TOLMIE TELLS SYKES

Tolmie residents raised a series of local issues with the Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, when he visited the area last week.

A key concern is the speed at which traffic drives through Tolmie. Dr Sykes has contacted VicRoads to explore the possibility of lowering the speed limit from 80 kph to 60 kph. He also advised residents to continue to liaise with police to assist in ensuring compliance to the current 80kph limit.

Several of the issues raised (including road maintenance and tourism promotion) were local council matters. Dr Sykes recommended that residents invite their local councillor, Don Cummins, to visit Tolmie to discuss the issues.

Dr Sykes said, “Publican, Ron O’Dwyer, advised me that an application for funding to enable repairs to the Tolmie Sports Ground Hall is being submitted via the Mansfield Shire Council. He also took great pride in informing me that Tolmie would be hosting the World Championship Woodchop next year.

Gabby Mehegan and Rick Leary expressed their concerns regarding the council’s decision not to attend call outs to injured wildlife, as this put an extra burden on their already stretched resources.

Michelle Bellville and Rowena Sladdin are keen to have improved mobile phone and broadband access.

The local post contractors found some unsealed roads rather slippery on wet days but they manage to continue to get the mail through.

Dr Sykes said, “I will pursue the issue of Australia Post contract treatment of fuel prices. Apparently Australia Post adjusted mail delivery contracts based on fuel prices – the problem being, Melbourne prices were used. Country operators who pay 10 to 15 cents a litre more than city prices are disadvantaged.

“This appears to be similar to the recent Woods Point / Jamieson mail delivery contract where city based bureaucrats make decisions in isolation of the realities of country Victoria.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I enjoy catching up with people in our small communities and learning first hand about their concerns and achievements. I will get to Tolmie again later in the year and catch up with people in the evening so that I can have a chat to those who work outside of Tolmie during the day.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989