Surf Coast Times
Tuesday 10 May 2011
VOL 9. No 19
www.surfcoasttimes.com.au
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MOTHERS throughout the Surf Coast were spoiled on Sunday with breakfast in bed and a day off from the usual housework in celebration of Mother’s Day. Torquay mum of seven, Helen Cini, spent a special Mother’s Day with six of her children, as well as her own mother who was visiting from New South Wales. Helen is recovering from recent major surgery and was all smiles when her children – with the exception of son Ben, who is travelling overseas – pampered her with flowers and breakfast on Sunday morning.
SCHOOL WIN Torquay will get a second primary school following release of State Budget
BY NATHAN HALE TORQUAY parents are celebrating the ‘power of the people’ after $5.25million was set aside in the State Budget to purchase land for a new primary school in town. The surprise decision has been widely lauded by concerned parents who have been advocating for a second primary school for Torquay since the start of the new year. Originally, the State Government had stood firm on its decision not to spend money on a second primary school, however, the backflip will see the land purchased within the next 12 months. “It is awesome… just fantastic,” said Merrin Wake, who has helped lead the campaign for a second primary school. “Four or five months ago we sat down with
(education) minister Martin Dixon and he said it was not on the radar, so it is fantastic news. “It makes us parents think that someone is listening, and while there is still a long way to go, it has brought a new sense of excitement about the future of Torquay schooling.” In all, the State Government is spending almost $50million throughout the Surf Coast, with almost $40million of that on education. Apart from the primary school land allocation money, the Budget also includes $26million to build the new Surf Coast Secondary College, with $8.4million set aside to buy the land. “This is a fantastic result for Torquay and what it demonstrates is myself and the minister have listened to the community,” said Member for South Barwon, Andrew Katos. “We’ve sat down and heard differing opinions, but
Surf Forecast
we’ve respected those opinions and listened to what the people said and we have reacted.” Other Budget wins for the shire include: • $1.5million for the Taylor Park redevelopment • $750,000 for a second storey of the community and civic precinct • $500,000 for the extension of the present site for Torquay Kindergarten • $500,000 for Anglesea Football Club to extend its pavilion • $200,000 for Torquay Football and Netball Club to extend its pavilion • $1million additional funding over the next four years for local road and bridge infrastructure. “This is record spending into the Surf Coast… approaching $50million, and I don’t believe this money has been spent in the region in the last 11 years of Labor governments,” Katos said.
Photo: PETER MARSHALL
Bells wins top award BELLS Beach has won the Environmental Innovation and Protection category award in the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Clean Beaches Awards 2010/11. The awards were held late last week in South Australia, with Bells Beach being recognised through the Rip Curl Pro for its environmentally sensitive design during the event. “Bells Beach is an international icon of Australian surfing culture and is both socially and historically significant as the location of the world’s longest continuous running surf competition,” said Australian Clean Beaches national judge, Dr David Moy. “Of specific note is the design and construction of the ‘viewing stands’. Despite catering for hundreds of patrons, the stands transfer the weight away from the fragile cliff faces. Without this innovation in environment protection Bells Beach would not be sustainable.”
WED 2-3t+ building SW 10° THU 2-4ft+ clean W 13° FRI 2-4ft average WSW 13° SAT 2-4ft average WSW 13°
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