A hotpotch of tastes marring the lake
Ballarat citizens are justly proud of Lake Wendouree which is often touted as the city's "Jewel in the Crown". It's a great pity that the beauty of the lake is not complemented by more inspired architecture when it comes to new houses constructed along the Parade. Over the past few years, a miasmatic influence has permeated most vacant sites resulting in some truly appalling construction. Surely council has some standards it expects architects and builders to meet. If so, I wish they would enforce them before the whole precinct resembles nothing more than a third rate example of massive bland concrete bunkers.
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Jonathan Emes, Ballarat Central
The rules around leashes are simple
Dogs are a man's/woman's best friend aren't they? That's the theory anyway. It seems to me that some people in our community are determined to have us think otherwise.
Having been the victim in recent times, of dog attacks by uncontrolled dogs and dogs not on-leash, I've had enough of making excuses for the irresponsible owners of these animals. I'm sure this behaviour isn't isolated to Macarthur Park, but I walk a lot in this area of Miners Rest and see many examples of contempt for the rules in relation to walking dogs in public.
I know of a number of unprovoked attacks in my community, of off-leash dogs injuring other dogs - resulting in huge vet bills and pets that are then subsequently terrified of going out onto the street for a walk. Neighbours have been badly injured and have required urgent medical attention (me included) at their own expense; personal property damaged by attacks from these off-leash dogs, clothes being ripped and ruined. I am aware of mothers in this area who have made the choice of not taking their young children to the lovely playground and wetlands at Macarthur Park for fear of off-leash or uncontrolled dogs attacking or terrorising their children. The time has come for this to stop.
There are several off-leash areas in Ballarat where people who want their dogs to run free, can take them. If they don't want the bother of driving to one, then the solution is clear - put your dog on a leash, The rest of us will be eternally grateful that you've decided to do the right thing.
Eileen McGhee, Miners Rest
VICROADS must consider Northern Option at Buangor
Having written to Minister Wynne earlier on this matter, could I please add my voice to those urging you to have him appoint an independent and environmentally qualified panel to consider post-2013 reports on the Western Highway project?
I have been following this issue for some time now, as I have friends in the region, work in Victoria, and my profession generally relates to these matters. It is deeply concerning how this matter has played out to date, and that the clearly better northern option is not being adopted.
I believe all post-2013 reports find systemic faults in Option 1. It seems to me a prudent and necessary approach is to have a new, independent panel call for new submissions. I believe VicRoads has admitted failures in the EES process but is likely to persist with Option 1 in any case. This appears to be institutional inertia - being unresponsive to realities emerging on the ground, along with evidence outlining a clearly better option.
The proposed narrow Northern Option has been demonstrated to be much less expensive, faster to build, and equally safe, with vastly less environmental damage, and avoiding a raft of heritage and other issues.
I truly hope the right thing will be done here, for all concerned.
Anthony James, Scarborough
