Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 10 :: November 2014
Page 2–3
What’s on at Hanging Rock
Page 4
Calling for youth leaders
Page 11
VicSmart: planning applications made easy
Staying safe in an emergency Page 8–9
Are you ready
for summer?
Page 13
Kyneton Community Park
What’s on at the Rock Horse racing at the Rock
Craft Markets Australia
Sunday 15 March 2015
New Year’s Day races: Thursday 1 January 2015 Australia Day races: Monday 26 January 2015 Gates open 11am. For more information, visit countryracing.com.au/hanging-rock or phone 1300 139 402.
Camp out at the Rock Saturday 21 March 2015
Car display
Sunday 8 February 2015 The Macedon Ranges & District Motor Club’s annual picnic day car display. For more information, visit picnicathangingrock.com.au or contact Graham on 0419 393 023.
Film night
Experience an exciting overnight camp out at the base of the Rock. Bookings essential. For more information and bookings, phone 5421 1468.
Rod Stewart The Hits
Saturday 14 February 2015
Saturday 28 March 2015
Celebrate Valentine’s Day under the stars at Hanging Rock. For more information, phone 5421 1468 or to book, phone 1300 888 802.
For more information, visit hangingrockconcerts.com
History of the Eagles Live in Concert Saturday 28 February 2015 For more information, visit hangingrockconcerts.com
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Enjoy more than just a picnic at Hanging Rock with these special craft and produce markets. For more information, visit craftmarkets.com.au or phone 5976 3266.
:: What’s on at the Rock
Run the Rock
Saturday 18 April 2015 Choose from a 2km kids’ run, 5km run/ walk, 10km run and 19km run. Proudly supporting Cancer Council Victoria. For more information, visit starttofinish.com.au or phone 9285 0600.
visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock
Hanging Rock works
Environmental Management Plan
Visitor facilities at Hanging Rock are set for a facelift over the next four years, thanks to confirmation of a $1 million funding agreement ($250,000 per annum over the next four years) between the Victorian Government and Council.
Work has commenced on the development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Hanging Rock—including the East Paddock— that will guide future environmental and conservation works at the reserve. The plan will establish a set of principles and actions that focus on conserving and enhancing the Rock’s environmental values while balancing the important role the site has to play as a recreation and tourism icon.
The funds and associated works will complement $3 million in infrastructure upgrades already underway to better support events and visitation at the Rock and in the East Paddock. Works for the first year will include: • refurbishment of the main toilet block • repair of paths on the Rock itself • maintenance of the road behind the Discovery Centre • assistance with rabbit control. In the following years, there will be further toilet and building refurbishments, environmental works, and road and path maintenance. Council has also allocated $131,000 from its budget this year to replace ageing barbecues and picnic furniture, and to install a new visitor entry system. Improvements that were funded through the $2 million grant from the Australian Government and $1 million from Council include electrical supply upgrades and lighting installations in the main reserve. Planning is also underway for the provision of electrical and water services in the East Paddock, and for two new picnic shelters.
It will also help to guide the allocation of resources so that Council and community groups can plan various works and projects, and apply for external funding where needed. The plan will provide direction for everyone involved in managing and maintaining Hanging Rock, including Council, environmental groups and user groups such as recreational clubs and event hirers. The draft plan will be placed on public exhibition for community input in early 2015. It is being funded through the Victorian Government’s Rural Flying Squad Program. For updates on the project or more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/hanging-rock or contact environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au
From now to early 2015 Some stages will occur concurrently. • Review of background documents, legislation and policies • Flora and fauna assessment: survey of native and introduced species and review of previously recorded species • Site analysis: review geology, waterways, infrastructure, fire risks, facilities and uses • Preliminary consultation: input from community groups, leases, government stakeholders • Preparation of draft EMP: vision, management principles, action plan, monitoring and evaluation, weed control and revegetation plan • Public consultation: release of draft EMP for public comment • Finalisation of EMP: revised EMP in response to community feedback. Page 03
Youth Leadership Council is looking for young people to help support the planning and delivery of our youth programs and initiatives in 2015. Youth Ambassadors
Applications are now open for young people aged 16–18 to join our senior youth leadership program, the Macedon Ranges Youth Ambassador Program. During the year, ambassadors will: • help raise awareness of youth issues • respond to emerging youth issues • plan, coordinate and host the highly-celebrated Youth Awards. Council will be offering three day youth leadership training, and support and mentoring during the 12 month commitment. Applications close on Monday 1 December 2014. Places are strictly limited. To apply for a Youth Ambassador position, please contact Annie Rowland on 5422 0226 or via arowland@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Music in the Sticks Music in the Sticks (MITS) are looking for new members who are interested in all aspects of the music industry and would like to help with a range of local youth events. Members must be over 15 years of age. For more information about Youth Ambassadors and MITS, please email youth@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Live4Life
Live4Life, our much-celebrated mental health promotion program, is looking for motivated Year 9 students in 2015 who would like to make a difference in their school and community in support of youth mental health.
