Re: Pakula won’t make landfill vow
It’s disappointing to read of Martin Pakula’s position not to fight against the Lyndhurst toxic waste tip, particularly based on concerns about the effect on property prices. As one of the councillors representing Dandenong South, I would have thought the health and well-being of residents is the priority. What is needed is a plan to close the tip as soon as possible. Such a tip should never be that close to residents. That is why I recommend voting for Greens candidate for Lyndhurst, Nina Springle.
Matthew Kirwan, Red Gum Ward councillor, Greens Party member
RATWISE is a non-political group that has been fighting for the closure of the Lyndhurst landfill since the early 1990s. Our aim is to talk to any political source who will help to further our aim. Unfortunately, Labor and the Liberals have the same ideals in allowing a toxic processing plant to be built and operate within the residential and factory areas, which can cause health concerns to any person who is within this area, and even greater concerns to schools and child care centres.
The Labor candidate Mr Pakula has stated he cannot make promises about closing the landfill. Can I remind Mr Pakula that democracy is about an elected member representing the voters, by having the toxic landfill located to a safer area which cannot be a danger. By the way, this would keep property values and security at their premium.
Ray Tormey, Lyndhurst
It’s almost like Martin Pakula is saying that if we ignore it, it will go away. Don’t residents have the right to be aware of a toxic dump in their backyard? Surely they also have a right to talk about community issues. If we followed Mr Pakula’s logic, no problems would be addressed, because talking about them could drive property values down or be a security risk. Exactly how does talking about not wanting to have a toxic dump next door pose a security risk for the community?
Jackie McCullough (via web)
Re: Ticket inspectors ‘cut market trade’
It really is quite a silly situation that Greater Dandenong Council sees a need to charge for parking in Dandenong at all.
While 40 cents an hour isn’t a big amount of money, it is the difference between shopping at a particular place or going elsewhere. And let’s face facts. While Dandenong CBD has in recent times received a bit of a facelift, the council needs to continue to encourage people to come to Dandenong to shop.
And the sad fact is, having to fiddle around for coins, in a day and age when fewer people even carry cash on them, just makes coming to Dandenong a hassle. Personally, I simply can’t be bothered going anywhere near the rat race that is Dandenong Market, when I can go to the plaza, park for free and buy fresh produce from retailers where the product is just as good and not a great deal more expensive.
Brad Woodford (via web)
Youth Week out in the cold
With Youth Week starting last Friday, the City Of Greater Dandenong has left the youth of Noble Park out in the cold. Noble Park used to have a wonderful meeting place for youth at the old vert skate ramp.
This was demolished in October 2010 to make way for the redevelopment of the Noble Park Aquatic Centre. We desperately need somewhere that our kids can ride their chosen mode of transportation. Somewhere safe, sheltered and close to public transport.
Noble Gentleman (via web)
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