Readers comments |
‘This is Bass’
March 8, 2019
A wonderful inspiring speech. Well done Jordan!
Dr Marian Quigley
Brilliant.
Tim Shannon
Your speech made me cry, Jordan. I am so glad that you were elected. Well done.
Jacqui Paulson
Jordan,
a fantastic and very inspiring speech where you acknowledged your heritage and the heritage of Australia. It was a glorious, well-deserved win: for you, your family, all your faithful and hard-working supporters AND the entire community of the Bass Electorate.
We all look forward to a wonderful future- irrespective of age, gender, sex, race, nationality, politics, religion, education, financial situation, etc.
Phyllis Papps
A wonderful speech Jordan. Congratulations.
Joy Herring
An inspiring speech Jordan. You'll be very good for Bass.
Greg Johnson
A new Labor woman MP for Bass! Jordan you have stated clearly where you have come from and what values have informed your long journey through life and your varied experiences in many lands and situations. We are very fortunate to have an MP that has over so many years, faced and worked successfully in so many challenging roles. The ALP Government can only benefit from such diversity and learned knowledge. Jordan this speech only strengthens our high expectations of your time as the MP for Bass. Thank you Jordan.
Kay Setches
Impressive inaugural speech Jordan. I look forward to you representing me and redressing the inequalities at Bass through years of inaction by your predecessors.
Lou Pecora
What a wonderful speech! Interesting, sincere and
positive. Well done congratulations!
Carolyn Goldberg
Well done and a very moving speech, Jordan.
Clare Le Serve
"Adversity and hope, gratefulness and compassion, family and community."
What wonderful values Jordan from your own life to start the journey representing and advocating for the people of Bass. I know you'll make us proud.
Mary Whelan
Congratulation Jordan, this is truly an inspiring speech. It comes from the heart and offers such hope for all. Thank you for your support of our community.
Pamela Rothfield
Well done on being part of the Labor Machine Land Colonizers JC., Labor does not acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Labor has a disgraceful record on Environment cultural Heritage protection, Look at the ongoing fight to save sacred trees along the Western Highway in yictoria Labor are killing the trees on Djabwurrung country no chance of Treaty with this racist colonizer state now " Core values of fairness, inclusion and opportunity & Social justice ALP, hypocrites
Lex
It’s funny about the fire
March 8, 2019
It's funny how the media has failed to mention the influence of climate change. Drought plus heatwaves equals more frequent, larger bushfires!
Peter Gardner
Glad you stayed safe Allison,where too many properties were lost.I would love to know what can be done to reduce the fuel load that contributes to these raging fires? We can't control lightning strikes,but surely more can be done to reduce the fuel load?
Michelle
It’s also funny how many people complain about the smoke, impact on native fauna etc. when fuel-reduction/ecological burns are conducted Michelle. The authorities are damned if they do and damned if they don’t!
Carrying out ‘controlled burns’ is also very risky business... particularly in areas that have homes scattered throughout!
Brett
Sadly our old growth rain forests have been logged, there is now nothing to stop wildfires.
As for the fuel load, small animals need the grass for shelter and food.
Jan Fleming
How do old growth forests ‘stop’ wildfires Jan? The Aussie Bush has evolved to burn and Mountain Ash, Blackwood etc that dominate these ‘rainforests’ you speak of rely on fire to regenerate.
Brett
Beautiful words, and how true. We also have grandchildren in our care and packing what they could to move out. The little 5 year old packed his teddys and Snacks, can't leave with our cereal, and chips. 😂🤣😂
James Lugosi
We lost our house to the fire and I somehow think it's funny how it really irks me that the media can't get the name of our place right. It's Yinnar South.
Elke
Sorry for your loss Elke, and the error, which was mine. It's been rectified now.
Catherine Watson, Editor
Dogs versus birds no contest
March 8, 2019
The PICS suggestion is just an ambit claim with a raft of dreamy wishes. Why don't t they come out and ask the Shire to phase out all future dog and cat ownership on the Island and make it into a true wildlife sanctuary. We know this will NEVER happen. It is currently a very restricted environment for dog owners and there is a real need for at least another 2 beach areas for such use.
Liz Glynn
What a great article Jeff - written on behalf of the Phillip Island Conservation Society and the Bass community in general.
What I think we need to work out is how to find a delicate balance between the dreams and passions of the environmentalists and conservationists, versus the sometimes very selfish and irresponsible dog/cat owners, versus the needs of our very best dog/cat friends.
I am, and always have been, a very responsible dog owner since we moved here to Phillip Island in 2001 and even before.
Dogs on leashes at all times. YES.
Cats inside (especially at night and always with a bell collar). YES, because they are killers of our wonderful bird and wildlife.
Let's try to find the right balance AND always make sure that the millions of visitors and holiday home owners are aware of how to protect and respect our environment. That is the reason why they come here.
Phyllis Papps
Dogs do need to run, but they are happy to run anywhere. It's the owners who want to walk on the beach, but that's where dogs often harass wildlife and annoy beach-goers. More inland areas should be chosen for off-lead dogs, and beach regulations should be enforced.
Jenny Skewes
I am not a pet owner but I love dogs. I do not like their poo. I do not like that they are killing wildlife. I am sick of the neighbour's cat killing birds in my backyard. I am sick of picking up dog poo left in bags on the beach and in the bushes. I once spoke to someone who was reading the dog restriction sign at San Remo and looking a bit confused, and they told me they found it on an app that it was a dog beach. I always see dogs on beaches without leashes, everyone ignores the restrictions. I never see rangers EVER. No point in having laws if they are not policed. More signage is needed, more information to locals and tourists, more control. Once they get that done then give them a couple of beaches and off leash areas somewhere else. And hurry up with the laws to keep all cats inside or in cat runs, they kill the most including feral cats.
Sunny
Study hub a game changer
March 8, 2019
I certainly hope the university hub is opened. It will be life changing for some people.
Jacqui Paulson
Reminiscences of The Gurdies
March 8, 2019
Always find reminiscences like this very moving. A snap-shot of an earlier generation, dealing with life's challenges, observing the district and their neighbors - scenes which will never return. Thanks.
Greg Johnson
Interesting to note how Father coped with a 'savage' fire by placing his daughter out in the open on a ploughed patch. They bred 'em tough in those days!
Anne Heath Mennell
Buckley signs off
February 22, 2019
Firstly let me say that I understand Mr Buckley wanting to protect his legacy.
That said, I have never questioned the form and content of Bass Coast Shire Council’s financial statements, however I have reservations about its financial sustainability and that is a key function, role and responsibility of Council and its Councillors.
In December 2018, the Victorian Auditor General reported that Council was at higher risk in three areas, namely:
- Adjusted Underlying Result – medium risk
[This measures Council’s ability to generate surpluses from its ordinary activities]
- Renewal gap – medium risk
[This measures the rate of spending on existing assets]
- Capital replacement – high risk
[This measures the level of spending on new and renewed assets]
The Adjusted Underlying Result is arguably the most important indicator, as it determines whether Council will be financially sustainable and able to maintain services on an ongoing basis. The indisputable fact is that Council will incur accumulated underlying operating deficits over the 7 financial years to 30/6/19 in excess of $20m.
It is akin to any business or family household incurring $20m of expenses in excess of its business and/or PAYE income.
Further, Council, in my opinion, uses an outmoded book entry accounting technique known as ‘Reserve Accounting’. The Victorian Auditor General has stated in writing “…At the outset I must say that I concur with the proposition of Local Government Victoria that the creation and reporting of non-statutory reserves in general purpose financial statements is generally to be discouraged. Many would argue that such ‘reserve accounting’ is an anachronism; …”
As a result, Council’s financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2018 were amended to include the following statement:
“…The existence of the reserves does not mean that Council has the cash funds available to allocate to the reserves purpose…”. In my view there is approximately a $10m shortfall in Council’s cash to fund such reserves.
In my judgement, as a consequence of the accumulated operating deficits of $20m over recent years and a shortfall of $10m set aside to meet non statutory reserves, Council will need to generate and utilise future operating surpluses and borrow substantially to fund its capital expenditure program and to address the renewal gap and capital replacement risks.
This, in my opinion, is the ‘big picture’ financial legacy and challenges inherited by our new CEO.
Cr Les Larke
Thank you Catherine for your interview. Thank you Paul for your leadership over the past five years and good luck with your future.
