I HAVE viewed the latest Euroa Station design – very much an engineering design which needs more "community" concepts.
I am extremely disappointed that the proposal for BinneyLink – a wide, safe underpass giving a visible and direct link to platforms and reconnection of the town – was not seen as important for our community.
There are many details in this design which can be improved/enhanced, especially if you talk to local designers who know our climate and community.
My major concern is that there is far too much concrete and asphalt.
There are many sensible solutions to reduce heat buildup and reduce water runoff.
In the light of climate change and forward planning, this design sadly pays more attention to cars than to pedestrians and cyclists.
Shade systems as well as tree planting/replacement are necessary now and into the future.
If we have to have long pedestrian ramps, please some more imaginative seating.
Mary Dean, Euroa
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Farewell to Darren
HAVE you heard that Darren's leaving?
It is with much regret,
since he's been such an asset, as
we know, to the Gazette.
So, Darren, though you're moving on
and shortly will depart,
we wish you all the very best
sincerely from the heart.
Craig Penny, Terip Terip
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Thanks to this masthead
BIG thanks to Darren, AKA “this masthead”, for gracing us with such great journalism in The Euroa Gazette.
You let the stories unfold and folks have their say.
And you might just have a cheeky or pithy observation here and there too, but always enhancing the story.
It’s easy to see why you are winning awards.
On behalf of I’m sure a big crowd of local fans, all power to you in your next reporting role over in SA.
Barb Trainor, Ruffy
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Labor supports the CFA
I WANT to set the record straight on reports regarding the CFA’s funding.
I know it has caused some fear and anger in our regional communities.
Reports of an almost $70m cut from the CFA are wrong.
Every year, a certain amount of money within our emergency services’ budgets is earmarked for specific projects and services – like funding for the rollout of 18,000 new Motorola radios to brigades.
Setting aside these funds isn’t a cut.
Every dollar of these quarantined amounts is spent on CFA – directly benefitting the CFA and their volunteers.
Government departments manage many of these projects and they pay the bill.
It streamlines administration and takes the burden off emergency services so they can focus on what they do best – keeping Victorians safe.
This year, more than $337 million in CFA base funding has been allocated – an increase of almost $17 million on the comparable figure last year.
This doesn’t include the money we invest on top of this on new trucks, uniforms and upgrading stations.
The Fire Services Property Levy funds almost 78 per cent of the CFA’s total funding needs – not 25 per cent.
I know National Party members are out there with their negativity trying to spin a false narrative about cuts.
They should support, not scare country communities and stick to the facts.
Labor has delivered 80 new tankers since 2018, 22 are being built and 15 pumpers are on order.
The Nationals didn’t fund a single truck in their last few years in government, and they slashed $66 million from the CFA budget whilst in office.
It’s disappointing that I must correct this unhelpful misinformation, but it’s a further opportunity to recognise and thank our amazing CFA brigades and all emergency services.
I want you to know our government will always give you what you need to continue keeping Victorians safe.
Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, Minister for Emergency Services
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Labor leaves us thankless
Ten years of Labor Government leaves Victorians with little to nothing to celebrate.
Victoria is now the highest-taxed state in the nation, with debt set to soar to a staggering $188 billion.
Victorians are set to be lumped with interest repayments of $25 million a day – over $1 million every hour.
Let that sink in.
Through no fault of your own you, your friends and your family – all Victorians – each owe $28,000 as our share of the debt.
This is all because the Labor Government can’t manage money, leaving you to pay the price.
Regional Victorians are not immune from the rocketing debt.
Cost-of-living is harder as a result of Labor’s 56 new or increased taxes.
Regional Victorians only receive 13 per cent of the Allan Government’s spend, despite 25 per cent of the population living in the country.
We are not getting our fair share, and it is eye watering that $40 billion has been wasted on city projects – imagine how that money could transform our regional roads, schools and hospitals.
Schools could be built in Kilmore and Heathcote, childcare facilities could be constructed in Seymour and Avenel, Goranwarrabul House could keep its doors open, and the Benalla Community Services Hub would still be in operation – and there would still be money left over for other crucial local projects.
Sadly, the financial recklessness will continue as the premier has signed multi-billion contracts for the Suburban Rail Loop – another mega-project for the city.
Premier Allan can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and it is regional Victorians who pay the price.
Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa
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Stay fire-safe over summer
LAST week you might have noticed a pick-up in news articles and broadcasts forecasting a hot, dry summer, and high potential for fire in some areas of the state.
That news has come from the seasonal summer outlook distributed on Thursday (November 28) by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC), the national council for fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer gives a picture of the likelihood of fire over the summer months, at both a state and national level.
This year’s outlook for Victoria predicts higher potential for fire for most of western Victoria, as well as southwest Gippsland, including Mornington Peninsula, greater Melbourne and north-east Victoria.
The potential has been assessed this way because of the dry conditions in those areas, the availability of vegetation (e.g., grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches) to "fuel" fires, high temperatures and the continuing lack of rainfall to bring moisture to the landscape.
The fire potential elsewhere in Victoria has been assessed as "normal", but hot, dry and windy weather can still pose a risk in areas dominated by forests, woodlands, or dense, low shrubs.
"Normal" is no reason to be complacent, but you should know that Victoria is prepared and that our land and fire agencies have worked all year to reduce our bushfire risk.
Summer is a festive time in Victoria.
We often have opportunities to steal a bit of magic as the year comes to an end – to come together with loved ones, to get away, to get in a bit more sleep – and a few more late nights, and to reflect on the year gone by.
But opportunity is never without responsibility.
Now is also the time to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the fire season.
Here are some quick tips to help you get started.
1. Visit cfa.vic.gov.au to help you get started on a Bushfire Plan so you know what you will do in case of fire;
2. Download and get to know the VicEmergency app – then set up ‘watch zones’ and turn on notifications to be kept up to date wherever you are;
3. Get to know the Australian Fire Danger Ratings System – and work out what fire danger rating will trigger your Bushfire Plan;
4. Plan your travel – head to exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au to help you stay safe when visiting state forests; and
5. Never leave a campfire unattended – if they are cool to touch, they are safe to leave.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season.
Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria
