More exclusion space
I am writing in response to the information posted in Thursday's Courier dated 25th May in regard to the no-fly zones graph for drones around Ballarat airport. In my opinion, the spoke wheel graphic should be filled in and extended to a 10km radius within the airport as the hub of the wheel, the volume of traffic around the airport is significant, enhanced by being host to a major airlines training academy. Two of the most critical phases of flight are the climb out after take off, and the gradual descent for landing, particularly the landing profile where constant attention is required to effect a safe landing. One can only imagine the result if a drone were to impact the prop or any other of the control surfaces of an aircraft in this critical stage of flight. It beggars belief that CASA has allowed drones to operate within the envelope of a busy airport with only a 5.5 kilometre restricted area. I have written to CASA to register my complaint, and I encourage anyone, in particular other pilots with safety in mind to do the same.
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Adrian Lillis, Mt Clear.
Dangerous backroads
It is without doubt a tragedy that yet another cyclist has been terribly injured on our local roads. And no doubt there will be the usual clamour about cyclists and motor vehicles having equal rights of way upon our roads, a clamour to which I do not wish to contribute.
But no matter how many dedicated roadway "cycleways" are contrived, no matter how many signs are displayed warning of cyclists, the simple fact is that cyclists riding a few kilos of metalwork, and vehicles weighing at least half a ton and much more, simply cannot mix appropriately on the same stretch of narrow roadway, now often made narrower and more dangerous for everybody now that 'cycleways' are becoming more prevalent. It is simply a matter of basic physics, combined with the occasional hoonish behaviour not only of some motorists but also of some cyclists.
Examples like White Swan Road and Black Swamp Road with an occasional sign of "cyclists" but with speed limits still ranging between 80 and 100 kmh are a disaster waiting to happen. These roads, generally poorly maintained by Moorabool Shire, with cyclists unable to use the roadside verges because of pot-holes too numerous to mention and complete lack of grading are without a doubt, another disaster waiting to happen of which I have informed Moorabool Shire Council several times.
Hugh Irons, Bullarook
The importance of telling
If you are going to see a movie this month, we would encourage you to see the new Australian movie, "Don't Tell". It is actually based on high profile child abuse cases. In 2001, a claim against Toowoomba Preparatory School was made by a student who was preyed upon by paedophile teacher, Kevin Guy. It paved the way for many other victims to come forward and ultimately contributed to the current Royal Commission. We hope it gives audiences an insight into the courage and bravery it takes to come forward.
Cameron Cowan, Shine Lawyers, branch manager, Ballarat
Service no more
The banks over the last few years have been ripping off the older generation with their costs and charges. Take the closing of branches around Ballarat. Pensioners find it difficult to get to the main branches but do they care? They say go to the nearest post office but they know full well there are no provisions for us with passbooks. Go to the banks in the Ballarat main street and most times lately, we're all like cattle lined up to the doors. Not enough staff to cope with us. The banks need to start thinking about the service to all customers who bring our business to them, not only investors, shareholders and ceo wages. They need to be accountable and give something back to our great society.
Coral Marshall, Mt Clear