I have studied the Bass Coast finances and can report to the people of Bass Coast that the finances are in good shape. I agree that we need to spend a lot more on infrastructure. With record low interest rates it’s a good time to borrow money. Councillor Les Larke has misled the people of the Bass Coast over the state of the Bass Coast finances and inexplicably continues to do so. It’s time he moves on.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Paul and Catherine, this interview was a treat to read. An audio would be great too if it's available.
Marginal seat, more permanent residents, good ATAR scores and competent local government, and decent debates on council all good for the Bass coast.
And if I may suggest .... Indulge me (and other cyclists) with a bike path from Wonthaggi to Inverloch (through the fields not on the road). And protect the old boys home on Phillip Island from that negligent owner.
Edward Buckingham
If Aquasure could be persuaded to pay their rates, estimated to be approx. $12 million per. year, Bass coast shire could easily afford to establish some tertiary education facilities. Watershed members met with Paul soon after he took on the CEO role, and he promised to get back to us " in a couple of weeks". Five years later we are still waiting for a ...... Perhaps the new CEO could raise the issue again with the new member for Bass. Brumby/ Holding university has a certain ring to it.
Mark Robertson
Many thanks to Catherine and Paul for a wonderful and insightful interview. Bass Coast is a stunning place to live and has an exciting future ahead guided by people of vision, planning and leadership. Best wishes to Paul.
Ursula Theinert
I would like to post my congratulations to those responsible for the interview with the retiring Bass Coast CEO Mr. Paul Buckley.
This is no doubt the best scripted interview that I have seen for some time. However I am not sure how Mr. Buckley allowed the question on communication to be delivered as it was.
His answer clearly indicated that the council deliberately targeted people in the age group of 18 - 34 and by inference did their best to ignore those over 35. This is also evidenced by the deliberate and cynical refusal of council to include this demographic in their decision making processes over the past three years at least
Trevor Brown
Beware: four lane highway ahead
February 22, 2019
Another try for sanity
The proposed project in Newhaven, Phillip Island, with 4 lane divided highway and 3 large, dual lane roundabouts makes less sense than ever.
The budget is $40Million a big swag, much needed for more deserving purposes. The length of the road, containing the 3 roundabouts, is just 2.5km.
The first half is 60km/h with the second half at 80km/h. If the full length was 80km/h, transit time could be as fast as 2 minutes. You can rarely travel at full speed because of a wide range of distracted, visiting drivers cruising slowly, so, at average 60km/h, transit time is 3 mins. Visiting Melbourne, it’s amazing how many roads now have reduced speed limits, surprisingly many 40km/h, permanently. But none on Phillip Island.
If the 2.5km was reduced to 40km/h, transit time would then be 4 minutes. Would this put anybody out? In terms of cars per hour, if we want more visitors, optimum appears to be 60km/h. Any faster and we leave bigger gaps between cars, so cars per hour is the same, perhaps less.
If the whole thing was 40km/h permanently, there’s no danger of serious injury or fatal accident. At 40km/h, traffic flows smoothly, vehicles give way to one another. So there would be no need for divided highway or big dual lane roundabouts or waste of $40Million, some of which could be spent on improving existing road surfaces.
The big project might be justifiable if divided highway allowed petrol heads to race all the way to the track. For just 2.5km, in middle of small period township, removing mature trees, more of them, making life difficult for pedestrians and cyclists, difficulty crossing and parking, for residents and businesses on both sides of the highway, how can this project make any sense?
Would anything like this get more than split second attention, before being laughed out of town, if proposal was for highway through a place like Maldon?
Is any difference possible, with four lanes v 2 lanes, into such short, dead end road, with not enough car parks, when so many drive so slowly?
Bernie McComb
We are going to kill what makes visitors want to come here and community members want to live here: the natural attributes of this unique island. If we wanted it to be the Gold Coast - we would live there! Please let’s band together and make Vicroads listen. Cr Whelan: what’s the next step to ensure we are heard?
Nat
I totally agree with you Nat. The San Remo and Phillip Island area will be changed forever and not the reason why we decided to become permanent residents here just on 20 years ago. Pave paradise and …
Sandra Thorley
Jane Jobe
I agree too, Nat. VicRoads has a narrow mission re managing the arterial road network and road safety, so it's enormously frustrating, but not surprising, that it doesn't see the bigger picture. If we want to be heard about protecting the natural attributes that make this island attractive and drive our visitor economy, we need to talk to our state and federal representatives.
Jane Jobe
Hi Nat. Next steps? Council adopted the Phillip Island Integrated Transport Study in 2014 that sets out transport priorities and approach. Since then a Community reference Group has worked on these issues mainly focussing on the critical safety issues presented in the likes of the Woolamai intersection. Vic Roads has been an excellent partner on getting those issues addressed. It is how the growth issues are handled that is important as the next stage and that is where the risk of the loss of character of the Island gets caught up. The Council Visitor Economy Strategy specifically discusses the value and appeal of the Island's open spaces. The proposal in question directly attacks this notion by seeking to put the road about 50 meters into farmland at Surf Beach. Council must insist that out strategies are properly considered in the plans for the future, my comments the other night were to reinforce this. The PIITS CRG meets tomorrow at 7.oopm at Newhaven meeting room - you would be welcome to attend.
Michael Whelan
I am a resident of another off island small coastal town.
Don't let the engineers get a hold of this, but as an Island Population that's facilities often rely on the cash injection from holiday populations to finance the rest of the year be careful what you wish for.
And then of course there's the bridge, the narrow San Remo approach and the roundabout at Boys Home road. Four lanes on the island are a bit useless with those as they are. At easter and Xmas etc traffic backs up to Grantville.
Jeff Cole
There are 365 days in a year and on how many of these does serious congestion occur? Even without the other very good reasons, the scale and cost of this project would be disproportionate.
Julie Thomas
Nat has spoken for all of us. VicRoads imprints its preference, bestowing on our community an eyesore -- what most visitors have wanted to leave behind them.
John Gascoigne
Totally agree with all of the above
Vicki
As a regular monthly visitor to the island it would be good to have 2 lanes each way all the way from grantville to Cowes. Getting onto the island at peak times is tough and with young kids a very tough drive if it ends up taking 3 hours from Melbourne. Phillip island tourist toad needs to be 2 lanes, I don’t get the issue here, although the one issue Vic roads hasn’t addressed is the one lane through San remo and the bridge. It’s not just Christmas that visitors come, it’s most weekends throughout the year
PI regular
A 4 lane highway going into a 2 lane bridge....
How does that improve the traffic flow?
A 4 lane highway needs a 4 lane bridge and 4 lanes through San Remo.
And only two lanes into Cowes!
Where is the Island traffic management plan.
Trevor White
I am a local of 14 years, I drive everyday into Cowes from San Remo and i fully agree with you Trevor! (I used to live in Cowes) It doesn’t make sense!
A 2 lane bridge going into a 4 lane onto the island?
Then coming off the island from a 4 lane road to a 2 lane bridge and road will get backed up unless 4 lanes are added from Bass HWY straight into Cowes and over the bridge. I feel that this hasn’t been thought of thoroughly and properly. If anything we need the roads re-fixed! Ha ha!! Could another bridge be built? Have one that goes onto the island and one that goes off? Just a thought!
IslandLocal
What sense does it make to spend millions on 4 lane bridge when road to San Remo is 2 lane all the way to and from Bass? Does traffic on Island ever travel as fast as 80 kmh, even on a quiet day? How much difference can it make to get cars to Cowes faster when the only plan to park them is a whole 200 spaces at Transit Hub? How much incompetence does it take for construction of something as simple as a car park to take until Christmas?
Bernie
The islands roads only go to and from the bridge "fact" at times congestion is a problem for road users. Fire truck Ambulances Police and other emergency services are greatly impacted. With the growth in population and the suburban sprawl getting closer the traffic from Fridays to Sunday is growing. “The council has adopted three different plans that express the community’s desire for alternatives to private car use on the island. These include improved public transport, works to encourage active transport (cycling and walking), a reduction in inappropriate speed limits to protect people and wildlife, and limits on visitor numbers at busy periods.”
Public transport bike riding will not solve the problem. The utopian view of an idyllic life has past, embrace change for without change the island would still be a wilderness (with no residents) Why did Coles, Woolworth and Aldis come to the island? Because they was a need. Tourists that stay on the island don't come to the island on a bus, or a bike it inconvenient. They bring their children their belongings their caravans. Stop dreaming, face the fact, live in the real world. The roads are needed, they are coming and that’s that.
