DECEMBER 13, 2016 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Fire fears ‘ignored’ By Esther Lauaki Residents in fire-prone areas such as Gisborne South, Lancefield and Riddells Creek fear they will be left without mobile phone coverage when they need it most. The towns were among more than 30 locations that were ignored in the latest round of federal government funding for its Mobile Black Spots program. Gisborne south resident Cathy Evans has complained to the ombudsman regarding the lack of mobile coverage in the area. “In February, 2014, there was a bushfire in our area and due to the lack of mobile coverage the FireReady app did not alert us to the impeding danger,” Dr Evans said. “The lack of mobile coverage also impedes my, and my husband’s, ability to fulfil our work commitments. “I am a veterinarian, often on call, and the lack of mobile coverage impedes my ability to attend to my calls.” Elderly Gisborne resident Alan Goldsmith says the lack of mobile coverage causes him “significant stress” because he has a number of health issues that could be exacerbated by the coming fire season. More than 30 black spot locations in the region were submitted for consideration to receive towers under the Mobile Black Spots program. Only one tower for the federal electorate of McEwen has been included in the latest round. The tower that was promised for Broadford and Reedy Creek in round one, more than a year ago, has not been completed. Federal MP Rob Mitchell criticised the selection process for the program, saying it had become “politicised”. “McEwen is riddled with mobile black spots, creating risks, particularly on high fire danger days where authorities, families and local communities rely most on mobile phones,” Mr Mitchell said. “Our communities meet all criteria for the funding – we’re a rural community, near busy transport routes and are constantly affected by natural disasters. “It is no secret McEwen has faced five major fires the past six summers, including Black Saturday, the Mickleham-Kilmore fire and last summer’s Lancefield fire. “When it comes to delivering for fire-prone northern Victoria, the Turnbull government is simply failing to deliver on its promise.” 12334600-EPJ50-16 10035024-15
Farm is big on local love Sunbury’s Animal Land Children’s Farm has been a delight for thousands of children for decades. But when Laurie and Joanne Pincini bought the farm from Laurie’s parents 23 years ago, they never thought it would become as popular as it is today, with more than 18,000 visitors a year from all around the world. Mrs Pincini puts their success down to collaboration with local businesses, from which they source everything from hay and animal feed to recycled building materials. “We use local businesses every chance available,” Mrs Pincini said. “They’re like us and they need our support because they’re the backbone of our local economy. “Christmas is our busiest time of the year, not unlike many other small business, and it’s important that we all work together.” The business has expanded to include bus company Rockleigh Tours. Animal Land Children’s Farm and Rockleigh Tours were a case study for a new report, Economy of Shopping Small: Custom Counts, which looks at small Australian businesses and their contribution to the economy. Jesse, 6, grandson of owner Laurie, is right at home down on the farm. (Damjan Janevski)
Esther Lauaki
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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.