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L @WARRAGULCITIZEN Protesters outside the Warragul Commonwealth Bank branch last Friday. Photo: William PJ Kulich
TWICE MONTHLY // FRIDAY 29 MAY 2015
F R EE
PL EA S E
From Barrier Reef to Baw Baw By William PJ Kulich
IF YOU spotted the flash of a yellow banner in Warragul on Friday or a bright sticker somewhere along Smith Street, chances are you saw the work of 350.org campaigners. Last week a dedicated group of locals took part in the international Raise the Heat campaign protesting against the Commonwealth Bank's potential funding of expansions to the Abbot Point coal terminal in Queensland. The issue may seem far from home but, according to
local group leader Kate Wattchow, the people of Baw Baw are involved much more directly than they might think. "You know, you live in Warragul, you don't think your money is going to damage something on the other side of Australia, but it will," the Trafalgar resident told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. "We've just been having a great time talking to people, getting their thoughts on the issue and getting them thinking of the issue as well." Local protesters staked out the
Commonwealth Bank's Warragul branch with signs and stickers cal ling on the bank to not support the expansion. Ms Wattchow said the bank was the target because of its close involvement in the project. "They've already funded Adani... $700 million for the original Abbot Point coal point, and now Adani wants more money to create this expansion and the Commonwealth Bank has been advising them on this," she said. "They're also the closest to fund ing it, and so that's why this campa
ign’s focussing on the Commonw ealth Bank. "It's one of the largest banks in Australia, and so they could have a great role as a leader in sustainable investment, but at the moment they're failing their customers and they're failing Australia." But what exactly is the proposed project that has provoked this response? Ms Wattchow explained: "The Indian mining company Adani wants to make a coal point expansion on Abbot Point, which would open up the Galilee Basin,
which is a large coal field," she said. "It's a set of mines. Some of them will be huge, some of the biggest mines in Australia." "The emissions from that would be equal to the seventh largest in the world, so that's more than whole countries. "This would obviously be devastating for the reef and the climate. "All of that would be shipped out through the Great Barrier Reef. These coal port expansions, which is what we're
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Council ends Drouin Bellbird Park spur to become Golf Club agreement official Baw Baw parkland THE SECTION 173 agreement on the Drouin Golf Club's land was officially removed by councillors on Wednesday. The agreement was applied to the land in 1989 by the Shire of Buln Buln, which was amalgamated into the Baw Baw Shire Council in the 1990s. It allowed for rural reside ntial housing to be developed on a section of the golf club's property as part of a larger country club develo pment. The full plan was to create a 36
Story continues on Page 4 ► hole course, but only 27 holes were completed before the Drouin Golf and Country Club placed itself under voluntary administration in August of last year. The club now has no intention of ever finishing the project outlined by the Section 173. There has been some conjecture as to whether the agreement was ever legally implemented in the first place. Neither Buln Buln or Baw Baw councils ever registered the agreement with the state
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the sale of de facto parkland adjacent to Bellbird Park in Drouin are celebra ting after Baw Baw councillors reje cted a motion to sell the land for development on Wednesday. Council officers had recomme nded the land be subdivided and sold as it was considered surplus to need, but Drouin ward councillor Tricia Jones moved an alternative motion calling for the land to not only be retained but zoned as park land.
"We have over the last few moths received emails, letters and phone calls showing why this land is a well used and appreciated area," Cr Jones said on moving her motion. "The parcel of land was bought [by the Shire of Buln Buln] almost 50 years ago. It was bought for enjoyment as well as passive and recreation. "I believe it should be used for enjoyment. "Let's look forward to the future and keep our asset."
The public gallery was packed with over 60 people during the meeting, most of them Save Bellbird Park campaigners. They cheered and applauded as Cr Jones' altern ative was passed with support from Drouin ward councillor Terry Will iamson, Warragul's Gerard Murphy and Mikaela Power and North Ward's David Balfour and Debbie Brown. Warragul's Joe Gauci and Mount Worth's Murray Cook and Peter Kostos voted to sell.
