NOVEMBER 15, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Rare view of an endangered world Cooper Ravensak has always had a healthy obsession with creepy crawlies. The 14 year-old Sunbury boy’s fascination with reptiles, amphibians and insects started during early childhood visits to the zoo and museum, mum Tracy says. Cooper (pictured) decided to buy a bearded dragon lizard with his birthday money, then two geckos later – inspired by Macedon zoologist Chris Humphries. “One of his brother’s classmates was selling stick insects, so Cooper bought two, set up a home for them and started a breeding program,” Mrs Ravensak says. “He had great success and on-sold to friends, a pet shop and the Coburg aquarium.” The teen has since expanded his breeding program to include a pair of Flinders Ranges scorpions. Cooper says his aim is to study zoology and environmental science to someday pursue a career in researching and breeding endangered species.
(Damjan Janevski)
Esther Lauaki
Forest shooters ‘a worry’ By Esther Lauaki Woodend residents are calling for a ceasefire at an old Macedon airstrip they say hunters and recreational shooters have turned into a rifle range in their backyards. The old airstrip, off Finger Post Road, was used to land planes carrying supplies when pine plantations were being planted near Woodend. It’s increasingly attracting target shooters and hunters because of its seemingly remote location. A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said she fears for the safety of motorbike riders, horse riders and bushwalkers.
“I am sick to death of people using it as a rifle range and hearing high-powered guns being used where people actually live,” she said. “I’m just really concerned for other people using the area for recreation and, despite feeling like I live in a war zone, I’m just scared someone will get hurt. “It’s becoming a weekly occurrence, and we are having to call the police quite often when the gunshots get within 500 metres of the house. “All of us neighbors in the vicinity actually have our gun licences – it’s just that we feel uncomfortable that people are shooting … 200 metres from our properties.
“I’m all for hunting in the correct locations, bearing in mind the local residents,” she said. Dean Turner, a spokesman for the timber company, HVP Plantations, that manages the pine forests, said that no permission has ever been given for hunters or shooters to use firearms on its land. “We have a number of issues with people doing things without permission on our plantations,” Mr Turner said. “We certainly do not give permission for people to use firearms.” Residents took to Facebook recently to call for clear signage and a ban on shooting. Woodend police’s David Jakobi said shooting is “not especially prevalent, but it does happen”.
“To my knowledge, police have not recently received any calls about firearms being used at the Macedon airstrip, but I am aware of complaints … in the past,” Sergeant Jakobi said. “Being an old airstrip, it is a long straight unobstructed area that people sometimes use for target practice and for the sighting of scopes. As far as we are aware, they will be shooting at an inanimate object. “While I can appreciate that residents may be uncomfortable when they hear gunshots, it is not always the case that firearms laws are being broken.” He encouraged people to call police if they have concerns.
12326088-RC41-16 10035024-17
158-166 High Street, Melton
Ph: (03)8746 0323 5-star ANCAP safety rating on 4x4 D-MAX Crew Cab models built from November 2013 onwards, 4x2 D-MAX Crew Cab High Ride models built from November 2014 onwards and all MU-X models. ^5 years/130,000km whichever occurs first, for eligible customers. Excludes trays and accessories. >The Capped Price Servicing Program (“CPS Program”) applies to Eligible Vehicles with a Warranty Start Date after 1/1/15 at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers only. The CPS Program covers the first 6 Scheduled Services in line with the Scheduled Service Intervals. CPS Prices are subject to change. For full terms & conditions and current pricing visit isuzuute.com.au/service-plus. +3.5 tonne braked towing capacity on D-MAX 4x4 and 4x2 High Ride models and 3.0 tonne braked towing capacity on all MU-X models when fitted with an optional genuine Isuzu UTE tow bar kit. ~Includes economy alloy tray fitted at motorpool. #Fuel consumption and emissions figures based on ADR 81/02 (combined cycle test) and are to be used for vehicle comparison purposes only. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on many factors including, but not limited to, traffic conditions, individual driving style and vehicle condition. §Leather on body contact areas of the seats. *Private and ABN holders only. Excludes government, fleet, rental & non-profit buyers. Includes one year business vehicle registration, CTP insurance, dealer delivery and statutory charges. Metallic/mica/pearl paint $450 extra. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers from 1/10/16 until 31/12/16 unless extended, varied or while stocks last. †Offer is limited to standard items (normal operating conditions) as listed in IUA Warranty and Service Booklet for the first 3 years Scheduled Servicing (covering the first 6 Scheduled Services up to 36 months/60,000km – whichever occurs first) on 4x4 D-MAX & 4x4 MU-X models sold & delivered between 1/10/16 and 31/12/16 to private & ABN holders only. Excludes demonstrators. Offer does not cover any other Scheduled Service, Make-up Scheduled Service or any additional service items or requirements, which are at the owner’s expense. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers. Not available with any other offer, excluding free Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories where offered. ‡$1,000 Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories on all models (except 15.5MY LS-T models that receive $2,000 Isuzu UTE Genuine Accessories) sold & delivered between 1/10/16 and 31/12/16, unless varied or extended, to private & ABN holders only. Excludes demonstrators. Only at Participating Isuzu UTE Dealers. Not available with any other offer, excluding the first 3 years free Scheduled Servicing where offered.