Steve Denise
Agree that a 4 lane solution across the Island is not desirable for many reasons and it won't solve the problem of congestion at the bridge.
The bridge is 2 lanes and the road on the San Remo side is 2 lanes. There is a school crossing at Newhaven and twice a day there is a 40k speed limit. One simple solution would be to extend the 40k area from the bridge to the Newhaven roundabout at all times.
The safety of wildlife, pedestrians and cyclists should be priorities in planning traffic solutions. (I've never seen signs anywhere but at Cowes telling me as a pedestrian to give way to cars!)
We also agree that reliable public transport, must be considered as a solution to road congestion.
Mary-Lu and Eric Burt
I recall that a vehicular ferry was going to provide a miraculous panacea to the island access problem. Is our council still throwing our rates revenue at this folly? Without a serious upgrade to the bridge I feel that the multi-lane VicRoads improvements will simply prove to be a very expensive carpark.
Mark Robertson
Gosh next there will be a proposal for a regional standard skate park with a four tower lighting set up for night time use for our precious little green foreshore space opposite the supermarket in San Remo. Ooops! it has already been proposed much to the chagrin of soooo many locals who only found out about it after the grant of $650,000 was granted to the Skate Park lobby just before the last Federal Election. The Bass Coast Council have a great deal to answer for due to the lack of Community Consultation and are now trying to make it look like they are listening to ' the people!' Not good enough!
Sandra Thorley
In 30 years you will wish it were so. The roads are bumpy and noisy too and a smooth quiet ride is what is needed. Most wildlife jump at the bumping along of a car on uneven roads and minimum a new quite modestly widened path is needed. 60 is a pain in the arse and 40 will just frustrate many locals as we have not got sensible speed limits. It’s about a balance and preparing for the future regardless of local stigma.
Bobthebuilder
Not happy Jan about this 4 lane road in the middle of the island, the skinniest part as well and an area that is a haven for wildlife particularly our beautiful shearwaters. What hope will they have when they fledge at end of April? It's bad enough now that cars do not abide by the 60 km/h limit, particularly the food transport trucks, the tourist buses and impatient weekend warriors who arrive to the Island with their Melbourne road rage.
I agree the road condition needs to be improved. It does NOT NEED TO BE A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. Why isn't the blue line implemented on busy weekends? What's the problem with this? Proof is in the pudding, it works!!!!
It's about time VicRoads listens to the local community instead of ploughing ahead regardless.
Maxine
About time. Finally will help with the ridiculous congestion of traffic over the holiday season and when big events are on. 100% all for this. From San Remo with a second bridge to Cowes should have been converted to 4 lanes years ago and seen off the stupid blue line scheme. Bring this on as soon as possible.....
Jesse
Will Vic Roads ever move into The Twenty first century spend some money to get rid of the Roundabout at Lang Lang along South Gippsland Hwy & build an overpass ....
Alf
The triangle revisited
February 22, 2019
Tim, thank you for the opportunity to be more appreciative of the spaces we move through and the meanings we endow them with.
Gill Heal
What a joy to read another of your erudite yet playful pieces again Tim.
I will appreciate that space between 3 points at Cowes Jetty all the more for you having walked me through it.
Linda Cuttriss
Thanks for your comments Tim. My personal Jettty Triangle has always included the significant Baron Von Mueller Moreton Bay Fig on the edge of the Esplanade in front of the Isle of Wight and the wonderful Band Rotunda, built by locals in 1935. For me the Rotunda tells of the community spirit that prevailed on an Island that had no connection at the time,with the mainland. People gathered at this place to be informed and entertained. The Jetty Shed, built in 1870 to store produce bound for Melbourne completes my triangle with the Cenotaph prominently and proudly in its centre.
Anne Davie
First steps for $19.6m coastal park and walk
February 22, 2019
Exciting news. We have a beautiful coastline and what better way to appreciate it. I've walked the Great Ocean walk from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell. It will be wonderful if we can have one locally that embraces our spectacular coast too!
Cathie
I don’t want this walking track at all. The farmland comes almost to the cliffs leaving only a narrow wildlife corridor. Just the building of it will be totally disruptive to the animals let alone too many feet and too much rubbish. I have seen that many out of area visitors do not do the right thing. Dogs off leash is a certainty and impossible to police. Our nature is more important.
Janet Luckett
Rubbish along this Coastline is going to be a Big Issue. Anyone who sees rubbish dumping should take details like vehicle registrations, description of persons involved, and the time, date and place and report it immediately to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or the Environment Protection Authority on 1300 372 842
Alf
Riding a wave of goodwill
February 22, 2019
Etsuko, thank you once again for a most enjoyable and incredible reading .
I was reading your story in my warm lounge, sitting on my very comfortable reclining chair with my laptop , then somehow I felt being transported all the way to Inverloch on that black ski and icy cold day.
You are truly a very inspiring person and a wonderful writer. Thank you.
Josephine bueno
Thank you, Josephine. Your words mean a lot to me as a writer. Yet I'm a mere conduit in delivering the story, and if I can take my readers to the world of my writing, then my mission accomplished. Both you and I believe in the power of written words.
Etsuko Yasunaga
Wonderful words Etsuko. You have captured the commitment of our local community to ensure that everyone enjoyed this very special event. The smiles on DSA participants’ faces kept us all warm, on a such an unseasonable cold day, and keen to join in again and again!
Kath
Thank you for your kind words, Kath. You are right. When we witness others joy, our hearts are always warm. I particularly loved your expression 'commitment of our local community'. It was truly an amazing effort by all involved. Everyone's smile says everything. Thank you for taking time to read my writing.
Etsuko Yasunaga
Thank you for sharing. Inspiring community and story. You carried me along with your emotions. What a ride!
Pip
In my mind's eye, I can clearly picture you in the water, helping others with your big heart, if you were with us, Pip. Thank you for taking time to read my story. Much appreciated.
Etsuko Yasunaga
My first bushfire
February 8, 2019
Anne Heath-Mennell encapsulates what many of us experienced and felt over the four days of the Grantville Fire emergency as did Geoff Ellis with his photography. Thanks, Anne and Geoff. Without the quick response of authorities and firefighters to the emergency, there could have been a very different outcome. At Saturday's Emergency meeting at the Grantville Transaction Centre, locals gathered together and expressed their great appreciation of what was being done to save their area from the devastation so tragically experienced by Black Saturday victims almost exactly 10 years previously. We owe our firefighters both in the air and on the ground and the authorities behind them an immense thank you. We would not have come out relatively unscathed without them.
Meryl Tobin
Meryl, I totally agree re the immense thank you to our firefighters and the hundreds of people who all did whatever they could to support the people who put their bodies between us and the inferno.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Time and tide
February 8, 2019
Coasts have been eroding for millions of years man just needs to learn as he has in the past to adjust and not try and fight Mother Nature!
Stefan
In high school a sage Geography teacher taught us that every thing above see level was eroding and everything below was being pushed back up on the edge of the tectonic plates - a multi- million year plus cycle.
Geoff Ellis
Climate change is real and the consequences are real.
The time to act is now and not to leave it to future generations. The beaches belong to the people so it is necessary that all people contribute to the cost of maintaining them. The Federal Government could introduce a special levy that is distributed to local governments to maintain the beaches etc.
In the meanwhile we could introduce parking fees at the beaches with all money raised to be used to maintain the beaches. Budgets at all levels of government must factor in climate change action.
The time to act is now.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Well said Frank and I totally agree though I'd suggest that the crisis extends into the hills where landslips, biosecurity hazards, drought, floods and all the other challenges for farmers need to be addressed.
As well as the social and physical impacts of this emerging crisis, the long term financial consequences for all levels of government, particularly local need to be planned for now.
Jam Jerrup is a great example of how a hundreds of thousands spent today could save the millions related to road closure, power line relocation and the threats to houses, farms and people,
Cr Geoff Ellis
Frank have a look at this article reference below - a rehash of a good idea killed off by Abott. But instead of the money going to individuals it went to the community to look after those in energy cost stress and to take community initiatives to combat climate change and adapt
https://insidestory.org.au/cashing-in-on-carbon-reduction/
Michael Whelan
Thank you Michael for the information.
I am a great believer in the law of singularity.
