Missing the history
As Victoria celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the National Trust, l am advised by their headquarter spokesperson that Ballarat is not joining in with any event. This is very disappointing given the large numbers of heritage buildings like Craigs Hotel, Mechanics Institute and many more outstanding places. Does the National Trust in Ballarat need reviving?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Oliver Guthrie, Alfredton
neglecting the basics
Quinton Wilkinson, Courier 28/5/16, makes an interesting point. I have long contended that Ballarat City Council do not administer now to the needs of their citizens, as they once did, but the entire process is administered by council officers and the ever-expanding infrastructural personnel; and many of them. It seems as if decisions are now made, not with what is right and fair for citizens, but run as a business with only the 'bottom line' in mind. I, like Quinton, wonder at the cost to run this bureaucratic monster, and how much of our rates to attend to footpaths, roads, traffic flow and rail crossings, such as that in Howitt Street, heading north. It is in a disgraceful condition, damaging every car that passes over it. It has been in poor condition for months with gaping holes appearing beside the rail tracks. This matter was reported to council at least four weeks ago, but as yet, no attempt has been made to address the issue. Citizens are daily tripping over (as my wife did yesterday), decaying and crumbling footpaths, and footpaths with overhanging foliage, and shrubs that have overgrown footpaths (as l did two weeks ago). Oh for the days when there was a greater 'duty of care' shown by our city council to its citizens.
Les Holloway, Lake Gardens
what options with green waste bin?
This new green bin roll-out is a great idea for those who want it, but of concern is there being no “opt out”. The previous system gave us the choice. I have two compost bins, and am scratching and scraping to find enough to utilise them now. As an aged pensioner, l am scratching and scraping to pay essential, daily living expenses. Maybe l could sell off some compost to pay the empty new bin emptying fee?
I may have to actually buy some compost to re-sell from my savings for my future inevitable, but hopefully, not imminent funeral. I am bleeding money. Luckily, my garden needs blood and bone fertiliser to add value. Maybe toss into my compost my body to save money and boost it, albeit only skin and bones, and lacking blood as l am slowly getting bled dry; haemorrhaging.
Colin Holmes, Ballarat
The council's green waste bins were delivered this week to properties along Skipton Street. Unfortunately, later in the day, many were kicked over onto the grass nature strips and into the gutter by two young males riding their bikes. A Police 4WD was driving past and kept driving. I stopped, as my bin was next to be kicked into the gutter. I reported this vandalism to the Ballarat City Council as it is a never-ending problem, with continual vandalism and property damage to bus shelters, fences, buildings etc. Perhaps a foot-patrol by our local Ballarat police officers may deter further bad behaviour.
Dianne Hadden, Ballarat
rate relief
I would like to congratulate the Essential Services Commission for knocking back the rate increase which this current council was seeking that would have seen many ratepayers of Ballarat being slugged more in their rates notice. In my opinion, ratepayers aren't getting value for money with their current rates, compared to other places. It's about time this council pulled up their socks and lived within its means, instead of asking ratepayers to dip into their pockets every year. Maybe cutting out some of those overseas trips that cost ratepayers a packet might be a good starting point.
Geoff Rundell, Ballarat