Those misguided people who refuse to be vaccinated should not be permitted to abuse business owners who refuse entry to their premises.

The solution is simple, have the front desk or entrance covered by video, with appropriate warnings, then report the offender to the police.

The owner of the business risks a large fine if they accept entry of unvaccinated people.

People who choose to be unvaccinated will soon discover they will not be able to join their mates at most functions, their family at important events, not go shopping or attend any public events.

They will not be forced to get vaccinated, but they will soon decide it is necessary for their social life to proceed.

They must accept that the laws are made by the majority and there are consequences to refusing to obey.

MORE COMMENT

The Indigo Shire mayor has announced the receipt of a government grant for the Rutherglen Winery Cycle track.

A grant application for $4 million was announced previously, in July, but council will now receive $5.1 million.

The business case prepared by consultants states that the cost will be $5.7 million and identifies questionable financial benefits that could be achieved in the region when cyclists visit the town and indulge in the consumption of alcohol.

The business case identifies three contributions to the financial analysis, which is important since there are no direct financial returns associated with the track.

The major financial benefit claimed is $12.8 million that comes from the increased numbers of cyclists visiting the town.

Computer modelling has been used to estimate the increase in regional income that will be derived from money spent on food, drink and overnight accommodation.

The second benefit is $2.9 million of regional savings associated with the health benefits derived from cycling on the track. These are unmeasurable benefits that would never become apparent while the cyclists are in the region.

The third benefit of $9.7 million is the shadow user benefit.

This is defined as income that could be generated if riders were charged to use the track; there is no intention or opportunity to impose a charge, and this should be removed from the financial analysis.

The success of this project rests with the ability of the winemakers and traders in Rutherglen to achieve the benefits.

I am not aware of community input to the concept, or decisions made at council meetings where other priorities such as ambulance services, footpaths and infrastructure could be seen as a more important use of government funds.

As ratepayers, we will be required to fund much of the track maintenance, estimated at $132,000 per year.

This project lacks ownership. Who will monitor visitor numbers and the spend patterns in the town? How will council demonstrate the success of this project?

Or will it be like so many others launched with great enthusiasm, only to fail to produce any financial benefits?

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