Go figure
May 4, 2018
As a former accountant (now retired) and, inter alia, the Budget Accountant at Heinz Australia for 4 years (with a then annual expenditure budget of $400m), I believe that I still know something about P&Ls, BSs and Budgets. It seems to me that the most urgent financial need for BCSC is to benchmark its staffing numbers, average levels of salaries, and individual levels of salaries for like positions, and rate levels (and other) revenues against other Rural municipalities. My 'gut' feel (and gut feels in budgeting are invariably right on the money) is that if Council did that exercise it would find: a degree of overstaffing, average salary levels and salary levels for 'like' positions overpaid in BCS. The possible recurrent savings from correcting those anomalies could then be directed to increased capital expenditure within the Shire. I know that Councilor Les Larke, seems to 'get up the nose' of other Councillors with his concern about financial matters, but, in my mind, he has the experience and expertise to undertake such an analysis. Does anyone else on Council have similar expertise?
Re the level of Rates metropolitan Councils vs Rural Councils, I accept your basic premise that the correct comparison is Rural vs Rural, but, having moved from Yarra Council's jurisdiction to BCS 6 years ago I was very surprised at the then level of rates in BCS, for a property valued at less than 60% of the property value in Yarra.
Walter Broussard
Thank you for acknowledging that the Bass Coast financial position remains strong.
I have read the 2018/2019 Draft Financial Budget and forward estimates and conclude that the Draft Financial Budget is very conservative and I would like to see the Capital Works program (infrastructure) significantly increased and rather than paying down debt.
I have outlined my reasons to the CEO of the Bass Coast Shire and expect a response in due course.
The good news is that this is a Draft Budget so Council has some time to amend them into something that is more realistic.
Frank W Schooneveldt
AT WHAT PRICE ?
An excellent article that outlines all the issues that Bass Coast Shire Council has to face and juggle every year.
It's very simple: Increase Rates or reduce services. You don't need to be an Accountant to work that out.
Whenever Rates are increased, people complain.
Whenever services are reduced, people complain.
Cutting back on staff and salaries means reduced services to the community. Then people complain AGAIN.
Having worked in Local Government for many decades I truly believe that Bass Coast Shire Council is doing the best it possibly can (despite limitations related to lack of State and Federal funding/grants)
I would really appreciate reading some constructive and practical comments related to how Bass Coast Shire Council can continue to provide quality services for its residents, instead of the usual whinging and criticism.
Phyllis Papps
Phyllis, While I agree with most of your comments however budgets must meet the needs of the community and this budget can be improved.
I recently wrote to Cr Brett Tessari regarding the huge puddle in the Cuttriss Street Angling Club Car Park. A Council Officer wrote back that the site has been inspected and that maintenance work would be done on the drains that are blocked to remove the water. Council advised that this car park is of a bad design and is scheduled to be upgraded in 2025/2026.....that’s right 2025/2026. We need to fix this car park problem now and no doubt there are other areas that are equally in need across Bass Coast that need fixing. I don’t see the need to pay down debt by $6.662 million in the 2018/2019 year when the Shire has so much pressing work.
Also the State and Federal Governments are in election mode which will create opportunities.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Thanks for an excellent article, it is amazing how people's eyes glaze over at the mention of budgets, when they underpin all decisions made by the Shire. But I although think it is worth mentioning the great advocacy work undertaken by the shire in recent years. The state government's contribution to Wonthaggi College, The Hospital, and the new Health Hub in Cowes. Keep up the God work.
Lorrie Read
A great article that I fully support. However a question for the Editor – is The BCP about to start an employment section? There seems to be some need for such a page. I often see resumes posted in response to articles and I would be disappointed if the only purpose was patriarchal measurement or man-splaining.
Without focusing on any particular narrative I’d just like to point out that our Council consists of nine adults who all have the good of The Shire at the core of their reason for being in the Chamber.
As a semi-random cross section of society (it’s currently almost impossible for some sectors of the community, such as working parents or single parents, to find the time and resources to even run for council) we all bring a distinctive voice to the table.
Media portrayal of the personalities, and personal interaction, of councillors says more about the readership than the councillors. As nine adults we treat each discussion as a fresh conversation.
Recently I received a series of abusive emails from a ratepayer who was trying to convince me to attend a presentation he had organised. I was already pre-committed elsewhere and his final fling was an inference that I was ‘in flat out supine denial about climate change.’ We're both on the same side of that debate but is that effective communication?
Getting back to Mayor Rothfield’s well-honed article - I would like to point that ongoing service review has been a fundamental pillar of Council’s direction for at least the last four years and I have yet to find an officer who isn’t doing their utmost to deliver the services that the community, especially the all too often silent majority, need us to provide.
My gut feeling: The Cats will win the Grand Final – but I wouldn’t gamble other people’s money on it.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Geoff, a nice refelective deflective piece. On my resume is clearly states that I am an AFL fan.....that’s a member of the anti football league.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Thanks Frank. Don't tell anyone - I have never been to a footy game and I am very glad to hear of the Anti Football League. Cheers from Western Port Ward!
Cr Geoff Ellis
Bravo Cr Geoff Ellis !!! An excellent summation of what the reality of life is like being a Councillor of Bass Coast Shire Council. You all deserve gold medals rather than the meager amount you are paid (which by the way is less than the Minimum wage)
As you rightly point out, it is all about effective communication. BUT having to cope with the rants of disgruntled residents is totally in-appropriate behavior.
I have the greatest respect for all of the nine Councillors of BCSC who are dedicated, passionate individuals who contribute their expertise and their time. AND together as a whole make decisions on behalf of their community. Keep up the good work.
Phyllis Papps
The Islanders
May 4, 2018
Congratulations Tim Shannon on a very interesting history lesson. I can't agree with you that you are not considered an Islander. That is an assumption that many islanders believe of newcomers, even though they have lived and contributed in many ways because, they too love this beautiful island.
The island comes alive at certain times of the year which all adds to its character. To be able to share with others that live and work in the big cities is something to be proud of. It is good for our economy.
Time does not stand still, we have to move with the times gradually
Pamela Gill
Tim Shannon provided a wonderful meandering tour of the history of Phillip Island and a look over our landscape of art. I dwell however on his notion of being an outsider.
The question in my mind is outside of what? I find it interesting that a proprietary right seems to be assumed by some, by virtue of having been born here or having been here longer. It is my view that unless you are of the Boonerung clan you do not have this right, merely good fortune.
Tim, or in more formal terms Professor Shannon, is an eminent man. We could agree on that because of his achievements derived from his intellect and years of study and probably a host of other reasons.
Phillip Island has a wealth of people who possess a wealth of knowledge including some who were born here. In my world a person is not judged on where they come from but what they have achieved or can contribute.
I recently had an impromptu dinner with 4 people I had not met before who had holiday houses on the Island. I was sitting next to an interesting woman and inquired about what she did. She said I am a forensic pathologist with a specialty in aircraft crash investigation. The next day I was approached by a lady, a holiday house owner, who sought information from me in my role as a Councillor. Later I found out she is an eminent doctor who plays a vital role at Bass Coast Health, enabling services that would otherwise not be able to be delivered.
I recall John Clarke and his wonderful; contribution to Phillip Island, we all knew who he was because he was on the television. But as I have met and spoken with people who holiday here I realise the great depth of talent that we harbour, most 'keep their light under a bushell'.
People of achievement are often outspoken on matters that matter to them, incisive and sometimes inconvenient because of the angle they may bring to a discussion. I recall reading a book by Janis may years ago called ‘Groupthink’. The message to me is encourage the dissenters and seriously think about what they say.
I hear the notion of just being a holiday house owner in my daily work. I reject it wholeheartedly and want to reach out to include people, because our community would be more of community and the richer for doing that.
Michael Whelan
George Haydon the artist also visited Phillip Island
Frank Coldebella
Try again, AEC urged
May 4, 2018
I have great respect for the first people of the land and no respect for Macmillan and the atrocities he delivered on the original owners but another name that were can neither pronounce or remember?
Margaret
We need a decision on the new name for the previously named Division of McMillan before the next federal election which will probably be held in the first half of 1919. There also needs to be time prior to the election to design and print all the ballot papers, educate electors about the name change, advertise the change, gazette the name change etc etc. I am happy with either name but suggest that Bunjileene-Purrine may be difficult to fit, in appropriate size text (a size text that can be read easily by all ages ) on the election stationery.
Libby Lambert
I understand that the proposed name for the new sub-division is difficult for English speakers and will take some getting used to but we seem to have managed with Kosciuzko and Strzelecki (both of which I had to look up to ensure the correct spelling) so, given time, I'm sure we'd manage.
As for the length of the name on ballot papers, surely we can just use two lines? Existing forms often don't have sufficient space for my two (English) surnames so I don't think this is an insurmountable problem.
I'm reminded of the saying, 'Where there's a will there's a way'. Do we have the will?
Anne Heath Mennell
Monash! The people who actually live in Monash have asked to have Hotham ditched in favour of Monash - there was long debate about Hotham's merit in 1949.
Totally agree re the need to inform voters - there's a new seat and myriad changed boundaries as per Flinders so, I hope, they properly advise people of the changes ASAP.
The VEC needs to lift it's game in this area too!
I still have to explain to residents what Western Port Ward is and I wonder how many people know if they are in the State seat of Bass District? No, not the Tasmanian seat, the Victorian one.
At least all of Bass Coast will be in one Federal electorate soon.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Life after Warley
May 4, 2018
Mary thank you for this incredibly important, comprehensive account of the history and complex legal issues on the closure of Warley. I would love to see this week's account published in The Advertiser. There are still many people who are unable to move on and who may not use internet who would benefit from reading your account.
Gabrielle Mahony
Thanks Mary for this clarity. This is such an excellent reference to the health services now established on Philip Island linking the significance of, and dignified respect to, Warley.
Ellen Hubble
Thanks Mary, great article, it is so important to hear the history of Warley and especially to hear Gwen's story of incredible service over 54 years. Looking forward to seeing the new Health Hub.
Christine McLoughlin
Clean bill of health
May 4, 2018
Fantastic news, well done to the Wonthaggi Hospital and all the people that made it happen.
Jan Fleming
$115m expansion for Wonthaggi Hospital
April 27, 2018
Having spent quite a lot of time in hospitals in the last 10 years I have to say Wonnie is my favourite. I use the ER about once a year for a recurring illness and have always found the staff to be professional, caring and friendly compared to the overworked folks in big city ERs. And only a short walk on crutches to the car park where they don't charge you (pun intended) an arm and a leg to park your car overnight. I hope with these much needed funds they still retain their country hospital feel.
James
Thanks Catherine for being first again to tell us the news. Accurate and unbiased. Pity there’s not an election every year
Geoff Heyes
Great news. We have always had great people at the hospital now we will start to get the infrastructure to support them in their caring role.
Well done Jan, the Board and the BCH team and thank you to the first Government in decades to care about Wonthaggi and Bass Coast.
Michael Whelan
The important words from the Premier is that the Bass Coast is projected to grow by 55% by 2031 which is great. The City of Bass Coast will be here a lot sooner than some people realise.
This is great news because we now need to rebuild a railway line back to Melbourne. Think the City of Bass Coast and how are we going to get there. Or what infrastructure do we need to match the growth. The Bass Coast Shire Council better get their act together to prepare for growth.
Frank Schooneveldt
Wonderful news for the hospital. I have not lived in Wonthaggi for many years but have have been with my (recently deceased) mother at the hospital on a few of occasions in the past two years and was impressed with both the professionalism and empathy of the staff both in dealing with my mum and making my wife and I feel welcome. Keep up the great work.
Don Gall
Under the Southern Cross
April 20, 2018
A beautifully written article Geoff and Bert's death has highlighted housing concerns for people living in our area. The service that night was very moving and highlighted homelessness and a lack of resources in Bass Coast. I do hope that some good comes out of this.
Joy Button
Your article brings some questions to mind.
1) does Council know, roughly, how many homeless people there are in Bass Coast?
2) what is Council intending to do about it? You mentioned the Miners’ Rest Motel redevelopment; does Council have a plan to help fund alternative emergency accommodation?
Mikhaela Barlow
Dear Geoff, having you at Bertie's memorial was a such a wonderful thing to see, I felt from seeing you there that Bertie's plight was in good hands and voice would arise that could advocate on her behalf and thousands just like her. I have read that the number of women over the age of 55 that are homeless and living on the streets has dramatically risen in the last couple years and yes you are right in saying that not enough focus is on homelessness now since Kevin Rudd left. Interesting to note to that this prime minister was homeless himself at one point and lived with his mother and siblings in the family car. A thing that really cuts to the quick is the way landlords at eviction go about this process, chucking personal things out of the evictee which were about their life, their story and most of all possibly the only things that kept them going. Changes need to be made to some landlord policy and procedures as well. Emotions and feelings of what an evictee experience are humiliation, despair, failure, loneliness just to name a few...Bertie, while not with us now has touched everyone's hearts and hopefully has create many voices to rise up and see that this does not happen again
Annie Brookes
Well done Geoff, an informative and sensitive piece on a very hard subject, to mis-quote you, that has to be told. Bert's funeral was small and sad, the family wanted it to be private. The flowers placed in Bert's spot have all been brought together to the right spot now. You would like to think that some of the huge profit Andrew's government made selling off the Snowy River Hydro plant could go to rural emergency housing and other essential services, rather than to sporting venues in Melbourne.
Robyn Smith
Thank you Geoff Ellis for taking the time to put into words what a lot of local people are feeling about the loss of Roberta. Even though we had not met, it feels so wrong for a member of our small community to pass away alone following a string of dire circumstances. I hope checks will be put in place to mitigate this happening again.
I would love to see Council approve a place of remembrance in the way of a seat or plaque in Roberta's memory also.
Lizzy Leahy
Council backs car ferry ‘in principle’
April 20, 2018
The most suitable location for the car/tourist jetty is at the end of Bass Street.
Bass Street is a particularly wide street and it is suitable for the associated traffic flow.
A Bass Street terminal would have minimal impact on the central Cowes activity area.
Ron Daly
Firstly, I commend Cr Rothfield on the way the meeting was conducted and all councilors on their considered opinions
This was a show of democracy at work of which the council can be proud.
The decision to request extension of the business case to investigate location of the ferry terminal at the Cowes jetty and the impact on the community, was the only course of action that the council could make when faced with the Victorian Governments infrastructure agenda.
It is of concern that the acceptance of the business case by council will be misconstrued as approval by advocates for the ferry. The business case presented so far is seriously flawed in many aspects including. predicted customer demand during winter periods, lack of detail on the impact of a ferry terminal on community amenity or the environment. No escape plan or alternative use if the ferry proves not financially viable, as is demonstrated by the Port Welshpool abandoned and sealed off Seacat Ferry terminal.
