Opinion

Sylvester, former RSPCA Lost Soul Mum told me about the great response to the new MAAW op shop in Castlemaine. That makes me really happy, so thanks everyone! Unfortunately Mum was not able to help with the move, so I suggested that she give a donation instead. She did – in my name Sylvester! She…

Brian Clarke, Castlemaine Recently I heard that a deputation of business leaders asked our Prime Minister to address the base load power crisis in Australia. Is this because until 2006, Australia produced the most reliable and cheapest electricity in the world, whereas now, in South Australia, where all power stations have been closed, electricity prices…

Lola, grade 3/4, St Ambrose Parish Primary School Our class at St Ambrose Parish School is learning about sustainability and reducing, reusing and recycling. I believe that a can and bottle deposit scheme would reduce pollution in our state. In Victoria, we often see on our roadsides cans and plastic bottles, littering our environment. This…

Patrick Hockey, Castlemaine Why aren’t we all talking about climate change? The eerie silence that descends on a room when anyone attempts to discuss it is unnerving and disturbing. The present drought throughout the majority of NSW and north of the Dividing Range in Victoria is raising new questions. What will happen if the spring…

Graham Smith, Kyneton Once again we read of an accident on the Calder Freeway (‘Car collides with barriers’, Midland Express, July 10). In this instance, the vehicle hit the new wire rope barriers on the right and then crossed two lanes of traffic to hit the barriers on the left. We don’t know what caused…

Rupert Dalley, Metcalfe Chris Hooper might be interested to know that I have a letter to hand from the Minister of Transport Jacinta Allan dated November 27, 2017, stating that the V/Line train wash plant was being updated. I do not know how long it takes to update a train wash plant but it seems…

Christine Pruneau, secretary, Macedon Ranges Residents Association The same state government that has sworn it is ‘protecting’ Macedon Ranges has just approved planning changes to remove (1) current prohibitions on pig and poultry farms in Rural Conservation and Rural Living Zones, and (2) your rights to notice, and to object. In Farming, Rural Conservation, Rural…

Chris Hooper, Castlemaine Rupert Dalley was reported as finding the Bendigo line trains from Swan Hill a disgrace in the Midland Express on June 26. I actually enjoy catching the Swan Hill trains from Castlemaine as I find the seats are more comfortable than on the new fast trains and there are curtains so if…

Neil Barrett, chair, The Hub Foundation Castlemaine Last week, Madderns IGA in Barker Street has gone plastic bag free. It’s a courageous move as its main rival has so far refused to make the move. Castlemaine Fresh is also giving it a trial run in July. The Hub Foundation is encouraging members of the public…

David Arscott, Kangaroo Flat On the weekend I had reason to visit Kyneton after a few years for an enjoyable reunion with former workmates. As I waited outside for my lift home my eyes were drawn to a couple of dilapidated buildings in between the Town Hall and Post Office, and I recalled the reason…

Micheal Portelli, Pipers Creek The digital divide is becoming even greater with NBN randomly deciding who will receive a fixed wireless NBN service and those who can only receive the far inferior and more expensive satellite service with its minimal data allowance. Representatives of NBN spoke favourably about co-locating fixed wireless antennas on the new…