Latest news with #Lionetti
ABC News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Albany councillor Mario Lionetti says Greens voters should be used for 'target practice'
Comments by a regional Western Australian councillor suggesting Greens voters in the federal election should be used as target practice have been condemned by the city's mayor and the Greens. In response on social media to a profile of Greens candidate for the seat of O'Connor, Giz Watson, by the Albany Advertiser, Mr Lionetti said: "Who votes these muppets in needs lining up for our army's target practice." The comment from Mario Lionetti's profile was posted on a story by the Albany Advertiser. ( Facebook ) Ms Watson said the comments were not acceptable. "It's inappropriate language and inappropriate behaviour, especially for someone who holds a position in the local council," she said. "You would expect a lot more of someone in that position and inciting violence has no place in our community." Ms Watson says the comments are unacceptable. ( Supplied: Donna Chapman ) Mr Lionetti ran as an independent in this year's state election in the seat of Albany, which was won by Nationals candidate Scott Leary. Mayor speaks out Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said the comments did not reflect those of the City of Albany. "They are indefensible, unacceptable," he said. Mr Stocks believed the comments could be a breach of the City of Albany's code of conduct. "This is not good for Albany, it's not good for the council," he said. "I'm really disappointed and I expect he'll get a clip around the ear over it." Albany Mayor Greg Stocks has condemned the comments. ( ABC Great Southern: Andrew Chounding ) Mr Stocks said he had spoken with Mr Lionetti, and while the next steps of the process were being still be determined, he felt he had to speak out against the comments. "Once that happens, it becomes confidential and I didn't want to hide behind that," he said. "I probably shouldn't have come out in public until the process goes through, but I thought it was important enough ... that I had to make that comment that it is not acceptable and not what we want to see." Mr Lionetti runs a stock feed business in the south coast city and is the brother of He did not respond to requests for comment. ABC Great Southern — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Thursday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Does Bedford want a Universal theme park?
The prime minister declared that a new Universal theme park will "put Bedford on the map".Universal Destinations & Experiences will build their first UK resort south of the town, on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Wootton, the borough's Conservative mayor, said: "Bedford is the perfect place for this investment – well-connected, full of talent and ready to grow."But how do people who live, work and study close to the proposed site feel about the project that could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year? 'Over the moon' Libby Lionetti, who runs La Piazza Cafe in Bedford, said he was "over the moon" to hear that Universal was moving in and it's "the only thing we're talking about" in the family-run business, which has served the town since 1986, has struggled since the pandemic but he said the news felt like a step in the right direction."It's like a 'Thank you very much' to me, my family and local businesses. It's brilliant," he was visited by an employee from Universal last year during the consultation Lionetti recalled: "We had a general conversation about how Bedford was, how long I've been here, my family. "He said, 'Let me have one of your coffees', and then said, 'Wow, that's nice'. I think the coffee did it. I think it was me."We're in April now - this year is flowing away. We don't want to wish our lives away but 2031 is going to be here soon. It's going to be great."Well done, Bedford! Well done!" Hoping for Harry Potter Universal said it would make upgrades to the proposed railway station at Wixams, which has been long awaited by those living Ham, 33, said: "It will bring growth to the area. The train station will go on the fast line rather than the slow line. Hopefully, it will give Bedford town centre a bit of a spruce-up as well."His wife, Caitlin, 32, said she was hoping for some Harry Potter-themed rides."We've not been [to a Universal park] before but it will be something that will be on the doorstep, easy to get to, so we're looking forward it," she husband added: "The only theme park I've been to is Blackpool Pleasure Beach, being from the north, so if tops that then that's a bonus." Students seek jobs Sir Keir Starmer visited Kimberley College in Stewartby, where he told students they could end up with jobs at the park when it's complete."These are going to be the jobs of yourselves and your colleagues for years to come," the prime minster Stevens studied horticulture at Shuttleworth College, part of Bedford College Group, and she said she hoped the new park would provide work opportunities."I could be a gardener. I could be a garden designer and design perhaps the planting scheme surrounding the area of Universal Studios," she said."I'm not 100% sure but I believe the opportunities are endless so hopefully there will be a small job for me somewhere."Hopefully, living in Bedford, I'll get a chance to get a job and be a part of this amazing venture and show of my skills that I learnt at the college." Utsharja Bhandari is studying performing arts at Bedford College after she moved to the area with her family from Nepal. The 21-year-old said: "Bedford has built up a reputation as being behind all the other cities and not having anything going on."Bringing Universal to Bedford is going to put Bedford on the map, as our prime minister said."I'm so grateful for it. I can't wait to work at Universal Studios." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