Council need to be vigilant and analytical of "all data" being presented and prepared to critically analyse the final business case before a final decision can be made on this permanent infrastructure development.
Ian Samuel
$80m you say? And who is going to pay that $80m? The ratepayers of Bass Council that's who. This is not a commercial proposition. The "investment" return is to whom exactly? At council interest rates of 5%, $3,200 each paid back over 20 years by 25,000 rate payers, that is over $200 per year on our already ridiculously high rates.This is not "funny money" accounting that is an extra $50 per quarter for 25 years on every rate payers bill. Let the businesses and councillors who support it set up an investment company and raise the money if it is such a great proposition. No takers? Didn't think so. So easy to spend someone else's money isn't it?
James
James, this is a State Government project. There is no suggestion that Bass Coast Council or ratepayers would fund it.
Catherine Watson
Thanks. I have looked through the business case and I don't see this explicitly stated. It talks about a joint project between state and local govt.Do you have a link where it says this is 100% funded by the state government?
James
Developer tactics under fire
April 20, 2018
Cr Tessari has hit the nail on the head. This pre-emptive appeal warranted by untimely presentation of their own documentation is disappointing.
Further frustration comes from the on again, off again, nature of the Vcat process that this triggered and the need for residents and objectors to prepare for trips to Melbourne to attend panel hearings that may, or may not occur on the originally assigned dates.
It's bad enough that our residents have to travel to Melbourne to attend Vcat but the necessity to allocate days for meetings that are cancelled at short notice due to this pre-emptive referral are particularly unpalatable.
Cr Geoff Ellis
I objected to the development of a new suburb for Wonthaggi behind my home in Reed Crescent. People DO have to live somewhere but for many reasons - bush fire safety, ambience of area for nearby residents, drainage issues (water will not run uphill), native flora and fauna (93 lots = hundreds of feral animals - disguised as mild-mannered pets kept on owners property especially at night? Ha!), one way in and out onto a No Through road - disaster waiting to happen. But the old adage 'Don't stand between a developer and a dollar', is alive and well in this case. Full marks to the intrepid souls appearing at VCAT representing dozens of concerned Bass Coast ratepayers, imagine if these people did not comply with VCAT re. presentation of documentation - the developers seem to treat VCAT with contempt yet seem to 'get away' with that. Shades of several corporations 'outed' by the banking sector Royal Commission.
Yvonne McRae
Well done Brett and the council for speaking up. This estate style development is soo unsuitable for that part of town. Its a classic case of the developer displacing costs onto local residents (who have all had to work with large blocks) and the rate payers of Wonthaggi. We don't want houses all the way to the coast. It will kill the attractiveness of the area.
Some development on large blocks that cannot be further subdivided would be fine. It signals the urban rural fringe and the start of a different planning regime.
BTW the best (most scenic) sites in Wonthaggi are near the old tip and the cemetery. Great views to the west and lots of birds and kangaroos to keep you entertained.
The 'developer' needs to change gears and recognise the value of the area
Edward Buckingham
My beautiful lagoon
April 20, 2018
Why is Council looking at artificially opening the lagoon? Is it just because some humans have complained about the smell of natural processes of decay and decomposition? What will that do to the birds and other species who find food in the lagoon or live in it? It is presumably part of a wider eco-system which has existed for a long time, certainly longer than human residents have been in the area. Around the world, wetlands (ephemeral and permanent) and boggy areas are disappearing rapidly, along with species that depend on them, such as frogs. We should be protecting and preserving such features and letting them be. We tear holes in the web of life to our peril.
Anne Heath Mennell
Well said Anne and well done Susan. Have we learned nothing from global warming? Can we never learn to live with the planet instead of insisting on knowing best? Perhaps we need the Phillip Island nature park to manage all Bass Coast environmental values. Let it be Council, let it be.
Karen Sandon
I agree with you all. Why interfere with our natural environment? let it be.
Robyn Smith
I only see a natural decay process in these photos, no plastic bags or coke bottles! So I agree, let it be.....
Kim Veness
I hope this article and the comments will be passed on to the consultant hired by Council?
Anne Heath Mennell
It's great to see the above comments! These have been noted by the Sustainable Environment team and passed on to the consultant who is undertaking the project. Please feel free to join us on Friday, 11 May 2018 for the Community walk and talk (9-10am) and workshop (10.15am - noon) to share information about the lagoon and its history. This is an opportunity to discuss concerns and potential management options. We will meet at the pedestrian bridge over Ayr Creek on Surf Parade, Inverloch. for more details please visit our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1610539005735544/
Bass Coast Shire Council
In sickness and in health
April 20, 2018
Thanks Mary for your well-researched history of Warley Hospital. It explains why many Phillip Islanders are so passionate about its loss and how this much-loved, home-grown institution could not keep pace with changes beyond its control. I look forward to reading part 2.
Linda Cuttriss
Mary, what a very well researched and topical as well as meaningful article -especially now in 2018. The new Health Hub has been completed and will be open soon. Great news for people on Phillip Island and congratulations to everyone who was involved during the past decades. I look forward to reading your next article 'Part II 'Life after Warley.'
However, the current REALITY IS: if anyone wanting and needing 24/7 Emergency care AFTER the GP clinics and the Health Hub have closed, doesn't have many options. I keep on being told that the Ambulance will take people to Wonthaggi Emergency Dept. But guess what? the Emergency Dept. three days ago refused to take Ambulances due to the resource constraints of Wonthaggi Hospital.(Bass Coast Health) so patients were diverted to Frankston Hospital Emergency Dept. Not great news.
Phyllis Papps
Hello Phyllis, I can assure you that our Emergency Department has not gone on bypass for all the 2 years that I have been CEO. You might be referring to last Wednesday where the AV clinician made their own decision to direct a patient to Frankston rather than our ED. That will sometimes happen if the patient needs inpatient care that we cannot provide. We were busy last week but did not refuse, and would never refuse, to take a patient, unless they were beyond our capability. You can have great confidence that even in our busiest times, our doors are very much open and I am really pleased to reassure everyone that the Wonthaggi ED has highly skilled doctors and nurse available 24/7 to provide the best possible emergency response. Happy to clarify any other concerns - please feel free to contact me at any time. Kind Regards, Jan Child, Bass Coast Health CEO.
Jan Child
Thank you Jan for the clarification. The only information I had at that stage was what the Ambulance driver repeated to me when I spoke to him on two occasions by telephone. Anyway, the patient had blood tests, Xrays and scans and was released from Frankston Hospital E.D. some hours later.
Phyllis Papps
Mary your Warley Story is wonderful.. I worked at Warley for 40 years and it was a citadel of loving care.My husband Bob's grand-mother was on the first committee in 1923, his father was President and the prime-mover of the new Warley wing in 1962 and Bob himself was President and is a Life-member. Our memories of Warley are rich and enduring.
Anne Davie
Solar farm on the horizon
April 20, 2018
Wonderful news! The future seems to be in smallish local systems rather than centralised production which is vulnerable to breakdowns. I look forward to Susan's article and wonder if she could explain how power put into the grid can go directly to Wonthaggi and Inverloch before any surplus goes off elsewhere? It would be good if it was cheaper as well as being more reliable.
Anne Heath Mennell
Welcome to Bass
April 6, 2018
Small business is what is needed in our country areas. Community groups and general visitors are always looking for that something different. Wishing you the best of luck in this new venture.
Looking forward to your grand opening. Please keep us all informed of your progress.
Pamela J Gill JP
Out of the darkness
April 6, 2018
I recently found several photographic gems which Trevor might find interesting - a 360 degree photo of the interior of the old Cyclone building, along with a photo album of the construction of the Baw Baw ski lodge, featuring a youthful Trevor and Alan Foon (blurred Kodak , of course!). They are part of the Historical Society collection. I hope the Willis murals are still part of the old shop also.
M
The story of everything
April 6, 2018
Great article! Old things are fascinating. I'm reading "The Civil War in 50 Objects" and "WW2 in 100 Objects".Hence I loved this article & photos.
Julie Tyrell
Thanks for the kind words - it would be very difficult to pare down a collection to 50 items. We have thousands of local artefacts, many of which relate to the fascinating history of Wonthaggi. What we really need is enthusiastic younger volunteers to carry on with the work.With the current craze for all things retro, it is time to document Wonthaggis post-coal history.
Mark Robertson
Watch this space
April 6, 2018
Someday I want to participate in this kind of meeting.
Kang, Eun Sook
Quite a few listened to Anitra's presentation and given the increasing competition for land and other resources there is a lot of merit in "Small", especially when considering the rising cost of electricity needed to heat a large room.
Anitra presented a range of options and I recommend her book.
Cr Geoff Ellis
What’s the point of tourists?
March 9, 2018
If only the powers that be had such common sense!
Fiona Rawson
If one was serious about "Sustainability" the Island would create its own power and water supply and fund its own Hospitals and schools etc! It's very easy to cherry pick the things we want and don't want!
For example how many people purchase products made in China but don't want to allow the ships to arrive or dig up the Minerals to pay for them?
Or we are happy to have the money from Tourists but actually don't want them on the Island!
Stefan
I encourage everyone to ACTUALLY read the San Remo and Phillip Island Visitor Economy Strategy which in fact has all these details in it. It recognizes that a ‘do nothing’ approach will mean a doubling in tourism. As part of the Strategy that had the most extensive Community consultation process that this is not what we want. It was agreed that an interventionist approach would deliver LESS tourists but that will need some Game Changer projects in order to spread visitation during the quieter times of the year in order to support a Sustainable Community. The Car Ferry was one of those that will bring visitors in the many quieter months of the year in which we see less people working in local
Visitor economy businesses and shop and business closures. In other words if we had these projects the benefit to the community is MOVING AWAY from mass tourism to more sustainable numbers that support the unique environment of the island.
John Pandazopoulos
March 10, 2018
Mr Pandazopoulos, the larger proportion of our residents and ratepayers don't have the time to read all the strategic documents relating to any particular issue yet still seem to be able to form reasonable opinions based on common sense interpretation of the facts of any matter, though it is nice of you summarize the overarching strategy for tourism in one part of Bass Coast so succinctly.
I encourage our residents to attend the consultation sessions (as listed on the BCSC website) or follow the links to express their views and concerns.
"Stop the buses" isn't the exact intent of all the game changer initiatives but environmental sustainability is the flip side of economic sustainability in Bass COAST.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Congrats to Catherine for elevating BCP to a point where key players like Ann Davie, Tim Shannon, Panda and Cr Ellis are contributing. A strong community requires open and spirited discussion.
The best part of the of these discussions is the reference to the two most valuable PI documents – Capabiity, Conflict and Compromise (CCC) and VES.
My criticism of Tim’s piece is his conclusion that we should be making farmland economically viable. I assume that this means for farming. The small land mass on the island as a % of Australia’s farming is miniscule. The best use of the rural land must be for vegetation restoration and pathways with small landscaped tourism facilities. We have now moved past farming to agri-business, the abundant 60s riding on the sheeps back’are a distant memory. The opportunity to deliver the island to future generations as a world best off-peak tourist destination is unlimited but requires 21st century thinking.
As CCC says we must provide much of the land for agriculture use but in 2018, this part of the rural land is for landscape value for international visitors. CCC says we must reward farmers for vegetation and public access. Written in 1975, we have not commenced this journey. The RLUS (Rural Land Use Strategy) remains the most unimaginative document of
council strategies.
As Ann Davie has stated – here we go again. The car ferry is a solution without a problem. Somehow 30 cars per hour will change the local economy. 30 cars cross the bridge in one minute.
Unfortunately, the car ferry is consuming all available oxygen and the two real potentials for off-peak business growth are being ignored. Firstly. Holiday home owners must be encouraged to come down 15 weekends per year not 10. Cowes and San Remo are not developed as vibrant visitor centres like Lorne or Castlemaine. The island and Bass Hills with it’s disused rail line can become the world best pathway network where Melb people come regularly in winter and enjoy the winter. A ride into Cowes, swim in the Aquatic Centre then enjoy live music, art, performance in the closed off main streets every Sunday. Holiday home owners are our captured customers who do not require $80m to enjoy our island and will continue to visit as the crowding of Melb continues with unabated population groth.
Phil Wright
Congratulations to Tim for questioning the great shibboleth that growing tourism is a boon. Up to 3000 people a night visit the penguin parade but it’s hard to understand the benefits to the island community or environment.
Phil is right that future use of Phillip Island’s farmland is the key. Many European farmers are paid to revegetate and maintain their land for landscape, wildlife and ecotourism purposes. Imagine farmers working in partnership with PINP and much of the island slowly returning to its pre-European condition.
Catherine Watson
That's not what "shibboleth" means.
James Glover
You sent me scurrying to a dictionary, James, as I used the word without thinking about it. But the Merriam-Webster seems to bear out my use:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shibboleth
Definition of shibboleth. 1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning. the old shibboleths come rolling off their lips.
Catherine Watson
Great comment Catherine.
Let us preserve the natural bush and the farmland and the diversity of this beautiful island.
Don't leave it too late. As Joni Mitchell said many years ago, you "pave paradise and put up a parking lot."
Jan Fleming
We are so car dependant, what if the ferry was just for busses and pedestrians ? Although i do think we need to care more for the tourists before we bring more, especially with the ocean and wildlife issues.
While locals complain a lot abt tourist traffic, city dwellers face queues and grid lock every day. I remind myself of that coming in or out of cape Woolamai on holiday weekends, its slow but not impossible.
I'd really like to see a summer Speed limit from the wonthaggi turn off to Cowes. ( yep this summer my day was hit driver turned stright into her out of back beach rd and last sat me rear ended stationary before silver waters, no one injured ) It's like drivers get affected by "holiday mode" and just don't pay attention.
So 'Holiday Mode Speed Limits - HMSL for the Island' please
Nerida
Beasts of burden
March 9, 2018
We were visited by Catherine for the Devondaler years ago when we did our best to soldier on as farmers in the area - sadly too small we exited and went in to beef cattle grazing - I lay the blame of the demise of the dairy industry at two areas - the deregulation of the dairy industry and the floating of the shares - very very sad
Rosemary Loughnan (Asquith)
The board need to take some ownership for the demise of Murray Goulburn. They employed a CEO who didn’t have a good track record and he walked away with a huge payout
Helen
Thank you for this story Bob and have never been able to understood the demise of Murray Goulburn. As a city person will read Catherine's book, Just A Bunch of Cow Cockies, from the library as I have not been able to understand how this company could go. Agree with Helen though on what I have read so far. Interesting pic Bob.
Joy Button
An enormous tragedy. Jack McGuire would be spinning in his grave. The unlikely, but visionary cheesemaker from Cobram who built a dairy empire from nothing. The years of adversity and struggle just frittered away by his successors. Its beyond sad.