5 2 Drouin CBD speed down: P2 Government reviewing Pakenham commuters: P3
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government and as such it is not recorded on land titles. Residents of Fairway Drive, the housing development allowed by the Section 173 agreement, have objected to the agreement's rem oval. In a number of submissions to the Baw Baw Shire they have expre ssed concerns about the area no longer having the country club lifestyle promised to them when they bought their land. Residents maintain the Section 173 should remain in place. But Mount Worth ward counc illor Peter Kostos said the removal
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BAW Baw Shire councillors have unanimously approved works to fix Trafalgar's drainage problems as part of the Trafalgar Flood Modelling and Drainage Strategy. The council will spend approxi mately $2.5 million to provide an average of 20 years protection from potential flooding, not including the cost of the purchase of land. Included in the plan was the construction of a detention or reta rding basin at the west of the town which will hold flood water for a short period of time. The strategy will also see changes to the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay to ensure planning permits for new developments in the future require appropriate flood prote ction. Nine residents of the area submi tted to the council during a four week period from March until April of this year. Some people raised issues with poor maintenance of drainage alre ady installed in the area. The council has allocated funds for capital works in its draft 2015/16 budget which will permit regular maintenance of drains in the Trafalgar area. A Fernlea Close resident requested works be done near them to prevent water flow coming from upstream onto their properties. The council has been in contact with VicRoads to divert the flow to a drain downstream. The SES, West Gippsland Catch ment Management Authority and Gippsland Water were consulted in the process of preparing the stra tergy.
Report by Matthew Sims
Disability Advisory Committee seeks new members THE BAW Baw Shire Council is accepting applications from comm unity members to become a part of its Disability Advisory Committee. The Disability Advisory Commit
of the agreement would not open the flood gates to further develo pemt in the area as the land would remain in the farming zone. "It is very very very important to note here that by the removal of the 173 will not change the situation for the people concerned about the green pasture at the back of their house," he said at Wednesday's meeting. "If, down the track, this land goes for subdivision, there is a process to go though. The people who have been concerned about their loss of their backyard amenity will have plenty of chance to have their say. "This is simply to take the Section
173 off." Drouin ward councillor Tricia Jones noted the removal of the Section 173 had provoked a strong and emotional response from the residents of Fairway Drive, but said she in favour of the motion. Seven of nine councillors voted to approve the agreement's removal, while councillors Debbie Brown and Murray Cook were unable to vote due to conflicts of interest. Warragul ward councillor Mika ela Power said while the resolution was not ideal, it did provide clarity. "I found this incredibly confusing and difficult to understand because there are lots of different sides of
the story," Cr Power said. "This one wasn't fully entered onto title, and this portion of land on which the agreement was in theory in place is farming zone so there are some potential measures residents can go through in case of [development]." "It's not an ideal situation really, but what it does do is remove a level of confusion." Despite previous strong show ings at council meetings addressing the matter, no Fairway Drive resid ents made submissions at Wedn esday's meeting or were present for the vote. Council documents show they were notified of the meeting.
tee advises the Baw Baw Shire Cou ncil on how to deal with the issues facing disabled people in the comm unity. The council is looking for people with appropriate involvement and knowledge of issues affecting disab led people. People aware of the hardships and daytoday life of a disabled person or who are disabled them selves are strongly encouraged to apply. Expressions of interest will be accepted until Friday 12 June. Applications must be submitted by completing the expression of interest form on the council website, bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or by emailing the council's rural access officer Elke Timm at elke.timm@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au.
on the council website. Email submissions will be accepted via bawbaw@bawbaws hire.vic.gov.au or can be made online.