Crew application forms can be found at live4life.org.au/crew
Look out for others
At Christmas, many people look forward to having time off work, but for others the impact of the holiday period may create stress, family conflict or alcohol misuse. Christmas can bring loneliness and isolation from friends and family, and for people who have suffered bereavement the feeling of loss and sadness can be especially poignant. This season, be mindful of those around you, spend time with someone who may be on their own and be kind to yourself. If you do need to speak to someone, Lifeline has wonderful and experienced people who can help. Phone 13 11 14.
:: Youth • Pools and summer safety
Outdoor Pools
Open b6er Decem
The outdoor swimming pools in Lancefield and Woodend will open for the 2014/15 summer season from Saturday 6 December 2014 until Monday 9 March 2015. Both facilities will open as follows, based on temperature forecasts for Melbourne: Under 24 degrees: CLOSED 24–26 degrees: 3.30pm–6pm (opens 1.30pm on weekends and during school holidays) 27–30 degrees:
11am–6pm
Council’s outdoor pools and aquatic centres will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information on the Outdoor Pools Temperature Policy, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/outdoor-pools To make the most of our outdoor pools, purchase a season pass from one of Council’s service centres or at one of the outdoor pools.
Locations and contact details
Lancefield Memorial Swimming Pool
Chauncey Street, Lancefield. Telephone 5429 1546
Woodend Swimming Pool
Forest Street, Woodend. Telephone 5427 2268
Watch around water
When visiting your local pool to cool off this summer, remember to ‘Watch around Water’. Council’s aquatic centres and outdoor pools are registered with the ‘Watch Around Water’ program, which means: • Children under 5 years must be supervised by an adult who is required to be within arm’s reach of them at all times. • Children 5–10 years must be supervised by an adult at all times while in a body of water. • No child under 10 years will be admitted to a facility unless they are accompanied by a person over 16 years of age. The Watch around Water program aims to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal drownings and associated injuries in Victoria, within the 0–14 year age group. It is managed by Lifesaving Victoria, and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria.
Summer safety
Private swimming pools
As the warmer weather approaches, all existing private pools should be inspected and maintained. Now is the time to: • adjust and lubricate the gate in your pool’s safety barrier • ensure your gate locks correctly • inspect the barrier for corrosion • clean up around your safety barrier • cut back any overhanging trees. All in-ground and above ground swimming pools and spas containing water deeper than 300mm—including inflatable swimming pools—require a building permit for their construction and a safety barrier or pool fence. We also issue building permits for new pools and barriers in time for summer. For more information on swimming pools, spas, safety barriers and ongoing maintenance, contact Council’s Building unit on 5421 9681 or visit us at the Gisborne office.
