COUNCIL APPROVES FEDERATION BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN INVERLEIGH

At the 25 July Golden Plains Shire Council meeting, Council approved the replacement of Federation Bridge in Inverleigh and will begin a detailed design and construction tender process to replace the structure.

Federation Bridge has been closed to the public since January 2023 following flood damage from severe storms in October and November 2022. The 25-year-old bridge has undergone a detailed safety assessment, and estimated repair costs range from $140,000 to $204,000 while the full replacement is estimated at $287,000. These estimates include design, site establishment and contingencies.

The identified short-term repair works do not necessarily bring the pedestrian bridge up to current standards, and would only marginally extend the life of the bridge.

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said Councillors agreed the best course of action was to replace Federation Bridge to provide maximum benefit for the community.

“Given the relative values of the repair options versus the replacement costs, it’s a better value for money proposition for Council to replace the existing bridge than to proceed with short-term repair works.

“The existing structure is approximately 25 years old, and while repairs may extend the life of the bridge for another 25 years, replacement provides a 75-year estimated design life.

“Council acknowledges the inconvenience caused for pedestrians who regularly use the bridge, however the safety of all bridge users is paramount and Council is committed to replacing the structure to ensure it remains an essential asset for the Inverleigh community.”

Residents are advised to avoid the bridge and follow all safety directions. Pedestrians can access Savage Drive and Rankin Road using the footpaths alongside the Hamilton Highway and Common Road.

Council will continue to keep the community informed regarding Federation Bridge and will seek engagement from the local community on proposed design options.

Following the design and construction tender process, Council anticipates works to be completed in early 2024.

GAME-CHANGING UPGRADES FOR DON WALLACE RESERVE - TEESDALE

We are getting on with delivering our election promises for our community and upgrading the Don Wallace Reserve in Teesdale.

Teesdale sporting clubs and community will enjoy brand new facilities at the Don Wallace Reserve, with a $1.5 million announcement for upgrades.

This significant investment will see the construction of state-of-the-art, female-friendly changerooms, providing the community with top-notch facilities they can take pride in. Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, joined Teesdale residents on Wednesday 28th June to celebrate the recent announcement with a sausage sizzle.

She also joined Golden Plains Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Cunningham, to announce an exciting plan for a complete re-development of the Don Wallace Reserve oval. In total, the oval redevelopment will cost $650,000 with the Golden Plain Shire Council contributing $400,000. The announcement was included in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, which is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.

Obituary - Joan Moreillon

Local Bannockburn identity, Joan Moreillon passed away on the 8th July 2023. She was aged 97 years.

Joan grew up on the original Longmore property on Longmore Rd (now Russell’s Rd) on the side and flats of the Moorabool Valley, a working orchard and dairy farm. Joan spent 7 years working at Geelong solicitors, Crawcour and Hollyhoke, travelling there by bicycle and train each day. In 1948, Joan accepted a role at the Bannockburn Shire and continued there for 5 years.

On marrying Ron in 1950, she moved to the newly built home in High Street, directly across the road from the family produce store which Ron took over after his fathers death. Joan soon left the Shire and moved full-time into an active role within the family business, a role that she continued every day beside Ron, until selling the business in November 1987.

‘Moreillon’s Store’ was synonymous with Bannockburn, being a place of business for farmers and townsfolk alike, a drop-in centre for those just wanting a chat and of course the communications headquarters for the local and regional CFA.

Although Joan dedicated herself to many local organisations throughout her time in Bannockburn, right up to the time that she moved into Geelong, it was the CFA that she and Ron devoted so much of their lives to. In fact, although

Ron was the appointed communications officer, everyone recognised Joan in that role equally. This recognition culminated in CFA involvement in Joan’s Memorial Service noting her 50 plus years of service. During this time, both she and Ron were awarded National Medals for their long and outstanding service. Other community organisations that Joan committed herself to were the Bannockburn Infant Welfare centre, the Bannockburn Tennis Club as a Committee member for many years, Primary School Mothers Club, the Country Women’s Association (CWA), Russells Bridge and then Bannockburn Presbyterian Church and founding member of Bannockburn Probus.

Even after Rons passing in 2014, the red brick house in High Street would remain Joans life and home until 2019 when she moved into Abervale at 93 years of age before moving to Bupa Barrabool in late 2022.

Another link to Bannockburn’s past now sadly lost.

Orchids to see in the Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve during late Winter and Spring.

As winter draws to a close, the reserve is about to burst into a riot of colour with the coming of the warmer Spring weather . The reserve is host to a myriad of flowering plants – from tiny groundcovers to the tall Manna Gums. Of special interest to me are the orchids – from the tiny Gnat Orchids to the Majestic Inverleigh Spider Orchid

During August, the predominant orchids are the greenhoods (Dwarf, Trim and Nodding and Blunt Greenhoods, and Maroonhood) and helmet orchids Veined, Slaty and a new one this year for the reserve, the Fringed Helmet Orchid, along with the small Gnat Orchid.

