Mine leaves toxic legacy
The Woodvale evaporation ponds, a toxic legacy of many years of mining in Bendigo, are no longer needed for mining and they have been excluded from consideration in the solution to Bendigo’s amenity water problem.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As it is more than three years since Unity Mining ceased operations, the company is obliged by its mining licence to rehabilitate its sites, including the ponds. Unity’s proposed sale of its assets to GBM must not be allowed to obscure this legal obligation.
The Woodvale community has campaigned for years to have this toxic site rehabilitated and there is no reason why this process cannot be started immediately.
Pat Horan, Sebastian
Communities car reliant
The Junortoun Community Action Group is delighted to learn of the community consultation sessions planned by Public Transport Victoria for Junortoun, Strathfieldsaye and Goornong.
This follows calls made by JCAG for improved bus services along McIvor Highway to serve the needs of residents of Junortoun, Longlea and Axedale.
JCAG acknowledges past commitments for community consultation provided by Jacinta Allan and PTV last year, and we are pleased to see the consultation dates announced.
The suburb of Junortoun is highly car-dependent. The existing Heathcote bus service is inadequate as it provides only one service into central Bendigo in the morning, and one service out in the evening. Most people drive because there is no practical alternative.
Improved bus services would make public transport more viable for workers; and also improve access to education, recreation, shopping and medical and other services for younger residents, older residents, the unemployed, people who cannot drive, and families who elect not to operate multiple vehicles.
We urge all Junortoun residents to attend the public transport consultation meetings being held in Junortoun next month, and to demonstrate your support for improved bus services to serve the growing suburb of Junortoun.
Kevin de Vries, secretary, Junortoun Community Action Group
A time to reflect
On Anzac Day we mark the anniversary of Australian and New Zealand soldiers’ first landing at the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, 1915, during World War I.
That was the start of an eight-month campaign where 50,000 Australians fought, more than 9000 lost their lives and more than 19,000 were wounded.
On Anzac Day we commemorate our service men and women who have displayed bravery, resolve, initiative and discipline on that day and every day thereafter.
Anzac Day is a time to pause, reflect and thank all of those who have worn our nation’s uniform and to commemorate the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of Australian troops arriving on the Western Front of France and Belgium.
Almost 300,000 Australians served on the Western Front, where more than 46,000 lost their lives and some 18,000 were left with no known grave. It remains Australia’s greatest commitment to a single theatre and our greatest loss of life.
We owe our returned service personnel an immeasurable debt of gratitude. I encourage everyone to participate in their local Anzac Day commemorations to thank those who have served our country.
If you know of someone who may be finding it difficult at this time of year, please let them know the Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service is available to assist them on 1800 011 046.
Lest we forget.
