MOORABOOL CALLS FOR HELP (Weekly, February 4)
■ This is really an admission by mayor Paul Tatchell that Moorabool Shire is not sustainable and that it’s time to merge Bacchus Marsh and surrounds with Melton, and the rest of the shire into Ballarat.
Since 1994, Bacchus residents have had to prop up the rest of Moorabool financially. Now we face the need to add housing estates like the proposed Underbank development, so developers can provide money for roads and parks that should have been provided years ago. If we cut Ballan and the rest adrift, then maybe the Marsh can be saved from this overdevelopment and the revenue raised here spent for our well-being – not for sporting grounds and clubrooms in the west.
PAT GRIFFIN VIA WEB
FATALITY TIME BOMB
■ Having been a licensed driver for more than 45 years, I thought that at a roundabout the first motorist had right of way. But at the roundabout at the intersection of Centenary Avenue and Galilee Boulevard, Melton West vehicles move from the west, usually over the speed limit, and never give way to those coming out of Galilee.
It is only a matter of time before a fatality occurs.
TERRY SCHULZ BROOKFIELD
NATURE STRIP LAMENT
■ The ratepayers of Melton are being “stiffed” by Melton council.
The nature strip outside your house is owned by the council, yet the homeowner or tenant is expected to maintain that land or face penalties handed out by the council.
Council also has the right to plant trees or shrubs there. But when it comes to getting the council to reimburse you for private property damaged by a council-planted tree, it calls “foul” and refuses to pay.
It is the plight of the ratepayer against the might of the council – and we all know who wins.
LEN O’CONNOR MELTON
WALK OF LIFE
■ With the ageing of the population, increasing the time spent walking is a social and economic imperative.
We need more age-friendly neighbourhoods that are built for walking with better access to shops, services and public transport within one kilometre of housing.
Victoria Walks calls on all levels of government to support seniors to stay active and healthy and connected to their communities.
DR BEN ROSSITER EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VICTORIA WALKS
