Bendigo has also done an excellent job in the provision of bike paths and public spaces. Bendigo is a beautiful and pleasurable place. Congratulations! 

However, it appears that for Epsom/Ascot areas, there has been an almost total neglect of the impact of road increase as a result of substantial and accelerated development.

The Epsom/Ascot area is experiencing substantial residential and commercial development: housing, development of already established businesses and new businesses (of all sizes).

Yet, very little has been done to re-work the traffic/transport infrastructure and operations. 

Consequently, issues relating to the speed limit, the level of traffic, an appropriate road infrastructure to service all users and the lack of access to businesses in the area are and have been raised.

Currently, the area around the interchange of Midland Highway and Howard Street has a speed limit of 70km/h (the speed limit should be 50km/h).

This area is extremely busy and provides access to the shopping centre, Epsom PS, the new Aldi, a proposed new child care centre, established businesses such as Bendigo Pottery (an iconic tourist destination for Bendigo), Epsom Post Office (a constantly growing and important commercial and community hub) and the café on the corner of Howard Street and Midland Highway (an important commercial hub).

In addition, Howard Street is also a conduit for people from Eaglehawk and, as such, is experiencing an increase in usage.

With such commercial and residential activity already in place and taking place, one wonders why there has not been the appropriate road and transport development to accompany such growth. 

Many individuals and businesses have been relaying their concerns. There has been no action, apart from some guttering on Howard Street. Any wonder why individuals and businesses are angry.

It appears that the parties involved are Greater Bendigo Council, VicRoads, state and federal governments.

Perhaps they all get together and sort this out. I’m sure all residents and businesses would be happy  to assist through a community meeting where we might be heard.

I watched a televised debate between, Barnaby Joyce, Joel Fitzgibbon and Richard Di Natale and moderated by Chris Uhlman. 

I was absolutely amazed when Barnaby Joyce linked the issue of stopping the live cattle trade with Indonesia with an increase in boatloads of people from Indonesia.

Where is the evidence for such a claim?  I am amazed that a politician, let alone a representative of our government can much such an outrageous claim.

This is pure dog whistling. It displays a complete disregard for the truth and shows an amazing lack of logic.

Barnaby Joyce does not deserve to be deputy prime minister and must be voted out of office, if not removed by the Prime Minister.