Civic leaders praised for stance in favour of tolerance
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission congratulates the 40 leaders from the City of Greater Bendigo who have issued a joint statement in support of the local Muslim community.
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The approved building of a mosque in the area has been the subject of some community anger and hostility.
This has recently escalated following plans by anti-Islam groups to rally in Bendigo on Saturday.
The community leaders have pledged to stand united against any form of racism and bigotry and, importantly, have acknowledged different points of view asking that these views are expressed in a peaceful and respectful manner.
The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act makes it against the law to vilify people because of their race or religion.
Vilification is behaviour that incites hatred, serious contempt, revulsion or severe ridicule of person or group of people because of their race or religion.
Serious vilification is a criminal offence.
The commission applauds the signatories for their proactive and inclusive stance in supporting the Muslim community’s right to have a place of worship and communion.
Kate Jenkins, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Give residents a say in organic waste collection scheme
There appears to be a fair amount of discussion and debate over the collection of green waste by Greenaway and the proposed organic waste collection being supplied by the City of Greater Bendigo.
I find some comments in Saturday’s Bendigo Advertiser (August 22) by mayor Peter Cox more than confusing.
It's stated that some people already are composting their own green waste and applauds those residents who do it.
It appears that the council will enforce residents to have another bin and of course that will incur a rate penalty to residents.
I ask this question to City of Greater Bendigo. Do ratepayers have a say in if they want or need this bin, or are we just going to told you are having it?
I would like to know how they come up with this magical data figure of 50 per cent of rubbish that goes into our bins is organic.
As I have previously stated, data can be designed to suit your needs.
Mr Cox also states that this creates a problem with the build-up of methane gas.
But my understanding is that methane gas can be burnt off to produce electricity and other benefits to the community.
The second last paragraph states that the council must consider the bigger picture and do what is right for the majority of the community.
If only one could believe that to be true.
Ivan Kitt, Bendigo
Original transport hub visionaries deserve the credit
I read with interest comments by the City of Greater Bendigo strategy manager Trevor Budge regarding a transport hub in the Marong Business Park.
This is nothing new as a consortium of Bendigo businessmen raised this idea over 15 years ago and after exhaustive efforts with state and local governments the plan did not proceed.
Both road and rail were to be included and if any back-slapping were to occur, it should include these past visionaries.
Dave Bourke, Kangaroo Flat
Do you have an opinion?
Send a letter to the editor to addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au, or PO Box 61, Bendigo, 3552
