Heads above water

Dear CI,
The cynicism of Mt Alexander Shire Council is astounding.

It uses the needs of the elderly as an excuse for building an aquatic centre, while at the same time all but demolishing a vital element of its long-standing and much-needed aged services.

Ask older ratepayers on limited incomes which they most need: a dip in a heated pool, or to once again have their lawns cut by Council’s Home Care Department?

Not to mention restoration of the many other pre-existing aspects of outdoor and property assistance that council has also cut.

And in this regard, while boasting of its ‘healthy finances’ (Mail, April 1), has told these battlers that, rather than getting a return for this municipal monetary bliss to which their rates have contributed, they must instead employ high-charging commercial help.

Buy – ah – now I perhaps see council’s rationale! Don’t worry about the disadvantaged aged staying financially afloat on the Single Age Pension. Give them an aquatic centre. Pool resources. Water aerobics as training to keep their heads above water.
Yours etc

Joan Webster, OAM
Castlemaine