One more distraction that could be a killer
Could the mobile phone "selfie" be the real killer on our roads this Easter? We see many terrible cases at our law firm where a moment of distraction on the road results in horrific injury and life changing consequences. Knowing the devastation a car accident can bring, it was shocking to read the latest statistics from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety showing 14 percent of young drivers admitted to taking a "selfie" and uploading it while driving. A further 12 percent of those aged 18 to 25 said they had even updated their Facebook status while behind the wheel. We all know the Easter break is a dangerous time for travel. It also coincides with the school holidays, meaning our roads will be extra busy. Remember, a selfie isn't worth the trauma of a road accident.
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Cameron Cowan, Shine Lawyers Branch Manager (Ballarat)
a long history of neglect on power
Politically, electricity has been handled in a shocking way for decades. Private enterprise could not fund its construction, so the government did with the SEC. With maintenance, replacement and organisation too big a burden to carry, the Liberals sold it off and announced they had then got the state out of debt. The accolades have worn thin later when household debt ballooned. Count the number of (temporary) silver pole props that are around town long term. The industry that uses 20% of our power at half price is nearly 500km from the generation source, and given that voltage drops over distance, it may see as much lost on the way, as what goes through the meter and paid for at the end. There is 40% from generation possibly.
On top of this is 20% lost from Hazelwood closing. Also expensive was the big towers running this distance. Why not build at Westernport Bay? Well, the government minister at the time at Portland was in danger of losing his seat so he brought (bought) 600 jobs to town. Political expedience can influence our lives and budgets.
Colin Holmes, Ballarat
better facilities elsewhere
The last place upmarket tourists will want to stay is on top of the noise and smells of a railway station. They are more likely to seek rooms with views of Lake Wendouree, or the existing heritage-listed boutique hotels, like Craigs, or the Quality Inn, Lydiard St. The convention centre facilities can already be accommodated within existing establishments, such as Craigs Hotel Old Dining Room and Reading Room, Sovereign Hill or even the Museum for Democracy. All have good conference facilities currently available.
I urge community members who oppose this development and tragic sell off of what is essentially community land and assets to join the SOS Campaign. Join us on Facebook and in actions to "Save OUR Station".
Fiona Ludbrook, Wendouree
Tech schools that vanished without a trace
I am all for this idea but why did both major political parties close (or amalgamate into extinction) all of our technical schools? With the help of Catholic Education Office the first to be closed, St Joseph's Technical School, South Melbourne had debts of $60,000. Repayments on these loans were ahead of schedule. They had a property value of $13 million. Some parcels of land were unoccupied and not needed in the short term future of the school. That does not include tools and machinery. This school was small but had 100% occupancy and a waiting list that was three times bigger than the enrolment list. This led to the demise of all four Catholic technical colleges and all state government technical schools. My question of why they were all closed has never been "honestly" answered.
Peter Fitzgerald, Enfield
