Time for MPs to declare position
Renewable energy is making a strong, ongoing contribution to the social fabric of regional Victoria by providing much needed jobs, community investment and drought-proof income.
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That's why it's disappointing to hear the Victorian Liberal party will consider a motion proposed by the Wannon area conference to immediately scrap the national Renewable Energy Target (RET)--a John Howard government policy--at the party's upcoming state conference in Melbourne later this month.
Western Victoria is known as a leading exporter of food and fibre, and is increasingly known as an exporter of clean, renewable energy, with several wind projects operating and more in the pipeline. In the south-west, wind tower manufacturer Keppel Prince are the second-largest employer in Portland after the Alcoa aluminium smelter, and have supplied towers to a number of wind projects including the Ararat wind farm.
The motion would send a signal that the Liberal party is happy to put the the livelihoods of wind workers, wind farmers, and the region's clean, green image at risk in favour of ideological games.
Will Liberal MPs Dan Tehan and Louise Staley show leadership by stating their public support for local workers and wind farmers and working to quash the motion? This is not the time for silence, it's their chance to stand with the community.
Yes 2 Renewables Community Coordinator Pat Simons
Continued improvement to regional road infrastructure is vital
I see the impact that transport accident injuries and death have on our regional communities on a daily basis. Whilst it has been pleasing to see government expenditure leading to an improvement of road infrastructure in our regional communities, it is apparent that there is more to be done. The statistics demonstrate that you are far more likely to die in a transport accident in regional Victoria than in Melbourne. In 2017 there were 157 deaths on roads regional in Victoria, when compared to 102 in Melbourne. This statistic is made even more startling when you consider that Melbourne holds approximately three quarters of Victoria’s population. Whilst one death on our roads is one too many, we need to ensure that there is continued focus on our roads to reduce the impact of the road toll on our regional communities.
Cameron Cowan, Ballarat.
Mental health boost
RESEARCH led by the Black Dog Institute has revealed that even a small amount of physical activity – as little as one hour each week – can protect against depression, regardless of age, gender or current fitness level.
Depression is a serious public health issue with around one million Australians currently diagnosed. We also know that up to 20 per cent of the Australian population doesn’t undertake any regular physical activity, which may significantly increase their risk of developing depression in their lifetime.
The Black Dog Institute’s Exercise Your Mood campaign, which runs from April 30 to May 6, aims to change these statistics by encouraging everyday Australians to improve their mental fitness by taking on at least one hour of exercise each week.
Though it can be hard to take the first step, one hour is a very achievable goal.
It’s something we would like to encourage your readers to build into their weekly routine.
If they are already on track, keep up the good work,
Your mental health will thank you for it.
Professor Helen Christensen, director, The Black Dog Institute
- If you want to submit a letter to the editor, email ararateditorial@ruralpress.com or stawelltimes@thecourier.com.au