WTF: ‘Gutless wonders,’ Rippleside’s small build, can’t park there

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us.

WTF

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us. We’ve asked the people of Geelong to point out the problems that irritate and exasperate and have us all saying, woah, that’s frustrating!

‘GUTLESS WONDERS’

WTF: Former Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj says he’s had multiple corflutes stolen and defaced.

Is it an attack on democracy or someone exercising their right to free speech?

As the jostling for council positions across the region ramps up ahead of nominations officially opening on September 9, an increasing number of corflutes are popping up.

And, it seems, disappearing.

Former mayor and Kardinia ward candidate Stretch Kontelj says several of his have either been stolen or defaced.

He’s had enough.

“They’re gutless wonders,” he says of whoever is responsible.

“I’ve intentionally held back on putting too many out because of the wanton theft and vandalism.”

Mr Kontelj, a Liberal Party member since 1990, is putting his money where his mouth is.

He’s offering a $500 reward to anyone who provides information to the police that leads to someone being charged for stealing or defacing his corflutes.

“The offer stands for the duration of the election campaign” he said.

“I won’t be silenced or intimidated.”

That might be true, but is he concerned about the chances of Greens candidate Emilie Flynn in Kardinia?

The two are the only confirmed candidates in the newly created ward that takes in the CBD, Newtown, Geelong West and North Geelong.

Council watchers suggest Mr Kontelj will be resonate with older voters, but the Greens’ ability to connect with younger and more progressive types puts them in a strong position.

TINY BRIDGE, BIG ISSUE

This towering Rippleside bridge has been shut since April.

Bridges are an integral piece of infrastructure that keeps Geelong’s economy and society functioning.

But a reader who frequents Rippleside Park was amused by the size of the sign that’s been blocking off a tiny bridge by the bay for many weeks.

The small and somewhat decorative wooden bridge has been shut since November, after the council deemed it unsafe for community use due to split and rotten timber.

“That’s a huge sign for a mini bridge,” the reader wrote.

“But it’s been in place for months, so clearly it’s a big puzzle for the engineers at Geelong council to solve.”

The reader joked about the long-running saga, saying: “Maybe it’s time to build a new bridge and get over it or just do away with it all together.

“The bayside walkers who have had to detour around the bridge for some time clearly haven’t missed using it.”

The council’s executive director of city infrastructure James Stirton confirmed our worst fears on Friday.

“The footbridge at Rippleside Park was built in 1987 and it’s now at the end of its life,” he said.

“The bridge is on a secondary section of path, and there is still pedestrian connectivity through the area via the primary path.

“We are currently investigating options to reinstate the secondary path, providing a cost-effective, safe and accessible solution for the community.”

CAN’T PARK THERE, MATE

Some “interesting” parking at Woolworths in Newtown.

A bus stop user looks somewhat bemused at the vehicle’s position.

One that evokes the more traditional meaning of the phrase after which this series is named.

Shoppers at the new state-of-the-art Woolies on Shannon Ave in Newtown were left flummoxed last week when they saw a white Toyota Camry that didn’t know if it was in or out of the carpark.

At least the driver was half in, assuming they’re an optimist.

It didn’t take a long scroll into the comments of a local community Facebook page to see one wannabe comedian pull out the classic zinger, “you can’t park there, mate”.

According to another commenter there might be an accident epidemic in the area.

“An elderly lady rolled her car reversing out of her driveway last week,” they wrote.

“Just around the corner.”

We’ll see about that.

Originally published as WTF: ‘Gutless wonders,’ Rippleside’s small build, can’t park there