Care one day and none the next – who’s in charge?
About four years back we were told by our home carer that Mornington Peninsula Shire would no longer be offering the home care service. In June this year we were given the choice between two companies to do the home care service, and, after many phone calls and many assessments, we were told to contact My Age Care and we were then told to get in touch with the shire. So, we got in touch with the shire which told us to contact Bolton Clarke as they were handling our case. We ring Bolton Clarke and tell us they do not provide the service and that we should contact My Age Care.
Surely someone could tell us what exactly is going on? Are these organisations making fun of us and toiling with our nerves? Is this not elder abuse having to put up with all this stress.
Why did Bolton Clarke accept our file knowing that they do not provide such a service?
Enough is enough, we might be old, but we’re not stupid.
Carlos Messarra, Hastings
Valuable old growth
Recently, a letterbox drop by VicForests sought support from the public to extend an agreement which ends native hardwood logging by 2030.
Why should we grant even more time to log our forests to an organisation that has been found to frequently operate illegally, with minimal environmental considerations? Reputable reviews, including the Federal Court’s consideration of highly endangered Leadbeater’s possum and greater glider habitats, found VicForests destroyed habitat critical to their survival. Why? Because VicForests has conducted logging outside of agreed “allocated” areas, and on multiple occasions.
Logging is exempt from federal environmental laws which aim to protect sensitive habitats and species. While the Federal Court was critical of VicForests, it rules within weak and outdated environmental laws. State governments of all persuasions have proved ineffectual in curbing offences.
Given the importance of forests for flora, fauna and the role mature trees play as carbon sinks – far superior than “replacement” growth – it’s past time we ceased logging old growth forests entirely.
Considering their vital role in climate challenges, habitat protection and cultural legacies, harvesting these trees makes them not cheap but extremely expensive products we can no longer afford.
VicForests uses the word sustainable, this is only a commercial notion, for what does that mean when clear felled forests never return to their original state?
We need to act as custodians, not plunderers, of a precious inheritance, and grant forests the importance they deserve.
Margaret Reid, Rye
Baptism of ire
I was disgusted at the cartoon which lampooned the “religious right” baptising candidates and pictured drowning an opponent to their views (Letters The News 1/11/22). To many, baptism is a very significant and meaningful rite/ceremony.
We Australians have always believed in and practiced freedom of speech, religion and opinion but, sadly, we are losing this value. If all politicians gave deeper consideration to some of the moral discussions our society is being faced with and listened to the opinions expressed within their electorates, we would have better outcomes on many life issues – abortion, euthanasia and now prostitution becoming rampant in our neighbourhoods.
Should not our press be unbiased, and the readers left to decide for themselves?
Finally, since when did local government become involved in giving instruction on whom to vote for in state elections?
David Gill, Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Red Hill Ward councillor, is advising all to vote Independent (Letters 1/11/22).
Is this on behalf of the ward he represents or on behalf of the Mornington [sic] shire?
Carmel Coles, Mount Martha
Labor can deliver
Most of us know it isn’t going to be a Dan slide like 2018. We also know that the likelihood is for Labor to hold onto majority government. After all, Labor would have to lose 18 seats. So, let’s be real.
This time around only Labor can deliver the current Frankston Hospital rebuild, a new football oval at Mornington Park, money for multiple homeless and crisis shelters, new tennis and recreation facilities and the action and advocacy the Mornington electorate needs. Why?
In government, only Labor can deliver for Mornington. [Premier] Dan [Andrews] just said he will never use the Greens or teals to form majority government and nor will they have a voice being relegated to the backbench or some corner of a small Spring Street cupboard.
So good that we have a chance to make change for Mornington, but let’s take that a little farther than words and advocacy – let’s get this delivered.
Facts are, only Labor can actually deliver what we need, and we have one of the finest Labor candidates to ever run in the seat of Mornington, a local nurse who gets things done – and has the right friends to help her deliver results – not just an election.
After 37 years of same-same-but-no-different, it’s time to make change. Big change.
If we choose to elect a candidate based on what they can (actually) deliver in a majority government, there’s only one choice. That choice is real. Positive things happen when we allow change to happen and you, yes you, are that change maker.
It’s time to vote for a better Mornington.
Steve Holland, Moorooduc
Editor: The writer is no relation to MorningtPeninsula Shire councillor, now mayor, Steve Holland.
Look before voting
I wouldn’t count on [state Liberal leader] Mathew Guy’s promises for the Mornington Peninsula. I wouldnt be surprised if he has over committed on his promises.
Remember bogus promise of $750 million from the federal government for an overpass in Jetty Road and then we were being told it was the state government’s fault that we didn’t get it? We might be lucky to get a lobster or two.
