Arson charge follows fire

REGEN Hillbrick Miles appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court yesterday, charged with lighting a fire in Collie on Monday, February 6.

Police allege the 28-year-old Collie man set fire to grass in bushland in Patstone Road, near Harris River Road, about 7.45am.

He was remanded to appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court on March 23.

The arrest was a joint investigation by Collie police, Bunbury detectives and Strike Force Vulcan investigators.

The maximum penalty for the offence is 20 years imprisonment.

Riverview tender out

THE FIRST stage of the Riverview redevelopment project was put out for tender last Friday.

ValleyView board chairman Neil Martin said five builders are interested in constructing the over 55s village along the Collie River.

The first stage of the project will consist of 54 units, including 16 on the lower portion of the land.

It is estimated to cost $20 million.

“This is a timely reminder for all residents in the Collie Shire to have a bush fire plan in place and make sure that you and your family understand it and know what to do should your home be impacted by fire,” he said.

“Fires can start anywhere and at any time, putting property and lives at risk.

“Doing your part to reduce the risk around your home may help attending fire fighters to protect what matters most to you.”

For the most up to date information refer to the Emergency WA website.

If you notice any suspicious behaviour, please report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the local police.

If you notice any unattended fires or smoke, call 000 immediately.

“This is a significant project both for Riverview, and the Collie community who have long awaited for quality retirement living,” Mr Martin said.

“There has been an enormous amount of time and work to get to this stage, with significant funds already spent by Riverview, and whilst it is later than hoped we are still pleased to be progressing to this point.”

Tenders will close at the end of February.

Mr Martin said the successful tenderer is expected to be selected by mid March.

Earthworks are then expected to be completed by June 30.

“All of the first stage units will be for sale, and anyone who wishes to join our expressions of interest list can do so by ringing Valleyview residence,” Mr Martin said.

Gingie the beagle enjoys his day out in town

A TWO-year-old beagle caused a bit of fuss recently.

Gingie managed to escape his owner Kim Russell’s backyard in Deakin Street on Thursday, making the most of a gate that had not been shut.

“The gate was pushed to, but it wasn’t latched,” Mrs Russell said. “Gingie noticed, so he knew how to get out.”

Gingie then em-”barked” on his adventure.

He took off toward town, stopping in

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HOW TO LODGE A CLASSIFIED Classified advertisements can be lodged at 1B Collie Park Shopping Centre (opposite post office), or by email to: classies@crvbulletin.com at the football oval where Ben was exercising four-month-old border collie cross kelpie, Nugget.

“I was walking Nugget when I noticed him,” Mr Collins said.

“He was just wandering around, he came over for a hello and then he never left.” Mr Collins said Gingie was more than happy to follow him and Nugget back to their home in Jones Street.

“He came home, played with Nugget and she let him have one of her bones,” he said. When she noticed Gingie missing from the backyard, Mrs Russell frantically posted on Collie’s noticeboard page. She then took to the streets, calling his name.

In the meantime, Mr Collins also posted on the noticeboard page that he had found a friendly beagle.

Gingie’s cute face seemed to attract a bit of attention, with many people saying beagles are known for their escape skills and their ability to follow their nose.

The two posts crossed, and Mr Russell said one of her neighbours told her Gingie had been found.

She said Gingie has been through obedience training, but is used to running on 20 acres. In dog years, Gingie is 14. And like most teenagers, he is beginning to push the boundaries.

“Since coming to Collie, he has felt a bit restricted in the backyard,” she said. “He’s got a mind of his own, and he’s an escape artist. He can open doors, and knows how to push chairs over to the fridge.

ESCAPEE: Gingie, the beagle, escaped from his home last Thursday and went touring the streets.

He is pictured with his owner, Kim Russell (right), and Ben Collins and his dog, Nugget, who dogsat Gingie until his owner was found.

“I was so grateful he was found. I knew he would eventually come home - but at what time?”