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I would like to thank Robert Treller for his letter (Bendigo Weekly, February 3) raising the topic of renewable energy generation.
Robert expresses some concerns and questions the promotion of renewable energy for our energy needs.
The simple fact is that renewable energy will play a significant part in powering our future.
Every day the amount of solar energy hitting the earth is greater than 10,000 times the total energy being consumed daily.
Physicist Michio Kaku observes that the abundance of infinite renewable energy resources will power our entire world’s energy demand within 100 years.
Already large corporations such as GE and Cisco are making strategic business decisions to research renewable energy technology and components that will facilitate distributed renewable energy generation in a smarter grid network.
At a local level the Bendigo Sustainability Group has an objective for Bendigo to become 100 per cent powered by renewable energy in the future and are preparing a plan towards this.
The Central Victorian Solar Cities group is also working with many local communities who are interested in establishing their own renewable energy generation capacity.
Why are they interested in this? Not only because it is good for the environment but they also understand it is good for the economic development and job opportunities within their local community.
As you can see there is growing momentum and a strong appetite both globally and locally for renewable energy developments.
I liken those who seek to deny or resist the inevitable advancement of renewable energy technology to the little boy with his finger in the dyke trying to hold back the tide.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the many people across Bendigo who recognise the transition to a low-carbon future will lead to a better, more sustainable and smarter future for us all.
Keith Reynard,
Strathfieldsaye
A bridge too far
Thanks residents and petitioners for the huge support for an external independent and public council review to identify savings, efficiencies, improvements and new initiatives.
People from all walks of life and shades of politics were involved, something council never wanted to believe.
Disappointingly, despite stressed economic times, seven councillors voted against the transparent review and long-overdue efficiency health check.
Rather, they accepted a flawed senior officers’ report that offered no positive alternatives and rejected the chance to save $1-5 million, year after year for a one-off cost of up to $250,000. A constructive opportunity lost for residents.
It seems senior officers could not assess objectively a review that may lessen their control, the way they operate and their management structure. We expected them to say “no”, but not our councillors.
Councillors Peter Cox and LisaRuffell recognised the review’s merit, and had the courage to speak up for the community; it was ‘a bridge too far’ this time.
It’s obvious most councillors failed to consult the community, or carefully weigh up both the review proposal and submissions that countered the officers’ position. It is now clear officers have a greater influence than the public.
Ironically, some councillors who opposed the review in debate suggested a review might be a good idea after the council elections. An inevitable opportunity delayed.
Council maintains an external independent and public review is unnecessary because it already does a good job.
Really? The test will be whether councillors vote for the planned six per cent rate rise in June.
We must accept council’s decision at this time. However, we will encourage candidates for council elections in October to support a review.
Ted Coleman, Michael McKenzie,
Strathfieldsaye
Expect a long-term
increase in enrolments
In the Bendigo Weekly, February 3, an article and an editorial about enrolments in the Bendigo Education Plan schools provided a reasonable perspective of the challenges and progress in these schools.
The article focused on projected 2012 enrolments. However, the actual first-day enrolment figures are now available and present a more accurate picture.
Compared to 2011, Bendigo South East Secondary College is down 29 students but is close to capacity.
Crusoe Secondary College is up 12 students, Eaglehawk Secondary College down one student and Weeroona College down 35 students.
These enrolments are as
expected given that the Grade 6
enrolments in 2011 were
the lowest for six years.
At the other end of the spectrum, enrolments for Bendigo Senior Secondary College are up 91 students on the 2011 figures.
The editorial commented about the Bendigo Education Plan objectives to improve educational outcomes for students.
We have already seen improvements across the schools in terms of students’ attitudes and expectations (La Trobe University longitudinal study).
This data is being reinforced through the traditional data collected by schools relating to student, parent and teacher attitudes.
Absences are less, suspensions have dramatically decreased and NAPLAN results in reading and numeracy are improving.
Interestingly, the fastest-improving school is Eaglehawk Secondary College. This was one of the first two BEP schools to be completed, finalising its building program early in 2011.
As the remaining two BEP schools complete their building programs this year, I am confident that in the future we will see a long-term increase in enrolments associated with improved outcomes for every student.
Ron Lake, Regional Director,
Loddon Mallee Region
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
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