Pete Granger
"Just a Bunch of Cow Cockies" - beware - if you read the first page you can't put it down till you've finished the entire story - and what a great tale, pity the unwritten recent history is so tragic.
Geoff Ellis
10/3/2018 08:32:14 am
Thank you Geoff and really looking forward to reading "Just a Bunch of Cow Cockies" .... can't wait!
Joy Button
Joy, if you cannot get a library copy for a while you may borrow ours. Geoff is right. Just reading the foreward and preface is rewarding in itself and the photos Catherine collected are great. As you would be aware I am not well versed on this subject, I was just telling a story.
Bob Middleton
Bob, thanks for highlighting the tragedy of MG’s ruin.
The uncertain nature of the dairy industry – climate, currency, world trade – makes mistakes inevitable. Some can only be seen in retrospect.
In 1981 MG was in equally desperate straits. It had expanded just before a big economic downturn. It was forced to drop its milk price to farmers. A hundred farmers a week were moving to other companies. Murray Goulburn was bleeding to death.
Then a resistance movement started among loyal suppliers and staff who forced the board to bring back Jack McGuire, the man who’d run the company for 30 years. McGuire went round the state reminding the suppliers that this was their company and it was worth saving. Within a year he had turned MG around.
So much of economics is about confidence. McGuire gave that to the farmers and they backed him.
The Saputo takeover of MG is not quite a done deal. It still has to be approved by suppliers. We need another Jack McGuire.
I still have this faint hope: cometh the hour, cometh the wo/man.
Catherine Watson
Thank you Bob for your generous offer of a loan of the book but I think there may be a couple of books available. Thank you Catherine also for your comment and feedback about Murray Goulburn ... makes me want to read more and understand more. Thank you!
Joy Button
Day of reckoning
March 9, 2018
Hold your surprise about the "only female tanker driver". I work alongside 2 others in Melbourne.
Long time listener to the ABC, l'm picking more and more mistakes in their broadcast information.
Same with the previous days conversation hour ,talking to a representative of Engineers Australia (EA) about shortages of Engineers. EA makes thousands of dollars vetting overseas Engineers, there's no shortage of graduate Engineers in Australia. EA is all about making big wages for it's staff.
Joseph Heller
I had the pleasure of hearing Pam deliver this speech and as well hear Joanne Hakanson who is doing amazing work at the Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness Centre. The room was full of sensational Bass Coast women all doing great things right here in Bass Coast.
Bass Coast does pretty well in gender terms with our Mayors but the current council representation is an appalling 2 women to 7 men. I look forward to making way for a wonderful woman to take over the reins from me here in Island Ward - give it some thought.
Michael Whelan
Our society is advancing albeit slowly, to recognise that gender is irrelevant in the pursuit of excellence.
The task is to acknowledge and reward abilty and performance regardless of gender in all facets of our society.
Ian Samuel
I can remember the head of the ABC or the NZBC some 30 or so years ago explaining that women couldn’t be newsreaders because their voices were too high to convey the gravitas of news. Even worse, at the time I thought he (of course he was a he) had a point. Obviously no one told Lee Lin Chin!
Catherine Watson
The 'U.N. Women' website includes a page of facts and figures relating to global leadership and political participation which includes this paragraph:
'Women’s representation in local governments can make a difference. Research on panchayats (local councils) in India discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with women-led councils was 62 per cent higher than in those with men-led councils. In Norway, a direct causal relationship between the presence of women in municipal councils and childcare coverage was found.
This is the link to the whole shebang -
http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures:
Cr Geoff Ellis
Family ties
March 9, 2018
Aaah, the mystery has been solved and I can rest my imagination! Thanks for sharing Geoff
Vilya Congreave
Hi Geoff, Be very careful, as if you or your relatives agree to accept the estate as you may also find that you are liable for all the back taxes. My cousins via an ancestor on their fathers side were offered a substantial 'pile' (read large historic country house) in England as they were some of the last standing' descendants. On investigation, they ascertained that the outstanding 'back taxes' which required payment before they could take possession, would have required the liquidation all of the three families entire properties as well s payment of all their savings. Suggest you check this all out before agreeing to accept / participate. Of course there may be no back taxes, in which case you might just inherit some interesting property. kind regards Libby
Libby Lambert
Looks like trouble
March 10, 2018
Thank you Liane for such a brave story, so well written as always. Our noses are sort of front and centre aren't they. We hope you find a remedy very soon. But we who know or know of your life's work are aware that you were given the most generous of hearts.
Bob Middleton
Gracious me - how incredibly kind of you. And - yes - all will be well.
Liane Arno
Questions remain over ferry plan
February 23, 2018
Many good points, which must be considered fully before a final decision is made by Council.
Regarding Cr Whelans final paragraph...Council please listen and seriously consider the opinions, local knowledge and expertise of the residents who elected you. This is not being done in many of the recent and not so recent decisions of this, and previous councils.
Mel Marks
Cr Whelan's contribution to the Car Ferry discussion is helpful and timely. Consideration of the proposal must involve the Island community and its stakeholders. It is an expensive project and has the potential to be a game-changer.
Anne Davie
Well done Cr Whelan on your good analysis.
Yes we need more detailed data and information, as there is a lot at stake.
This old chestnut always gets dragged out of the closet at election time. Let''s put it back in the closet and ensure it's properly locked this time!
Adrian James
Cr Whelan is very much aware that the next stage after the business case is the significant environmental focus that will occur. This is not normally done at the business stage. As someone involved in many of these processes in the past and as someone who has been a strong environmental advocate for our State the process as proceeded is the most appropriate. You cannot answer all issues at the start of the process. The start of the process provides additional questions and queries which have to be looked at in more detail as the next stage. This is not a project that would happen overnight. It still needs more work. But the essential principles are that a carry ferry terminal is simply a larger jetty than the one we have at Cowes and a very much smaller project than the bridge that connects San Remo to Newhaven. The abundance of marine wildlife under these structures provides a strong indication of the environmental health under these structures and other structures over water across the State.
John Pandazopoulos
John, when you say the Cowes terminal is 'a very much smaller project than the bridge that connects San Remo to Newhaven' and then state that the fact there are fish under the bridge evidences the environmental benefits of a jetties across the state I really, really don't see the relevance and suggest that you are conflating co-incidence with causation and underestimating the critical thinking of our community.
FYI that bridge has a name.
Cr Geoff Ellis
I agree with Michael's analysis and his call for more research and to proceed with caution. The draft Business Case makes it clear that this is a medium to high risk project in terms of financial risk and environmental risk. Nowhere is Climate Change mentioned in the report and this will have a huge impact on the coast in years to come. I refer readers to http://www.ozcoasts.gov.au/climate/sd_visual.jsp This is a Government site and clearly indicates projected rises along our coasts. Irrespective of what you believe, Council has a duty to ratepayers to consider the cost of this project on our rates both now and into the future.
Steve Milton
If there is a need for a second ferry then what is the user capacity of the one we have now.
When talking to tourist bus drivers who daily travel from inner Melbourne. They say their bus service will grow and not change with a proposed vehicle ferry.
The outlay of revenue for a private business must stop. Let the private busines put their own money forward. Council must determine what secondary changes to a council road or other will be needed.
Using very old statistics for this busines case must be challenged by council officer. Why is council running this & not the State Government ? More must be brought out into the open for the Stoney Point or Crib Point location. Council should have rejected this business case when the council was given the document many days prior to the public release when the report was highly flawed. Council should have said go away and correct the reports errors. Why the rush with a flawed report that the public has to try and determine what's actually correct. Funding for this report must not be paid out.
Graham Jolly
Could John Pannzanopolous please ensure that any plans for this environmentally benign (?) ferry has a series of safe crossing points for the plagues of whales which utilise the Western entrance channel - a roundabout perhaps? One would hope that the environmental effects statement is far less voluminous and more accurate than the desalination plant one.....
Mark Robertson
The last resort
February 23, 2018
Nicely written article providing a refreshing and balanced perspective of the challenges within the public housing sector. I’m hoping that this Tom continues a proud tradition and has newspaper ink coursing through his veins. Well done foe shining a light where few dare to tread
Jim Barritt
February 25, 2018
Great article Tom, balanced and well researched.
My bottom line - no one was ever going to buy the Miner’s Rest to build the affordable housing that we need. It is currently used for purposes for which it wasn’t designed. The new development promises some measurable community benefit. Certainly we need to make sure the current occupants are looked after through a multi-agency approach. I despair over some of their personal circumstances. As for the caravan park - the state and federal governments need to look at their priorities and put more resources into low cost and affordable housing as well include provision in their planning controls.
Homelessness is so common in Melbourne that shoppers step around people sleeping rough in Elizabeth St without batting an eyelid. I know we won't let that happen here - we, as a community and as a Council are better than that.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Thank-you so much, Tom, for your well written, thought provoking article.
When I first started looking to buy in this area, a real estate agent apologised for the shabby entrance to Wonthaggi and assured me that it would soon be improved. Nine years later, I see no evidence of this, so when I heard that the Miners Rest Motel was to be sold, I thought this may be the start of this beautification. I had not considered what its demise would mean.
The first consideration is the people who live there now. It is their home and being made to leave your home, and especially the area where you live, can have devastating effects.
Geoff Ellis mentions the homeless people in Melbourne. Yes Geoff, their circumstances are terrible, yet when I spoke to a homeless man in Melbourne last year, he spoke of a street community of people who look after each other. If he had to move from the area, he said, he would be completely lost. I don’t know, but I assume that many people living at Miners Rest would feel the same if they are forced to move from the area.
I am not saying that Miners’ Rest should not be pulled down, but if it is, it should not happen until affordable housing is provided in Wonthaggi for those residents who wish to remain living there. I’m not convinced that affordable housing will be provided anywhere, but if it is, it is unacceptable to tell people that they must move to an area far from where they live now. Dislocation can lead to stress and mental as well as physical health problems.
As for what is proposed to replace the Miners Rest, a petrol station, hotel and three fast food outlets will not beautify the entrance to Wonthaggi, nor will it be good for the community. Miners Rest should be purchased by government. Instead of fast food outlets bringing more junk food into the area; a third pub, probably with poker machines and all the problems they cause, and a fourth petrol station that is certainly not needed, there should be facilities for young people who I have heard complain about how boring Wonthaggi is, and affordable housing, which is becoming impossible to find. These could be provided in beautiful treed surroundings. I suppose this is too much to ask. But then, there is a State Government election scheduled for November this year. Could it be that people in this area care enough to put pressure on the government and in the light of the election, their voices are heard.
Bron Dahlstrom
Great article, Tom - you're a chip off the old block!! good luck with your studies
Annie Chisholm
And the bands played on
February 23, 2018
Always a great weekend of Music, Food & Wine and atmosphere plus.
Roger Clark
The well of creativity
February 23, 2018
After viewing Philipas wonderful Monster exhibition it is obvious that she "gets" the quirky nature of Wonthaggi and its hidden delights. I wonder if she is aware of our long history of Italian settlement - almost 100 years. The Wonthaggi Historical Society has produced a comprehensive display of the first wave of migrants, which is currently on display at the railway station. I would be happy to show it to Phillipa when she is in town. Of course, any other Bass coast residents are more than welcome also. The display will form part of the Harmony day celebrations as well.
Mark Robertson
The Creature stirs
February 24, 2018
Congratulations, Filippa Buttita! Your paintings of our 'legendary' Wonthaggi Monster are beautifully-executed against superb backdrops like the spectacular one above.
As a longtime member of the Australian Rare Fauna Research Association, I have closely followed all reports of a mystery striped creature resembling or answering the description of a Tasmanian tiger. ARFRA has thousands of reports of sightings of such a creature, with the Bass Coast area a hot spot for sightings on the Australian mainland.
As the Tasmanian Tiger is officially deemed extinct, we cannot claim what numerous witnesses have reported are sightings of them, but ARFRA is still interested in following such sightings of this or any other rare creature in Australia. If you have a sighting you would like to share, please email me on h-mtobin@bigpond.com.
Meryl Tobin
Out to the Wreck
February 25, 2018
Thank you Lyn. That was a delightful read. Such a rich environment for children and no helicopter parents. How the world has changed.
Doris Tate
Car ferry a goer: study
February 16, 2018
Finally the experts have confirmed what most rational, clear-headed people have known all along; that a Cowes to Stony Point vehicular ferry IS economically viable and will be a invaluable tourism asset as well as providing a critical piece of emergency infrastructure. The environment will not be destroyed, penguins will not abandon their burrows and the sun will still rise tommorrow. Hopefully now the ill-informed, misguided and emotive rantings of a NIMBY minority can now be pushed aside and the Government can get on with building this much needed facility.
Robbie Viglietti
The only ranting I hear is from the lobby who keep coming up with spurious benefits like "emergency infrastructure" without being able to actually come up with an actual scenario where it would significantly help.
Bob
Lies, damm lies, and statistics
All you need to make it look like everything is Rosy.
Destruction of a very popular family beach will most definitely attract thousands of tourists every day "NOT"
Is this being put up by the PoHDA supporters to destroy the northern beaches so Cowes will become an industrial eyesore so there favourite container port can be built.
Leigh
I'm not sure about those other "famous" coastal drives but at the moment you can get from Sorrento to Phillip Island by driving down either the scenic east or west sides of Mornington Peninsula then up the Bass Highway through the Waterline. This is already a scenic route. Why would you need a quicker route to get to PI if people are touring and don't need to save a couple of extra hours? The idea that PI is a dead end is easily disputed, just look at the Xmas-Oz Day tailback from the bridge to Bass Highway turnoff aka "the worlds most scenic traffic jam" (now there's a tourist angle for you). And a few rubbery finance figures do nothing more to convince me. I've worked in investment banking I know how these things work.
Not Convinced.
Car ferry a goner - at $63M for Cowes jetty, how much for Stony Point? Then Q
1 ferry or 2 at $20M or so? Discard the $12.3M savings on vehicle use, $15 petrol offset by +$90 ferry fare.
Why do we need mas exit for pedestrians? Are they inviting ISIS germ warfare or what?
How much more time and effort must we all waste on this nonsense?
Bernie
$63 mill - it would have cost $2 mill to keep Warley hospital open
Fossie32
How many tourists will use it considering that hire cars are not allowed to go on ferries?
Jen
A Goer? I think not. The best alternative to this folly is to widen the bridge and provide a bi-pass around Sam Remo. On long weekends, the time to Melbourne increase by 1 hour each way in bumper to bumper traffic. This does not attract tourists. Fix the bottle necks along Bass Highway, provide a proper road in and out of Cowes. The existing situation is intolerable. Want to create jobs? Open the Warley Hospital. 60,000 people in peak times and no hospital? RIDICULOUS MR ANDREWS.
