How many millions of dollars, which could be better spent on permanent solutions to the ongoing fiasco that is Victoria’s rail network?

It is to be hoped that Transport Minister Jacinta Allan does not simply subscribe to the “bread and circuses” school of politics, and likewise will produce a better public response than blaming the former Coalition government.

It is also unedifyingly (if not predictably) clear that the Coalition opposition are failing to seek a solution for the Victorian public, and instead using the current transport crisis as little more than a political opportunity to attack Minister Allan.

V/Line and Metro are pointing fingers at each other, so let’s see them explain before a parliamentary inquiry.

The Victorian Greens are asking the upper house Economy and Infrastructure Committee to call V/Line and Metro management before such an inquiry.

We sorely need to break the cycle of successive governments blaming each other for these recurring public transport failures and short-comings, responsibility for which obviously lies with both the Liberal/Nationals and Labor, over an extensive period of time.

I write regarding Colin Burns' highly inaccurate letter to the editor (Thursday, January 28) criticising former city futures director Stan Liacos.

Stan worked tirelessly on behalf of the community to deliver projects that have positioned Bendigo as a vibrant regional city.

Throughout his 10-year career with the City of Greater Bendigo, Stan was able to secure funding commitments from the state and federal governments and other sources totalling almost $130 million to be put toward such projects as Dai Gum San, the Bendigo Art Gallery expansion, the new Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic Leisure and Wellbeing Centre, the Bendigo Airport redevelopment, the Ulumbarra theatre and the Edwards Street car park.

These are also projects that have been delivered under the direction of various councils and had the long-term support of the community.

His contribution to lifting the profile of arts and culture for all of our community to enjoy and his efforts to support economic growth have been exemplary.

Stan has an incredible passion for Bendigo and we have all benefitted from his hard work, creativity, careful planning, skilled negotiation and commercial acumen. No one could question his desire for getting things done, his appetite to do more, his ability to build valuable and long lasting relationships and his advocacy with government.

Stan has been an integral part of the modern development of our great city and the wider region and he has left a wonderful legacy.

February isn’t too late to turn the New Year around and make a small change that could have a huge and lasting effect on your health and lifestyle. Just one month without alcohol can reduce your risk of injury and long term illnesses.

This year I’ll once again be one of thousands taking a break from alcohol for 29 days as part of FebFast, the annual fundraising challenge encouraging people to say no to alcohol.

Disturbingly, most people don’t think excessive alcohol consumption is a problem. I’d love to see Victorians join me and take a break to assess their relationship with alcohol.