The previous Liberal state MP for Nepean did next to nothing for his electorate, especially the schools, seeing as he was education minister. Compare that to what [sitting Labor MP] Chris Brayne has delivered, such as refurbished schools and an express bus to Frankston. He has shown that he cares for his electorate and doesn’t treat you as just another vote.
Just look around you before you cast your vote.
John Cain, McCrae
Questionable claims
I have just read the November edition of the Mornington Peninsula Magazine and came across a paid advertisement from Liberal candidate [for Mornington] Chris Crewther. The headline states Chris Crewther committed to community, which is fair enough if he feels this to be fact.
What is not fair enough and would not pass the pub test is the content of his advertisement.
The claim that because Chris has been ingrained in the community for years, genuinely listening, consulting, engaging and advocating that this has “resulted“ in the Mornington athletics track, Mount Martha soccer fields, Mount Eliza schools’ car parks (which schools?), Peninsula Home Hospice building, Mornington netball courts and lights, Beleura JFC scoreboard and lights, Empire Street Mall upgrade, hospital MRI and paediatrics (which hospital?), Home Ground cafe and so on is very disingenuous and far from the facts. To take glory for all these projects is very insulting to the many volunteers who put in time or donated funds to actually allow the projects to come to fruition.
I would invite all to check out this advertising as these are the words displayed.
I would like Mr Crewther to justify his claims and apologise to the wonderful members of our community who made things happen and were denied recognition by Mr Crewther.
Sean O’Keefe, Safety Beach
Independent approach
As an independent candidate for Mornington, my role is to represent the community on issues of importance. One such issue is the Beleura cliff path, which has repeatedly fallen into a state of disrepair due to neglect from several levels of government, despite the best efforts of local volunteers.
Overseen and maintained by a “friends of” group of volunteers, the path is an asset to the hundreds of daily users who use it for a relaxing stroll, for daily exercise, or to head to the beach. Volunteers regularly harvest and plant seedlings along the cliff face, promote the importance of deep-rooted indigenous plants for preventing erosion.
But neglect and short-term fixes to the issues of this path have left it vulnerable. Since 2003, the path has suffered several small landslides, and significant rainfall has resulted in landslips becoming more frequent as the cliff face erodes.
Importantly, years of neglect have resulted in a patchwork of short-term solutions that do not address the underlying structural issues of the path, in particular the issue of stormwater drains.
Unless the state government steps in and prioritises funding for this path, the asset is at risk. Safety concerns may result in the path being closed permanently.
We need serious political will to address this issue, as well as other crucial infrastructure projects that have been forgotten about for too long. As an independent MP, I’ll work with community groups and experts to push for long-term, costed solutions that address the underlying issues that face this path.
Dr Kate Lardner, Mount Eliza
Nurse gets vote
Just wanted to say how happy I was when Georgia Fowler (Labor candidate for Mornington) greeted me at early voting. I’ve always voted Labor and hadn’t known who the candidate was.
Turns out my son was one of her patients a few years ago when he lost his business. She looked after him for a few days when he was in hospital.
She got my vote! My son says he’d vote for her too, but he’s in Rosebud.
Miriam Brooks, Mornington
Teal be real
This is the first three-horse [state election] race that the Mornington electorate has ever had, while our neighbouring Hastings and Nepean districts remain firmly two-party.
What’s the difference? Simon Holmes à Court, son of Australia’s first billionaire, decided to back a local candidate. That’s why we see a plethora of massive teal billboards all over the electorate.
This extends into paid staff and paid volunteers, paid rent on Main Street and many of those giant billboards having been paid for with more than $1000 each for their placement. Not to mention paid Australia Post letter drops.
Janice Gray, Mount Martha
Unequal rights
There is a minority group of citizens in Victoria who think that because some of their ancestors were here before any of the ancestors of the rest of us, they are entitled to a greater say in the affairs of the state than other citizens. They call themselves the First Peoples or First Nations, both of which carry the nuance that they are superior to other citizens.
The Victorian government agrees with this minority of a minority and is encouraging, financing and organising them to make a list of demands to be included in a treaty, as though they are a victorious foreign power.
Some of their members are already openly talking about the transfer of power to them.
And no candidate in the current state election even mentions it.
Albert Riley, Mornington
Peninsula issues
Neglected for too long:
- Speed reductions on dangerous rural roads and increased roads and drainage maintenance funding.
- Keeping farming viable in the green wedge; this includes the use of presently wasted South Eastern outfall recycled water and the use of regional based funding to protect the Mornington Peninsula’s $1.25 billion food bowl essential for the nearby city of Melbourne.
- Lack of major infrastructure funding for the peninsula compared to the Bellarine Peninsula.
- Poor public hospital facilities on the peninsula.
- Poor planning decisions by the state planning minister because we are treated as part of metro Melbourne.
- No government crisis housing available for emergency situations.