Glen Isla
A journey with Parkinson’s
February 16, 2018
I have been thru the same process in the lasrt year. Different neurologist, different hospital.
Unfortunately the battery pack became infected and had to be removed. the infection was then detected travelling towards the probes and they also had to be removed. I am awaiting replacements.
I wish David many happy future miles/kilometers in his red truck.
Bernie Bambling
Thanks Bernie for your good wishes. Sorry to learn of your infection and hope the replacements and process of installation goes smoothly and are effective.
David Kemp
Just wanted to let you know that on 20/2/2018, I received notification that my refitting process is scheduled to start 16/4/2018. Happy Days.
Bernie Bambling
Thanks Geoff for writing this.
David Kemp
What men we have living in our Bass Coast region,both writer and his subject.. Well done Geoff and the well done to you David. The wonders of modern medical research and your positive attitude are mighty weapons .I wish you the very best of outcomes.
Bob Middleton
Thanks very much for your kind comments, Bob.
David Kemp
Island farewellsCherry McFee
February 16, 2018
Cherry was an inspiration to us all, may she rest in peace.
Carmen Bush
Cherry was indeed an inspiration. Delightful, witty, hard-working, dedicated, no-nonsense with a smile to brighten your day. A truly rare treasure. Cherry gave so much to her community. She will be much missed. Rest In Peace, Cherry.
Linda Cuttriss
Bedtime stories
February 16, 2018
What a beautiful piece Bob. And another apt cartoon Natasha. Well put both of you.
Miriam Strickland
Softening the edges
February 16, 2018
Great work Bill. All the best for your coming exhibition.
John Adam
a very talented artist and sculptor, always working at his craft, very dedicated. I am very lucky to have some of his work at my home.
Beryl King
The F word
February 16, 2018
Thanks Miriam for all the lowdown on how to best cook the legumes to best avoid the 'toot' effect. Have always loved beans but tended to open a can for an instant addition. But your idea of cooking large quantities and freezing is what I'll do. Thanks!
Sue Packham
You're welcome Sue! Enjoy.
Miriam Strickland
Thanks for the ideas and tips...very valuable. I am now going to get back to beans. Sometime you just need a reminder.
Tricia O'Brien
Great to hear Tricia! Have fun.
Miriam Strickland
Don’t miss this boat
February 2, 2018
Car ferry is fairy land, even 5 round trips per day, at average 40% car capacity, shifts a whole 150 cars PER DAY. Capital cost total will nudge $100M. Single lane of road at 60kmh delivers 1200 cars PER HOUR.
Rob please change to soothing medication
Bernie
Bernie you have no vision. When they built the Monash Freeway I can remember driving on it at 110kmh, now look at it, a travelers nightmare. Everything has to start somewhere and this ferry makes economic and practical sense for the long term future.
Margaret
"Imagine an urgent evacuation when the Island is at its peak of 80,000 to 100,000 visitors trying to escape via a single two-lane road and one bridge ..."
Gosh! But no, I can't imagine such a scenario. Is Phillip Island hit by a 20m tsunami or a nuclear missile from North Korea? Or perhaps like a scene from The Birds the penguins turn on the islanders who must flee en masse!
James
James, I take your point. The single ferry certainly cannot take 80,000 people at a time should a mass evacuation be required. But imagine the assets that COULD be called in should the disastrous and unthinkable occur: the infrastructure proposed for this ferry would allow much bigger vessels the chance to assist with a potential evacuation, should the same be required.
Recently a great point was raised around the vulnerability of the bridge itself. Take note of the number of placarded loads crossing the bridge at any one time (petrol, gas, diesel, aviation fuel, explosives for the quarry, to name a few).
It is not a matter of IF but of WHEN a catastrophic event occurs - especially given the increase in recent road incidents.
What would happen in the event this occurs on the circa 1950s bridge and the concrete pylons are compromised? How long would we be without road access to the mainland for? How would Phillip Island access the resources (including the water from the mainland) we require? This ferry proposes contingency and assistance for emergency egress that should have been instigated many, many moons ago when the region, and specifically the island, was identified as the growth corridor it has become.
There are certainly a lot of questions to work through, but I certainly see a plus vote in favour of supporting emergency services in whatever way possible.
Rob Easton
Better to build a bridge with a toll road.
But what I would like to see would be a foot bridge from Inverloch across the mouth of Anderson's inlet. Cash outlay vs impact on public assess would I think be significantly greater and work wonders for the Venus bay community without the need to upgrade the roads. Would be fab for cyclists. Perhaps Mr Brown could combine it with his Wonthaggi to Inverloch bike path... now that would be somethings special
Edward
I prefer Kevin Brown's reasons of why we should not have a ferry.
Jan Fleming
Great read Rob, well thought out and some great points I to would love to see Phillip island as a gate way to Bass Coast, your points on Employment, development for youth, Emergency Crisis Management, Spending(bass coast currently have the 2nd lowest tourist spend per visitor in Australia),good logic, the point on getting the project done right is crucial, I take note of one of the comments regarding the current single road both on and off the island, should this project be successful and lets hope so then this well may also assist council and strengthen there needs for much need assistance with Vic roads on the bigger picture an enable the opportunity to fast track solutions that will enhance and improve the island with a holistic approach.See you on the ferry Rob
Bradley Drew
If the ferry is supposed to make Phillip Island the "gateway to Bass Coast and beyond" there is only one way to get "beyond" and that is by the bridge. Either tourists take the ferry to and from the island, and it remains a final destination, or they take the ferry to the island and drive over the bridge and explore the Bass Coast and beyond. This will increase, not decrease bridge traffic.
As for emergency evacuations, cars and people will still be stranded waiting for the ferry, unless, of course, the emergency event happens to involve the ferry terminal. There are a thousand disaster scenarios one can speculate. And that's just what they are. Speculations.
Youth development. The ferry would provide students "real, affordable alternative to study and train at some of the best institutions our state has to offer and then return to the island" That sounds lovely and has the capacity to pull at the heart strings, but on what are you basing this? Do they take the ferry to Mornington then the train to Melbourne? Why not take the bus to Melbourne? or the bus to Dandenong and the train to Melbourne? Perhaps you are right, but how can anyone know without any solid statistics to back it up.
125 jobs, many of them during the construction phase, (temporary, transient employment) the remainder in hospitality and ferry operations, several years from now. This doesn't mean that these jobs will be filled by locals, my bet is that most won't. Again, statistics, please.
"Increased spending by visitors"? Don't you mean, increased visitors who will potentially spend some money here?
As for our wildlife, we all know the number one threat to wildlife is the destruction of their habitat, followed very closely by pollution such as plastics in the waterways. The waters off Cowes and Phillip Island are in the migratory paths of whales and endangered seabirds. A huge draw to the island is our wildlife. We've all seen the dead wallabies littering the roads. How in the world is a massive ferry terminal, increased traffic, increased building NOT going to have a negative impact on them?
And, finally, looking 20 - 30 years down the road. It is universally understood and believed, based on countless studies, that our oil supplies can't hold out more than another 30 years. Assuming it takes 5 years to complete the ferry project, why in the world are we investing $100 million in something that has a good chance of becoming obsolete in 25 years? Sustainability??? Isn't that the buzz word of the day?
Bea
Bea, simply click on through to the link to review the discussion paper where you will find all the statistics to support my article. (I do mention this at the top of the piece, and the BCP editors have been kind enough to provide click throughs for the same)
You'll find the discussion paper, and comparative case studies especially, a poignant read.
I also refer you to my final comments where I mention that there is a lot of work to be done to ensure this project is deployed with care and attention. The viability is confirmed, it is now up to all of us to engage and have our say to ensure the ferry project is as beneficial as possible to all.
Rob Easton
If its business people peddling big benefits from car ferry, surely, they should get own business prospectus together so they and other big investors can share proceeds?
Why let taxpayer subsidised operator get all profits?
With mob as big as AECOM, unlikely to get change from $100M Capex.
No way ROI, for never and never, AMEN.
Bernie
Councillor 'misunderstood' balance sheet
February 2, 2018
Thank you for your article and a Happy New Year to you and your readers.
Councillor Les Larke has misled the people of the Bass Coast over the state of the Bass Coast’s finances and he has caused a great deal of damage to the Shire by stopping infrastructure development and calling for extreme cost saving measures which are not warranted. Councillor Larke should consider his options, including resignation.
The Council should include as part of its financial decision making process a twelve month rolling cashflow that includes information about revenue, expenditure and borrowing capacity. While this kind of statement is used more commercially it is a valuable tool in managing finances.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Thank you for your article, Catherine. I am so very relieved that our council's balance sheets balance and now it can go on to facilitate waiting projects and doing all in its power to further lower greenhouse emissions. If Cr Larke does decide to resign, I wonder whether Neil Rankin would like to step back and continue the excellent job he did during his previous term in office.
Felicia Di Stefano
Thank goodness got the Post, at least some balance in a local news desert. Keep up the good work Catherine, I really enjoy reading your newspaper.
Lorrie Read
The time has come for the Victorian Auditor-General and the rest of the Councillors to resign and let Councillor Les Larke get on with the job he was elected to do, which was to sort out the financial disaster facing us. As the only Certified Practicing Accountant in the Council village, he has all the credentials. Furthermore,the next time Bass Coast Shire CEO Paul Buckley is successful in an application for a public position, I hope he has the courtesy, civility, dignity and respect to haggle down the renumeration being offered prior to confirming his acceptance of any such position.
John Coldebella
What a spectacular rant John and you have prompted some questions in me. Can you enlighten the people of the Bass Coast with your reasoned arguments about the nature, the details of the financial disaster facing us?
You and Cr Les Larke set great store by qualifications.
Do you doubt the Victorian Auditor General’s credentials to comment on the state of the Bass Coast Finances?
John, debate is useful but should not be destructive. We all need to be positive and contribute what we can to achieve great outcomes for the Bass Coast.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Frank, knowing John, I can reassure you that his letter was satirical.
He does raise an interesting point. How do we tell the deluded lone voice from the brilliant lone voice? There are times when the one is right and the millions are wrong.
It's probably worth looking at the calibre of the one lone voice. I would put Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott firmly in the camp of the self-deluded. Perhaps Cr Larke belongs there too. Ego is the key.
Catherine Watson
Catherine,
Thank you for the heads up. I took John's words at face value and responded accordingly. The questions I raised still need to be answered.
Frank W Schooneveldt
John, get your tongue out of your cheek right now, as it appears that some might think you are serious!
Mark Robertson
Catherine is absolutely right. EGO is the key.
Once, many, many years ago when I became a Board member of Bass Coast Community Health Service, someone said to me "leave your ego out of the door." AND that is precisely what Cr. Les Larke and other Councillors should do. They were voted by the community to represent us, not be self-serving or self- deluded.
Phyllis Papps
Maybe he should just resign. How much time and money has been wasted, with no outcome?.
Julie Tyrrell
and what’s more, he got voted in solely on that platform! Wasted time and money but at least his efforts have proved that Bass Coast is in not a bad shape financially and that the administration is quite sound - which is what the other Councillors have been saying pretty much since they got in. I agree - please resign, Cr Larke, and let someone who has a clue take your place
Albie Goode
Thank you for the wisdom couched in such typical humour John and thank you Catherine for carrying the heavy part of the load. A great issue to start off the new year.
Bob Middleton
Mr Toull’s big day
Well done Reg, you’re a bloody marvel. And thank you for building the Lady Barron at Flinders Island where long ago I enjoyed an ale or two.
Bob Middleton
Thank you Gill for writing such a fantastic article about one of our great characters in Coronet Bay. Your story depicts Reg beautifully and shows what a marvel he is at 89 years of age, and no aches or pains and now cancer free ... lucky man! Your article has been written beautifully with great sensitivity ... thank you!
Joy Button
What a wonderful story. There are so many people in our community whose stories should be told. Let’s hope we see many more during 2018.
Well done Gill, and Joy.
Roger Clark
Great story Gill.
Jan Fleming
Thank you for a beautiful story, Gill. I fell in love with Coronet Bay the first time I saw it. What would it take to make the world into Coronet Bay, I wonder.
Felicia Di Stefano
Dear Joy, Gill and Terry, you have brought a smile to a lot of people's faces with this story, although I am now living in Wonthaggi, I still love Coronet Bay, it is so peaceful there, and the people are so kind and friendly, Thank you for this story, and Good Luck to you Mr Toull, you are a Legend.
Julie Cameron
What a wonderful story Mr Toull.
You Are an inspiration to all who have read this and are going through the trauma of this terrible disease. Thank you.
Pamela J Gill JP
Such an inspirational story all about Mr Toull. Congratulations on being cancer free … such wonderful news for you and your family. Just goes to show age is just a number and living in such an amazing community helps keep you full of life … it’s just like that movie Cocoon
Annie Brookes
Thank you Mr. Toull, you made my day, you reminded me that life is meant to be lived not tolerated, I wish you many more productive, useful and happy years. Well done Joy and Gill for passing on the good news.
Lyn Harris
Gill, You've captured the spirit of Coronet Bay. More please.
'Good on you' to Joy and Reg.
Cheers to Coronet Bay!
Geoff Ellis
Under the boardwalk
February 2, 2018
Fabulous pictures, we don't need to go to the Great Barrier Reef. Thanks David.
Jan Fleming
Thank you Jan. I love diving down here. We have such amazing stuff to see, with our great reefs.
David Haintz
Fantastic article David, You are a true professional and an awsome friend to dive with.
Catch up soon for a dive
Paul Fearn
Backyard critters
Thanks Terri, you always have an interesting story.
Jan Fleming
A few years ago we delighted in telling my new Welsh son-in-law about all the vicious creatures sharing his new home. He was an ex- British army engineer, but was scared witless by the tales of teeth and venom. We only had to embellish the truth a little.......
Mark Robertson
Visitors in the frame
February 2, 2018
The same thing happened to me several years ago. I had my two elderly dogs on leads and then all of a sudden two Rottweillers came 'out of the blue' and started attacking my two dogs. I kept on yelling at them and trying to kick them away. All of a sudden a man in a white van arrived, whistled to them and they ran back into his van. I yelled at him and said 'your two dogs just tried to attack mine.' He laughed and as he drove away he said 'Sorry lady'.
AND yes I was shattered by the experience, so were my two old dogs. But guess what he was a local, not a tourist and now I know where he lives.
Phyllis Papps
Some people do not deserve to have pets as well as children because they pit no effort of discipline and good behaviour into them and the result it then becomes the public that have to endure it. Get a grip on your children and your pets not everyone wants to pit up with the bad behaviour.
Dilene
A cook’s journal
February 2, 2018
DELICIOUS!I will make that again! Best muffins ever! Thankyou Jan.
