I read with interest David Johnston's article ‘Yarrawonga traffic chaos on horizon’, in The Border Mail (September 6) on the potential gridlock that may eventuate now that the new bridge has been listed as a “medium-term” investment. He states “deep division exists” on the preferred lake crossing option.
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In the Green corner we have Moira Shire. In the designated route, Grey corner (chosen by the Victorian government in November 2015), we have the Victorian state government, the NSW state government, VicRoads, Roads and Maritime Services NSW and the Federation Shire.
Not only is Moira Shire not reading off the same song sheet as the others, I don't think they've even got hold of the same hymn book. They should leave it to the experts who plan, design and build bridges on a regular basis.
The Border Mail article then mentions that Moira Shire and Federation Council have the same concerns, getting the new bridge built. If Moira Shire had accepted the experts’ advice, we'd be well on the way to a new bridge.
Traffic studies have shown that 88 per cent of all traffic across the current bridge is Yarrawonga to Mulwala or the other way (local start, local finish). A further 10 per cent starts in one town or the other, and travels to and then through the other town (local start, non-local finish). Do the maths. Very little is through freight and the Grey route will easily cope with B-doubles and the like.
Yarrawonga does not lie on a major north-south freight route. The Grey route alignment will direct large trucks out of the main street, Belmore Street, but will allow local traffic to enter for shopping and other activities.
I'm a little bemused at the Green route supporters (a small but vocal group) being upset at the delay to the new bridge being built, when it's their activities, and those of the Moira Shire, that have shown a lack of unity in the two towns and have contributed to the government's reassessment of priorities.
Peter Bennett, Yarrawonga
Shame Serena, shame
Firstly, I must congratulate Naomi Osaka for winning the US Open Single women’s championship. It is good to see a young face win a major championship.
The performance of Serena Williams was a disgrace and her actions did not do the sport any favours. How is that being a role model for future tennis players?
The actions of umpire Carlos Ramos have to be applauded as this type of behaviour has been going on too long. Actually, it has been going on since the days of John McEnroe.
This type of behaviour is used to break the momentum of the opponent and has been successful on many occasions. Therefore, the penalty giving by Carlos was a brave but correct one. Note in Australian Rules if you argue with the umpire like that you would get a minimum of one or more 50-metre penalties.
This then leads to dubious medical time outs happening at a critical time during a tennis match. This is also a tactic to break the momentum of an opponent.
John Walker, Wangaratta
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