What is the simple thing that we can do to start to fix the problems. Perhaps by increasing taxes or introducing parking fees. I have always liked the Kiss principal.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Geoff, AGL is not the existential threat but a representative of the behaviour that has led us to one. The existential threat is represented by the totality of global warming, it rests in our inability to cooperate globally and right through to community level. It is fuelled by materialism and we are distracted by fear, evilly manipulated by self-interested politicians – Tony Abbot and Scott Morrison come to mind. It manifests in industry with coal reserves and plays out in the jobs versus the environment argument.
Adaptation measures that you mention will be important but until we tackle the burgeoning threat by reducing our emissions across the board and undertaking serious draw down of
carbon we are destined for failure.
Michael Whelan
I totally agree that global emission reductions are imperative and essential and also suggest a fresh look at the definition of progress on a planet with finite resources. I have often heard the strains of Joni Mitchel's Big Yellow Taxi echoing from your side of the chamber and it's it tragic poignancy is ever more resonant.
Geoff Ellis
And here's me thinking I'd be one of the first to comment on this!. Good morning to "those that have gone before me", especially Geoff** and Micheal.
As many have said, at local level its the AGL's and container port porposals are/were the immediate threat, but it's global warming that will eventually destroy the low lying parts of Western Port shorefront. Malcolm Drive Grantville will cease to exist inside ten years and the ones who will complain the loudest are every chance to be the ones who pulled out the mangrove seedlings.
So do what you can at BCSC local level, but ultimately its up to the Feds and State Govts for the ultimate solution and that's to stop burning coal for starters.
I do hope to see this occur in my lifetime but as I'm past my "3 score and 10" maybe that's hoping too much!!!
Kevin Chambers
Kev C ! The Gurdies isn't the same without you!
I well remember your "Erosion Tour of Grantville" and that tree toppling into the water as the sand washed away from it's roots. 2016 and that was a real eye-opener for me..... Have to catch up in March, eh?
Geoff Ellis
UP FOR DEBATE
Every time I hear people speak of climate change I ask myself the questions was it climate change that covered the land mass between Tasmania and Victoria? Was it climate change that made all the ocean disappear around the Bacchus Marsh region? The floods in Townsville, how do they know it is the worst flood that city has ever seen? What is climate change? Is it a realty or is it governed by greed. People who saw an opportunity to fool the people and make billions of dollars from it? How do we know what happened 500 or 1000 years ago when we didn’t have the industry we have now? Perhaps someone out there knows the answers.
Margaret Murray
I'm guessing you don't know much about nuclear fusion, black holes, genetics or how the Moon was formed but it doesn't mean scientific theories about these things are up for debate.
James
Spot on James - I can't explain how an electric light works - I just know when it's on, or off.
The reality for Jam Jerrup is that there is 14m between the high tide mark and the road and then another few metres to their front fences. Part of that foreshore is washing at 2m per year. It's an equation, not theory.
Cr Geoff Ellis
50 years of exits and entrances
February 8, 2019
Our first performance after we had arrived in Bass Coast, was 2011, Cabaret. We were astounded at the quality for every aspect of the performance. We assumed that various professionals - performers, singers, directors and the like - had been contracted from Melbourne and were even more impressed to learn that all were locals. as new arrivals - 'refugees' from Melbourne - we had assumed we would be travelling back to Melbourne regularly, for various cultural activities and events. Not so!
Gill, you have done a wonderful job of capturing the journey of te WTG. We look forward with relish to the launch and subsequent 'festival'.
Maddy Harford
The first show we saw was Singing in the Rain …. loved it and go every show now. Really looking forward to reading the book you have written Gill as I know it will be absolutely filled with so many memories as only you can deliver.
Joy Button
Pitching in
February 8, 2019
How proud I am Mark, your eulogy was first class. Mum
Barbara Robertson
Quite some times and quite a family. Best, Neil
Neil Rankine
Thanks, Mark, for this beautiful tribute to your father. What a rich life Bill lived, as did his good friend and mentor, Jim Glover. Both men taught at Wonthaggi High School. Neither was rich or famous. But they nailed the good life: family, community, meaningful work, comrades, creativity.
Their wider commitment to the community enriched their lives. In an age of discontent where most people have retreated to home and family, perhaps we should look to Bill and Jim for a model of how to live a contented life.
Catherine Watson
It was touching, though not surprising to see so many former students I recognised at Bill's send off. Conversations I overheard while waiting for the service to begin suggested there were also more than one from before my time. Some had travelled considerable distances. What many of us had in common was our receipt of one on one tuition in leather craft aside from general woodwork and pottery classes. Bill was respected. Not all teachers were. Fond memories of encounters with Bill in subsequent years, whether in the street, or over a coffee and cigarette in Veeland while waiting for the car that Mark was working on. A smile to remember.
John Coldebella
The forgotten people
February 8, 2019
Can't you let it go for another year Marg?
Realistically there were maybe 40,000 protesters at the #ChangeTheDate marches across Australia. Which means only about 5% of Indigenous and 0.1% of no Indigenous people felt sufficiently strongly to turn up and protest.
And why would they? The majority recognise that in modern Australia, regardless of its history, they have the opportunity to live their lives as they wish and embrace those aspects of their ancient heritage they choose to. A choice their ancestors never had.
The date Jan 26th is not celebrated for its origins but a convenient end of summer school holidays. If they changed the date to say Jan 30th I wouldn't really care that much. But this year the organisers of the march made clear it was about abolishing Australia Day altogether regardless of the date. So good on you if you marched and support that.
Australia is not perfect but has so many good things going for it can we not have one day to celebrate that and feel good about ourselves? And the doomsayers stay indoors and maybe pick a particularly cold, wet winters day to get out and protest with their miserablist friends.
James
Marg Lynn presents Noel Pearson's logical case for changing the date for Australia Day. Empathetic people sensitive to others are likely to see this as acceptable. Maybe those who can't could do as others have suggested and consider the scenario if Australia had lost WWII. Should the Japanese or some other victor have 'occupied/settled' our land and treated us the way 'European settlers' treated and some still treat Australia's First People, would we have rejoiced and happily joined in celebrating an Australia Day if the day chosen was the day Japan won the war and they or another victor took possession of our land? Congratulations on your wise and well-written article, Marg and thank you for sharing it.
Meryl Tobin
Most of us of a certain age will have known someone who 'made a meal out of a bereavement or some other significant loss,, to the point that even their friends began to stop feeling sorry for them.
There comes a point where someone ought to tell them, but no-one does, because the person has so much invested in their grief & pain, suggesting that they start to move on will only cause them further grief & anger.
So in the end, even their friends get tired of it & they move on.
The 'Sorry Story' in the end is a disempowering narrative for indigenous people, but it keeps a whole tribe of non indigenous (and nearly non indigenous people) in the stipend rich business of administering suffering & the status quo.
As capitalism rolled itself out it radically disrupted 'business-as-usual' everywhere it went, & forced everyone it touched to radically adapt. Most people did with varying success. It wasn't easy for anyone, including the bulk ofothe ruralf peasantry who lost their land during the enclosure movement in Britalin during the 1780s.
But it wasn't just a disaster. New opportunities appeared as well & there would not be a country in the world that offers the opportunities to any hard working, focused & enterprising person that Australia does. That is why it is a rather popular place to migrate to, especially from places that put Aboriginal sufferings into some kind of perspective.
At some point aboriginal communities are going to have to admit to themselves that the Sorry Story has made a real mess of their journey into the modern world and there is no alternative but to embrace it the best way they can by including themselves in....& letting their traumatic past go.
If they continue to fail in this, the only beneficiaries will be their white (or just off white) liberal, humanitarian 'benefactors' who not only thrive & prosper on the compassion & empathy train, but get all the jobs in running it.
Christopher Eastman-Nagle
I apologize in advance to the editor for posting this comment - I know the Post has a policy of not facilitating personal abuse but .......
Anyway According to a site I just found in a sad little corner of the web, there is a whole industry based on "The preparation of ideological lifeboats to meet the contingency of the emergence of post-modern times; storm proof, self righting, compassed, determined and secular; a practical guide for when all else fails, which is what one expects from a protracted history of living wildly beyond the available means and relentlessly moving from unsustainability to postremocide......
I'd suggest the parrot in that cage needs to clean its mirror.
Geoff Ellis
The Campbells of Kernot
February 8, 2019
I first met Sheila and Bruce in 2016 when I was researching the Kernot Church and they are the embodiment of community spirit and neighbourly good will. They are role models for the rest of us.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Time and tide
March 8, 2019
A wonderful inspiring speech. Well done Jordan!
