Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
1 MARCH, 2022
12496404-AV22-21
FREE DIGITAL EDITION
SIG N U P N O W!
Avoiding a cat-astrophe
(Joe Mastroianni)
The dynamic duo of Amy Stania and Sally Plumb are doing everything in their power to rehome as many cats and kittens across Melbourne’s west as possible. Established in Altona North 16 years ago, Sally’s Cat and Kitten Rescue has since expanded to Melton, where Ms Stania volunteers her home and spare time to put a roof over the head of felines in need. “I tell people it’s like my therapy,” Ms Stania said. “I like helping those who can’t help them help themselves.” “We save probably 90 per cent, if not more, of Melton’s cats around town.” Ms Plumb and Ms Stania’s work is supported by Melton council, and Ms Stania says her work often includes weekly trips to Melton Pound to see if they can provide assistance. Ms Stania said the start of 2022 had also been particularly busy, with 220 cats rescued since January. In addition to the leadership of Ms Stania and Ms Plumb, the organisation has a small team of volunteers who chip in during the week. Ms Stania said these volunteers are crucial and Sally’s Cat and Kitten Rescue is always on the lookout for more helpers.
Amy Stania, Eden and Sally Plumb.
AusNet protest ramps up By Oliver Lees Critics of the proposed 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission network that will stretch through Melton and Moorabool will take their fight to the steps of the Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, March 8. Distressed members of the community, including residents, farmers and landowners, have remained vocal in their opposition of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP), which is to be facilitated by AusNet Services. Moorabool and Central Highlands chair Emma Muir said the weight of community
concern left no choice but to take their concerns to Spring Street. “If AusNet gets its way, this project will devastate our communities. Bushfire risk will skyrocket, high-value agricultural land that feeds Victoria will be destroyed and land values will plummet,” she said. “This project will cause immeasurable economic damage to local farmers and irreparable harm to the environment and landscape – to say nothing of the amenity and liveability of our region and the wellbeing of residents.” Both Melton and Moorabool council have also expressed their disappointment
at the proposed route for the power line construction. Moorabool council will host an online session on Wednesday, March 9, in a bid to help the community understand how to make a submission towards AusNet’s Environmental Effects Statement (EES). In August, 2020, the state government ordered AusNet to prepare an EES. An EES disclosure process is designed to allow decision makers to make informed conclusions about whether a project should proceed given its relative impact on the environment. The document, which will include details
regarding how the project will affect agriculture, landscape, historic heritage, ecology, is expected later this year. Moorabool council’s community planning and economic development executive manager Henry Bezuidenhout said the EES process represented an “important milestone” for individuals to lodge their concerns with the project. “Acknowledging that most people do not take part in an EES in their lifetime, as well as that an EES is only publicly exhibited for 30 business days, council has invited two expert guests to help prepare its community,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.
We are OPEN for Take Away and Home Delivery Contactless delivery with Menulog, Doordash, Ubereats,Instore and La Porchetta online. Follow us on Social Media /LaPorchettaMelton /LaPorchettaMelton
Woodgrove Shopping Centre www.laporchetta.com Download our New iPhone or Android App 12505545-JW34-21