Inland water
While swimming pool safety is regulated, the same requirements do not apply to dams, rivers and lakes. Therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant and aware of the dangers around inland bodies of water. For more information, visit watersafety.vic.gov.au
To find out more, visit aquaticsandrecreation.org.au/watcharoundwater
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Food for thought The spirit of Christmas Lunch at Kyneton Town Hall
Once again, a free Christmas lunch is being hosted by Cobaw Community Health and Council at the Kyneton Town Hall. This is the seventh year the event has been held and last year over 180 people enjoyed a meal, the company of others, and an afternoon of entertainment. The lunch is an alcohol-free event and will be held from 11.30am–2pm. Transport can be provided for people in the shire who are unable to get there themselves. When making your booking, please provide your name, age (for an appropriate gift), postal address and phone number. A ticket/invitation will be sent in the mail. Bookings are essential and close on Monday 22 December at 12pm. Please call 1300 888 802 or email kthtickets@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Kyneton Community Lunch
The Kyneton Community Lunch is an opportunity for people to meet, share a meal and continue to build a great sense of community in Kyneton. For a $3 donation, a two-course meal is offered at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute every Wednesday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm during school terms. The weekly lunch is open to everyone and is an initiative of Kyneton Community & Learning Centre in partnership with Council, other community groups and individuals. Produce for the lunches is donated by local businesses including Watts Fresh, Bakers Delight, ethic in Woodend, local producers and community members. The food is prepared and cooked by a volunteer team under the direction of Catherine Christmass, Kyneton Community Lunch coordinator. Volunteers and community food donations are always welcome. For more information, to volunteer or to donate food, please contact Kyneton Community & Learning Centre on 5422 3433 or email admin@kynetonclc.org.au
Lunch Page 06
Black spot survey results
A recent survey has shown that poor telecommunication connections in the shire are impeding business growth and present a considerable barrier to education and emergency management. A study was commissioned to identify areas of key concern for mobile phone and internet connectivity and speed throughout the shire. Council’s report will inform advocacy discussions with the Australian and Victorian governments as well as telecommunication providers and NBN Co. In addition, Council has joined the Loddon Mallee region iBendigo project, which recently undertook technical testing of mobile phone and internet connectivity across Macedon Ranges Shire. For more information and to read the report, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/black-spots or contact Boyd on 5421 9615.
:: Community lunches • Economic development
In October, Council officially formalised its relationship with Tokai City, Japan as a sister city with the aim of promoting mutual goodwill through cultural, educational and commercial opportunities. The relationship between the Macedon Ranges and Tokai City commenced in the 1970s through a farm stay hosting program facilitated by the Tokai International Association—a membership-based community and cultural group—and Macedon Ranges residents. Since then there have been a number of official visits to the Macedon Ranges by Tokai City Council and Association representatives and, more recently, delegations from Council to Japan. An invitation was extended by Tokai City a number of years ago to formalise the relationship and as a result of research and planning, Council agreed to enter a sister city relationship earlier this year. A five year action plan has been developed, including: • visiting delegations to and from Tokai City and the Macedon Ranges • student and staff exchange programs • trade missions • cultural exchanges. If you think your business or community group could benefit from involvement in this program, contact Boyd on 5421 9615 or email bmaplestone@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Photo: Phil Vabre
Sister City
A secure future for Kyneton Airfield A new way forward for Kyneton Airfield has been identified, after Council investigated the economic and social value, land use planning issues and future management arrangements at the site. To minimise impacts on surrounding residents and support the airfield’s commercial, recreational and emergency role, Council will develop a masterplan for the site and surrounds, and establish an advisory committee to guide future operations. The new committee will work with Council to develop an Airfield Operations Plan and review current governance arrangements at the site. The analysis was undertaken with a $30,000 grant from Regional Development Victoria over twelve months and in two stages, with significant input from the community and interested stakeholders. For more information, contact Dale Thornton, Director Assets and Operations, on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/airfield-analysis to read the report.
Delegates from Tokai City, Japan visit Mt Macedon Memorial Cross with representatives of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
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Emergency preparation liftout—tear out and keep
Staying safe this summer
Grass fires in the shire in January and February this year reminded us that fires are a natural part of our environment. Last season, firefighters from across the state responded to more than 4,600 bush and grass fires over a five month period. An estimated 80% of fires are deliberately lit or caused by recklessness, and could have been prevented. This season, Victoria Police will have dedicated marked patrols in high-risk areas on high fire danger days in an effort to reduce this number. Prepare now to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time this summer: • Download the ‘Can I or Can’t I’ brochure from cfa.vic.gov.au to find out what you can and can’t do during the fire danger period. • Clean up around your home to reduce the risk of fire starting from or leaving your property. • Prepare a bushfire survival plan. • Use a range of information sources to keep up-to-date with emergencies. (See below.) • ‘Like’ and ‘share’ Council’s ‘Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts’ Facebook page. (See below.) • Understand what the emergency alerts mean. (See next page.) • Attend your local Fire Ready meeting. • Download the CFA Fire Ready app and use it to stay up-to-date with local fire danger ratings and Total Fire Bans.