Dr Marian Quigley
Brilliant.
Tim Shannon
Your speech made me cry, Jordan. I am so glad that you were elected. Well done.
Jacqui Paulson
Jordan,
a fantastic and very inspiring speech where you acknowledged your heritage and the heritage of Australia. It was a glorious, well-deserved win: for you, your family, all your faithful and hard-working supporters AND the entire community of the Bass Electorate.
We all look forward to a wonderful future- irrespective of age, gender, sex, race, nationality, politics, religion, education, financial situation, etc.
Phyllis Papps
A wonderful speech Jordan. Congratulations.
Joy Herring
An inspiring speech Jordan. You'll be very good for Bass.
Greg Johnson
A new Labor woman MP for Bass! Jordan you have stated clearly where you have come from and what values have informed your long journey through life and your varied experiences in many lands and situations. We are very fortunate to have an MP that has over so many years, faced and worked successfully in so many challenging roles. The ALP Government can only benefit from such diversity and learned knowledge. Jordan this speech only strengthens our high expectations of your time as the MP for Bass. Thank you Jordan.
Kay Setches
Impressive inaugural speech Jordan. I look forward to you representing me and redressing the inequalities at Bass through years of inaction by your predecessors.
Lou Pecora
What a wonderful speech! Interesting, sincere and
positive. Well done congratulations!
Carolyn Goldberg
Well done and a very moving speech, Jordan.
Clare Le Serve
"Adversity and hope, gratefulness and compassion, family and community."
What wonderful values Jordan from your own life to start the journey representing and advocating for the people of Bass. I know you'll make us proud.
Mary Whelan
Congratulation Jordan, this is truly an inspiring speech. It comes from the heart and offers such hope for all. Thank you for your support of our community.
Pamela Rothfield
Well done on being part of the Labor Machine Land Colonizers JC., Labor does not acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Labor has a disgraceful record on Environment cultural Heritage protection, Look at the ongoing fight to save sacred trees along the Western Highway in yictoria Labor are killing the trees on Djabwurrung country no chance of Treaty with this racist colonizer state now " Core values of fairness, inclusion and opportunity & Social justice ALP, hypocrites
Lex
It’s funny about the fire
March 8, 2019
It's funny how the media has failed to mention the influence of climate change. Drought plus heatwaves equals more frequent, larger bushfires!
Peter Gardner
Glad you stayed safe Allison,where too many properties were lost.I would love to know what can be done to reduce the fuel load that contributes to these raging fires? We can't control lightning strikes,but surely more can be done to reduce the fuel load?
Michelle
It’s also funny how many people complain about the smoke, impact on native fauna etc. when fuel-reduction/ecological burns are conducted Michelle. The authorities are damned if they do and damned if they don’t!
Carrying out ‘controlled burns’ is also very risky business... particularly in areas that have homes scattered throughout!
Brett
Sadly our old growth rain forests have been logged, there is now nothing to stop wildfires.
As for the fuel load, small animals need the grass for shelter and food.
Jan Fleming
How do old growth forests ‘stop’ wildfires Jan? The Aussie Bush has evolved to burn and Mountain Ash, Blackwood etc that dominate these ‘rainforests’ you speak of rely on fire to regenerate.
Brett
Beautiful words, and how true. We also have grandchildren in our care and packing what they could to move out. The little 5 year old packed his teddys and Snacks, can't leave with our cereal, and chips. 😂🤣😂
James Lugosi
We lost our house to the fire and I somehow think it's funny how it really irks me that the media can't get the name of our place right. It's Yinnar South.
Elke
Sorry for your loss Elke, and the error, which was mine. It's been rectified now.
Catherine Watson, Editor
Dogs versus birds no contest
March 8, 2019
The PICS suggestion is just an ambit claim with a raft of dreamy wishes. Why don't t they come out and ask the Shire to phase out all future dog and cat ownership on the Island and make it into a true wildlife sanctuary. We know this will NEVER happen. It is currently a very restricted environment for dog owners and there is a real need for at least another 2 beach areas for such use.
Liz Glynn
What a great article Jeff - written on behalf of the Phillip Island Conservation Society and the Bass community in general.
What I think we need to work out is how to find a delicate balance between the dreams and passions of the environmentalists and conservationists, versus the sometimes very selfish and irresponsible dog/cat owners, versus the needs of our very best dog/cat friends.
I am, and always have been, a very responsible dog owner since we moved here to Phillip Island in 2001 and even before.
Dogs on leashes at all times. YES.
Cats inside (especially at night and always with a bell collar). YES, because they are killers of our wonderful bird and wildlife.
Let's try to find the right balance AND always make sure that the millions of visitors and holiday home owners are aware of how to protect and respect our environment. That is the reason why they come here.
Phyllis Papps
Dogs do need to run, but they are happy to run anywhere. It's the owners who want to walk on the beach, but that's where dogs often harass wildlife and annoy beach-goers. More inland areas should be chosen for off-lead dogs, and beach regulations should be enforced.
Jenny Skewes
I am not a pet owner but I love dogs. I do not like their poo. I do not like that they are killing wildlife. I am sick of the neighbour's cat killing birds in my backyard. I am sick of picking up dog poo left in bags on the beach and in the bushes. I once spoke to someone who was reading the dog restriction sign at San Remo and looking a bit confused, and they told me they found it on an app that it was a dog beach. I always see dogs on beaches without leashes, everyone ignores the restrictions. I never see rangers EVER. No point in having laws if they are not policed. More signage is needed, more information to locals and tourists, more control. Once they get that done then give them a couple of beaches and off leash areas somewhere else. And hurry up with the laws to keep all cats inside or in cat runs, they kill the most including feral cats.
Sunny
Study hub a game changer
March 8, 2019
I certainly hope the university hub is opened. It will be life changing for some people.
Jacqui Paulson
Reminiscences of The Gurdies
March 8, 2019
Always find reminiscences like this very moving. A snap-shot of an earlier generation, dealing with life's challenges, observing the district and their neighbors - scenes which will never return. Thanks.
Greg Johnson
Interesting to note how Father coped with a 'savage' fire by placing his daughter out in the open on a ploughed patch. They bred 'em tough in those days!
Anne Heath Mennell
Buckley signs off
February 22, 2019
Firstly let me say that I understand Mr Buckley wanting to protect his legacy.
That said, I have never questioned the form and content of Bass Coast Shire Council’s financial statements, however I have reservations about its financial sustainability and that is a key function, role and responsibility of Council and its Councillors.
In December 2018, the Victorian Auditor General reported that Council was at higher risk in three areas, namely:
- Adjusted Underlying Result – medium risk
[This measures Council’s ability to generate surpluses from its ordinary activities]
- Renewal gap – medium risk
[This measures the rate of spending on existing assets]
- Capital replacement – high risk
[This measures the level of spending on new and renewed assets]
The Adjusted Underlying Result is arguably the most important indicator, as it determines whether Council will be financially sustainable and able to maintain services on an ongoing basis. The indisputable fact is that Council will incur accumulated underlying operating deficits over the 7 financial years to 30/6/19 in excess of $20m.
It is akin to any business or family household incurring $20m of expenses in excess of its business and/or PAYE income.
Further, Council, in my opinion, uses an outmoded book entry accounting technique known as ‘Reserve Accounting’. The Victorian Auditor General has stated in writing “…At the outset I must say that I concur with the proposition of Local Government Victoria that the creation and reporting of non-statutory reserves in general purpose financial statements is generally to be discouraged. Many would argue that such ‘reserve accounting’ is an anachronism; …”
As a result, Council’s financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2018 were amended to include the following statement:
“…The existence of the reserves does not mean that Council has the cash funds available to allocate to the reserves purpose…”. In my view there is approximately a $10m shortfall in Council’s cash to fund such reserves.
In my judgement, as a consequence of the accumulated operating deficits of $20m over recent years and a shortfall of $10m set aside to meet non statutory reserves, Council will need to generate and utilise future operating surpluses and borrow substantially to fund its capital expenditure program and to address the renewal gap and capital replacement risks.
This, in my opinion, is the ‘big picture’ financial legacy and challenges inherited by our new CEO.
Cr Les Larke
Thank you Catherine for your interview. Thank you Paul for your leadership over the past five years and good luck with your future.
