Bendigo in line for ‘lousy, lopsided’ GovHub deal
Mayor O’Rourke in her recent press statement said council was following the Independent Review recommendation 11 for consolidation of council offices. True, but the recommendation called for community consultation, which has not yet happened.
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No mention by the mayor of the proposed lopsided lousy Government Hub deal Bendigo is in line for.
Ballarat will receive $100 million and 600 new government jobs for its Hub, whilst Bendigo will receive a paltry $16 million and 100 jobs. The mayor has given us no indication what deal council put to the State Labor government on the proposed Hub.
Maybe Ballarat’s CEO and councillors put a more persuasive and compelling case to the government to unlock nigh on unlimited funds for their residents. The State Labor Government has insulted and treated Greater Bendigo residents with complete disrespect by trying to foist on them a completely unfair Hub proposal compared to Ballarat.
It is not too late for our “gone missing” politicians; Jacinta Allan, Maree Edwards, councillors and business leaders to stick up for Bendigo and renegotiate a fairer deal.
For if not, Bendigo ratepayers and residents will have yet another financial mill stone placed upon them.
Colin Carrington, Heathcote
Mental health help needed
Having been involved with the local mental health system for over 15 years I find the advertising in Monday’s Bendigo Advertiser by Maree Edwards and Jacinta Allen quite offensive.
I have met with several politicians over the years pleading for help and advice only to be sent away with acknowledgement of the many problems which I have experienced and vague promises to tackle the issues further.
Many Bendigo families are caring for a loved member who has a mental health problem and understand the pain associated with the constant worry for their safety and happiness within a society which still regards mental health as a taboo topic.
We really need to see some evidence as to exactly how the local service providers are "recognising the importance of Mental Health Week" rather than as self-promoting advertising.
Sue Skahill, Bendigo
Read more: Headspace celebrations kick off in Bendigo
No jobs on a dead planet
I'm so glad to read in William Kininmonth's letter “Climate Debate”on October 8, that global warming is not the existential threat that scientists are making it out to be.
It will be such a relief not to worry about the fact that virtually all coral reefs will be wiped out at our current trajectory, as the new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report states.
I clearly don't need to be concerned about the nearly 70,000 jobs that are reliant on the Great Barrier Reef. And I don't need to worry about the 50 per cent increase in days of high fire danger in our area.
Or the risk to food and water security posed by increasing droughts and floods. Or of our health in ever more frequent heatwaves.
Who cares if my children aren't living in a world rich in biodiversity?
I tell you what – I do.
Melissa Abel, North Bendigo
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