Matt Golding on King Charles and Queen Camilla, originally published October 23, 2024.Credit: Matt Golding
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THE FORUM
It’s encouraging to see the expose by The Age regarding the growth of the western suburbs of Melbourne (“Not so quiet on the western front”, 30/12). What is missing is the required infrastructure to make these western suburbs as “liveable” as the eastern suburbs, in particular efficient public transport and decent roads. You only need to travel on the M8 at any time of the day to see cars at a standstill, especially at peak hour, and realise that this is only a four lane freeway, despite being a major route to Adelaide and heavily congested with trucks. Try getting on or off the ring road (M80) at peak times and you’ll understand the issues facing these expanding communities. These communities have been neglected for far too long and development has gone ahead without appropriate planning to enable the infrastructure to be established first. We may see a change of voting patterns as a consequence.
Denise Stevens, Healesville
Aggressive drivers
An excellent substantive article on what’s been going on in recent years, when it comes to plummeting pedestrian safety (“Roads are getting safer – but not for pedestrians”, 29/12). Here’s hoping motorists take note. A quibble though, it’s not “vehicles” killing people walking, it’s the people behind the wheel.
There’s also a question left begging, about why some motorists seem to be so cavalier about the safety of the pedestrian. Is it the growing frustration from increased traffic congestion in metro Melbourne? Could it be self-entitlement borne of a fancy new car, or worse, an assumption of might is right, so pedestrians had better get out of the way?
As the former strategic planner and project manager for Mildura’s national award-winning CBD access and mobility strategy, I can tell you the vast majority of our community saw the sense of slowing traffic in just the CBD to 30kmh. However, a small handful of loud, illogical and aggressive opponents almost prevailed. Thankfully an independent community survey and data analysis of vehicle speed, traffic efficiency and pedestrian volumes confirmed it was a good decision.
One wonders whether making any offending motorist who is found at fault fully financially liable for all medical care plus loss of earnings suffered by the injured pedestrian they hit, might bring some accountability into this tragic mess?
Bernadette George, Mildura
Lack of deterrence
As a family now without our beautiful 24-year-old daughter Elise, who was cruelly killed in October this year while walking to an event, I have part of the answer. Deterrence is weak in a system that is still inadequate in supporting the victims — those killed and alive. While there are many cultural, legislative, regulatory, psychological, social, physical, emotional etc aspects to your story, it is clear to me that despite all the education and more for some drivers who are effectively in charge of a “weapon”, they have no respect or consideration for others. Yet, in nearly all these matters at some point the offender’s licence is given back to them if it is suspended or disqualified at all. Really?
These are incidents – not accidents. Which raises questions about whether driving should be considered a right or a privilege.
Our festive season is lonely and heartbreaking by the way.
Michael Hodder, Clifton Hill
Lack of care
Your report on pedestrian deaths was chilling reading, although not shocking. Every day I see drivers run red lights, ignore zebra crossings and not use indicators. And, thankfully less frequently, I see pedestrians too engrossed in their device to see an ambulance approaching.
I cross at the intersection of Smith and Johnson Streets in Collingwood/Fitzroy at least once daily. I cross with a green light but most days I have to jump out of the way of a dangerous driver, going through a red light. When I suggested to VicRoads that cameras could be installed, I was advised that as no accidents had been reported, the expense wasn’t justified.
Phil Burnham, Collingwood
Pedestrian education
I was always taught to walk against the traffic so we could see approaching cars. I am surprised at how few pedestrians do this now. Where I live it is common to see pedestrians walking with the traffic, unaware of approaching cars. At times they are pushing a pram or walking their dog. Many wear headphones and dark clothing. I am not excusing motorists but suggesting possible education for pedestrians.
Patricia Cameron-Hill, Mount Macedon
People may cross roads
Your report used the term “jaywalking”. There is no offence of “jaywalking” in Australia. The term is confusing and likely contributes to victim-blaming in pedestrian crashes. Here, people may cross a road if they need to, so long as they are not within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing.
This strikes a sensible balance, recognising that sometimes people who are walking need to cross roads where formal pedestrian crossings may not be provided.
Legally it is up to both people who are walking and people who are driving to do what they can to avoid crashes.
Jane Holroyd, Coburg
Fertile ground
In his interesting list of highlights of 2024 (Opinion, 30/12) George Brandis sees Australian republicanism as the “greatest lost cause”. On the same day, James Massola reports that support for a republic has risen from 36 to 41 per cent and opposition to a republic has fallen to 28 per cent. Further, only 31 per cent of Australians view the King has having done the job well.
This is fertile ground for those who believe in an independent Australia with its own head of state. While I understand Brandis promoting his monarchist’s views, the facts are that Australia becoming a republic may be a lot closer than many think.
James Young, Mt Eliza
Selling a distraction
The report on “Dutton’s great year” (29/12) continues a practice of reporting politics as if it were a football game, where there is fascination in the tactics and in who prevails and how. However, the next leader of the country will not be here to entertain us with dazzling displays of media releases, but to lead us all as we tackle our need to shift to renewables, or possibly finally grasp the nettles of rising inequality and housing unaffordability.
I worry that Dutton, the proponent of thoroughly discredited nuclear power, is celebrated for his ability to sell this distraction while a government managing a transition is canned for its communication strategy.
Janet Wickerson, Thornbury
AND ANOTHER THING
Vale
The passing of Jimmy Carter was a tragedy because he was the last true American progressive president. I will remember him because of his brave stance on Palestine as detailed in his book Palestine, Peace Not Apartheid.
Rob Park, Surrey Hills
Roads
One factor that I believe is contributing to making roads more dangerous for pedestrians is the screen based operating systems of modern cars, which lead to drivers becoming more and more distracted from the essential task of keeping their eyes on the road.
Tony O’Brien, South Melbourne
While spending 45 frustrating minutes merging from four lanes to two during the West Gate road works, I started to wonder if it might be more effective to instead first reduce traffic from four to three lanes some distance ahead of a second later reduction from three lanes to two?
Michael Liffman, Middle Park
Furthermore
The grotesque nature of war is exemplified by the deaths of the North Korean boys being slaughtered on the front in Ukraine. Sent there by a megalomaniac of a leader to fight in a war which has absolutely nothing to do with them.
Reg Murray, Glen Iris
Maths folk will note that 2025 is a square year (45 x 45), most probably the only one you’ll see, given that the last one was 1936 and the next is 91 years away.
Barry Thompson, Castlemaine
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To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number below your letter. No attachments. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published.