I have studied the Bass Coast finances and can report to the people of Bass Coast that the finances are in good shape. I agree that we need to spend a lot more on infrastructure. With record low interest rates it’s a good time to borrow money. Councillor Les Larke has misled the people of the Bass Coast over the state of the Bass Coast finances and inexplicably continues to do so. It’s time he moves on.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Paul and Catherine, this interview was a treat to read. An audio would be great too if it's available.
Marginal seat, more permanent residents, good ATAR scores and competent local government, and decent debates on council all good for the Bass coast.
And if I may suggest .... Indulge me (and other cyclists) with a bike path from Wonthaggi to Inverloch (through the fields not on the road). And protect the old boys home on Phillip Island from that negligent owner.
Edward Buckingham
If Aquasure could be persuaded to pay their rates, estimated to be approx. $12 million per. year, Bass coast shire could easily afford to establish some tertiary education facilities. Watershed members met with Paul soon after he took on the CEO role, and he promised to get back to us " in a couple of weeks". Five years later we are still waiting for a ...... Perhaps the new CEO could raise the issue again with the new member for Bass. Brumby/ Holding university has a certain ring to it.
Mark Robertson
Many thanks to Catherine and Paul for a wonderful and insightful interview. Bass Coast is a stunning place to live and has an exciting future ahead guided by people of vision, planning and leadership. Best wishes to Paul.
Ursula Theinert
I would like to post my congratulations to those responsible for the interview with the retiring Bass Coast CEO Mr. Paul Buckley.
This is no doubt the best scripted interview that I have seen for some time. However I am not sure how Mr. Buckley allowed the question on communication to be delivered as it was.
His answer clearly indicated that the council deliberately targeted people in the age group of 18 - 34 and by inference did their best to ignore those over 35. This is also evidenced by the deliberate and cynical refusal of council to include this demographic in their decision making processes over the past three years at least
Trevor Brown
Beware: four lane highway ahead
February 22, 2019
Another try for sanity
The proposed project in Newhaven, Phillip Island, with 4 lane divided highway and 3 large, dual lane roundabouts makes less sense than ever.
The budget is $40Million a big swag, much needed for more deserving purposes. The length of the road, containing the 3 roundabouts, is just 2.5km.
The first half is 60km/h with the second half at 80km/h. If the full length was 80km/h, transit time could be as fast as 2 minutes. You can rarely travel at full speed because of a wide range of distracted, visiting drivers cruising slowly, so, at average 60km/h, transit time is 3 mins. Visiting Melbourne, it’s amazing how many roads now have reduced speed limits, surprisingly many 40km/h, permanently. But none on Phillip Island.
If the 2.5km was reduced to 40km/h, transit time would then be 4 minutes. Would this put anybody out? In terms of cars per hour, if we want more visitors, optimum appears to be 60km/h. Any faster and we leave bigger gaps between cars, so cars per hour is the same, perhaps less.
If the whole thing was 40km/h permanently, there’s no danger of serious injury or fatal accident. At 40km/h, traffic flows smoothly, vehicles give way to one another. So there would be no need for divided highway or big dual lane roundabouts or waste of $40Million, some of which could be spent on improving existing road surfaces.
The big project might be justifiable if divided highway allowed petrol heads to race all the way to the track. For just 2.5km, in middle of small period township, removing mature trees, more of them, making life difficult for pedestrians and cyclists, difficulty crossing and parking, for residents and businesses on both sides of the highway, how can this project make any sense?
Would anything like this get more than split second attention, before being laughed out of town, if proposal was for highway through a place like Maldon?
Is any difference possible, with four lanes v 2 lanes, into such short, dead end road, with not enough car parks, when so many drive so slowly?
Bernie McComb
We are going to kill what makes visitors want to come here and community members want to live here: the natural attributes of this unique island. If we wanted it to be the Gold Coast - we would live there! Please let’s band together and make Vicroads listen. Cr Whelan: what’s the next step to ensure we are heard?
Nat
I totally agree with you Nat. The San Remo and Phillip Island area will be changed forever and not the reason why we decided to become permanent residents here just on 20 years ago. Pave paradise and …
Sandra Thorley
Jane Jobe
I agree too, Nat. VicRoads has a narrow mission re managing the arterial road network and road safety, so it's enormously frustrating, but not surprising, that it doesn't see the bigger picture. If we want to be heard about protecting the natural attributes that make this island attractive and drive our visitor economy, we need to talk to our state and federal representatives.
Jane Jobe
Hi Nat. Next steps? Council adopted the Phillip Island Integrated Transport Study in 2014 that sets out transport priorities and approach. Since then a Community reference Group has worked on these issues mainly focussing on the critical safety issues presented in the likes of the Woolamai intersection. Vic Roads has been an excellent partner on getting those issues addressed. It is how the growth issues are handled that is important as the next stage and that is where the risk of the loss of character of the Island gets caught up. The Council Visitor Economy Strategy specifically discusses the value and appeal of the Island's open spaces. The proposal in question directly attacks this notion by seeking to put the road about 50 meters into farmland at Surf Beach. Council must insist that out strategies are properly considered in the plans for the future, my comments the other night were to reinforce this. The PIITS CRG meets tomorrow at 7.oopm at Newhaven meeting room - you would be welcome to attend.
Michael Whelan
I am a resident of another off island small coastal town.
Don't let the engineers get a hold of this, but as an Island Population that's facilities often rely on the cash injection from holiday populations to finance the rest of the year be careful what you wish for.
And then of course there's the bridge, the narrow San Remo approach and the roundabout at Boys Home road. Four lanes on the island are a bit useless with those as they are. At easter and Xmas etc traffic backs up to Grantville.
Jeff Cole
There are 365 days in a year and on how many of these does serious congestion occur? Even without the other very good reasons, the scale and cost of this project would be disproportionate.
Julie Thomas
Nat has spoken for all of us. VicRoads imprints its preference, bestowing on our community an eyesore -- what most visitors have wanted to leave behind them.
John Gascoigne
Totally agree with all of the above
Vicki
As a regular monthly visitor to the island it would be good to have 2 lanes each way all the way from grantville to Cowes. Getting onto the island at peak times is tough and with young kids a very tough drive if it ends up taking 3 hours from Melbourne. Phillip island tourist toad needs to be 2 lanes, I don’t get the issue here, although the one issue Vic roads hasn’t addressed is the one lane through San remo and the bridge. It’s not just Christmas that visitors come, it’s most weekends throughout the year
PI regular
A 4 lane highway going into a 2 lane bridge....
How does that improve the traffic flow?
A 4 lane highway needs a 4 lane bridge and 4 lanes through San Remo.
And only two lanes into Cowes!
Where is the Island traffic management plan.
Trevor White
I am a local of 14 years, I drive everyday into Cowes from San Remo and i fully agree with you Trevor! (I used to live in Cowes) It doesn’t make sense!
A 2 lane bridge going into a 4 lane onto the island?
Then coming off the island from a 4 lane road to a 2 lane bridge and road will get backed up unless 4 lanes are added from Bass HWY straight into Cowes and over the bridge. I feel that this hasn’t been thought of thoroughly and properly. If anything we need the roads re-fixed! Ha ha!! Could another bridge be built? Have one that goes onto the island and one that goes off? Just a thought!
IslandLocal
What sense does it make to spend millions on 4 lane bridge when road to San Remo is 2 lane all the way to and from Bass? Does traffic on Island ever travel as fast as 80 kmh, even on a quiet day? How much difference can it make to get cars to Cowes faster when the only plan to park them is a whole 200 spaces at Transit Hub? How much incompetence does it take for construction of something as simple as a car park to take until Christmas?
Bernie
The islands roads only go to and from the bridge "fact" at times congestion is a problem for road users. Fire truck Ambulances Police and other emergency services are greatly impacted. With the growth in population and the suburban sprawl getting closer the traffic from Fridays to Sunday is growing. “The council has adopted three different plans that express the community’s desire for alternatives to private car use on the island. These include improved public transport, works to encourage active transport (cycling and walking), a reduction in inappropriate speed limits to protect people and wildlife, and limits on visitor numbers at busy periods.”
Public transport bike riding will not solve the problem. The utopian view of an idyllic life has past, embrace change for without change the island would still be a wilderness (with no residents) Why did Coles, Woolworth and Aldis come to the island? Because they was a need. Tourists that stay on the island don't come to the island on a bus, or a bike it inconvenient. They bring their children their belongings their caravans. Stop dreaming, face the fact, live in the real world. The roads are needed, they are coming and that’s that.