Ineke HumphrysThe story of everything
May 4, 2018
As a former accountant (now retired) and, inter alia, the Budget Accountant at Heinz Australia for 4 years (with a then annual expenditure budget of $400m), I believe that I still know something about P&Ls, BSs and Budgets. It seems to me that the most urgent financial need for BCSC is to benchmark its staffing numbers, average levels of salaries, and individual levels of salaries for like positions, and rate levels (and other) revenues against other Rural municipalities. My 'gut' feel (and gut feels in budgeting are invariably right on the money) is that if Council did that exercise it would find: a degree of overstaffing, average salary levels and salary levels for 'like' positions overpaid in BCS. The possible recurrent savings from correcting those anomalies could then be directed to increased capital expenditure within the Shire. I know that Councilor Les Larke, seems to 'get up the nose' of other Councillors with his concern about financial matters, but, in my mind, he has the experience and expertise to undertake such an analysis. Does anyone else on Council have similar expertise?
Re the level of Rates metropolitan Councils vs Rural Councils, I accept your basic premise that the correct comparison is Rural vs Rural, but, having moved from Yarra Council's jurisdiction to BCS 6 years ago I was very surprised at the then level of rates in BCS, for a property valued at less than 60% of the property value in Yarra.
Walter Broussard
Thank you for acknowledging that the Bass Coast financial position remains strong.
I have read the 2018/2019 Draft Financial Budget and forward estimates and conclude that the Draft Financial Budget is very conservative and I would like to see the Capital Works program (infrastructure) significantly increased and rather than paying down debt.
I have outlined my reasons to the CEO of the Bass Coast Shire and expect a response in due course.
The good news is that this is a Draft Budget so Council has some time to amend them into something that is more realistic.
Frank W Schooneveldt
AT WHAT PRICE ?
An excellent article that outlines all the issues that Bass Coast Shire Council has to face and juggle every year.
It's very simple: Increase Rates or reduce services. You don't need to be an Accountant to work that out.
Whenever Rates are increased, people complain.
Whenever services are reduced, people complain.
Cutting back on staff and salaries means reduced services to the community. Then people complain AGAIN.
Having worked in Local Government for many decades I truly believe that Bass Coast Shire Council is doing the best it possibly can (despite limitations related to lack of State and Federal funding/grants)
I would really appreciate reading some constructive and practical comments related to how Bass Coast Shire Council can continue to provide quality services for its residents, instead of the usual whinging and criticism.
Phyllis Papps
Phyllis, While I agree with most of your comments however budgets must meet the needs of the community and this budget can be improved.
I recently wrote to Cr Brett Tessari regarding the huge puddle in the Cuttriss Street Angling Club Car Park. A Council Officer wrote back that the site has been inspected and that maintenance work would be done on the drains that are blocked to remove the water. Council advised that this car park is of a bad design and is scheduled to be upgraded in 2025/2026.....that’s right 2025/2026. We need to fix this car park problem now and no doubt there are other areas that are equally in need across Bass Coast that need fixing. I don’t see the need to pay down debt by $6.662 million in the 2018/2019 year when the Shire has so much pressing work.
Also the State and Federal Governments are in election mode which will create opportunities.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Thanks for an excellent article, it is amazing how people's eyes glaze over at the mention of budgets, when they underpin all decisions made by the Shire. But I although think it is worth mentioning the great advocacy work undertaken by the shire in recent years. The state government's contribution to Wonthaggi College, The Hospital, and the new Health Hub in Cowes. Keep up the God work.
Lorrie Read
A great article that I fully support. However a question for the Editor – is The BCP about to start an employment section? There seems to be some need for such a page. I often see resumes posted in response to articles and I would be disappointed if the only purpose was patriarchal measurement or man-splaining.
Without focusing on any particular narrative I’d just like to point out that our Council consists of nine adults who all have the good of The Shire at the core of their reason for being in the Chamber.
As a semi-random cross section of society (it’s currently almost impossible for some sectors of the community, such as working parents or single parents, to find the time and resources to even run for council) we all bring a distinctive voice to the table.
Media portrayal of the personalities, and personal interaction, of councillors says more about the readership than the councillors. As nine adults we treat each discussion as a fresh conversation.
Recently I received a series of abusive emails from a ratepayer who was trying to convince me to attend a presentation he had organised. I was already pre-committed elsewhere and his final fling was an inference that I was ‘in flat out supine denial about climate change.’ We're both on the same side of that debate but is that effective communication?
Getting back to Mayor Rothfield’s well-honed article - I would like to point that ongoing service review has been a fundamental pillar of Council’s direction for at least the last four years and I have yet to find an officer who isn’t doing their utmost to deliver the services that the community, especially the all too often silent majority, need us to provide.
My gut feeling: The Cats will win the Grand Final – but I wouldn’t gamble other people’s money on it.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Geoff, a nice refelective deflective piece. On my resume is clearly states that I am an AFL fan.....that’s a member of the anti football league.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Thanks Frank. Don't tell anyone - I have never been to a footy game and I am very glad to hear of the Anti Football League. Cheers from Western Port Ward!
Cr Geoff Ellis
Bravo Cr Geoff Ellis !!! An excellent summation of what the reality of life is like being a Councillor of Bass Coast Shire Council. You all deserve gold medals rather than the meager amount you are paid (which by the way is less than the Minimum wage)
As you rightly point out, it is all about effective communication. BUT having to cope with the rants of disgruntled residents is totally in-appropriate behavior.
I have the greatest respect for all of the nine Councillors of BCSC who are dedicated, passionate individuals who contribute their expertise and their time. AND together as a whole make decisions on behalf of their community. Keep up the good work.
Phyllis Papps
The Islanders
May 4, 2018
Congratulations Tim Shannon on a very interesting history lesson. I can't agree with you that you are not considered an Islander. That is an assumption that many islanders believe of newcomers, even though they have lived and contributed in many ways because, they too love this beautiful island.
The island comes alive at certain times of the year which all adds to its character. To be able to share with others that live and work in the big cities is something to be proud of. It is good for our economy.
Time does not stand still, we have to move with the times gradually
Pamela Gill
Tim Shannon provided a wonderful meandering tour of the history of Phillip Island and a look over our landscape of art. I dwell however on his notion of being an outsider.
The question in my mind is outside of what? I find it interesting that a proprietary right seems to be assumed by some, by virtue of having been born here or having been here longer. It is my view that unless you are of the Boonerung clan you do not have this right, merely good fortune.
Tim, or in more formal terms Professor Shannon, is an eminent man. We could agree on that because of his achievements derived from his intellect and years of study and probably a host of other reasons.
Phillip Island has a wealth of people who possess a wealth of knowledge including some who were born here. In my world a person is not judged on where they come from but what they have achieved or can contribute.
I recently had an impromptu dinner with 4 people I had not met before who had holiday houses on the Island. I was sitting next to an interesting woman and inquired about what she did. She said I am a forensic pathologist with a specialty in aircraft crash investigation. The next day I was approached by a lady, a holiday house owner, who sought information from me in my role as a Councillor. Later I found out she is an eminent doctor who plays a vital role at Bass Coast Health, enabling services that would otherwise not be able to be delivered.
I recall John Clarke and his wonderful; contribution to Phillip Island, we all knew who he was because he was on the television. But as I have met and spoken with people who holiday here I realise the great depth of talent that we harbour, most 'keep their light under a bushell'.
People of achievement are often outspoken on matters that matter to them, incisive and sometimes inconvenient because of the angle they may bring to a discussion. I recall reading a book by Janis may years ago called ‘Groupthink’. The message to me is encourage the dissenters and seriously think about what they say.
I hear the notion of just being a holiday house owner in my daily work. I reject it wholeheartedly and want to reach out to include people, because our community would be more of community and the richer for doing that.
Michael Whelan
George Haydon the artist also visited Phillip Island
Frank Coldebella
Try again, AEC urged
May 4, 2018
I have great respect for the first people of the land and no respect for Macmillan and the atrocities he delivered on the original owners but another name that were can neither pronounce or remember?
Margaret
We need a decision on the new name for the previously named Division of McMillan before the next federal election which will probably be held in the first half of 1919. There also needs to be time prior to the election to design and print all the ballot papers, educate electors about the name change, advertise the change, gazette the name change etc etc. I am happy with either name but suggest that Bunjileene-Purrine may be difficult to fit, in appropriate size text (a size text that can be read easily by all ages ) on the election stationery.
Libby Lambert
I understand that the proposed name for the new sub-division is difficult for English speakers and will take some getting used to but we seem to have managed with Kosciuzko and Strzelecki (both of which I had to look up to ensure the correct spelling) so, given time, I'm sure we'd manage.
As for the length of the name on ballot papers, surely we can just use two lines? Existing forms often don't have sufficient space for my two (English) surnames so I don't think this is an insurmountable problem.
I'm reminded of the saying, 'Where there's a will there's a way'. Do we have the will?
Anne Heath Mennell
Monash! The people who actually live in Monash have asked to have Hotham ditched in favour of Monash - there was long debate about Hotham's merit in 1949.
Totally agree re the need to inform voters - there's a new seat and myriad changed boundaries as per Flinders so, I hope, they properly advise people of the changes ASAP.
The VEC needs to lift it's game in this area too!
I still have to explain to residents what Western Port Ward is and I wonder how many people know if they are in the State seat of Bass District? No, not the Tasmanian seat, the Victorian one.
At least all of Bass Coast will be in one Federal electorate soon.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Life after Warley
May 4, 2018
Mary thank you for this incredibly important, comprehensive account of the history and complex legal issues on the closure of Warley. I would love to see this week's account published in The Advertiser. There are still many people who are unable to move on and who may not use internet who would benefit from reading your account.
Gabrielle Mahony
Thanks Mary for this clarity. This is such an excellent reference to the health services now established on Philip Island linking the significance of, and dignified respect to, Warley.
Ellen Hubble
Thanks Mary, great article, it is so important to hear the history of Warley and especially to hear Gwen's story of incredible service over 54 years. Looking forward to seeing the new Health Hub.
Christine McLoughlin
Clean bill of health
May 4, 2018
Fantastic news, well done to the Wonthaggi Hospital and all the people that made it happen.
Jan Fleming
$115m expansion for Wonthaggi Hospital
April 27, 2018
Having spent quite a lot of time in hospitals in the last 10 years I have to say Wonnie is my favourite. I use the ER about once a year for a recurring illness and have always found the staff to be professional, caring and friendly compared to the overworked folks in big city ERs. And only a short walk on crutches to the car park where they don't charge you (pun intended) an arm and a leg to park your car overnight. I hope with these much needed funds they still retain their country hospital feel.
James
Thanks Catherine for being first again to tell us the news. Accurate and unbiased. Pity there’s not an election every year
Geoff Heyes
Great news. We have always had great people at the hospital now we will start to get the infrastructure to support them in their caring role.
Well done Jan, the Board and the BCH team and thank you to the first Government in decades to care about Wonthaggi and Bass Coast.
Michael Whelan
The important words from the Premier is that the Bass Coast is projected to grow by 55% by 2031 which is great. The City of Bass Coast will be here a lot sooner than some people realise.
This is great news because we now need to rebuild a railway line back to Melbourne. Think the City of Bass Coast and how are we going to get there. Or what infrastructure do we need to match the growth. The Bass Coast Shire Council better get their act together to prepare for growth.
Frank Schooneveldt
Wonderful news for the hospital. I have not lived in Wonthaggi for many years but have have been with my (recently deceased) mother at the hospital on a few of occasions in the past two years and was impressed with both the professionalism and empathy of the staff both in dealing with my mum and making my wife and I feel welcome. Keep up the great work.
Don Gall
Under the Southern Cross
April 20, 2018
A beautifully written article Geoff and Bert's death has highlighted housing concerns for people living in our area. The service that night was very moving and highlighted homelessness and a lack of resources in Bass Coast. I do hope that some good comes out of this.
Joy Button
Your article brings some questions to mind.
1) does Council know, roughly, how many homeless people there are in Bass Coast?
2) what is Council intending to do about it? You mentioned the Miners’ Rest Motel redevelopment; does Council have a plan to help fund alternative emergency accommodation?
Mikhaela Barlow
Dear Geoff, having you at Bertie's memorial was a such a wonderful thing to see, I felt from seeing you there that Bertie's plight was in good hands and voice would arise that could advocate on her behalf and thousands just like her. I have read that the number of women over the age of 55 that are homeless and living on the streets has dramatically risen in the last couple years and yes you are right in saying that not enough focus is on homelessness now since Kevin Rudd left. Interesting to note to that this prime minister was homeless himself at one point and lived with his mother and siblings in the family car. A thing that really cuts to the quick is the way landlords at eviction go about this process, chucking personal things out of the evictee which were about their life, their story and most of all possibly the only things that kept them going. Changes need to be made to some landlord policy and procedures as well. Emotions and feelings of what an evictee experience are humiliation, despair, failure, loneliness just to name a few...Bertie, while not with us now has touched everyone's hearts and hopefully has create many voices to rise up and see that this does not happen again
Annie Brookes
Well done Geoff, an informative and sensitive piece on a very hard subject, to mis-quote you, that has to be told. Bert's funeral was small and sad, the family wanted it to be private. The flowers placed in Bert's spot have all been brought together to the right spot now. You would like to think that some of the huge profit Andrew's government made selling off the Snowy River Hydro plant could go to rural emergency housing and other essential services, rather than to sporting venues in Melbourne.
Robyn Smith
Thank you Geoff Ellis for taking the time to put into words what a lot of local people are feeling about the loss of Roberta. Even though we had not met, it feels so wrong for a member of our small community to pass away alone following a string of dire circumstances. I hope checks will be put in place to mitigate this happening again.
I would love to see Council approve a place of remembrance in the way of a seat or plaque in Roberta's memory also.
Lizzy Leahy
Council backs car ferry ‘in principle’
April 20, 2018
The most suitable location for the car/tourist jetty is at the end of Bass Street.
Bass Street is a particularly wide street and it is suitable for the associated traffic flow.
A Bass Street terminal would have minimal impact on the central Cowes activity area.
Ron Daly
Firstly, I commend Cr Rothfield on the way the meeting was conducted and all councilors on their considered opinions
This was a show of democracy at work of which the council can be proud.
The decision to request extension of the business case to investigate location of the ferry terminal at the Cowes jetty and the impact on the community, was the only course of action that the council could make when faced with the Victorian Governments infrastructure agenda.
It is of concern that the acceptance of the business case by council will be misconstrued as approval by advocates for the ferry. The business case presented so far is seriously flawed in many aspects including. predicted customer demand during winter periods, lack of detail on the impact of a ferry terminal on community amenity or the environment. No escape plan or alternative use if the ferry proves not financially viable, as is demonstrated by the Port Welshpool abandoned and sealed off Seacat Ferry terminal.
Council need to be vigilant and analytical of "all data" being presented and prepared to critically analyse the final business case before a final decision can be made on this permanent infrastructure development.
Ian Samuel
$80m you say? And who is going to pay that $80m? The ratepayers of Bass Council that's who. This is not a commercial proposition. The "investment" return is to whom exactly? At council interest rates of 5%, $3,200 each paid back over 20 years by 25,000 rate payers, that is over $200 per year on our already ridiculously high rates.This is not "funny money" accounting that is an extra $50 per quarter for 25 years on every rate payers bill. Let the businesses and councillors who support it set up an investment company and raise the money if it is such a great proposition. No takers? Didn't think so. So easy to spend someone else's money isn't it?
James
James, this is a State Government project. There is no suggestion that Bass Coast Council or ratepayers would fund it.
Catherine Watson
Thanks. I have looked through the business case and I don't see this explicitly stated. It talks about a joint project between state and local govt.Do you have a link where it says this is 100% funded by the state government?
James
Developer tactics under fire
April 20, 2018
Cr Tessari has hit the nail on the head. This pre-emptive appeal warranted by untimely presentation of their own documentation is disappointing.
Further frustration comes from the on again, off again, nature of the Vcat process that this triggered and the need for residents and objectors to prepare for trips to Melbourne to attend panel hearings that may, or may not occur on the originally assigned dates.
It's bad enough that our residents have to travel to Melbourne to attend Vcat but the necessity to allocate days for meetings that are cancelled at short notice due to this pre-emptive referral are particularly unpalatable.
Cr Geoff Ellis
I objected to the development of a new suburb for Wonthaggi behind my home in Reed Crescent. People DO have to live somewhere but for many reasons - bush fire safety, ambience of area for nearby residents, drainage issues (water will not run uphill), native flora and fauna (93 lots = hundreds of feral animals - disguised as mild-mannered pets kept on owners property especially at night? Ha!), one way in and out onto a No Through road - disaster waiting to happen. But the old adage 'Don't stand between a developer and a dollar', is alive and well in this case. Full marks to the intrepid souls appearing at VCAT representing dozens of concerned Bass Coast ratepayers, imagine if these people did not comply with VCAT re. presentation of documentation - the developers seem to treat VCAT with contempt yet seem to 'get away' with that. Shades of several corporations 'outed' by the banking sector Royal Commission.
Yvonne McRae
Well done Brett and the council for speaking up. This estate style development is soo unsuitable for that part of town. Its a classic case of the developer displacing costs onto local residents (who have all had to work with large blocks) and the rate payers of Wonthaggi. We don't want houses all the way to the coast. It will kill the attractiveness of the area.
Some development on large blocks that cannot be further subdivided would be fine. It signals the urban rural fringe and the start of a different planning regime.
BTW the best (most scenic) sites in Wonthaggi are near the old tip and the cemetery. Great views to the west and lots of birds and kangaroos to keep you entertained.
The 'developer' needs to change gears and recognise the value of the area
Edward Buckingham
My beautiful lagoon
April 20, 2018
Why is Council looking at artificially opening the lagoon? Is it just because some humans have complained about the smell of natural processes of decay and decomposition? What will that do to the birds and other species who find food in the lagoon or live in it? It is presumably part of a wider eco-system which has existed for a long time, certainly longer than human residents have been in the area. Around the world, wetlands (ephemeral and permanent) and boggy areas are disappearing rapidly, along with species that depend on them, such as frogs. We should be protecting and preserving such features and letting them be. We tear holes in the web of life to our peril.
Anne Heath Mennell
Well said Anne and well done Susan. Have we learned nothing from global warming? Can we never learn to live with the planet instead of insisting on knowing best? Perhaps we need the Phillip Island nature park to manage all Bass Coast environmental values. Let it be Council, let it be.
Karen Sandon
I agree with you all. Why interfere with our natural environment? let it be.
Robyn Smith
I only see a natural decay process in these photos, no plastic bags or coke bottles! So I agree, let it be.....
Kim Veness
I hope this article and the comments will be passed on to the consultant hired by Council?
Anne Heath Mennell
It's great to see the above comments! These have been noted by the Sustainable Environment team and passed on to the consultant who is undertaking the project. Please feel free to join us on Friday, 11 May 2018 for the Community walk and talk (9-10am) and workshop (10.15am - noon) to share information about the lagoon and its history. This is an opportunity to discuss concerns and potential management options. We will meet at the pedestrian bridge over Ayr Creek on Surf Parade, Inverloch. for more details please visit our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1610539005735544/
Bass Coast Shire Council
In sickness and in health
April 20, 2018
Thanks Mary for your well-researched history of Warley Hospital. It explains why many Phillip Islanders are so passionate about its loss and how this much-loved, home-grown institution could not keep pace with changes beyond its control. I look forward to reading part 2.
Linda Cuttriss
Mary, what a very well researched and topical as well as meaningful article -especially now in 2018. The new Health Hub has been completed and will be open soon. Great news for people on Phillip Island and congratulations to everyone who was involved during the past decades. I look forward to reading your next article 'Part II 'Life after Warley.'
However, the current REALITY IS: if anyone wanting and needing 24/7 Emergency care AFTER the GP clinics and the Health Hub have closed, doesn't have many options. I keep on being told that the Ambulance will take people to Wonthaggi Emergency Dept. But guess what? the Emergency Dept. three days ago refused to take Ambulances due to the resource constraints of Wonthaggi Hospital.(Bass Coast Health) so patients were diverted to Frankston Hospital Emergency Dept. Not great news.
Phyllis Papps
Hello Phyllis, I can assure you that our Emergency Department has not gone on bypass for all the 2 years that I have been CEO. You might be referring to last Wednesday where the AV clinician made their own decision to direct a patient to Frankston rather than our ED. That will sometimes happen if the patient needs inpatient care that we cannot provide. We were busy last week but did not refuse, and would never refuse, to take a patient, unless they were beyond our capability. You can have great confidence that even in our busiest times, our doors are very much open and I am really pleased to reassure everyone that the Wonthaggi ED has highly skilled doctors and nurse available 24/7 to provide the best possible emergency response. Happy to clarify any other concerns - please feel free to contact me at any time. Kind Regards, Jan Child, Bass Coast Health CEO.
Jan Child
Thank you Jan for the clarification. The only information I had at that stage was what the Ambulance driver repeated to me when I spoke to him on two occasions by telephone. Anyway, the patient had blood tests, Xrays and scans and was released from Frankston Hospital E.D. some hours later.
Phyllis Papps
Mary your Warley Story is wonderful.. I worked at Warley for 40 years and it was a citadel of loving care.My husband Bob's grand-mother was on the first committee in 1923, his father was President and the prime-mover of the new Warley wing in 1962 and Bob himself was President and is a Life-member. Our memories of Warley are rich and enduring.
Anne Davie
Solar farm on the horizon
April 20, 2018
Wonderful news! The future seems to be in smallish local systems rather than centralised production which is vulnerable to breakdowns. I look forward to Susan's article and wonder if she could explain how power put into the grid can go directly to Wonthaggi and Inverloch before any surplus goes off elsewhere? It would be good if it was cheaper as well as being more reliable.
Anne Heath Mennell
Welcome to Bass
April 6, 2018
Small business is what is needed in our country areas. Community groups and general visitors are always looking for that something different. Wishing you the best of luck in this new venture.
Looking forward to your grand opening. Please keep us all informed of your progress.
Pamela J Gill JP
Out of the darkness
April 6, 2018
I recently found several photographic gems which Trevor might find interesting - a 360 degree photo of the interior of the old Cyclone building, along with a photo album of the construction of the Baw Baw ski lodge, featuring a youthful Trevor and Alan Foon (blurred Kodak , of course!). They are part of the Historical Society collection. I hope the Willis murals are still part of the old shop also.
M
The story of everything
April 6, 2018
Great article! Old things are fascinating. I'm reading "The Civil War in 50 Objects" and "WW2 in 100 Objects".Hence I loved this article & photos.
Julie Tyrell
Thanks for the kind words - it would be very difficult to pare down a collection to 50 items. We have thousands of local artefacts, many of which relate to the fascinating history of Wonthaggi. What we really need is enthusiastic younger volunteers to carry on with the work.With the current craze for all things retro, it is time to document Wonthaggis post-coal history.
Mark Robertson
Watch this space
April 6, 2018
Someday I want to participate in this kind of meeting.
Kang, Eun Sook
Quite a few listened to Anitra's presentation and given the increasing competition for land and other resources there is a lot of merit in "Small", especially when considering the rising cost of electricity needed to heat a large room.
Anitra presented a range of options and I recommend her book.
Cr Geoff Ellis
What’s the point of tourists?
March 9, 2018
If only the powers that be had such common sense!
Fiona Rawson
If one was serious about "Sustainability" the Island would create its own power and water supply and fund its own Hospitals and schools etc! It's very easy to cherry pick the things we want and don't want!
For example how many people purchase products made in China but don't want to allow the ships to arrive or dig up the Minerals to pay for them?
Or we are happy to have the money from Tourists but actually don't want them on the Island!
Stefan
I encourage everyone to ACTUALLY read the San Remo and Phillip Island Visitor Economy Strategy which in fact has all these details in it. It recognizes that a ‘do nothing’ approach will mean a doubling in tourism. As part of the Strategy that had the most extensive Community consultation process that this is not what we want. It was agreed that an interventionist approach would deliver LESS tourists but that will need some Game Changer projects in order to spread visitation during the quieter times of the year in order to support a Sustainable Community. The Car Ferry was one of those that will bring visitors in the many quieter months of the year in which we see less people working in local
Visitor economy businesses and shop and business closures. In other words if we had these projects the benefit to the community is MOVING AWAY from mass tourism to more sustainable numbers that support the unique environment of the island.
John Pandazopoulos
March 10, 2018
Mr Pandazopoulos, the larger proportion of our residents and ratepayers don't have the time to read all the strategic documents relating to any particular issue yet still seem to be able to form reasonable opinions based on common sense interpretation of the facts of any matter, though it is nice of you summarize the overarching strategy for tourism in one part of Bass Coast so succinctly.
I encourage our residents to attend the consultation sessions (as listed on the BCSC website) or follow the links to express their views and concerns.
"Stop the buses" isn't the exact intent of all the game changer initiatives but environmental sustainability is the flip side of economic sustainability in Bass COAST.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Congrats to Catherine for elevating BCP to a point where key players like Ann Davie, Tim Shannon, Panda and Cr Ellis are contributing. A strong community requires open and spirited discussion.
The best part of the of these discussions is the reference to the two most valuable PI documents – Capabiity, Conflict and Compromise (CCC) and VES.
My criticism of Tim’s piece is his conclusion that we should be making farmland economically viable. I assume that this means for farming. The small land mass on the island as a % of Australia’s farming is miniscule. The best use of the rural land must be for vegetation restoration and pathways with small landscaped tourism facilities. We have now moved past farming to agri-business, the abundant 60s riding on the sheeps back’are a distant memory. The opportunity to deliver the island to future generations as a world best off-peak tourist destination is unlimited but requires 21st century thinking.
As CCC says we must provide much of the land for agriculture use but in 2018, this part of the rural land is for landscape value for international visitors. CCC says we must reward farmers for vegetation and public access. Written in 1975, we have not commenced this journey. The RLUS (Rural Land Use Strategy) remains the most unimaginative document of
council strategies.
As Ann Davie has stated – here we go again. The car ferry is a solution without a problem. Somehow 30 cars per hour will change the local economy. 30 cars cross the bridge in one minute.
Unfortunately, the car ferry is consuming all available oxygen and the two real potentials for off-peak business growth are being ignored. Firstly. Holiday home owners must be encouraged to come down 15 weekends per year not 10. Cowes and San Remo are not developed as vibrant visitor centres like Lorne or Castlemaine. The island and Bass Hills with it’s disused rail line can become the world best pathway network where Melb people come regularly in winter and enjoy the winter. A ride into Cowes, swim in the Aquatic Centre then enjoy live music, art, performance in the closed off main streets every Sunday. Holiday home owners are our captured customers who do not require $80m to enjoy our island and will continue to visit as the crowding of Melb continues with unabated population groth.
Phil Wright
Congratulations to Tim for questioning the great shibboleth that growing tourism is a boon. Up to 3000 people a night visit the penguin parade but it’s hard to understand the benefits to the island community or environment.
Phil is right that future use of Phillip Island’s farmland is the key. Many European farmers are paid to revegetate and maintain their land for landscape, wildlife and ecotourism purposes. Imagine farmers working in partnership with PINP and much of the island slowly returning to its pre-European condition.
Catherine Watson
That's not what "shibboleth" means.
James Glover
You sent me scurrying to a dictionary, James, as I used the word without thinking about it. But the Merriam-Webster seems to bear out my use:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shibboleth
Definition of shibboleth. 1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning. the old shibboleths come rolling off their lips.
Catherine Watson
Great comment Catherine.
Let us preserve the natural bush and the farmland and the diversity of this beautiful island.
Don't leave it too late. As Joni Mitchell said many years ago, you "pave paradise and put up a parking lot."
Jan Fleming
We are so car dependant, what if the ferry was just for busses and pedestrians ? Although i do think we need to care more for the tourists before we bring more, especially with the ocean and wildlife issues.
While locals complain a lot abt tourist traffic, city dwellers face queues and grid lock every day. I remind myself of that coming in or out of cape Woolamai on holiday weekends, its slow but not impossible.
I'd really like to see a summer Speed limit from the wonthaggi turn off to Cowes. ( yep this summer my day was hit driver turned stright into her out of back beach rd and last sat me rear ended stationary before silver waters, no one injured ) It's like drivers get affected by "holiday mode" and just don't pay attention.
So 'Holiday Mode Speed Limits - HMSL for the Island' please
Nerida
Beasts of burden
March 9, 2018
We were visited by Catherine for the Devondaler years ago when we did our best to soldier on as farmers in the area - sadly too small we exited and went in to beef cattle grazing - I lay the blame of the demise of the dairy industry at two areas - the deregulation of the dairy industry and the floating of the shares - very very sad
Rosemary Loughnan (Asquith)
The board need to take some ownership for the demise of Murray Goulburn. They employed a CEO who didn’t have a good track record and he walked away with a huge payout
Helen
Thank you for this story Bob and have never been able to understood the demise of Murray Goulburn. As a city person will read Catherine's book, Just A Bunch of Cow Cockies, from the library as I have not been able to understand how this company could go. Agree with Helen though on what I have read so far. Interesting pic Bob.
Joy Button
An enormous tragedy. Jack McGuire would be spinning in his grave. The unlikely, but visionary cheesemaker from Cobram who built a dairy empire from nothing. The years of adversity and struggle just frittered away by his successors. Its beyond sad.
