Job’s done
THE finishing touch has at last been completed on VicRoads’ McCallum Street, Swan Hill, upgrade with replacement of a medical emergency sign directing strangers to the area entering from the west to the hospital emergency department.
The old sign, made obsolete when the Splatt Street intersection was closed to enlarge an existing median area carpark as part of the upgrade, has been removed and a new one relocated just short of the High Street roundabout, construction of which was one of the features of the upgrade.
The newcomer, solid white cross on blue background, advises “U-turn 300m”. That takes the motorist to the Beveridge Street roundabout, returning west on McCallum to Splatt Street, where an existing sign indicates turn left into McRae and left again into Splatt — a distance of 500m.
From what I have seen, ambulance vehicles opt for this choice. One hundred metres is not far, but it can be vital when a life is in the balance.
Yes, two more signs would have been required for the High Street alternative, but if this was considered a factor it may be a case of false economy.
On the subject of “tinkering”, one more thing could be done.
There is an accident waiting to happen for westbound traffic approaching the High Street roundabout: vehicles parked at the extreme western end of the median area, south side, totally obstruct the line of sight in the direction of oncoming traffic in the roundabout.
This could be corrected by removing one or two parking bays.
Lawrie French,
Swan Hill
Apathetic to the plan
YOU may have recently seen on Facebook, in The Guardian and overheard conversations regarding the Swan Hill councils plan to construct a new building dubbed an art and culture precinct, that aims to boost tourism at the front of the Pioneer Settlement, with removal of the steam train from the area to make room.
Understandably, majority of people are apathetic about the plan; why should we take a negative spin on a new infrastructure being created in the local area?
Why do people even care about a non-functional train being removed from the region?
This train of thought (pardon the pun) is understandable, but it highlights a concerning underlying issue; the local council, which exists purely to create safe spaces and a functioning community, has once again demonstrated that they have absolutely no interest in listening to the voice of the community members.
The lack of active participation of community members in decision making in the region and the lack of genuine engagement between council and community is not an oversight, it is maliciously deliberate.
Up to this point, council have had accountability for their decision making in shaping the region to how they vision it to be.
The current political landscape in the region is one of disempowerment.
These are the primary reasons why you should care about the new plan, or support those who are expressing their disinterest in the plan:
1. You own these assets as a ratepayer. You, as a Swan Hill individual, are paying rates and various taxes to ensure the community is shaped the way that will best serve you, but you have had the right to express your concerns or have a collaborative voice in the region denied, alas, ignored. As a ratepayer, when was the last time you were consulted on how your money would be spent?
2. We need better, diverse tourism opportunities for the region. Swan Hill region requires more tourism opportunities, to fuel a struggling rural town.
At the outset, this plan could enhance that, however they have chosen to place the new attraction at an existing attraction, whereby no foot traffic would be redirected back to the CBD.
Surely our cafes, restaurant and small scale retail businesses would appreciate the additional foot traffic to bolster their customer base?
The Pioneer Settlement is already set up with a cafe, so the likelihood of this attraction having an immediate impact on these businesses is minimal.
The Pioneer Settlement is an attraction within itself, and does not require more money being spent on it to inspire interest.
3. The Pioneer Settlement, it is aimed at preserving the history of the local area in the pioneering era. This includes horse and cart rides, a blacksmith and various buildings from the area.
To maintain the aesthetic of the area, what relevance does a state-of-the-art building have in this area?
It takes away the authenticity of the area, turning it into a smorgasbord of tourism ‘quick fixes’.
Moreover, how can we remove a piece of local history to make way for a cultural building? This mindset seems counterintuitive and narrow-minded.
There are numerous issues with this plan, and none of the potential problems have been identified because they have not had a consultation process in place with community members, or a holistic look at alternative options.
It is for this reason, we ask you if you are approached to please sign the petition to have the plan scrapped, and alternative place for the community centre to be placed.
Colleen Crossfield,
Woorinen South