Staying informed Hear
• Listen to the radio • Ring the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
See
• Active patrol around your property • VicEmergency, a single all-emergencies website, www.emergency.vic.gov.au/map • CFA warnings and incidents cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions
Share
Social media and sharing information with family and friends
Feeling anxious?
Seek support You or someone you know may be feeling uneasy in the lead up to this fire season, particularly those affected by the fires last summer. Make sure you talk to your family, neighbours and friends. What are you going to do if a fire comes? Will you stay or leave? How can you help each other to be prepared? Do what you can to support older or vulnerable people. Information sharing will help to address this uneasiness, and is a great way to learn what works for others. The more our communities share and support one another before and during an emergency, the better we are able to recover. Fire-affected residents are still eligible to access free counselling services by calling Council’s Recovery Officer on 5422 0333. If you are concerned about someone, make a confidential referral and we will organise a friendly visit from someone who is trained and experienced in helping people recover from traumatic events.
Local Emergency Alerts on Facebook facebook.com/MacedonRangesEmergencyAlerts This page kept thousands of people up-to-date with Council’s relief and recovery efforts during the February fires. We have more than 3,000 ‘likes’ but would like to see this grow so that we can keep an even greater number of people informed, and help them prepare for and recover from all types of emergencies.
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:: Emergency preparation
Emergency preparation liftout—tear out and keep
Bushfire survival plan
Emergency alerts
Understanding your level of risk is the first step in developing your Bushfire Survival Plan. Research shows that when threatened by a fire, many people living in high risk areas will leave it too late to make critical decisions, leaving them with very few safe options. In high-risk areas, leaving early is your safest option—particularly on Code Red, Extreme and Severe days.
Where will you go?
It’s important to identify where you will go on high fire risk days e.g. to family or friends, in Melbourne or elsewhere. You should also nominate a safe place to go should you decide to leave when an emergency warning is issued. Neighbourhood Safer Places—Places of Last Resort should not be your ‘go-to’ place when you decide to enact your fire plan. These places are a ‘last resort’ option when all your plans have failed and the fire is about to impact your home. They are not staffed, may not have electricity or other services, and there is no guarantee that the CFA or other agencies will be able to defend the building if it is threatened by fire.
When there is a fire, three types of alerts are issued by the CFA via a variety of sources, including the FireReady App, the Vic Emergency website, ABC radio, and CFA social media channels. Each type of alert will have extra information specific to the emergency. When you receive an alert, make sure you read the message in full.
ADVICE There is fire activity in the area and you should keep informed of its status through a range of sources including radio, smartphone, computer and local networks.
WATCH AND ACT Conditions are changing, you could be impacted in the next two hours and you should enact your fire plan. If your plan is to leave, then now is the time to leave. Go to the place you have identified in your plan. (See ‘Where will you go?’)
EMERGENCY WARNING You are about to be impacted by a fire and it is too late to leave. The safest option is to shelter indoors where you are.
Fire planning tips • Pack an emergency kit, including medication • Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667 • Plan for the welfare of your pets and livestock • Consider vulnerable members of your family, such as older people. For more tips, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/fireready and cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare
Beat the heat at our libraries Chill out on days of extreme heat at our air-conditioned libraries in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend. The key to staying healthy in the heat is to keep cool and stay hydrated. During heatwaves these libraries will have free water, toys for the kids, free WiFi and internet access, and of course books, magazines and newspapers to read. For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/heatwaves
Libraries Gisborne: 8 Hamilton Street Kyneton: 3 Baynton Street Romsey: 98 Main Street Woodend: Corner of High Street and Forest Street For opening hours, visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au PAGE 09
Consultation Framework Have your say
Rural Living Zone Review
Council is inviting comments on its draft strategy, In the Rural Living Zone. In the Rural Living Zone provides an update on the available supply of land in the Rural Living Zone and presents a strategic approach to providing rural living opportunities in the shire to 2040. During October, drop-in events were held in Romsey, Kyneton and Gisborne. Thank you to all who attended and generously shared local knowledge and interest in the study. Council endorsed the strategy to be released for public exhibition at its October Council meeting. The Rural Living Zone (RLZ) is the preferred location for rural residential style development and hobby/small farm activities. The draft strategy proposes that: • RLZ land supply is to be provided to meet demand for at least 30 years across the shire • a range of lot size options is to be available (from 2 hectares to 40 hectares) • the projected supply is to be distributed across the shire, with a minimum supply of 20 years in three geographic regions.