Pete Granger
"Just a Bunch of Cow Cockies" - beware - if you read the first page you can't put it down till you've finished the entire story - and what a great tale, pity the unwritten recent history is so tragic.
Geoff Ellis
10/3/2018 08:32:14 am
Thank you Geoff and really looking forward to reading "Just a Bunch of Cow Cockies" .... can't wait!
Joy Button
Joy, if you cannot get a library copy for a while you may borrow ours. Geoff is right. Just reading the foreward and preface is rewarding in itself and the photos Catherine collected are great. As you would be aware I am not well versed on this subject, I was just telling a story.
Bob Middleton
Bob, thanks for highlighting the tragedy of MG’s ruin.
The uncertain nature of the dairy industry – climate, currency, world trade – makes mistakes inevitable. Some can only be seen in retrospect.
In 1981 MG was in equally desperate straits. It had expanded just before a big economic downturn. It was forced to drop its milk price to farmers. A hundred farmers a week were moving to other companies. Murray Goulburn was bleeding to death.
Then a resistance movement started among loyal suppliers and staff who forced the board to bring back Jack McGuire, the man who’d run the company for 30 years. McGuire went round the state reminding the suppliers that this was their company and it was worth saving. Within a year he had turned MG around.
So much of economics is about confidence. McGuire gave that to the farmers and they backed him.
The Saputo takeover of MG is not quite a done deal. It still has to be approved by suppliers. We need another Jack McGuire.
I still have this faint hope: cometh the hour, cometh the wo/man.
Catherine Watson
Thank you Bob for your generous offer of a loan of the book but I think there may be a couple of books available. Thank you Catherine also for your comment and feedback about Murray Goulburn ... makes me want to read more and understand more. Thank you!
Joy Button
Day of reckoning
March 9, 2018
Hold your surprise about the "only female tanker driver". I work alongside 2 others in Melbourne.
Long time listener to the ABC, l'm picking more and more mistakes in their broadcast information.
Same with the previous days conversation hour ,talking to a representative of Engineers Australia (EA) about shortages of Engineers. EA makes thousands of dollars vetting overseas Engineers, there's no shortage of graduate Engineers in Australia. EA is all about making big wages for it's staff.
Joseph Heller
I had the pleasure of hearing Pam deliver this speech and as well hear Joanne Hakanson who is doing amazing work at the Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness Centre. The room was full of sensational Bass Coast women all doing great things right here in Bass Coast.
Bass Coast does pretty well in gender terms with our Mayors but the current council representation is an appalling 2 women to 7 men. I look forward to making way for a wonderful woman to take over the reins from me here in Island Ward - give it some thought.
Michael Whelan
Our society is advancing albeit slowly, to recognise that gender is irrelevant in the pursuit of excellence.
The task is to acknowledge and reward abilty and performance regardless of gender in all facets of our society.
Ian Samuel
I can remember the head of the ABC or the NZBC some 30 or so years ago explaining that women couldn’t be newsreaders because their voices were too high to convey the gravitas of news. Even worse, at the time I thought he (of course he was a he) had a point. Obviously no one told Lee Lin Chin!
Catherine Watson
The 'U.N. Women' website includes a page of facts and figures relating to global leadership and political participation which includes this paragraph:
'Women’s representation in local governments can make a difference. Research on panchayats (local councils) in India discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with women-led councils was 62 per cent higher than in those with men-led councils. In Norway, a direct causal relationship between the presence of women in municipal councils and childcare coverage was found.
This is the link to the whole shebang -
http://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures:
Cr Geoff Ellis
Family ties
March 9, 2018
Aaah, the mystery has been solved and I can rest my imagination! Thanks for sharing Geoff
Vilya Congreave
Hi Geoff, Be very careful, as if you or your relatives agree to accept the estate as you may also find that you are liable for all the back taxes. My cousins via an ancestor on their fathers side were offered a substantial 'pile' (read large historic country house) in England as they were some of the last standing' descendants. On investigation, they ascertained that the outstanding 'back taxes' which required payment before they could take possession, would have required the liquidation all of the three families entire properties as well s payment of all their savings. Suggest you check this all out before agreeing to accept / participate. Of course there may be no back taxes, in which case you might just inherit some interesting property. kind regards Libby
Libby Lambert
Looks like trouble
March 10, 2018
Thank you Liane for such a brave story, so well written as always. Our noses are sort of front and centre aren't they. We hope you find a remedy very soon. But we who know or know of your life's work are aware that you were given the most generous of hearts.
Bob Middleton
Gracious me - how incredibly kind of you. And - yes - all will be well.
Liane Arno
Questions remain over ferry plan
February 23, 2018
Many good points, which must be considered fully before a final decision is made by Council.
Regarding Cr Whelans final paragraph...Council please listen and seriously consider the opinions, local knowledge and expertise of the residents who elected you. This is not being done in many of the recent and not so recent decisions of this, and previous councils.
Mel Marks
Cr Whelan's contribution to the Car Ferry discussion is helpful and timely. Consideration of the proposal must involve the Island community and its stakeholders. It is an expensive project and has the potential to be a game-changer.
Anne Davie
Well done Cr Whelan on your good analysis.
Yes we need more detailed data and information, as there is a lot at stake.
This old chestnut always gets dragged out of the closet at election time. Let''s put it back in the closet and ensure it's properly locked this time!
Adrian James
Cr Whelan is very much aware that the next stage after the business case is the significant environmental focus that will occur. This is not normally done at the business stage. As someone involved in many of these processes in the past and as someone who has been a strong environmental advocate for our State the process as proceeded is the most appropriate. You cannot answer all issues at the start of the process. The start of the process provides additional questions and queries which have to be looked at in more detail as the next stage. This is not a project that would happen overnight. It still needs more work. But the essential principles are that a carry ferry terminal is simply a larger jetty than the one we have at Cowes and a very much smaller project than the bridge that connects San Remo to Newhaven. The abundance of marine wildlife under these structures provides a strong indication of the environmental health under these structures and other structures over water across the State.
John Pandazopoulos
John, when you say the Cowes terminal is 'a very much smaller project than the bridge that connects San Remo to Newhaven' and then state that the fact there are fish under the bridge evidences the environmental benefits of a jetties across the state I really, really don't see the relevance and suggest that you are conflating co-incidence with causation and underestimating the critical thinking of our community.
FYI that bridge has a name.
Cr Geoff Ellis
I agree with Michael's analysis and his call for more research and to proceed with caution. The draft Business Case makes it clear that this is a medium to high risk project in terms of financial risk and environmental risk. Nowhere is Climate Change mentioned in the report and this will have a huge impact on the coast in years to come. I refer readers to http://www.ozcoasts.gov.au/climate/sd_visual.jsp This is a Government site and clearly indicates projected rises along our coasts. Irrespective of what you believe, Council has a duty to ratepayers to consider the cost of this project on our rates both now and into the future.
Steve Milton
If there is a need for a second ferry then what is the user capacity of the one we have now.
When talking to tourist bus drivers who daily travel from inner Melbourne. They say their bus service will grow and not change with a proposed vehicle ferry.
The outlay of revenue for a private business must stop. Let the private busines put their own money forward. Council must determine what secondary changes to a council road or other will be needed.
Using very old statistics for this busines case must be challenged by council officer. Why is council running this & not the State Government ? More must be brought out into the open for the Stoney Point or Crib Point location. Council should have rejected this business case when the council was given the document many days prior to the public release when the report was highly flawed. Council should have said go away and correct the reports errors. Why the rush with a flawed report that the public has to try and determine what's actually correct. Funding for this report must not be paid out.
Graham Jolly
Could John Pannzanopolous please ensure that any plans for this environmentally benign (?) ferry has a series of safe crossing points for the plagues of whales which utilise the Western entrance channel - a roundabout perhaps? One would hope that the environmental effects statement is far less voluminous and more accurate than the desalination plant one.....
Mark Robertson
The last resort
February 23, 2018
Nicely written article providing a refreshing and balanced perspective of the challenges within the public housing sector. I’m hoping that this Tom continues a proud tradition and has newspaper ink coursing through his veins. Well done foe shining a light where few dare to tread
Jim Barritt
February 25, 2018
Great article Tom, balanced and well researched.
My bottom line - no one was ever going to buy the Miner’s Rest to build the affordable housing that we need. It is currently used for purposes for which it wasn’t designed. The new development promises some measurable community benefit. Certainly we need to make sure the current occupants are looked after through a multi-agency approach. I despair over some of their personal circumstances. As for the caravan park - the state and federal governments need to look at their priorities and put more resources into low cost and affordable housing as well include provision in their planning controls.
Homelessness is so common in Melbourne that shoppers step around people sleeping rough in Elizabeth St without batting an eyelid. I know we won't let that happen here - we, as a community and as a Council are better than that.
Cr Geoff Ellis
Thank-you so much, Tom, for your well written, thought provoking article.
When I first started looking to buy in this area, a real estate agent apologised for the shabby entrance to Wonthaggi and assured me that it would soon be improved. Nine years later, I see no evidence of this, so when I heard that the Miners Rest Motel was to be sold, I thought this may be the start of this beautification. I had not considered what its demise would mean.
The first consideration is the people who live there now. It is their home and being made to leave your home, and especially the area where you live, can have devastating effects.
Geoff Ellis mentions the homeless people in Melbourne. Yes Geoff, their circumstances are terrible, yet when I spoke to a homeless man in Melbourne last year, he spoke of a street community of people who look after each other. If he had to move from the area, he said, he would be completely lost. I don’t know, but I assume that many people living at Miners Rest would feel the same if they are forced to move from the area.
I am not saying that Miners’ Rest should not be pulled down, but if it is, it should not happen until affordable housing is provided in Wonthaggi for those residents who wish to remain living there. I’m not convinced that affordable housing will be provided anywhere, but if it is, it is unacceptable to tell people that they must move to an area far from where they live now. Dislocation can lead to stress and mental as well as physical health problems.
As for what is proposed to replace the Miners Rest, a petrol station, hotel and three fast food outlets will not beautify the entrance to Wonthaggi, nor will it be good for the community. Miners Rest should be purchased by government. Instead of fast food outlets bringing more junk food into the area; a third pub, probably with poker machines and all the problems they cause, and a fourth petrol station that is certainly not needed, there should be facilities for young people who I have heard complain about how boring Wonthaggi is, and affordable housing, which is becoming impossible to find. These could be provided in beautiful treed surroundings. I suppose this is too much to ask. But then, there is a State Government election scheduled for November this year. Could it be that people in this area care enough to put pressure on the government and in the light of the election, their voices are heard.
Bron Dahlstrom
Great article, Tom - you're a chip off the old block!! good luck with your studies
Annie Chisholm
And the bands played on
February 23, 2018
Always a great weekend of Music, Food & Wine and atmosphere plus.
Roger Clark
The well of creativity
February 23, 2018
After viewing Philipas wonderful Monster exhibition it is obvious that she "gets" the quirky nature of Wonthaggi and its hidden delights. I wonder if she is aware of our long history of Italian settlement - almost 100 years. The Wonthaggi Historical Society has produced a comprehensive display of the first wave of migrants, which is currently on display at the railway station. I would be happy to show it to Phillipa when she is in town. Of course, any other Bass coast residents are more than welcome also. The display will form part of the Harmony day celebrations as well.
Mark Robertson
The Creature stirs
February 24, 2018
Congratulations, Filippa Buttita! Your paintings of our 'legendary' Wonthaggi Monster are beautifully-executed against superb backdrops like the spectacular one above.
As a longtime member of the Australian Rare Fauna Research Association, I have closely followed all reports of a mystery striped creature resembling or answering the description of a Tasmanian tiger. ARFRA has thousands of reports of sightings of such a creature, with the Bass Coast area a hot spot for sightings on the Australian mainland.
As the Tasmanian Tiger is officially deemed extinct, we cannot claim what numerous witnesses have reported are sightings of them, but ARFRA is still interested in following such sightings of this or any other rare creature in Australia. If you have a sighting you would like to share, please email me on h-mtobin@bigpond.com.
Meryl Tobin
Out to the Wreck
February 25, 2018
Thank you Lyn. That was a delightful read. Such a rich environment for children and no helicopter parents. How the world has changed.
Doris Tate
Car ferry a goer: study
February 16, 2018
Finally the experts have confirmed what most rational, clear-headed people have known all along; that a Cowes to Stony Point vehicular ferry IS economically viable and will be a invaluable tourism asset as well as providing a critical piece of emergency infrastructure. The environment will not be destroyed, penguins will not abandon their burrows and the sun will still rise tommorrow. Hopefully now the ill-informed, misguided and emotive rantings of a NIMBY minority can now be pushed aside and the Government can get on with building this much needed facility.
Robbie Viglietti
The only ranting I hear is from the lobby who keep coming up with spurious benefits like "emergency infrastructure" without being able to actually come up with an actual scenario where it would significantly help.
Bob
Lies, damm lies, and statistics
All you need to make it look like everything is Rosy.
Destruction of a very popular family beach will most definitely attract thousands of tourists every day "NOT"
Is this being put up by the PoHDA supporters to destroy the northern beaches so Cowes will become an industrial eyesore so there favourite container port can be built.
Leigh
I'm not sure about those other "famous" coastal drives but at the moment you can get from Sorrento to Phillip Island by driving down either the scenic east or west sides of Mornington Peninsula then up the Bass Highway through the Waterline. This is already a scenic route. Why would you need a quicker route to get to PI if people are touring and don't need to save a couple of extra hours? The idea that PI is a dead end is easily disputed, just look at the Xmas-Oz Day tailback from the bridge to Bass Highway turnoff aka "the worlds most scenic traffic jam" (now there's a tourist angle for you). And a few rubbery finance figures do nothing more to convince me. I've worked in investment banking I know how these things work.
Not Convinced.
Car ferry a goner - at $63M for Cowes jetty, how much for Stony Point? Then Q
1 ferry or 2 at $20M or so? Discard the $12.3M savings on vehicle use, $15 petrol offset by +$90 ferry fare.
Why do we need mas exit for pedestrians? Are they inviting ISIS germ warfare or what?
How much more time and effort must we all waste on this nonsense?
Bernie
$63 mill - it would have cost $2 mill to keep Warley hospital open
Fossie32
How many tourists will use it considering that hire cars are not allowed to go on ferries?
Jen
A Goer? I think not. The best alternative to this folly is to widen the bridge and provide a bi-pass around Sam Remo. On long weekends, the time to Melbourne increase by 1 hour each way in bumper to bumper traffic. This does not attract tourists. Fix the bottle necks along Bass Highway, provide a proper road in and out of Cowes. The existing situation is intolerable. Want to create jobs? Open the Warley Hospital. 60,000 people in peak times and no hospital? RIDICULOUS MR ANDREWS.
Glen Isla
A journey with Parkinson’s
February 16, 2018
I have been thru the same process in the lasrt year. Different neurologist, different hospital.
Unfortunately the battery pack became infected and had to be removed. the infection was then detected travelling towards the probes and they also had to be removed. I am awaiting replacements.
I wish David many happy future miles/kilometers in his red truck.
Bernie Bambling
Thanks Bernie for your good wishes. Sorry to learn of your infection and hope the replacements and process of installation goes smoothly and are effective.
David Kemp
Just wanted to let you know that on 20/2/2018, I received notification that my refitting process is scheduled to start 16/4/2018. Happy Days.
Bernie Bambling
Thanks Geoff for writing this.
David Kemp
What men we have living in our Bass Coast region,both writer and his subject.. Well done Geoff and the well done to you David. The wonders of modern medical research and your positive attitude are mighty weapons .I wish you the very best of outcomes.
Bob Middleton
Thanks very much for your kind comments, Bob.
David Kemp
Island farewellsCherry McFee
February 16, 2018
Cherry was an inspiration to us all, may she rest in peace.
Carmen Bush
Cherry was indeed an inspiration. Delightful, witty, hard-working, dedicated, no-nonsense with a smile to brighten your day. A truly rare treasure. Cherry gave so much to her community. She will be much missed. Rest In Peace, Cherry.
Linda Cuttriss
Bedtime stories
February 16, 2018
What a beautiful piece Bob. And another apt cartoon Natasha. Well put both of you.
Miriam Strickland
Softening the edges
February 16, 2018
Great work Bill. All the best for your coming exhibition.
John Adam
a very talented artist and sculptor, always working at his craft, very dedicated. I am very lucky to have some of his work at my home.
Beryl King
The F word
February 16, 2018
Thanks Miriam for all the lowdown on how to best cook the legumes to best avoid the 'toot' effect. Have always loved beans but tended to open a can for an instant addition. But your idea of cooking large quantities and freezing is what I'll do. Thanks!
Sue Packham
You're welcome Sue! Enjoy.
Miriam Strickland
Thanks for the ideas and tips...very valuable. I am now going to get back to beans. Sometime you just need a reminder.
Tricia O'Brien
Great to hear Tricia! Have fun.
Miriam Strickland
Don’t miss this boat
February 2, 2018
Car ferry is fairy land, even 5 round trips per day, at average 40% car capacity, shifts a whole 150 cars PER DAY. Capital cost total will nudge $100M. Single lane of road at 60kmh delivers 1200 cars PER HOUR.
Rob please change to soothing medication
Bernie
Bernie you have no vision. When they built the Monash Freeway I can remember driving on it at 110kmh, now look at it, a travelers nightmare. Everything has to start somewhere and this ferry makes economic and practical sense for the long term future.
Margaret
"Imagine an urgent evacuation when the Island is at its peak of 80,000 to 100,000 visitors trying to escape via a single two-lane road and one bridge ..."
Gosh! But no, I can't imagine such a scenario. Is Phillip Island hit by a 20m tsunami or a nuclear missile from North Korea? Or perhaps like a scene from The Birds the penguins turn on the islanders who must flee en masse!
James
James, I take your point. The single ferry certainly cannot take 80,000 people at a time should a mass evacuation be required. But imagine the assets that COULD be called in should the disastrous and unthinkable occur: the infrastructure proposed for this ferry would allow much bigger vessels the chance to assist with a potential evacuation, should the same be required.
Recently a great point was raised around the vulnerability of the bridge itself. Take note of the number of placarded loads crossing the bridge at any one time (petrol, gas, diesel, aviation fuel, explosives for the quarry, to name a few).
It is not a matter of IF but of WHEN a catastrophic event occurs - especially given the increase in recent road incidents.
What would happen in the event this occurs on the circa 1950s bridge and the concrete pylons are compromised? How long would we be without road access to the mainland for? How would Phillip Island access the resources (including the water from the mainland) we require? This ferry proposes contingency and assistance for emergency egress that should have been instigated many, many moons ago when the region, and specifically the island, was identified as the growth corridor it has become.
There are certainly a lot of questions to work through, but I certainly see a plus vote in favour of supporting emergency services in whatever way possible.
Rob Easton
Better to build a bridge with a toll road.
But what I would like to see would be a foot bridge from Inverloch across the mouth of Anderson's inlet. Cash outlay vs impact on public assess would I think be significantly greater and work wonders for the Venus bay community without the need to upgrade the roads. Would be fab for cyclists. Perhaps Mr Brown could combine it with his Wonthaggi to Inverloch bike path... now that would be somethings special
Edward
I prefer Kevin Brown's reasons of why we should not have a ferry.
Jan Fleming
Great read Rob, well thought out and some great points I to would love to see Phillip island as a gate way to Bass Coast, your points on Employment, development for youth, Emergency Crisis Management, Spending(bass coast currently have the 2nd lowest tourist spend per visitor in Australia),good logic, the point on getting the project done right is crucial, I take note of one of the comments regarding the current single road both on and off the island, should this project be successful and lets hope so then this well may also assist council and strengthen there needs for much need assistance with Vic roads on the bigger picture an enable the opportunity to fast track solutions that will enhance and improve the island with a holistic approach.See you on the ferry Rob
Bradley Drew
If the ferry is supposed to make Phillip Island the "gateway to Bass Coast and beyond" there is only one way to get "beyond" and that is by the bridge. Either tourists take the ferry to and from the island, and it remains a final destination, or they take the ferry to the island and drive over the bridge and explore the Bass Coast and beyond. This will increase, not decrease bridge traffic.
As for emergency evacuations, cars and people will still be stranded waiting for the ferry, unless, of course, the emergency event happens to involve the ferry terminal. There are a thousand disaster scenarios one can speculate. And that's just what they are. Speculations.
Youth development. The ferry would provide students "real, affordable alternative to study and train at some of the best institutions our state has to offer and then return to the island" That sounds lovely and has the capacity to pull at the heart strings, but on what are you basing this? Do they take the ferry to Mornington then the train to Melbourne? Why not take the bus to Melbourne? or the bus to Dandenong and the train to Melbourne? Perhaps you are right, but how can anyone know without any solid statistics to back it up.
125 jobs, many of them during the construction phase, (temporary, transient employment) the remainder in hospitality and ferry operations, several years from now. This doesn't mean that these jobs will be filled by locals, my bet is that most won't. Again, statistics, please.
"Increased spending by visitors"? Don't you mean, increased visitors who will potentially spend some money here?
As for our wildlife, we all know the number one threat to wildlife is the destruction of their habitat, followed very closely by pollution such as plastics in the waterways. The waters off Cowes and Phillip Island are in the migratory paths of whales and endangered seabirds. A huge draw to the island is our wildlife. We've all seen the dead wallabies littering the roads. How in the world is a massive ferry terminal, increased traffic, increased building NOT going to have a negative impact on them?
And, finally, looking 20 - 30 years down the road. It is universally understood and believed, based on countless studies, that our oil supplies can't hold out more than another 30 years. Assuming it takes 5 years to complete the ferry project, why in the world are we investing $100 million in something that has a good chance of becoming obsolete in 25 years? Sustainability??? Isn't that the buzz word of the day?
Bea
Bea, simply click on through to the link to review the discussion paper where you will find all the statistics to support my article. (I do mention this at the top of the piece, and the BCP editors have been kind enough to provide click throughs for the same)
You'll find the discussion paper, and comparative case studies especially, a poignant read.
I also refer you to my final comments where I mention that there is a lot of work to be done to ensure this project is deployed with care and attention. The viability is confirmed, it is now up to all of us to engage and have our say to ensure the ferry project is as beneficial as possible to all.
Rob Easton
If its business people peddling big benefits from car ferry, surely, they should get own business prospectus together so they and other big investors can share proceeds?
Why let taxpayer subsidised operator get all profits?
With mob as big as AECOM, unlikely to get change from $100M Capex.
No way ROI, for never and never, AMEN.
Bernie
Councillor 'misunderstood' balance sheet
February 2, 2018
Thank you for your article and a Happy New Year to you and your readers.
Councillor Les Larke has misled the people of the Bass Coast over the state of the Bass Coast’s finances and he has caused a great deal of damage to the Shire by stopping infrastructure development and calling for extreme cost saving measures which are not warranted. Councillor Larke should consider his options, including resignation.
The Council should include as part of its financial decision making process a twelve month rolling cashflow that includes information about revenue, expenditure and borrowing capacity. While this kind of statement is used more commercially it is a valuable tool in managing finances.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Thank you for your article, Catherine. I am so very relieved that our council's balance sheets balance and now it can go on to facilitate waiting projects and doing all in its power to further lower greenhouse emissions. If Cr Larke does decide to resign, I wonder whether Neil Rankin would like to step back and continue the excellent job he did during his previous term in office.
Felicia Di Stefano
Thank goodness got the Post, at least some balance in a local news desert. Keep up the good work Catherine, I really enjoy reading your newspaper.
Lorrie Read
The time has come for the Victorian Auditor-General and the rest of the Councillors to resign and let Councillor Les Larke get on with the job he was elected to do, which was to sort out the financial disaster facing us. As the only Certified Practicing Accountant in the Council village, he has all the credentials. Furthermore,the next time Bass Coast Shire CEO Paul Buckley is successful in an application for a public position, I hope he has the courtesy, civility, dignity and respect to haggle down the renumeration being offered prior to confirming his acceptance of any such position.
John Coldebella
What a spectacular rant John and you have prompted some questions in me. Can you enlighten the people of the Bass Coast with your reasoned arguments about the nature, the details of the financial disaster facing us?
You and Cr Les Larke set great store by qualifications.
Do you doubt the Victorian Auditor General’s credentials to comment on the state of the Bass Coast Finances?
John, debate is useful but should not be destructive. We all need to be positive and contribute what we can to achieve great outcomes for the Bass Coast.
Frank W Schooneveldt
Frank, knowing John, I can reassure you that his letter was satirical.
He does raise an interesting point. How do we tell the deluded lone voice from the brilliant lone voice? There are times when the one is right and the millions are wrong.
It's probably worth looking at the calibre of the one lone voice. I would put Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott firmly in the camp of the self-deluded. Perhaps Cr Larke belongs there too. Ego is the key.
Catherine Watson
Catherine,
Thank you for the heads up. I took John's words at face value and responded accordingly. The questions I raised still need to be answered.
Frank W Schooneveldt
John, get your tongue out of your cheek right now, as it appears that some might think you are serious!
Mark Robertson
Catherine is absolutely right. EGO is the key.
Once, many, many years ago when I became a Board member of Bass Coast Community Health Service, someone said to me "leave your ego out of the door." AND that is precisely what Cr. Les Larke and other Councillors should do. They were voted by the community to represent us, not be self-serving or self- deluded.
Phyllis Papps
Maybe he should just resign. How much time and money has been wasted, with no outcome?.
Julie Tyrrell
and what’s more, he got voted in solely on that platform! Wasted time and money but at least his efforts have proved that Bass Coast is in not a bad shape financially and that the administration is quite sound - which is what the other Councillors have been saying pretty much since they got in. I agree - please resign, Cr Larke, and let someone who has a clue take your place
Albie Goode
Thank you for the wisdom couched in such typical humour John and thank you Catherine for carrying the heavy part of the load. A great issue to start off the new year.
Bob Middleton
Mr Toull’s big day
Well done Reg, you’re a bloody marvel. And thank you for building the Lady Barron at Flinders Island where long ago I enjoyed an ale or two.
Bob Middleton
Thank you Gill for writing such a fantastic article about one of our great characters in Coronet Bay. Your story depicts Reg beautifully and shows what a marvel he is at 89 years of age, and no aches or pains and now cancer free ... lucky man! Your article has been written beautifully with great sensitivity ... thank you!
Joy Button
What a wonderful story. There are so many people in our community whose stories should be told. Let’s hope we see many more during 2018.
Well done Gill, and Joy.
Roger Clark
Great story Gill.
Jan Fleming
Thank you for a beautiful story, Gill. I fell in love with Coronet Bay the first time I saw it. What would it take to make the world into Coronet Bay, I wonder.
Felicia Di Stefano
Dear Joy, Gill and Terry, you have brought a smile to a lot of people's faces with this story, although I am now living in Wonthaggi, I still love Coronet Bay, it is so peaceful there, and the people are so kind and friendly, Thank you for this story, and Good Luck to you Mr Toull, you are a Legend.
Julie Cameron
What a wonderful story Mr Toull.
You Are an inspiration to all who have read this and are going through the trauma of this terrible disease. Thank you.
Pamela J Gill JP
Such an inspirational story all about Mr Toull. Congratulations on being cancer free … such wonderful news for you and your family. Just goes to show age is just a number and living in such an amazing community helps keep you full of life … it’s just like that movie Cocoon
Annie Brookes
Thank you Mr. Toull, you made my day, you reminded me that life is meant to be lived not tolerated, I wish you many more productive, useful and happy years. Well done Joy and Gill for passing on the good news.
Lyn Harris
Gill, You've captured the spirit of Coronet Bay. More please.
'Good on you' to Joy and Reg.
Cheers to Coronet Bay!
Geoff Ellis
Under the boardwalk
February 2, 2018
Fabulous pictures, we don't need to go to the Great Barrier Reef. Thanks David.
Jan Fleming
Thank you Jan. I love diving down here. We have such amazing stuff to see, with our great reefs.
David Haintz
Fantastic article David, You are a true professional and an awsome friend to dive with.
Catch up soon for a dive
Paul Fearn
Backyard critters
Thanks Terri, you always have an interesting story.
Jan Fleming
A few years ago we delighted in telling my new Welsh son-in-law about all the vicious creatures sharing his new home. He was an ex- British army engineer, but was scared witless by the tales of teeth and venom. We only had to embellish the truth a little.......
Mark Robertson
Visitors in the frame
February 2, 2018
The same thing happened to me several years ago. I had my two elderly dogs on leads and then all of a sudden two Rottweillers came 'out of the blue' and started attacking my two dogs. I kept on yelling at them and trying to kick them away. All of a sudden a man in a white van arrived, whistled to them and they ran back into his van. I yelled at him and said 'your two dogs just tried to attack mine.' He laughed and as he drove away he said 'Sorry lady'.
AND yes I was shattered by the experience, so were my two old dogs. But guess what he was a local, not a tourist and now I know where he lives.
Phyllis Papps
Some people do not deserve to have pets as well as children because they pit no effort of discipline and good behaviour into them and the result it then becomes the public that have to endure it. Get a grip on your children and your pets not everyone wants to pit up with the bad behaviour.
Dilene
A cook’s journal
February 2, 2018
DELICIOUS!I will make that again! Best muffins ever! Thankyou Jan.
Ineke HumphrysThe story of everything