- Increased funding for road safety measures like the often proposed five ways roundabout in Balnarring.
- Jet-ski limitations to lessen their effect on our swimming beaches.
- Removal of state laws that allow koala trees to be chopped down without permits.
- Bus services presently limited to linear routes to Frankston.
- Drought-proofing the peninsula to protect businesses, recreational areas and our hinterland environment.
- Location of emergency ambulance services not meeting proclaimed timing and distance requirements in our remoter areas.
- Little support for local hospitality and tourism industries.
- Lack of recognition of rising sea levels affecting future use of beaches.
- Need for a peninsula wildlife management plan to protect vulnerable species.
David Gill, councillor, Red Hill Ward, Mornington Peninsula Shire
Change tactics
After reading recent letters about council tactics, I have to say that not much has really changed from years under previous CEOs.
Shutting down questions at council meetings, Not even addressing questions at council meetings, Secret council meetings with no ratepayer inputs, Council not answering legitimate questions posed to them. The list goes on and on.
Become more transparent and accountable to ratepayers? Never, ever gonna happen.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Fear of schoolies
Safe to say we’ve all come across shonky councillors in our years here on the Mornington Peninsula, specifically the odd one who appears at election time and almost literally disappears for the following four years.
As it happens we did not realise how lucky we were, lumbered with this present lot heavily into personal politics, our wellbeing a long last. As if that’s not enough, they encourage my main fear: the arrival of the dreaded schoolies.
Schoolies cause me stress, now extended from two weeks to three? Why? To get the Jekyll and Hyde’s out of Melbourne and dumped at Rye, entertainment on tap? Stocking up on Panadols, and high quality earplugs. Restrict the use of my wheelie bins.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
Plastic problem
I am saddened by the recent closing of the RedCycle program. I don’t want to place all my scrunchables into landfill now.
Is there any other way to fund this program or does an alternate program exist?
What are the supermarkets going to do about this as they were collecting for them around the country?
Product labeling has included this program for a while now, lots of money put into it thus far why can’t this continue?
Alex Williams, Parkdale
Watch carefully
Following on from a record number of drowning deaths in the past year, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is urging all parents and carers to always ‘Keep Watch’ around the water.
Our latest research reveals 549 children aged 0 to 4 have died from drowning in Australia in the past 20 years. Forty per cent were aged just one year old. This clearly reveals there needs to be much more action on supervising young children around.
The drowning risk for young children peaks in summer; 38 per cent of all drowning deaths take place between December and February.
More than half of all deaths occurred in swimming pools, making pools the leading location for drowning among young children.
Drowning in young children is often quick and silent. Everyday distractions like answering the front door, checking on dinner in the oven or answering a text message can divert someone’s attention away from the crucial task of supervision. This can then enable a child to enter the pool area unaccompanied.
Active supervision means giving your full attention – and avoiding distractions.
It is important that you check your pool fence and gate. Pool gates should never be propped open for any reason. The 2022 Keep Watch campaign urges parents and caregivers to:
Supervise. Actively supervise children around water
Restrict. Restrict children’s access to water
Teach. Teach children water safety skills
Respond. Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency.
Keep Watch is supported by the Australian Government.
For more information about Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch campaign, visit royallifesaving.com.au/keepwatch
Justin Scarr, CEO Royal Life Saving Society – Australia
Asbestos is deadly
Renovating is exciting, fun and rewarding but, it can also be lethal if property owners aren’t aware of the potentially deadly asbestos-containing materials that lurk in one in every three Australian homes.
Every year around 4000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases (more than double the national road toll) because people don’t know how to manage asbestos safely while others continue to ignore the warnings. With experts predicting deaths from asbestos will continue to rise; it’s vital that homeowners start to respect the dangers of asbestos and learn what to look for and what to do to manage it safely.
Asbestos was used extensively in the manufacture of more than 3000 building and decorator products that can still be found in any brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad homes, apartments or sheds built or renovated before 1990.
If disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition and invisible asbestos fibres are released into the air and can be inhaled, this can lead to asbestos-related diseases including malignant mesothelioma. There is no cure for this preventable cancer with the average survival time after diagnosis 10-12 months.
So, if you’re a homeowner or a passionate renovator and you don’t respect asbestos, you could be risking your life and the lives of your loved ones. Before taking up tools on any home built or renovated before 1990, visit asbestosawareness.com.au to learn the sorts of products to look for and how to manage asbestos safely. The rule is, if you think a product may contain asbestos, treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions starting with having the home inspected by an occupational hygienist or a licenced asbestos assessor.
As a professional renovator and someone who lost their grandfather to an asbestos-related disease, I know the importance of respecting the ever-present danger of asbestos.
Cherie Barber, ambassador for National Asbestos Awareness Month
Letters – 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number – can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 22 November 2022
