It is natural that a Landcare group would support local landowners, whose focus is understandably on their own properties. However what the group and landowners are proposing is unimaginably and devastatingly destructive from an ecological point of view. It's hard to conceive that a Landcare Group, purporting to value the environment, would even consider making such proposals. The present roadsides are intact and unique, specially on the south side, are in the foothills of the Mt Langi Ghiran State Park, contain as yet unnamed unique species, many large old trees and are home to many precious bird, animal and insect species.

One has only to drive through the area to see that, which no doubt Advertiser readers do regularly. WHAM8, an incorporated group known as WHAM, which has been following the duplication issue closely since tree clearings west of Beaufort began, has certainly criticised VicRoads many times in the past. We would prefer no destructive duplication to occur. However, by avoiding the current roadsides for "Section 2B," VicRoads is taking the lesser of two evils.

Helen Lewers

WHAM

I write in support of the current VicRoads plan for the highway between Buangor and Ararat.

I have attended meetings convened by both sides of this debate, including VicRoads and also opposition of the current plan.

To come across Box’s Cutting -what an amazing vista – a real insight into what a 2050 highway should look like.

I therefore urge VicRoads to stick to what is already planned – a highway we can all be proud of – not some make shift relic of late last century.

TONY SHEA

Ararat

I have been going to Ararat Cemetery since 1961. 

I went out recently and - what a disgrace, very untidy, long grass not mowed. I have written two letters to the Cemetery Trust, last year - 2016, but they won't get our caretaker a new mower.

We have a very good caretaker but if he hasn't got good machinery, he can't do a good job.

I think we need a new Cemetery Trust Committee, people that will take pride in what Glen does out there and keep him as he is a very good worker.

I was upset to see it in the state it is.

Congratulations to Cathcart Cemetery Trust, credit to all involved, also Maryborough - kept nice and clean. Come on you men on the Ararat Cemetery Trust, if you can't do something, let someone else call for a new Cemetery Trust Committee.

It will soon be Easter, Mother's Day, hope it is all mowed and clean by then.

June Rickard.

Climate change cannot be denied any longer. Each day there is news of more catastrophic weather events. Governments cannot continue to twiddle their thumbs at a cost to us all.

They need to reduce CO2 emissions and prepare a course of action. For instance, to stop using fossil fuels and grow more native forest areas. We also need to seriously and urgently engage with global efforts.

For Federal Government members to jokingly too about a lump of “clean” coal in Parliament, and dismiss the use of solar and wind energy as a choice of “ideology” akin perhaps, to drinking lattes, fills me with despair for our future.

GAIL SUTHERLAND

Stawell