Steve Denise
Agree that a 4 lane solution across the Island is not desirable for many reasons and it won't solve the problem of congestion at the bridge.
The bridge is 2 lanes and the road on the San Remo side is 2 lanes. There is a school crossing at Newhaven and twice a day there is a 40k speed limit. One simple solution would be to extend the 40k area from the bridge to the Newhaven roundabout at all times.
The safety of wildlife, pedestrians and cyclists should be priorities in planning traffic solutions. (I've never seen signs anywhere but at Cowes telling me as a pedestrian to give way to cars!)
We also agree that reliable public transport, must be considered as a solution to road congestion.
Mary-Lu and Eric Burt
I recall that a vehicular ferry was going to provide a miraculous panacea to the island access problem. Is our council still throwing our rates revenue at this folly? Without a serious upgrade to the bridge I feel that the multi-lane VicRoads improvements will simply prove to be a very expensive carpark.
Mark Robertson
Gosh next there will be a proposal for a regional standard skate park with a four tower lighting set up for night time use for our precious little green foreshore space opposite the supermarket in San Remo. Ooops! it has already been proposed much to the chagrin of soooo many locals who only found out about it after the grant of $650,000 was granted to the Skate Park lobby just before the last Federal Election. The Bass Coast Council have a great deal to answer for due to the lack of Community Consultation and are now trying to make it look like they are listening to ' the people!' Not good enough!
Sandra Thorley
In 30 years you will wish it were so. The roads are bumpy and noisy too and a smooth quiet ride is what is needed. Most wildlife jump at the bumping along of a car on uneven roads and minimum a new quite modestly widened path is needed. 60 is a pain in the arse and 40 will just frustrate many locals as we have not got sensible speed limits. It’s about a balance and preparing for the future regardless of local stigma.
Bobthebuilder
Not happy Jan about this 4 lane road in the middle of the island, the skinniest part as well and an area that is a haven for wildlife particularly our beautiful shearwaters. What hope will they have when they fledge at end of April? It's bad enough now that cars do not abide by the 60 km/h limit, particularly the food transport trucks, the tourist buses and impatient weekend warriors who arrive to the Island with their Melbourne road rage.
I agree the road condition needs to be improved. It does NOT NEED TO BE A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. Why isn't the blue line implemented on busy weekends? What's the problem with this? Proof is in the pudding, it works!!!!
It's about time VicRoads listens to the local community instead of ploughing ahead regardless.
Maxine
About time. Finally will help with the ridiculous congestion of traffic over the holiday season and when big events are on. 100% all for this. From San Remo with a second bridge to Cowes should have been converted to 4 lanes years ago and seen off the stupid blue line scheme. Bring this on as soon as possible.....
Jesse
Will Vic Roads ever move into The Twenty first century spend some money to get rid of the Roundabout at Lang Lang along South Gippsland Hwy & build an overpass ....
Alf
The triangle revisited
February 22, 2019
Tim, thank you for the opportunity to be more appreciative of the spaces we move through and the meanings we endow them with.
Gill Heal
What a joy to read another of your erudite yet playful pieces again Tim.
I will appreciate that space between 3 points at Cowes Jetty all the more for you having walked me through it.
Linda Cuttriss
Thanks for your comments Tim. My personal Jettty Triangle has always included the significant Baron Von Mueller Moreton Bay Fig on the edge of the Esplanade in front of the Isle of Wight and the wonderful Band Rotunda, built by locals in 1935. For me the Rotunda tells of the community spirit that prevailed on an Island that had no connection at the time,with the mainland. People gathered at this place to be informed and entertained. The Jetty Shed, built in 1870 to store produce bound for Melbourne completes my triangle with the Cenotaph prominently and proudly in its centre.
Anne Davie
First steps for $19.6m coastal park and walk
February 22, 2019
Exciting news. We have a beautiful coastline and what better way to appreciate it. I've walked the Great Ocean walk from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell. It will be wonderful if we can have one locally that embraces our spectacular coast too!
Cathie
I don’t want this walking track at all. The farmland comes almost to the cliffs leaving only a narrow wildlife corridor. Just the building of it will be totally disruptive to the animals let alone too many feet and too much rubbish. I have seen that many out of area visitors do not do the right thing. Dogs off leash is a certainty and impossible to police. Our nature is more important.
Janet Luckett
Rubbish along this Coastline is going to be a Big Issue. Anyone who sees rubbish dumping should take details like vehicle registrations, description of persons involved, and the time, date and place and report it immediately to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or the Environment Protection Authority on 1300 372 842
Alf
Riding a wave of goodwill
February 22, 2019
Etsuko, thank you once again for a most enjoyable and incredible reading .
I was reading your story in my warm lounge, sitting on my very comfortable reclining chair with my laptop , then somehow I felt being transported all the way to Inverloch on that black ski and icy cold day.
You are truly a very inspiring person and a wonderful writer. Thank you.
Josephine bueno
Thank you, Josephine. Your words mean a lot to me as a writer. Yet I'm a mere conduit in delivering the story, and if I can take my readers to the world of my writing, then my mission accomplished. Both you and I believe in the power of written words.
Etsuko Yasunaga
Wonderful words Etsuko. You have captured the commitment of our local community to ensure that everyone enjoyed this very special event. The smiles on DSA participants’ faces kept us all warm, on a such an unseasonable cold day, and keen to join in again and again!
Kath
Thank you for your kind words, Kath. You are right. When we witness others joy, our hearts are always warm. I particularly loved your expression 'commitment of our local community'. It was truly an amazing effort by all involved. Everyone's smile says everything. Thank you for taking time to read my writing.
Etsuko Yasunaga
Thank you for sharing. Inspiring community and story. You carried me along with your emotions. What a ride!
Pip
In my mind's eye, I can clearly picture you in the water, helping others with your big heart, if you were with us, Pip. Thank you for taking time to read my story. Much appreciated.
Etsuko Yasunaga
My first bushfire
February 8, 2019
Anne Heath-Mennell encapsulates what many of us experienced and felt over the four days of the Grantville Fire emergency as did Geoff Ellis with his photography. Thanks, Anne and Geoff. Without the quick response of authorities and firefighters to the emergency, there could have been a very different outcome. At Saturday's Emergency meeting at the Grantville Transaction Centre, locals gathered together and expressed their great appreciation of what was being done to save their area from the devastation so tragically experienced by Black Saturday victims almost exactly 10 years previously. We owe our firefighters both in the air and on the ground and the authorities behind them an immense thank you. We would not have come out relatively unscathed without them.
Meryl Tobin
Meryl, I totally agree re the immense thank you to our firefighters and the hundreds of people who all did whatever they could to support the people who put their bodies between us and the inferno.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Time and tide
February 8, 2019
Coasts have been eroding for millions of years man just needs to learn as he has in the past to adjust and not try and fight Mother Nature!
Stefan
In high school a sage Geography teacher taught us that every thing above see level was eroding and everything below was being pushed back up on the edge of the tectonic plates - a multi- million year plus cycle.
Geoff Ellis
Climate change is real and the consequences are real.
The time to act is now and not to leave it to future generations. The beaches belong to the people so it is necessary that all people contribute to the cost of maintaining them. The Federal Government could introduce a special levy that is distributed to local governments to maintain the beaches etc.
In the meanwhile we could introduce parking fees at the beaches with all money raised to be used to maintain the beaches. Budgets at all levels of government must factor in climate change action.
The time to act is now.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Well said Frank and I totally agree though I'd suggest that the crisis extends into the hills where landslips, biosecurity hazards, drought, floods and all the other challenges for farmers need to be addressed.
As well as the social and physical impacts of this emerging crisis, the long term financial consequences for all levels of government, particularly local need to be planned for now.
Jam Jerrup is a great example of how a hundreds of thousands spent today could save the millions related to road closure, power line relocation and the threats to houses, farms and people,
Cr Geoff Ellis
Frank have a look at this article reference below - a rehash of a good idea killed off by Abott. But instead of the money going to individuals it went to the community to look after those in energy cost stress and to take community initiatives to combat climate change and adapt
https://insidestory.org.au/cashing-in-on-carbon-reduction/
Michael Whelan
Thank you Michael for the information.
I am a great believer in the law of singularity.
