Just to say how wonderful it is to see 'Business Wangaratta' elect such proven good strong business hands as our former Mayor Dean Rees and member of the nationally hugely successful local family, Casey McPhail (reported in your august journal, Wednesday, 3 December). Both these good men have been stalwarts for the rural city for quite some time, and they see the need for a strong commercial voice for us. Now, all other families of commerce; businesses as well as the professions, get behind these blokes. Attend meetings. Discuss the ruination of Australia as well as our own basket case Victoria. And, above all, speak up about the destruction of trading circumstances in Wangaratta, mostly exerted by the state and federal governments. Jamie Fisher, Cheshunt Wangaratta council's wasteful record a concern As a ratepayer of Wangaratta for over 20 years I feel I need to comment about the council. Having moved here from Whorouly with my then wife I have seen the city grow, but so has the wasteful spending of council in so many wrong areas. We have no pound, the tourist info centre is at Glenrowan, we have a multi-storied carpark white elephant, the silly paintings on the old water tower, painting the underpass, wasted investment on the Apex Park flood zone where the artificial grass gets washed away each year, water and septic infrastructure lagging behind our growth, council paying off the jazz festival committee's debt a few years back, council ignoring the petition saying no to the new parking app, the number of unregistered dogs in town, and now the loss of the Bilyana festival. My father had a saying; "it's a bit late to shut the gate after the horse has bolted". I also noticed in the Chronicle (Wednesday, 3 December) that former mayor Dean Rees, who was on council when many of the aforementioned issues occurred, is now taking up a role with Business Wangaratta. Let's hope he has more luck steering Business Wangaratta through the many challenges our local businesses face than he did with council. Bill Kohne, Wangaratta Support needed for Markwood fire victims I am deeply saddened to confirm that two homes have been destroyed, and four other properties have lost buildings, in the Markwood fire in North East Victoria. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with every family and individual affected by this devastating event. Remarkably, eight houses were saved thanks to the gallant efforts of our CFA volunteers. In response to this fire, and the devastating outcomes, I have written to the premier calling for urgent financial assistance. While the immediate emergency warning has now been downgraded to Watch and Act, residents are still being urged to avoid the area. Further damage is still being assessed, and our concern remains with all those who have lost their homes, possessions, and sense of security, particularly with Christmas just weeks away. In this difficult time, it is essential that the Victorian government provides immediate and ongoing support to the Markwood community. Assistance with temporary accommodation, financial relief, counselling services, and recovery support must be prioritised. People who have been displaced deserve certainty, compassion, and practical help. We acknowledge the efforts of Wangaratta Council, which has stepped in to assist residents affected by the fire. Council’s director of community and infrastructure, Marcus Goonan, has confirmed a number of evacuees sought support overnight, highlighting the scale of community needs already emerging. Recent fires across Victoria, including in the Grampians last year, showed how vital a strong and coordinated response is, not only in the emergency phase, but throughout recovery. Communities cannot rebuild alone. As we move further into bushfire season, it’s important that all communities stay informed and prepared. Use multiple sources to stay up to date now and in the weeks ahead: • www.emergency.vic.gov.au • VicEmergency Hotline — 1800 226 226 (freecall) • VicEmergency app • Facebook or Twitter (#vicfires) • Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial or community radio, or Sky News TV • For road closures: VicTraffic website or call 13 11 70. Tim McCurdy, Nationals MP for Ovens Valley
