A choice about who we are
I’m really troubled by what happened to independent MP Helen Haines in regional Victoria. It makes me wonder: is this where we end up when our conversations get too hostile? When did we start seeing people who disagree with us as enemies rather than neighbours? When outrage gets more attention than understanding?
As Victorians get ready to vote, I think this election is about something much bigger than policies or promises or who’s the most charismatic candidate. It’s really about what kind of politics we want, and what kind of community we’re building together.
The way I see it, we’re being offered two pretty different directions. Here’s what I’d ask you: whoever you’re thinking of voting for, ask them to show up and act for the Victoria we actually want to live in. For me, that’s a place where kindness matters. And even people I don’t agree with deserve a good morning.
Dominique Hes
Yarraville LXRP – Is the government telling porkies?
In announcing the awarding of contracts for the Anderson St level crossing removal, Premier Ben Carroll and Katie Hall MP misattribute key figures that will have a significant impact on the Yarraville village.
They cite a Colliers economic study commissioned by Maribyrnong City Council (noting that the project completed no economic or traffic assessments of its own, as confirmed under FOI). The study states that Village sales will drop by 9% if the crossing is simply closed with no intervention. It also estimates that Council’s alternative design would increase trade by 12%. Critically, that uptick assumes retaining a pedestrian at-grade crossing to enhance access at Anderson St, which has not been included in the state government’s “Artist Impressions” (despite four rounds of community engagement, final designs have still not been released).
The study also highlights the need to retain the existing heritage feel of the village, yet the government’s design demolishes heritage shops at the station. The study never assessed the government’s design, so the government’s 12% claim has no basis. If the government stands by 12%, it should state which of the study’s measures it is delivering, or release modelling of its own design.
Ed Harcourt