Council has reviewed its Community Consultation Framework which guides when and how we consult with our community. We need to ensure our practices are relevant and appropriate for the wide range of issues we consult about, and for the people we need to consult with. As part of the recent review, we have identified four key actions to improve our practices: • Update the policy to incorporate contemporary ways of communicating. Eg. social media • Integrate the policy with project planning communications • Enhance our capacity to coordinate and manage consultations through technology • Develop and train key staff in consultation and engagement. To view the draft revised framework and details on the consultation process, drop into a Council service centre or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay Submissions can be made via email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or in writing to Stephen Mahon, Manager Council and Customer Service, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444. Public comments are invited until Friday 5 December 2014.
For more information or to comment on the strategy, visit Council’s website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay, email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or call 5421 9660. Comments are invited until 5.30pm on 12 December 2014. Once consultation has been completed, the strategy will be subject to Council adoption, followed by an amendment to the planning scheme in 2015.
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay to: • complete a quick, three minute online survey on your experiences and needs in rural living areas • inspect the draft strategy • make a submission.
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:: Planning and protection
Asset protection
Are you thinking of excavating or conducting works on a footpath, nature strip or road? You may need an Asset Protection permit. An Asset Protection permit protects Council assets from any damage caused by the actions of occupiers, owners or developers of land. The road reserve (the area from your front fence line to the opposite property's fence line) can contain many structures. Which structures are Council assets? • The road pavement (asphalt or gravel) • Footpaths (concrete or asphalt) • The kerbing • Underground pipes, swales, open channel drains and culverts • Trees, grass and other significant vegetation, or the landscape in general • Street furniture and signs. Which structures are not Council assets? • Phone lines, internet, gas and electricity • Street lights • Power and telephone poles • Transformers or electrical substations. It is very important that prior to the commencement of any works, you contact Council and apply for an Asset Protection permit. Council will assess your application and issue a permit with special conditions and recommendations that you need to observe and follow. For more information on Asset Protection permits, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/asset-protection or contact our Engineering Liaison Officer on 5422 0333.
Fast tracked planning permits The Victorian Government has introduced VicSmart, a ten business day process for certain classes of straightforward planning applications. For Council to meet the ten business day timeframe, it is important that applicants submit all the required information with their application. Any incomplete applications will be sent back to applicants to complete and resubmit. Two key differences between VicSmart and the regular permit process are that VicSmart applications are not advertised and the information that applicants are required to submit is predetermined. Anyone making an application within a heritage overlay is strongly advised to speak to Council’s Heritage Advisor to ensure that the application meets heritage standards before submitting. The Heritage Advisor is available once a week on Tuesday mornings. Not all application types will be eligible for the VicSmart process. To determine whether your application qualifies, contact Council’s Planning unit on 5422 0333, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/vicsmart or visit the Gisborne service centre. A planner is available to discuss your application from Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm.
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Major projects Riddells Creek Access and Inclusion Project This project will see improvements made to the Riddells Creek Senior Citizens building and surrounds such as disability access, multipurpose rooms, landscaping and better links to the town centre. The building will benefit from a $400,000 facelift to improve community connections and accessibility for older people in the area. $300,000 in funding from Regional Development Victoria’s Putting Locals First Program will be complemented by $100,000 in Council funding.
Macedon Ranges Netball Complex, New Gisborne The first stage of the new outdoor netball complex—the construction of eight netball courts including two show courts and carparking—is complete. An acrylic surface will be applied to the show courts once the weather warms up. Stage two of the project—the construction of the pavilion—is expected to begin in early 2015. Temporary toilet facilities have been provided to enable the courts to be used over summer and winter. In addition to providing the site, Council is contributing $800,000 to the $2.515 million project, along with $1.27 million from the Victorian Government, $325,000 from the Australian Government and $120,000 from the Macedon Ranges Netball Association.
L-R: Sharna Ford, Carmen Hemphill, Abbey King, Helen Gray and Lisa Russ at the first netball tournament held at the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex.
