Utopia decisions need investigating

The Gazette has quite rightly attempted to shine a light on the Utopia transaction, its lack of success in doing so should be a cause for concern to all ratepayers.

The Baw Baw Shire’s explanation for its lack of transparency on this issue rightly or wrongly provides the impression that is has something to hide.

If mistakes have been made these should be admitted to and policies and procedures should be put in place to ensure such mistakes are not repeated.

As the shire has failed to adequately explain the transaction and the commercial basis for it, then the transaction should be referred to the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate.

If such an approach was adopted at least then the ratepayers could have comfort their interests were being protected.

Derek Russell, Warragul

It includes not only the construction of a low flow fishway allowing water through the tunnel and around the bend, but also work to the walking track, improved signage and visitor facilities. This final design was shaped by extensive consultation and community input – and we thank the community for the issues raised through this process that we have addressed in the final design.

A dry river bed doesn’t support a healthy river environment and by allowing water to flow around Horseshoe Bend more often we will be able to unlock more than 85km of pristine waterways for native fish to use in the upper reaches of the connected Aberfeldy system.

Heritage Victoria is now deliberating on our permit application. It has taken many years for the project to get to this stage, but we have been patient in our consultation and want to make sure we are getting the best outcome for both the environment and the community by following a full and extensive approvals process.

There is a lot of information and reports available on our website at www.wgcma.vic.gov.au that explains the project and the work we have done to get to this point.

Martin Fuller, WGCMA CEO