Controversial Decision
Our society has reached a point where rules and laws are apparently guidelines only and we allow the said rules to be ignored or bent. No one would deny that it appears St Pat’s were technically the best crew, however, they transgressed the rules. It is up to the crew and their coaches and support group to present for a race within the rules. Simply, they did not. The meet referee recommended disqualification. Surely the school principals have some sort of obligation to be guided by the referee when he knows the rules of the sport. The decision to rerun is an easy way out. It simply exhibits to the students that rules can be twisted and bent to suit the situation. Did Usain Bolt get a rerun when a team had a positive drug test. No, all team mates got disqualified. Cut and dried enforceable rules.
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What precedent is now set for the future; a swimmer gets to the blocks 15 seconds late, misses the race and asks for a rerun? A child is only two days too old for their age group in an athletics race and runs in the younger age group? The principals had their chance to show their students that rules matter and sadly have missed it.
Ian Olver, Nerrina
Destruction in the name of roads
We are very concerned about the situation with the current VicRoads project to duplicate the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat. We understand that the planning permit has been allowed to lapse and that all affected parties will now have to review the circumstances and plan for what happens next. It is well-known that VicRoads has not covered itself in glory, in particular, by allowing over 900 trees to be removed when they proposed, we understand, closer to 200 trees. Now we hear that some culturally very significant trees are at risk. Under both Commonwealth and State legislation there are mechanisms and obligations to identify, assess, and protect features of significant cultural and/or environmental significance. It is always possible for significant sites to be initially missed. VicRoads, in this matter, appears to be relying on cultural and environmental evidence which is now known to be incomplete. We argue that the planning authorities at all government levels should take the window of opportunity that has now opened to insist on a proper reassessment of all cultural and environmental evidence relevant to the Western Highway project - on both sides of Ararat.
If a serious consideration of alternative highway alignments can provide protection for highly significant cultural and environmental heritage then that will be a win for all the community. VicRoads, and all levels of government, are on notice that wanton destruction is no longer acceptable. We applaud the efforts of the Buangor farmer, Ms. McKenzie, to fight for the best outcome available against significant opposition.
Cr. Kate Redwood AM, Daylesford and Neville Oddie OAM, Snake Valley
Longer and poorer service
It seems the only people happy with the new Ballarat bus service changes are the politicians who would never travel by bus. I would like to know who devised these useless changes that seem to outrage most users and benefit few. I went to some of the Public Transport workshops last year and the overwhelming majority agreed there needed to be improvements. A month into the new timetables and bus routes, I can say with dismay that I cannot leave my car at home. I would be unable to meet my commitments if I used the Sebastopol No 24 (formerly 12) bus service. Prior to the changes, the bus ran every 40 minutes and I could be in town within 25 minutes. This service now runs once an hour and the bus route takes a good part of 40-50 minutes; not much less than the trip from Southern Cross Station to Ballarat. I am lucky I have a car, I feel sorry for those who don't. Those who devised these Ballarat bus service changes should hang their heads in shame.
Judith Buchanan, Sebastopol
