered the future.
Phil Wright, Bass Coast Shire councillor
An interesting read
I so look forward to the Bass Coast Post ... the most interesting stories
and news articles ... I have learnt of new places to visit, learnt about
plants, birds and other interesting stuff. I liked and couldn't agree
more with Bob Middleton and his common old blackbirds (December 15).
Keep up the good work. Have a wonderful happy bright safe Chritmas and New Year. Eat plenty, be merry.
Carman Rose
December 5, 2012
Sam left his mark
Re Sam Scimonello’s sewing machine (September 22), how timely to have written this story in the year of his passing. Well done. We have only known him and his wife a short time but they certainly left their mark.
Bianca Stefani
Suffer the little children
December 5, 2012
I can't accept that there will only be one more 'instalment' to read! Frank, you can't do this to us!! Truly, you are to be applauded for this grand effort. You have a wonderful gift and I sincerely hope that you will entertain us with many more stories. Thank you for the sheer enjoyment of it all.
Vilya Congreave
December 4, 2012
Congratulations to Frank Coldebella on such an insightful factual writing style about school days with the Josephites (The agony and the ecstasy, December 1). Went through the same at St Lawence's Leongatha, not as bad though. Love the humour - keep up the good work. I wonder what Mary MacKillop would have made of it all ... it certainly was not what she had in mind. Viva Belluno.
Bianca and Nadia Stefani
December 2, 2012
Absolutely loving Frank Coldebella's memoirs of childhood at St Joe's. Change the name to St Mary's or any other Catholic primary school in the '60s and the stories are much the same.
Thank you for bringing back so many childhood memories, some good, some bad but all forces that shaped many lives, including mine. I would not be the strong woman I am today if not for the experiences in my formative years. Secondary school was just as memorable but more enlightening as I was taught by the same forward-thinking and emancipated nuns who taught Germaine Greer.
Now I am looking forward to Frank's next instalment.
Janice Orchard
November 28, 2012
I've loved reading Frank Coldebella's memoir. Sadly, much of it would reflect the experience of many educated in Catholic schools at that time.
Alba Del Bianco
November 23, 2012
I, like Frank Coldebella, went to St Joe’s Primary School (what feels like a million years ago). His vivid descriptions have brought the memories flooding back. That white dusty playground that seemed to be bursting at the seams with children. The only thing missing (which may well be included later on) was the small milk (often warm due to standing in the sun) that we were forced to drink! No thoughts of lactose intolerance in those days.
I look forward to the subsequent parts of this story. Well done Frank and Bass Coast Post. Keep up the great articles.
Adriana Tiziani
November 26, 2012
Keep on strummin'
I read Bob Middleton’s story on Rob Wilson (November 25, 2012) with amazement. If I’d known in the Bass Strait 12 that I was playing alongside a Melbourne music legend I would have smartened my act up! Thanks for the story, and I hope Rob keeps strumming that Gretsch for years to come. Good looking young bloke, too.
Andrew Shaw
November 25, 2012
Tough bickies
The recent Shearwater Festival has reminded me of a curious little tale I was told many years ago by an elderly woman living on Philip island.
She talked about how she first came to Philip Island as a young woman working in the Arnotts biscuit factory in Burwood. All the staff were given the day off from working in the factory, and went for the day to Philip Island for a picnic lunch and to collect eggs from the “mutton bird” nests to take back to put in the biscuits !
Any-one else heard that one?
Carolyn
November 25, 2012
Anzac Day massacre
I hadn't heard the one about the eggs but my neighbour Jim Bell told me that as a young plumber he was working on the island when one of his workmates suggested they collect a few eggs one lunchtime. Jim stuck his arm down a muttonbird hole and extracted an egg - which was followed a few seconds later by the biggest tiger snake he'd ever seen.
That was the last time he ever collected eggs but he never lost his taste for muttonbirds.
Jim said the rangers were all returned servicemen so Anzac Day was D-Day, when the poachers knew they would have the place to themselves and invariably returned with bulging sacks of the young birds.
Catherine Watson
November 20, 2012
Keep it natural
On Cup Day, as we were driving south on Coghlan Street towards the cemetery and koala reserve, we saw a sign in the paddock on the right near the corner of Rhyll Road stating it was the site of the future Phillip Island feedlot. It reminded us of the film Food Inc. Phillip Island brands itself as a '"natural attraction" but there is little that's natural about confining animals in an artificial 'feed lot'. I am horrified at the prospect.
