Surf Coast Times
Tuesday 20 April 2010
VOL 8. No 16
www.surfcoasttimes.com.au
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The Handbury Classic proved a hit with the local community, with more than 80 people taking to the golf course and 150 attending the charity luncheon last Friday. The day was a major fundraiser for equine therapy charity, Rainbow Riders. Star attractions of the day were Brian Nankervis (left) and Lucas Parsons. Nankervis, from SBS television show RocKwiz, kept the crowd entertained during the luncheon while former professional golfer and MasterChef contestant, Parsons, whipped up a special dessert. The day raised $25,000 for Rainbow Riders. Photo: ALISON MARTIN
VCAT BOUND Disgruntled Jan Juc residents planning VCAT date with council over special charge scheme
BY NATHAN HALE
JAN JUC residents are set to take Surf Coast Shire to VCAT in a bid to overturn the controversial pathways special charge scheme. In a scathing attack on the shire, Concerned Residents Against Pathways Scheme spokesperson, Steve Burton, said residents were sick of being treated with contempt by council. “We think this is the logical avenue to follow,” Burton said. “There are no cast-iron guarantees with these things… that was proven with council’s community consultation process. “We thought we would have had a pretty good chance with the consultation, but for some reason
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900 people objecting to the special charge scheme didn’t seem to do anything. “It seemed as though council had already made up its mind about doing the north-south footpaths anyway. We made it quite clear that we didn’t want the scheme but they have gone ahead regardless.” The residents group has until the end of the month to lodge its application to VCAT, which Burton said would then be heard around September. In just two weeks the group has already gained the support of 40 residents who will contribute to the cost of the appeal, and Burton is encouraging more people to throw their weight behind the push. “We called together all the people who were involved in the doorknocking campaign and we had a meeting to decide to put together the VCAT
application,” he said. “People can go to VCAT individually but we just think it is a lot more manageable as a group. We have a lady on board who is a solicitor in Melbourne and she will be running the appeal on our behalf. “We want to give ourselves every possible chance – and we think we have a good case – but you just never know with these type of things.” Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Libby Coker, said council was duty bound to provide infrastructure for the future. “Council is working to deliver much-needed community infrastructure and services to meet the needs of a growing community in a financially responsible manner,” Coker said. “Councillors are accountable to the community –
this is why we are ensuring the safety of Jan Juc pedestrians – particularly for those who are now pushing prams, riding electronic scooters or walking children on roads where motorists are travelling at speed. “Council has listened to the community on Jan Juc pathways. Through three submission hearings council acknowledged people’s concerns and substantially amended the scheme. “This was a sensible compromise that resulted in a much improved construction programme, with help from the community.” Although council accepted an amended recommendation to reduce the network of pathways, and thus the cost to landowners, Burton said the episode highlighted council’s deficiencies.
WED 1-2ft inconsistent, WSW 22° THU 1-2ft building, NNW 23° FRI 3-4ft WNW lumpy 19° SAT 2-3ft+ building WSW 18°
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