Vision ignored

I presume that people are all aware of the proposed changes to the rubbish collection regime. I am led to question who the changes will benefit.

There are three entities involved, the rubbish contractor, the council and ourselves. There will be a cost increase which we will pay and assuming the council to be financially neutral the benefit will be to the contractor.

Normal garbage collection will be reduced from 120 L per week to 120 L per fortnight. This is of no benefit to us but may benefit contractors because of reduced collection and landfill costs.

We will be required to to store food scraps in a kitchen tidy lined with plastic bags for up to a week so no more prawn dinners.

The plastic bags are biodegradable, a poorly defined property but one thing you can be absolutely sure of is that they come from petroleum feedstock like all plastics.

The food scraps we are told will be composted. Council is susceptible to the claim that removing foodstuffs from landfill will reduce methane production but the same gases will be produced in composting.

Finally I question why council plans to go ahead with these changes when we pay them to serve our interests.

Paul Montagnat, Warragul

I am writing in response to the proposed subdivision of land referenced as Lot 60 Korumburra Rd Warragul.

This proposed development is predominately a high-density living model relying on the Growth Area Framework Plan which establishes the regional framework for urban growth based on the strategic directions of Melbourne 2030.

By no means does this overlay accurately reflect the current or future needs of a rural community such as Warragul.

In addition to challenging this piece of legislation in a rural context, Baw Baw Shire need to balance any planning application against the ethos of its own vision statement contained within the Warragul Precinct Structure Plan. Several keynote points within the Vision Statement appear to have been ignored by Council when considering this application;

Making it easy to walk or cycle to shops, local jobs, schools, community facilities and public transport stops.

Public spaces and community facilities are well designed to promote healthy lifestyles and strong, diverse communities.

Residents and workers have access to a variety of open spaces (parks, gardens, plazas and reserves) for relaxation and recreation.

Strong local character is created through distinct natural and cultural features as well as the urban form.

Everything we design and build today is of a high quality that will promote positive experiences in the growth areas for generations.

The character of Warragul is indelible, with many childhood residents returning to the area to raise families or pursue the less hectic country lifestyle. To entice new residents, council certainly says the right things;

Warragul’s rural character can be defined through its relationship to the surrounding landscape.

The town’s magnificent setting is always present through close-range views to hill tops, along ridgelines and open valleys, across undulating farmland, and distant views to the Strzelecki and Baw Baw ranges.

When reading the information provided by council many would naturally assume future development will be in keeping with the Baw Baw Vision Statement, ensuring that all subdivisions will have ample park land and general green space for future generations to enjoy.

I am not opposed to development, nor the expansion of town boundaries but with respect to the environment,neighbouring residents, and limited infrastructure the town currently offers.

I urge council to stand-up and bring their vision statement to fruition and stop sacrificing liveability for economic reward.

Baw Baw is unique as we have an amazing draw card to our area being the natural geography and wide-open spaces.

The shire has a commitment to its residents to ensure the longevity of these resources for all to enjoy for many years to come. Warragul is not the place for future high-density subdivisions with blocks less than 400sqm with no allocated parkland or reserves. How is this family friendly. Scott Cameron, Warragul

Bouquets to the West Gippsland Art Centre for its presentation of The Italian Opera Gala by the Melbourne Opera company. The music, singing and conducting was wonderful and was really appreciated by all present. That $14 million renovation was money well spent.

A brick to the person smoking in KFC, Victoria St, Warragul on Sunday night. You even went to the counter still smoking. It was disappointing the staff did nothing about it.

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