A big win for renewables in western Victoria
The region can be proud of the Waubra wind farms' role in keeping the power flowing during the extreme heat of Saturday 6 January. Ballarat residents who have solar power and local wind farmers are helping Victoria meet state climate laws that legislate zero-net emissions by 2050. Recently released data shows Australia is set to miss its international climate targets due to the federal government's policy failure. And just yesterday, the Bureau of Meteorology reported that 2017 was the country's third hottest year on record. With the Federal government failing on climate change we need to see more leadership at the state level. Premier Daniel Andrews can get Australia back on track by setting ambitious Emissions Reduction Targets in 2018 and investing in climate change solutions in the state budget. The Liberal party will have to lift its game on climate change in coming months. Opposition leader Matthew Guy has been quiet on the issue, yet the community expects it to publicly release a policy before polling day. With a focus on law and order, the opposition can easily commit to uphold the state's climate change laws.
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Leigh Ewbank, Act on Climate coordinator, Friends of the Earth
Governments must invest in community infrastructure
I was astounded to read in The Courier on 10 January that Ballarat's top tourist attraction - our Lake and Gardens, and in particular our gardens historic fernery - has been unable to attract funding from not only the state government but also the federal government
The fernery is part of the historic character of the gardens. The proposed refurbished fernery would also be a part of an important education program and that would be able to take advantage of the boom in garden tourism.
I'm must say I'm not surprised that both the state and federal governments do not recognise the beauty of our historic gardens and, importantly, the very nature of its history and heritage. They seem hell bent on their own political agendas.
All governments should be investing in community infrastructure.
Our Council is limited as to what it can do due to rate capping. The state and federal governments must act and find sufficient funding for this significant project that will not only benefit our community but add to the visitor experience of our unique and historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree precinct, which is Ballarat's first and foremost tourist attraction.
It is time for both governments to invest in well-planned, significant Ballarat community projects.
Ron Egeberg, Soldiers Hill
More separation infrastructure needed
As a motorist and bike rider I appreciate the problems that each has with the other. One option would be to lower the speed limit to a point agreeable to both, because at the present time the speed difference is too great for both cars and bikes to be together on the road. However, I cannot see that most drivers would agree as it would be too low, and even 60 is a problem to many. The only real option is designated bikeways. Until councils can make them available, then cyclists will need to use foot paths and walk when necessary.
Kenneth Trudgian, Kallangur