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:: Major projects
Gilbert Gordon Oval, Woodend
Works began in late August to rejuvenate the oval so that it can withstand wet weather and be played on all year round. The soil has been stripped and sub-surface draining and irrigation is being put in place. The oval will be top-dressed and grass sprigs will be planted in November 2014. It will remain closed through the winter of 2015 to allow the grass time to mature. Cricket will return to the oval in the summer of 2015, with football returning in the winter of 2016. The works are funded by the Victorian Government ($622,000) and Council ($142,000).
Gisborne Indoor Sports Centre
Construction of a two court indoor sports centre at Gisborne Secondary College began in July 2014. Site preparation and excavation were completed over winter. The concrete slab has been poured and construction of the structural steel is expected in the coming months. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2015. Representatives from the community, Council and key stakeholders have formed a project steering group and a joint-use agreement has been finalised.
Early years facilities Council plans to construct an early learning centre at 71 Robertson Street, Gisborne to provide three and four year old kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health services and a toy library to local families. Council was successful in obtaining $650,000 from the Victorian Government for this project, along with the $400,000 allocated in our 2014/15 budget. A further $2.3 million will be sought through future budget processes. Council also received two $10,000 grants from the Victorian Government to upgrade an outdoor area at Riddells Creek Kindergarten, and to increase internal floor space that will boost the capacity of Swinburne Avenue Kindergarten. The Romsey Kindergarten Committee also received $10,000 from the Victorian Government to purchase and install outdoor blinds at Romsey Kindergarten.
Major
Dixon Field Pavilion, Gisborne
Bullengarook Recreation Reserve
A new $880,000 sports pavilion at Dixon Field in Gisborne will be funded through a $440,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Community Facilities Funding Program, matched by a Council contribution. The current pavilion does not currently meet the unisex requirements of users. The funding will allow construction of stage one of a three-stage project.
Recent funding from Regional Development Victoria’s Putting Locals First Program has allowed the Bullengarook community to work in partnership with Council to improve amenities at the Recreation Reserve. Completed works include: • resurfacing of the road through the reserve • new grassed area at the back of the reserve to allow horse sports and/or parking for equestrian groups • installation of a new toilet at the equestrian shed, and a disability access toilet • external rendering and painting of the Alan Hobbs Pavilion • kitchen upgrades inside the pavilion • new door and improvements to windows at the old school house. Works still in progress include construction of a new safety fence between the oval and the equestrian areas, and completion of painting and other aesthetic works.
Stage one works will include: • two unisex change rooms and amenities designed to allow the rooms to become one large multi-purpose room • two unisex referee rooms • new kiosk/canteen • storage. Council will work with Dixon Field user groups to finalise the current concept which will go out to tender in 2015. The improvements will provide a safer and healthier environment for all users.
Kyneton Community Park Architectural firm Laidlaw & Laidlaw has been appointed to develop detailed designs for the Kyneton Community Park which will be located at the rear of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens. Andrew Laidlaw, who has led projects at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, will be the principal landscape architect responsible for the design and implementation of the park. The Kyneton Community Park will provide a vibrant, healthy and accessible environment where people of all ages can picnic, gather, celebrate, exercise and play. It is the vision of Kyneton Community Park Inc, and Council is helping the group to achieve their vision through project management, procurement and funding support. Regional Development Victoria recently committed $300,000 towards the project along with $100,000
from Council for the development of Stage 1, which will commence in early 2015 once the design and consultation process has been completed. Foundation works will be undertaken in the first phase, including preparing the grounds and underground infrastructure, and establishing pathways for users of the park. The construction of park equipment will occur in Stage 2 of the project. Once completed the park is expected to be a local and regional drawcard for people of all ages and a key attraction for families and schools from the region and beyond.
r projects
PAGE 13 Page
Garbage, recycling & green bin collection Over the Christmas period, there will be no bin collection on Thursday 25 December 2014 or Thursday 1 January 2015. If your normal bin collection day falls between 25–26 December 2014 or 1–2 January 2015, your bins will be collected on the following day, even if this falls on a weekend, as outlined below. If your usual collection day is
Your bin will be collected on
Thursday 25 December 2014
Friday 26 December 2014
Friday 26 December 2014
Saturday 27 December 2014
Thursday 1 January 2015
Friday 2 January 2015
Friday 2 January 2015
Saturday 3 January 2015
For more information about other service changes during this time, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au For service problems with garbage, recycling and green bins, contact Wheelie Waste on 1800 999 690.
Protecting our beautiful elm trees Council is in the midst of an annual treatment program to protect the shire’s 2,700 elm trees from a serial pest known as the Elm Leaf Beetle.
These beautiful European trees have all but disappeared in Europe due to Dutch elm disease. They are still flourishing in Australia, but are prone to attack by the Elm Leaf Beetle, which defoliates and weakens mature trees. Trees that have been attacked present distinctive round holes in their leaves. While it is impossible to eradicate the beetle, Council has developed a management program to protect significant stands of elms, predominantly in parks and avenues. Treatment generally occurs from September to November and methods include spraying, and injecting the soil around the root zone of the tree with low toxicity insecticide. This safe and effective method of treating large trees tends to protect them for more than one season. Council is a corporate member of Friends of the Elms Inc (FOTE), which maintains a state-wide elm register and helps local government and other bodies to manage threats to elm trees. Residents with elm trees on their properties are strongly encouraged to register their trees by contacting FOTE via foteinc@hotmail.com or 0409 870 860. For more information about elm trees in the shire or about Council’s Elm Leaf Beetle management program, contact Scott Gilchrist, Parks Coordinator, on 5422 0333.
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:: Bin collection • Elm trees
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ts n e lm a t s in s Rate
paid in four ges must be e due date. ar ch d an es th Rat y no later than instalments b ill be sent er notices w d in m re t en Instalm ate. instalment d ate prior to each by the due d d ai p t no is t en . m st alty intere If an instal ged with pen it will be char 14/15 are: dates for 20 Instalment er 2014 b • 30 Novem y 2015 ar ru b • 28 Fe rcard 15 Visa or Maste ith w • 31 May 20 e lin on s your rate /payments You can pay ebsite, mrsc.vic.gov.au w via Council’s bout rates questions a have difficulty y n a ve a h you If you thods, or if the payment me rates on time, contact r u . 2 yo 2 paying 422 03 rtment on 5 Rates depa
Contact Council
You can contact Council by: Phone 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577* Email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Website mrsc.vic.gov.au Post PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 * Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of the shire the ability to contact us without incurring an STD call rate. Visit one of our service centres: 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton 96−100 Main Street, Romsey Cnr High and Forest Streets, Woodend. Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Council through the National Relay Service: • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see www.relayservice.com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333.
If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters or call 5422 0302. ShireLife is produced on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified material which is 60% recycled from post consumer waste and printed by an FSCcertified printer who operates and is certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.
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Voucher Voucher Voucher
Present this voucher to receive free entry into our outdoor pools in Woodend and Lancefield. Valid until 31 December 2014. Limit one per person.
Ride guides
Macedon Ranges Ride Guides feature some great on and off-road bike trails that are suitable for a range of cycling abilities. Pick up a guide from one of our service centres or download from mrsc.vic.gov.au/cycling
Mulch
Present this voucher at one of our service centres or transfer stations to receive 50% off your mulch order.
Limit one voucher per household. Discount is for trailer loads only. Valid until 31 December 2014. For opening hours of our transfer stations, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au or phone 5422 0333.
Cr Graham Hackett Mobile: 0408 287 788 ghackett@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Henry McLaughlin Mobile: 0400 028 507 hmclaughlin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Joe Morabito resigned from his position effective Thursday 23 October 2014. Under the current electoral rules, a by-election will not be held. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) undertook a countback in accordance with the Local Government Act on 24 November. The result can be found at vec.vic.gov.au and in local newspapers.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 10 :: Nov 2014
South Ward Cr John Letchford Mobile: 0401 682 364 jletchford@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Russell Mowatt Mobile: 0418 531 281 rmowatt@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Sally Piper Mobile: 0400 865 543 spiper@mrsc.vic.gov.au
West Ward Cr Jennifer Anderson Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr John Connor Mobile: 0412 870 500 jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Your Councillors
Outdoor pools
East Ward
Staying safe in an emergency Page 8–9
Are you ready
for summer?