Elaine Taplin
November 20, 2012
Bean feast
Just tried the broad bean dip recipe ('Bean there, haven't done that', October 27) and it was delicious. Thanks very much.
Neil Rankine
November 17, 2012
Rubbish!
Here's a tip for gardeners in case you have missed it . From November 1-December 16 in the Bass Coast Shire we can take our garden waste to the local transfer stations and put it on top of all the other garden waste free of charge. Then they mulch it and you can buy it back if you want to. It’s an amnesty period to help reduce fuel in the case of bush fire. I usually arrive with my trailer load on the day after the offer closes but this time I got smart and noted it down on my garden calendar.
Bob Middleton
November 6, 2012
A great result all round
Ditto to all accolades regarding your election day coverage ('How Alan Brown changed our lives', November 3). And if Alan Brown played a part in the genesis is of the Post then I actually owe him a vote of thanks.
Your article regarding the opportunity that has been inadvertently created at local Council level by the Reform Group's appearance could not be more appropriate. And another thought comes to me in the wash up of this election and the brand new council it has created, which of course firmly includes Phil Wright in that he now has a whole new environment in which to air his point of view.
And it is this. The new council contains two Reform candidates. So no doubt they will still hold to the agenda of council review that they held in the run up, and will do their best for it to see the light of day. The huge asset that we now have is that their position, once it is fully researched and made public, can then be objectively assessed by an impartial body, rather than accepted verbatim by the author, proponent and executor, all tied in one.
So a great result, and great coverage.
Roger Thorrowgood
November 6, 2012
Knowing the score
I wanted to respond to your article about Alan Brown and the Reform Party. I went to the Bass Coast Post to get some background for the contenders in the election and was influenced by the fact that some chose not to participate.
It DID put me off them and I felt that the contenders who had taken the trouble to prepare a thought-through statement deserved my vote - on top of the fact that it was clearer for me what they stood for, whereas there was a large black hole where the other contenders' statements could have been. I know their information was available elsewhere, but as I was accessing the web in my last minute decision making (don't think I'm alone there!) - your site was what had the most influence.
I love the feel of a newspaper or a book - but you're winning me over to the new format. Oh dear - could an iPad be on my Christmas list?? You never know.
Hilary Stuchbery
October 28, 2012
Hats off to the Post
I am going out today to buy a hat so I can take it off to the Bass Coast Post for their reporting of the Bass Coast Council elections. Normally I find following such an event a dull pastime but the information provided in the run-up to election day and the "hot out of the oven" progressive voting reports had me totally engrossed.
We are privileged to have such a informative web site and I hope it continues to find the wider audience it so justly deserves.
Bob Middleton, Loch
Editor's note: In the interests of full disclosure, we should reveal that Bob Middleton is one of the Bass Coast Post's most valued contributors so he is a bit biased. But he makes a good point: our election coverage showed the potential of the Post to cover breaking news by pooling the knowledge and expertise of our readers, who are also our writers. Many thanks to our correspondents who kept us informed throughout the day.
September 29, 2012
Time to come clean on 'efficiencies'
Re Candidates keep their heads down, Alan Brown has indicated that he cannot understand the increase in staff levels at the council over the last 16 years and that if elected, would undertake a review to look for 'efficiencies'.
The Reform Team must explain what 'efficiencies' they will be looking for. How will this process impact on council jobs and important community services? Will maintenance of infrastructure and environment be reduced? Will important community services for the elderly be reduced?
I'm concerned about what the election of the Reform Team will mean for the community. There is a lack of information about what issues this team stand united on, other than the dreadful prospect of reducing community services via job losses.
Casey Hill, Inverloch
September 23, 2012
Still waiting for a refund
Re Vern Rickman's Folly and Seranade at Sunset - despite several written and oral promises no refund was forthcoming for three pre-paid meals.
Faye Burgess
September 16, 2012
Good reading
What a great story, John Henry, keep it up (No back pedalling on testing ride, September 15). I would probably fall off a bike if i attempted to cycle
I wanted to say how much i liked the poem Wild Death (August 19), even though it made me cry. I had been on my way to feed a friend's chickens and stopped to pull a dead kangaroo off the road. Much to my horror her little joey was also dead in the pouch ... then I read the poem ....