In early September, the more colourful orchids start to flower – the Bluebeard Orchid, followed by three species of the yellow Golden Moth and Rabbit Ears orchids. One of the more spectacular orchids is the critically endangered Inverleigh Spider Orchid, which usually starts flowering in mid-September

There are around 50 species of orchid in the reserve, and some can be found in flower in all seasons except summer. Around 20-25 species flower in Spring. Other Orchids you will see in flower during Spring are the small greenish brown Wasp and Bird Orchids, Gnat and Greenhood Orchids, the Sun Orchids in shades of yellow, pink and blue, Donkey Orchids with their yellow and brown flowers – plus the endangered Purple Donkey Orchid which flowers in November. The species in flower change from week to week, so several visits are needed to enjoy the full range.

Orchids can be found almost everywhere in the Reserve – Golden Moths are common in grassy areas and in the firebreak along Common Road. The dappled sunlight among the trees is where you will find most of the orchids. Sun Orchids, Golden Moths and Tiger Orchids (late Spring) are widespread and common throughout the reserve, while most of the others are relatively common but usually found in patches. Good areas to look for orchids are along Old Teesdale Track, between Camp and Old Shelford Tracks the bracken area along Fern Track and along Camp Track.

A guided wildflower walk led by the Friends of Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve will be held on Sunday October 1st, 1.30 – 4.00. Details in next edition of Leigh News or contact Keith Windle windle.keith@gmail eldersrealestate.com.au

If you’re thinking of selling a Rural or Lifestyle acreage property on the Bellarine, the Barwon or beyond then think Peter Lindeman. Peter spent 20 years managing farms before jumping the fence to sell them; and over the last 20 years he’s helped clients achieve extraordinary results, more often than not surpassing their expectations. Why not let Peter show you how he can help you achieve an outstanding result for your property.

Peter Lindeman

RURAL AND LIFESTYLE SALES MANAGER – ELDERS GEELONG

Warncoort 12 Trasks Road

Seller review

ThesaleofKelownawasquick,painlessandbrilliantlyhandledbyPeterLindeman, fromEldersGeelong,andwecan’tthankhimenough.Petercamehighlyrecommended, byafriend,andhecertainlyliveduptohisimpressivereputation.He’ssuchalovely chap.Easytochatwith.Hasyearsofexperience.Andgenuinelycaresabouthisclients andbuyers.Plusheturnedaloadofheritagequinces,fromourorchard,intothemost deliciousjellyandpaste.Istherenoendtotheman’stalents!Ifyouthinkyoucan’tuse anAgentfromoutoftown,thinkagain.Wedid.Andwecouldn’tbehappier.Eldersare veryluckytohavethisGeelongTeam!

Buyer review

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Seller review

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Buyer review

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WHAT'S ON?

Wednesdays Playgroup at Inverleigh Hall P12

12th August Inverleigh Food Swap P28

10th August Midday. Seniors at Inverleigh Public Hall P28

12th August Inverleigh Football Club Family Day P21

14th August Teesdale Tennis Club AGM P15

18th September Future Lamb Forum P26

Inverleigh Progress Association

meet in the Inverleigh Public Hall on the 3rd Wednesday of each month @7 :30pm (Except January) VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

President: Hilary Hamilton

Treasurer: Luanne Thornton

Leigh News Editor: Peter Trevaskis

The Progress Association has been actively working towards improving the amenity of Inverleigh for over 40 years. Of course all such organisations need volunteers and the Association is no exception. Without them nothing happens. If you have some ideas for the town you would like to achieve, you are welcome to join us and help achieve them.

Some of the projects completed by the Progress Association include: meet in the Inverleigh Public Hall

Public Toilets Progress Association members worked for many years with Council to have new block built. They are used more than any other toilets in the Shire.

The Clock a new clock was recently installed on the clock tower in our main street.

Town Entrance Signs. IPA worked for many years to procure the 2 Entrance Signs (Hamilton Highway East and West) welcoming travellers to our town.

The Inverleigh Historical Society was formed in 2004. It operates under the auspices of the Inverleigh Mechanics Institute and Public Hall Committee.

Our Aims are to collect and preserve items of local historic interest and to promote research and interest in local history.

0n the 4th Wednesday of each Month @ 2pm

(Except December & January) VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

We welcome all donations to our collection or the opportunity to copy material. We are most grateful to the many people who have kept the Historical Society in mind as they sorted through their own collections. We undertake many interesting projects and have enjoyable meetings, which you are welcome to attend.

Peter’s Editorial

You will have noticed the front cover story relating to the Replacement of Federation Bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure for School Children, walkers using the walking tracks etc. It is such good news that our Shire has worked quickly to provide the best outcome for all our users, local and visiting.

