Focus on federal transition efforts
COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, APRIL 27, 2023 7
CALLS have been renewed for the development of a National Energy Transition Authority ahead of the Federal Government’s May budget. However, former Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray has again stressed the Collie Shire Council needs to be proactive in seeking Federal Government funding. Mr Murray, who has been critical of the council’s efforts in pursuing funding, again stressed that the council must make its voice heard at a federal level. He pointed to the Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s recent visit to Collie, stating it is his understanding the council never asked for a meeting with the minister.
“We can have all the authorities in the world,” Mr Murray said. “What I’m trying to put across is that the council needs to shake themselves up and be a major leader within this community.” Mr Murray noted that while any additional federal transition initiatives will be helpful, there is the inherent potential for an east coast focus. Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) president Michele O’Neil has pointed to the key role an authority would play in delivering “good jobs and economic opportunity”. The ACTU has highlighted the centralised role it would take in co-ordinating across governments, departments,
industry and communities, along with supporting workers via a range of tailored packages. It also envisages the authority funding and co-ordinating regional economic diversification programs focused on securing jobs in new and emerging industries. Other planning would span infrastructure and training as the transition continues around the country. Government of Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Guideline: Spring exemptions The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has published the Guideline: Spring exemptions under Part III section 5(1)(a) of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 following a five-month public consultation period. We thank all respondents who provided feedback on the draft guideline during the public consultation period. All feedback was considered in finalising the spring exemptions guideline. This guideline and associated field guide provide information for landowners or occupiers of land on the requirements for determining whether a spring rising on a property is exempt from regulation under the Act. There is no change to existing legislation on the spring exemption. It clarifies interpretation of section 5(1)(a) of the Act by establishing a voluntary self-assessment process and is available for implementation by landowners or occupiers of land to guide self-assessment of the sometimes-complex hydrological considerations to determine a spring exemption. A copy of the spring exemptions guideline, field guide and a consultation summary report capturing feedback from the public consultation can be accessed at www.wa.gov.au/ water-resources or by scanning the QR code. DOWER_14771
Keep Australia Beautiful WA Tidy Towns representatives Les and Shirley Brindley at the litter pick-up.
Roadside litter halved FORTY kilometres of roads in Collie are cleaner thanks to some 40 people participating in a litter pick-up on Saturday. They collected approximately two tonnes of litter – that’s the bad news. The good news is that this is about half the amount collected at the last pick-up two years ago, and a fifth of the amount collected in the biggest clean-up to date, some 12 years ago. On hand to audit the litter was State Tidy Towns co-ordinator Shirley Brindley and her righthand man, husband Les. They sampled five bags from each of four vehicles involved in collecting the roadside bags. The most littered item was takeaway food containers, about half of which were plastic and half paper. “Even with businesses switching to paper instead of plastic, people are still throwing the container out the window rather than taking it home,” Ms Brindley said. Teams from Rotary, Friends of the River, the Veteran Car Club and individuals picked up the litter. Organiser Harry Wiggers said other teams such as South32 were doing their pick-up on another day. “We still collected a good number of
Anyone can help change lives. Dear residents, Every beat of this ordinary life is an extraordinary thing. And we need your help to protect it. We urgently need volunteers to help us make a positive difference in Collie, so we can continue to provide vital, life-saving services your community depends on. Our volunteers are everyday people just like you, who live in Collie and donate their free time to ensure that your local St John sub centre is ready to respond to any emergency, incident, or other community need. Anyone can help change lives, and it’s easier than you might think. Much of our work is non-life threatening and involves routine patient transport. You will be supported every step of the way and trained in a friendly, encouraging environment to feel confident and ready for your role. This includes monthly training as part of our Continuing Education Program. St John volunteers choose their own hours, because we know your life is important too. There are no ongoing commitments, and any amount of time you can offer will make a real difference. We welcome anyone to apply for a position, and to see if it’s the right fit for you. I’m more than happy to answer any questions or provide further information if needed, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re interested in volunteering. Thank you for your time.
Alf Mason and Jadon Chapman enjoy the barbecue after the pickup.
cans and bottles, approximately 260 10-cent deposit containers,” he said. “A big thanks to all who participated for doing another great job.” Keep Australia Beautiful WA funded a barbecue following the litter collection.
Andrew Eyre, Station Manager St John Collie sjacollie@westnet.com.au Phone 0447 120 887
Visit stjohnchangelives.com.au to find out more.
Change lives. Volunteer with St John.
