Committee for Lorne: A word from the Chairman – February 8, 2018

Just as one thinks that the town is beginning to quieten and many local traders are looking to take a big breath after a fruitful summer, our town is playing host to the 43rd annual Conference on Protein Structure and Function, the 39th annual Lorne Genome Conference, 30th Lorne Cancer Conference and the Lorne Infection and Immunity Conference – a huge month of learning for some of the world’s leading medical professionals.

But an equally huge month for the business community of Lorne who have united as one to cater for the hundreds of delegates from across the globe. This year what has been most noticeable has been the positive feedback and communication among traders and restaurateurs generated by the great work of the Cumberland’s Lee Gordon, Lorne Hotel’s Paul Upham and Bryce Newcombe from Lorne Central and a number of others. It has been a great showing of Lorne people working together to ensure the Lorne experience is as memorable as it could be – congratulations to all!

Having driven the Great Ocean Road on a daily basis between Lorne and Geelong for the past 13 years and having sat in a daily school bus service for five years over four decades earlier, and completed many miles in between, I feel reasonably well qualified to comment on traffic numbers, road conditions and driver behaviors. All, without exception, have deteriorated to alarming low levels and yes, I’ve also read all the scathing attacks on cyclists.

To me, there is an overwhelming increase in one category of road user more than any other in the past 20 years – our international visitors. Guests from all parts of the world are descending in numbers like never before. And with them comes varying levels of driver skills from those that have never driven on the left-hand side of the road before, to those that can’t read English road signs, and even some who may not drive in their homeland but choose to practice their skills on our local roads.

I have had to learn a new skill – patience. It’s been hard for me but I’m sure that others will struggle even more than I. For a road that was predominantly a 100km per hour speed limit between Lorne and Geelong, had multiple overtaking opportunities and was always well below an hour in travel time, these days are gone and now more than ever before, a need to be so aware of others who share our road – and above all, be patient!

As the month of January disappeared as quickly as it arrived I was saddened when I finally heard the news of the passing of Bruce Waller early In the New Year. Bruce was one of the finest people in our town and my belated thoughts remain with Binnie, Pete and Rob – RIP Bruce.

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne