Rail duplication will be incomplete
I read with dismay (Gaz 17/5) that the duplication of the rail line between Bunyip and Longwarry will not go ahead as a complete duplication between both stations, but the additional platforms at Bunyip and Longwarry are underway.
When will they be operational as a fair bit of track will be needed to connect into the existing infrastructure.
As far back as March 21 it was reported in The Gazette that a consortium of three companies UGL Limited, Decmil and Arup would deliver the work.
Surely all design work would have been completed before those contracts were let.
“Blind Freddie” would have known the need for another bridge over the Bunyip River to take the second line.
I will be very surprised if the new platforms are accepting trains by the end of 2022 and at times there will still not be a clear run between the two stations because of the single line.
Paul Myers, Warragul
Unbelievable
I refer to the article (Gaz 17/5) on the lack of a second rail line over the Bunyip River.
What’s the point of the millions of dollars of work in the Bunyip/Longwarry area?
Surely that would be number one on the list. I cannot believe the stupidity and waste of taxpayers’ dollars. Extension of parking at Longwarry will occur when the trains most workers want zooms straight through to Garfield.
It seems to me, a mere female, that doing the job properly and governments do not go hand in hand, Neither is simple arithmetic. Unbelievable.
Alison Stritch, Drouin
Professional production
Congratulations to all concerned in the wonderful production of Les Miserables at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. To enjoy such a professional standard production presented by The Warragul Theatre Company in our local theatre is such a privilege.
On the morning before I attended this treat, I had enjoyed the beauty and serenity of the gardens at Broughton Hall with the U3A Garden Group. I appreciate my good fortune to live in Warragul.
Mary Howlett Warragul
Petition grows
I am writing in relation to the article (Gaz 10/5) titled “Online petition grows”. This petition was developed to urge Baw Baw Shire Council to accept the Coromandel Arboretum as public open space.
The support and signatures on the online petition continues to grow daily, and there is also a hard copy petition which has a sizeable number of signings to date. These petitions, letters, Facebook posts, visits to the property – either arranged or from the road, and media interviews demonstrate the community appreciation for this wonderful asset.
However, it would appear that council will not accept this arboretum nor work with the developer to ensure it remains a treasured asset.
Responses coming from the shire state that the property does not meet the PSP Open Space Guidelines in areas including:Topography -The location of the park within the adjacent unapproved PSP housing development has a slope of 22 metres. The developer proposes that the public park be overlaid over the Coromandel Arboretum. This area has been described as flat by council.
Land steepness – Both Civic Parks have areas of steepness and wetness. A similar vison is required in this instance to create a community asset which is accessible, exciting and builds on the sustainable planting which began in 1986.
Maintenance – Cost unknown at this time. The developer has offered to extend the required maintenance period of two years for parks in PSP areas to four to five years for the Coromandel site. The developer has also suggested building a “kickable” area of 25m x 25m along the creek where a boardwalk will be constructed between Coromandel and Hoggit Restaurant/WildDog Winery
All developments require discussion, negotiation, the will and capacity for the council and developers to work together to meet the PSP requirements. The cost of taking matters to VCAT is too costly and an avoidable expense which has to be resourced by ratepayers.
The media stories are not “silly” as has been described particularly after the first main story in the Gazette. These stories represent people voicing and demonstrating their democratic right to contribute to the progress of their towns. This contribution/public input or objections is not part of the PSP process and as a result local knowledge has been ignored, overlooked or not taken account of.
This unique property could be a community treasure, an attractive tourist destination and a more exciting open space area than the paddock nominated on the slope of an adjacent hill. The elected councillors must reconsider this matter.
Kerry Elliott, Warragul
Retain Coromandel
Having recently visited the unique ‘Coromandel’ Garden at Warragul, I write in the hope that Baw Baw Shire Council will give priority to a consideration of assistance to have it retained. I doubt if there is anything quite like it in Australia.
The collection of trees from around the world is quite extraordinary, especially the 150 oak trees comprised of 60 different species. Apart from all the other wonderful trees that are present in this park-like forest garden, concentrating a focus on those that produce food or wood, its situation lends itself to being such a valuable asset to assist in the treatment of stress, depression and other mental problems, that are present currently.
Much has been researched and written about the value of gardening and access to the natural world to assist mental well-being and this potential gift will go beyond that, in providing the restorative power of getting back to nature. This especially includes the rehabilitation of those that have suffered both physical and mental injury. The increasingly technologically dependent lifestyle in urbanised communities, makes it more important than ever to rediscover our relationships with nature and the earth.
I understand that council does not have to purchase this wonderful forest garden but support for its retention is urgently needed. I also understand that once that occurs, there are several individuals that have indicated their keenness to form a “Friends of Coromandel” group of volunteers, that would work under expert guidance. They would maintain it as a valuable park, not just for Warragul but for Gippsland in general, with the resultant tourism attraction, both local and throughout this part of the world. I urge all councillors and planners to give this opportunity your best consideration.
Ralph Slaughter
President, South Gippsland Horticultural
Societies and Garden Clubs
VicForests caught spying
A private detective recently revealed he was hired by VicForests to spy on an environmentalist in the hope of “gathering dirt” to intimidate and damage her.
VicForests conducted its own internal investigation; but will not reveal its report, despite being a state-owned company.
The matter has now been referred to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner to investigate possible breaches of the Privacy and Data Protection Act.
If the whistleblower’s allegations are confirmed, it will evince a toxic-minded attitude in a state entity, the likes of which we normally associate only with communist autocracies.
If such spying occurred, then VicForests will need to be punished to give the public confidence that our democratic values and freedoms are being protected from such egregious attacks.
David Clarke, Noojee
Just me?
Is it just me or there others out there who think the same way.
First, Baw Baw Shire Council is going to waste $30 million of our money on a building we don’t want and don’t need.
Second. What we do need is a new hospital. I am grateful for the care and attention of staff given to me the few times I have had to make use of their expertise. The $30 million could be better spent on starting to build the new hospital. When the money runs out, we can put up a sign that says “Sorry, but that is all you are going to get because “Dictator Dan” won’t give us any money.”
Second, Harriet Shing the local Labor member keeps telling us that she is delivering for local communities. Is that so. Why then haven’t you delivered a new hospital? As far as I can see you are just a waste of space and a source of advertising income for the Gazette.
Sorry but actions or lack thereof speaks louder than words.