What is the simple thing that we can do to start to fix the problems. Perhaps by increasing taxes or introducing parking fees. I have always liked the Kiss principal.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Geoff, AGL is not the existential threat but a representative of the behaviour that has led us to one. The existential threat is represented by the totality of global warming, it rests in our inability to cooperate globally and right through to community level. It is fuelled by materialism and we are distracted by fear, evilly manipulated by self-interested politicians – Tony Abbot and Scott Morrison come to mind. It manifests in industry with coal reserves and plays out in the jobs versus the environment argument.
Adaptation measures that you mention will be important but until we tackle the burgeoning threat by reducing our emissions across the board and undertaking serious draw down of
carbon we are destined for failure.
Michael Whelan
I totally agree that global emission reductions are imperative and essential and also suggest a fresh look at the definition of progress on a planet with finite resources. I have often heard the strains of Joni Mitchel's Big Yellow Taxi echoing from your side of the chamber and it's it tragic poignancy is ever more resonant.
Geoff Ellis
And here's me thinking I'd be one of the first to comment on this!. Good morning to "those that have gone before me", especially Geoff** and Micheal.
As many have said, at local level its the AGL's and container port porposals are/were the immediate threat, but it's global warming that will eventually destroy the low lying parts of Western Port shorefront. Malcolm Drive Grantville will cease to exist inside ten years and the ones who will complain the loudest are every chance to be the ones who pulled out the mangrove seedlings.
So do what you can at BCSC local level, but ultimately its up to the Feds and State Govts for the ultimate solution and that's to stop burning coal for starters.
I do hope to see this occur in my lifetime but as I'm past my "3 score and 10" maybe that's hoping too much!!!
Kevin Chambers
Kev C ! The Gurdies isn't the same without you!
I well remember your "Erosion Tour of Grantville" and that tree toppling into the water as the sand washed away from it's roots. 2016 and that was a real eye-opener for me..... Have to catch up in March, eh?
Geoff Ellis
UP FOR DEBATE
Every time I hear people speak of climate change I ask myself the questions was it climate change that covered the land mass between Tasmania and Victoria? Was it climate change that made all the ocean disappear around the Bacchus Marsh region? The floods in Townsville, how do they know it is the worst flood that city has ever seen? What is climate change? Is it a realty or is it governed by greed. People who saw an opportunity to fool the people and make billions of dollars from it? How do we know what happened 500 or 1000 years ago when we didn’t have the industry we have now? Perhaps someone out there knows the answers.
Margaret Murray
I'm guessing you don't know much about nuclear fusion, black holes, genetics or how the Moon was formed but it doesn't mean scientific theories about these things are up for debate.
James
Spot on James - I can't explain how an electric light works - I just know when it's on, or off.
The reality for Jam Jerrup is that there is 14m between the high tide mark and the road and then another few metres to their front fences. Part of that foreshore is washing at 2m per year. It's an equation, not theory.
Cr Geoff Ellis
50 years of exits and entrances
February 8, 2019
Our first performance after we had arrived in Bass Coast, was 2011, Cabaret. We were astounded at the quality for every aspect of the performance. We assumed that various professionals - performers, singers, directors and the like - had been contracted from Melbourne and were even more impressed to learn that all were locals. as new arrivals - 'refugees' from Melbourne - we had assumed we would be travelling back to Melbourne regularly, for various cultural activities and events. Not so!
Gill, you have done a wonderful job of capturing the journey of te WTG. We look forward with relish to the launch and subsequent 'festival'.
Maddy Harford
The first show we saw was Singing in the Rain …. loved it and go every show now. Really looking forward to reading the book you have written Gill as I know it will be absolutely filled with so many memories as only you can deliver.
Joy Button
Pitching in
February 8, 2019
How proud I am Mark, your eulogy was first class. Mum
Barbara Robertson
Quite some times and quite a family. Best, Neil
Neil Rankine
Thanks, Mark, for this beautiful tribute to your father. What a rich life Bill lived, as did his good friend and mentor, Jim Glover. Both men taught at Wonthaggi High School. Neither was rich or famous. But they nailed the good life: family, community, meaningful work, comrades, creativity.
Their wider commitment to the community enriched their lives. In an age of discontent where most people have retreated to home and family, perhaps we should look to Bill and Jim for a model of how to live a contented life.
Catherine Watson
It was touching, though not surprising to see so many former students I recognised at Bill's send off. Conversations I overheard while waiting for the service to begin suggested there were also more than one from before my time. Some had travelled considerable distances. What many of us had in common was our receipt of one on one tuition in leather craft aside from general woodwork and pottery classes. Bill was respected. Not all teachers were. Fond memories of encounters with Bill in subsequent years, whether in the street, or over a coffee and cigarette in Veeland while waiting for the car that Mark was working on. A smile to remember.
John Coldebella
The forgotten people
February 8, 2019
Can't you let it go for another year Marg?
Realistically there were maybe 40,000 protesters at the #ChangeTheDate marches across Australia. Which means only about 5% of Indigenous and 0.1% of no Indigenous people felt sufficiently strongly to turn up and protest.
And why would they? The majority recognise that in modern Australia, regardless of its history, they have the opportunity to live their lives as they wish and embrace those aspects of their ancient heritage they choose to. A choice their ancestors never had.
The date Jan 26th is not celebrated for its origins but a convenient end of summer school holidays. If they changed the date to say Jan 30th I wouldn't really care that much. But this year the organisers of the march made clear it was about abolishing Australia Day altogether regardless of the date. So good on you if you marched and support that.
Australia is not perfect but has so many good things going for it can we not have one day to celebrate that and feel good about ourselves? And the doomsayers stay indoors and maybe pick a particularly cold, wet winters day to get out and protest with their miserablist friends.
James
Marg Lynn presents Noel Pearson's logical case for changing the date for Australia Day. Empathetic people sensitive to others are likely to see this as acceptable. Maybe those who can't could do as others have suggested and consider the scenario if Australia had lost WWII. Should the Japanese or some other victor have 'occupied/settled' our land and treated us the way 'European settlers' treated and some still treat Australia's First People, would we have rejoiced and happily joined in celebrating an Australia Day if the day chosen was the day Japan won the war and they or another victor took possession of our land? Congratulations on your wise and well-written article, Marg and thank you for sharing it.
Meryl Tobin
Most of us of a certain age will have known someone who 'made a meal out of a bereavement or some other significant loss,, to the point that even their friends began to stop feeling sorry for them.
There comes a point where someone ought to tell them, but no-one does, because the person has so much invested in their grief & pain, suggesting that they start to move on will only cause them further grief & anger.
So in the end, even their friends get tired of it & they move on.
The 'Sorry Story' in the end is a disempowering narrative for indigenous people, but it keeps a whole tribe of non indigenous (and nearly non indigenous people) in the stipend rich business of administering suffering & the status quo.
As capitalism rolled itself out it radically disrupted 'business-as-usual' everywhere it went, & forced everyone it touched to radically adapt. Most people did with varying success. It wasn't easy for anyone, including the bulk ofothe ruralf peasantry who lost their land during the enclosure movement in Britalin during the 1780s.
But it wasn't just a disaster. New opportunities appeared as well & there would not be a country in the world that offers the opportunities to any hard working, focused & enterprising person that Australia does. That is why it is a rather popular place to migrate to, especially from places that put Aboriginal sufferings into some kind of perspective.
At some point aboriginal communities are going to have to admit to themselves that the Sorry Story has made a real mess of their journey into the modern world and there is no alternative but to embrace it the best way they can by including themselves in....& letting their traumatic past go.
If they continue to fail in this, the only beneficiaries will be their white (or just off white) liberal, humanitarian 'benefactors' who not only thrive & prosper on the compassion & empathy train, but get all the jobs in running it.
Christopher Eastman-Nagle
I apologize in advance to the editor for posting this comment - I know the Post has a policy of not facilitating personal abuse but .......
Anyway According to a site I just found in a sad little corner of the web, there is a whole industry based on "The preparation of ideological lifeboats to meet the contingency of the emergence of post-modern times; storm proof, self righting, compassed, determined and secular; a practical guide for when all else fails, which is what one expects from a protracted history of living wildly beyond the available means and relentlessly moving from unsustainability to postremocide......
I'd suggest the parrot in that cage needs to clean its mirror.
Geoff Ellis
The Campbells of Kernot
February 8, 2019
I first met Sheila and Bruce in 2016 when I was researching the Kernot Church and they are the embodiment of community spirit and neighbourly good will. They are role models for the rest of us.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Time and tide