Carman Rose
The big picture
September 4, 2012
I so enjoyed Bob Middleton's piece on the murals dotted around Korumburra and beyond ('Master of the Passing Parade', September 1). It illustrates well what this technology can do with quality content. Where in a traditional newspaper format could we see the range of photos and well researched text that this story, this artist, deserves? This contribution helps old schoolers like me appreciate the potential of online publishing.
Linda, Wonthaggi
Closing the circle
August 26, 2012
I love the artist’s comment: “I'm going to paint over it so no one else has to feel bad about it.” ('At last, home is where the art is', August 19). Created and removed by the same guy kind of has a nice circular feel to it.
Speaking of public murals, I read that the Keith Haring mural in Collingwood is finally going to be preserved and/or touched up. They’re calling for tenders.
Andrew Shaw
Wild Death
August 19, 2012
Violence wasn’t in your nature
I dreaded such an end for you
hoped at your age you could avoid
the monsters roaming on our roads
you would know they carry death
in the glare of their eyes
on your last visit you came alone
as if you wanted to say goodbye
we watched each other for a long time
then without a hurry you hopped away
this morning I saw your long tail
flattened on the black bitumen
your body on the road’s edge
still as a grey rock
your wild death doesn’t count
in statistics of road fatality
in your mob another leader will rise
but I won’t forget you
for the last five years
you were part of my life.
Barbara Orlowska-Westwood, Inverloch
Sad but beautiful
August 21, 2012 - Well done. I loved Barbara Orlowska-Westwood’s poem about the kangaroo – sad though it was.
Jane Denton
Well done, all
August 7, 2012 - If only I could write such wonderful interesting articles and stories. Well done, all .... The photos of the eastern spinebills are simply BEAUTIFUL.
Carman Rose
That Maggie!
July 20, 2012 - Love Bob Middleton's comment (July 9). Very interesting ... come to think of it I wonder if it's the same Maggie i know - the short black one!!
Carman Rose
Where can we buy it?
July 12, 2012 - Does the Bass Coast Post appear in print? If so, which news agencies have it? I do not remember seeing it anywhere.
John Henry, Inverloch
Editor's reply: I'm afraid this is the future of newspapers, John. Not as good to wrap the scraps in but you can read the Bass Coast Post any time, anywhere, and no trees were killed in its manufacture.
Where have all the people gone?
July 9 2012
So The Gurdies has had a decline of 174 in population (Dalyston, Grantville our boom suburbs, July 9). Where are all the empty bargain houses? With a name like The Gurdies, maybe it's dark, damp caves that have been left unoccupied. But what did these 174 terrified souls flee from? Where did they go? What shall become of them? Will Bass Coast provide support and counselling?
We know The Gurdies boasts a quarry and I cannot get the words of the Peter, Paul and Mary song out of my mind:
"Don't go down to the quarry in the middle of the night
'Cause you'll never come back, you'll never be right
We lost Maggie there just last spring
And Big Ben Johnson, he couldn't do a thing."
Since I do know a Maggie who lives in The Gurdies and who constantly goes missing, the words of the song should carry an ominous warning for us all.
That outpost known as Harmers Haven, with its unknown people movement, is and always will be a mystery to us outsiders and it would be wise of us not to ask questions.
Bob Middleton, Loch
Uploading photos
July 6, 2012 - Looking good! I enjoyed the photos of "Love Nest" and "Winter at Harmers" but I don't know how to upload photos so can someone give me some advice?
Sue
Editor's reply: Hi Sue. Unfortunately we don't have the capacity for direct uploading of photos to the website yet. Please email photos or other contributions to basscoastpost@iprimus.com.au.
Long live grassroots journalism!
July 4, 2012 -Nice to see the threat of Hurricane Gina hasn't damaged grassroots journalism - good on the Post for keeping people in touch with their own community.
Andrew Shaw
Exciting times
July 4, 2012 - This project/site is so exciting! Look forward to reading lots more.
Sue Saliba
Coastal rural land strategy vital
June 28, 2012 - Good to see the new web page. One issue that should be addressed as a high priority is the future use of rural land. Bass Coast Shire Council has a rural land strategy that will set new directions for land use. There is no doubt that the future of farming will be different than the past use. The Australian primary industry and particularly the shire council is being challenged due to factors such as the high Australian dollar, demand for blocks near the coast, the dominance of Coles + Woolworths, Australian labour rates and many more factors.
It is a good time to bring these issues to the fore to ensure that the council's land policy has considered the future.
Phil Wright, Bass Coast Shire councillor