Aged care affordability a challenge
I strongly agree with both the COTA and LASA chief executive officers (Bendigo Advertiser September 22 and September 26) drawing attention to the need in the Bendigo region for increased number of residential and community places over the next 15 years.
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However, because of the changed federal government care cost schedules, care cost is now related to your income and assets.
For many this raises affordability of a program as there are are many older folk who have not had the opportunity to have or own assets; and for some self-funded retirees, their planned income and asset status has been reduced due to low interest rates.
Families are well advised to identify loved one’s income and asset status and enquire regarding costs of services before needed, as many are realising the affordability component is a concern.
Ruth Hosking, LASA Volunteer of the Year 2014-15
Stay safe as weather heats up
With the weather warming up, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) is asking Victorians to follow some simple safety guidelines.
Many residents will be firing up their barbecues for the first time in months, but people need to check they’re still in good working order. It’s vital people check that connections, gas cylinder, hose and connections are not a disaster waiting to happen.
The things to look out for are loose connections, and hoses that have visibly deteriorated or cylinders that look damaged – these can lead to fires or explosions with consequences ranging from a nasty shock to serious injury or even death.
The drier weather is also an opportunity for landowners to burn-off, but we ask residents to take extreme care. People need to do the right thing by checking conditions and registering their burn-offs with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority by calling 1800 668 511.
Never leave a burn-off unattended and check the weather forecast. You should never burn-off in hot, dry, or windy conditions. Victoria has many beautiful areas to explore, but they’re not without potential dangers like bushfire.
CFA is asking holidaymakers to put a few simple steps in place before they relax and get away from it all, especially if they are heading bush. A basic emergency kit in the car could be a life-saver. Pack a radio, an extra mobile phone and charger, hard copy maps, torch, lots of bottled water and a woollen blanket.
Always check the local weather conditions before you leave for your destination and make sure you have a few ways to actively check for fire warnings.
Bonfires or campfires – particularly those left unattended – all too often posed issues for fire services.
Being on holiday is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. Please stop for a minute to think about the threat to the community and what could happen if your fire got away.
You should always apply the rule – cool to touch, safe to leave.
Steve Warrington, CFA deputy chief officer
Coal seam gas extraction a ‘serious concern’
Onshore unconventional gas is a serious concern to local communities and I am proud the Coalition has taken the position to extend the moratorium on exploration and extraction until 2020.
The Nationals have always been very clear: we will never support any mining activity that risks harm to our prime agricultural land, water supplies or the environment.
As well keeping the moratorium until at least 2020, The Nationals also believe that farmers deserve the right to say no to unconventional gas extraction on their land.
Victoria has a reputation for producing clean and green food and fibre products and we must not place that in jeopardy.
