Fox in China vote conflict
I find it difficult to understand why administrator Ailsa Fox did not declare a conflict of interest in regards to the planned China trip on behalf of the Rural City of Wangaratta.
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Had Fox declared a conflict of interest – no vote could have been held at Tuesday’s council meeting.
I can recall former chief executive Doug Sharp and then mayor Roberto Piano promising wonderful local benefits on previous funded China trips.
How history repeats itself.
In my opinion ratepayers’ funds are being completely wasted (again).
Paul O’Brien, Hansonville
Where is the equal love?
Full marks to John Batten's letter (“There’s another view”, The Border Mail, September 13) indicating a perceived bias by The Border Mail articles towards same-sex marriage.
In recent weeks The Border Mail has had multiple feature stories by various authors in support of same-sex marriage but none in reply. Disturbingly, The Border Mail failed to publish the new alliance of “Australians for Marriage”, a coalition of at least 40 religious denominations, ethnic groups, charities and faith-based groups who represent a coalition of at least four million Australians against same sex marriage.
Where was this coverage?
Furthermore, why does The Border Mail continue to publish letters by a certain local religious identity who has made his support for same-sex marriage very clear and rambles on in waffling terms yet he keeps getting the same themed letters published?
George Krooglik, Albury
Floods not unusual
In response to the letter of Steve Czerny, Corowa (The Border Mail, September 10) I would like to point out that all flooding in Corowa and along the Murray River is confined to the flood plain.
Every owner and user of the Murray River Flood Plain should be fully aware that it is subject to flooding as the flood plain is a normal part of the river and it will flood from time to time.
That is why councils will not give permission for permanent buildings to be built there.
In fact occasional flooding is essential for the eco system of the flood plain.
We are a land of drought and flooding rains.
It is important to point out that the Hume Weir was built for the purpose of harnessing excess water for irrigation as well as providing water for towns all the way to Adelaide instead of letting it all flow out to sea.
Prior to the weir, Corowa experienced major flooding in the spring while the river was reduced to a trickle in the summer.
The weir needs to be kept as full as possible in winter and spring to ensure sufficient water for releases in summer.
I understand water is released when ordered by irrigators who pay big money for the water, and it is this released water that provides the high water levels enjoyed by all in the summer months.
Sufficient water has to be released to towns along the way to Adelaide.
In a dry season this can mean little or no allocation of water for irrigation farmers and this can have a devastating effect on their yearly income – much more than the short-term inconvenience experienced by the businesses and land owners with a moderate flood.
Ninety-nine per cent of the time owners and users of the flood plain make very good use of this very fertile, picturesque land.
It is a pity we have become a nation of whingers and have to blame someone for every little inconvenience we experience.
Would these whingers prefer that the weir be kept low in winter and run the risk of no further rain and therefore not have enough water to keep the river high in summer?
Or maybe they should move from the flood plain to higher ground.