Bypass fairytale
Dear Editor,
After reading the front page article about the Wallan/Kilmore Bypass (28/01/2025), I doubt if the residents of Kilmore and Wallan will ever see it started, let alone completed.
As the former president of the Wallan/Kilmore Bypass Group, I was involved with the group from 2006 until 2014 when Labor promised a western option.
As for Minister Kilkenny, she wouldn’t even know where Kilmore is. Jaclyn Symes says it’s ‘a priority’, so why is it taking 11 years to put a shovel in the ground, Jaclyn? I suggest that any Labor comment on the bypass begins with ‘Once upon a time’, then we will all get the message.
The Mayor suggests that residents ‘advocate strongly’ for the bypass and contact their local parliamentarian for support. What do you think the bypass group and residents have been doing since 2006, Mayor?
For the record, the bypass group proposed a bypass coming off the freeway at Clonbinane, crossing the Broadford/Kilmore halfway up and coming out around Schoolhouse Lane, but VicRoads dismissed the idea saying that trucks would not use this route, yet it was the shortest route, the cheapest option, and no houses would be lost in the process.
The bypass will not be built because Victoria is deep in debt, and any money they do get goes into the SRL black hole. That’s what you get with 21 of the past 25 years of a Labor Government in Victoria—and good luck to all the Wallan residents with their on/off ramps at Watson Street as yet another Labor Party pre-election fairytale at the federal level fails to come true.
Brian Mawhinney
Traralgon
Bypass just smoke and mirrors
Dear Editor,
Kilmore Residents and Ratepayers Assc. has been trying to get something
at least started on the Kilmore Bypass.
In early 2014, the State Liberal Government approved the western option bypass and allocated funds. We then had a change of government.
In March 2014, with a great presentation and publicity at the Kilmore Cricket Club by the State Labor Government, approval for the bypass to go to the west of the township was again promised, allocating $35.3M with additional funding to come in the next budget.
The $17M roundabout at Wandong Road was to be finished by 2017, yet we are still waiting. The cost has now increased to $18M with only promises again. The $35.3M less the $18M is what is left allocated for the bypass, which is laughable, so again, nothing will happen.
The community attended a Mitchell Shire Council meeting in September 2024 at the John Taylor room to try and put pressure on the State Government and VicRoads—the community even put up signs all around Kilmore—but still nothing has happened.
We have been trying to get something to happen regarding the bypass for 25 years and find there are still no plans for construction.
It appears to be ‘all smoke and mirrors’ due to the federal election this year, but nothing substantial appears to be in the pipeline, only hollow promises. Give us a starting and finishing date for the Wandong Northern Highway roundabout. Empty words are worthless.
Vyv Whitehurst
KADRRA President
Can’t walk barefoot? Don’t walk your dog.
Dear Editor,
I am concerned for the dogs in our community.
Some people out walking their dogs on hot days are clearly oblivious to the wellbeing of their animals.
I recently witnessed a person walking three dogs when it was 35 degrees. The person clearly had no water with them to hydrate the animals.
When you are walking your dogs, please take note of the conditions. If you cannot hold your hand on the footpath for at least 10 seconds because it is too hot, then it is hot enough to burn the pads of your dog’s paws. Think of if you had to walk barefooted on the ground with them. DON’T WALK THEM!
Remember to carry some water for your dogs to hydrate them … anytime you are walking them. I’m sure these people love their dogs dearly, treating them as a family member, and it’s great that they are out walking them—just take a moment to think of what you’re about to do before you do it. Your dog will love you even more.
Brett Owen
Community panel fiasco
Dear Editor,
In November last year, Mitchell Shire Council advertised for residents to participate in a Community Panel to ‘shape the next four years in the Mitchell Shire.’
The panel was due to be conducted on Saturday, February 15 and Saturday, February 22. Catering would be provided, and each participant would be paid to attend. It would be reasonable to assume that this event would be costing ratepayers thousands of dollars. Given that most people are busy seven days a week, I am certain that many of those residents selected would have rearranged their schedules to attend.
On February 5, with 10 days’ notice, participants were advised that the dates had been shifted to Sunday, February 23 and Sunday, March 2, with change of venue. At such short notice, I am sure that many of the selected panel members are now unable to attend.
If council can’t organise a simple talkfest with three months’ notice, how can we ratepayers have confidence that the shire’s bureaucrats are capable of shaping how the shire will look in four years’ time?
David Waye
Cost-of-living crisis is a crisis
Dear Editor,
A recent survey found that almost 50 per cent of the population has less than $1000 in their bank account, at any one time.
The same survey also found that over 75 per cent of those surveyed were currently facing ‘financial stress’. Effectively living from pay-cheque to pay-cheque.
A recipe for disaster should an emergency arise. No wonder mental health issues in our society are on the rise.
Michael J Gamble