We are also looking forward to works starting in August to the parking area's along the service road, from the Inverleigh Hotel, to the Bakery and continuing west to Sonny Cafe and Store. There will of course be disruption to everyday life but we must keep in mind the end result for the convenience and safety of locals and visitors too.

Acknowledgement of front cover article. (Federation Bridge)

Released by: Eric Braslis, CEO, Golden Plains Shire Council

Media contact: Lachlan Cowlishaw, Senior Advisor, Communications and Engagement, Golden Plains Shire Council

P. 0407 141 271 E. lachlan.cowlishaw@gplains.vic.gov.au

Electronic Copies of the Leigh News are distributed far and wide for readers to enjoy. I send a copy to Rosemary Richardson in England each month and she responds each time, always with a note of how much she enjoys reading about Inverleigh and district. He husband Ian has sent me an article this month regarding Gum Trees and their impact on the countryside and the cities in England. I hope you enjoy reading his well written article on page 8. If you would like an electronic copy emailed to you to pass on to friends and relatives, just let me know at: leighnews@bigpond.com I'm happy to send it to you.

Another Bloody Eucalypt

(First published Daily Telegraph, London, 1997)

BY GUM,

IT'S ANOTHER BLOODY EUCALYPT

by Ian Richardson

Let's get one thing straight right away: I am an Australian and I love eucalyptus trees. But not in the UK! When I first came to Britain nearly 30 years ago, eucalypts - or gum trees as Aussies prefer to call them - were something of a rarity.

An Australian friend and I had an inebriated plan to sneak onto Hampstead Heath at night and plant eucalyptus seedlings all over it.

Sanity and sobriety prevailed, but the English suburbanite has since seemed determined to do the job for us - at least in their own gardens.

These days eucalyptus trees seem to be everywhere. There are even at Buckingham Palace, where the Queen has planted three over the past 15 years.

England gave Australia its rabbit plagues; now Australia is retaliating with its gum trees.

I live in Ealing, a genteel, leafy part of London, proudly enjoying its Englishness and its unofficial title Queen of the Suburbs.

And I have to confess that my wife has grown a eucalypt in our back garden, but that is okay: it is a bonsai, just eight inches high.

A friend and near-neighbour was once given a eucalyptus tree as an anniversary present. It arrived as a small shrub in a pot, but grew 50-feet high. [Update: The current owners of that property had the tree removed in November 2017 at a cost of around £1000 after it became clear that it was in danger of being blown over.]

She had to have it severely cut back several times, each at a cost of several hundred pounds.

A few years later it is back to its original height and the pruning has made it even wider.

Despite this, she loves her eucalyptus tree, and at least she has it planted in a sensible position well down the garden - which is more than can be said for most I have seen, inexplicably, planted against brick fences or house foundations.

Within two blocks of my home there are at least 20 large eucalypts, looming over their host homes and the street.

Apart from their disfiguring effect on the English suburban landscape, the problem with eucalypts is that they grow at a terrifying rate in this climate, achieved by sucking huge amounts of moisture from the ground and consequently from around foundations.

And because they are evergreens, they continue to keep out the light during the dull winter months.

I predict that eucalypts - along with conifers - will eventually be voted The Tree We Most Wish We'd Never Planted.

James Tighe, the plant adviser at the Syon Park Garden Centre in west London, thinks many people have been attracted to eucalypts because of "the romance of growing something from a foreign climate".

Charles Erskine, the man in charge of the tree and shrub collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, has a few eucalyptus specimens in his care but urges caution when buying them for a suburban garden.

"They grow so fast they can catch you out".

It's a bit like the Leyland Cyprus, which people buy for hedges, then discover they have a row of trees up to 70 feet high," he said.

One of the biggest suppliers of eucalypts is Celyn Vale Eucalyptus Nurseries of Corwen in Wales. It sells between 50,000 and 100,000 a year.

Not surprisingly, the owner, Andrew McConnell, disagrees that eucalyptus trees are inappropriate for the British landscape.

"More than 80% of plants grown in this country don't 'belong' here, so you could write off all kinds of trees if your argument were accepted," he says. He admits that eucalypts can be an "environmental disaster" in the wrong place, but his company issues picture labels and other information to try to ensure that customers buy the right sort of trees and know where to plant them.

The company is now also offering varieties that don't grow quite so quickly.

"If intelligently planted, ornamental eucalyptus trees are not a problem," McConnell insists.

Despite such soothing words, I remain unconvinced.

If God had wanted England to have gum trees, he would have also provided koalas and kangaroos. Eucalypts simply don't look right here. This is specially so in winter when they stick out like giant plastic ornaments in the austere, grey and grand winter landscape. But don't despair, there is one good use for these arborian invaders from the Antipodes: Take to them with an axe and save the branches and leaves for your next barbecue. As any Aussie will tell you, there's nothing quite like a beefburger or a lamb chop cooked in the aromatic