applied to Drouin's main retail streets after councillors unanimo usly passed a motion on Wednesday to overhaul safety in the town's CBD. Councillors also left the door open for the installation of a pedestrian crossing with flashing lights on Princes Way between the Bank Place and Main South Road roundabouts, subject to a review of the new speed limit's effectiveness in 12 months' time. The council received 41 submissions from the community giving feedback to the proposals, which were put forward last December. 73 per cent of those reactions were supportive of the council's plan to reduce the speed limit around the Drouin CBD. 76 per cent were in favour of the installation of a pedestrian crossing. Some submissions to the council raised concerns that a new pedestrian crossing would reduce parking availability along Princes Way. Others called for the construction of a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Princes Way and Sinclair Street. At Wednesday's council meeting, Drouin ward councillor Terry Willia mson said there was a need for a new pedestrian crossing. "Quite a lot of people cross over to the post office, but I believe that reducing it to 40km gives some breathing space to put the zebra crossing in," he said. "There will be three to four parking spaces lost as a result and that needs to be considered." Sections of several streets will have the lower speed limit introdu ced and VicRoads has recommended the inclusion of Young Street, betw een Bank Place and Hope Street, in the 40kmph zone. It has also proposed that special signs for the zone be installed instead of the ordinary speed limit signage and that fencing be included with the pedestrian crossing should it be installed.
Report by Matthew Sims
Open spaces standards open for inspection MEMBERS of the Baw Baw comm unity have been encouraged to res pond to the Baw Baw Shire’s draft Open Space Maintenance Standards document. Special meetings have been held in Drouin, Erica, Trafalgar and War ragul to inform the community of the proposed standards. The standards will dictate how open spaces such as parks, sports ovals, bushland and other assets are maintained. Baw Baw Shire mayor Debbie Brown said the standards would all ow the community to be aware of council’s actions. “The key aim is to strike the right balance between providing value for money services at a level that the community is prepared to pay,” Cr Brown said. All members of the community will be able to lodge a response until 17:00 on Tuesday 30 June. Submissions can be made in writing to Urban Operations, Baw Baw Shire Council, PO Box 304, Warragul, VIC 3820. The draft standards can be viewed
Report by Matthew Sims
CoderDojo is go A CLUB for young people interested in learning basic programming has begun in Warragul. The Warragul CoderDojo club has invited children from the ages of seven to 17 to come join others for classes at the Business Support Centre every Wednesday. The classes run for two hours from 16:00 until 18:00 and are designed to develop students' skills from the ground up. Teresa Mitchell, one of the club organisers, said in a media release the focus of the classes depended on what the children wanted to learn She said the information taught would become essential in the digital age as “everything has a coding background.” The classes will focus on programming robots and using basic coding languages like Scratch and Ruby. The club presently has eight students. Interest in the club has grown and it is hoped more clubs will be formed across Gippsland soon. CoderDojo is a global organisation of more than 470 clubs originating from Ireland. Students from seven to 12 years of age must attend with an adult guardian. Students from 13 to 17 years of age must present evidence of permission from an adult guardian. All children must use their own laptop. Expressions of interest can be made to host@coworx.com.au or by contacting Business Support Centre Warragul directly on 5623 3332.
Report by Matthew Sims
Drouin on the road to pedestrian safety A 40kmph speed limit will be
Report by Matthew Sims and William Kulich
29 MAY 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN
Noojee library to close NOOJEE will soon be without a lib rary after a narrow majority of cou ncillors voted for its closure on Wednesday. The Noojee branch will be closed by the end of June and its collect ion redistributed to other Baw Baw libraries. Council officers recommended the closure of the library as its open ing hours of two hours per week fell below the national standard of 15 hours and a 12month target set by councillors last year to increase membership by 25 per cent had not been reached in the reporting period. A late surge in memberships saw the target reached after the report's completion. The annual cost of operating the library was $14,000, including staff and utilities. The motion to approve the clos ure came from Mount Worth ward councillor Murray Cook. "The static library at Neerim South is 18 kilometres away and the situation isn't viable to the shire," Cr Cook said at Wednesday's meeting. Drouin ward's Terry Williamson supported Cr Cook. "We've got modern cars, better roads, and better libraries," he said. "This is only maintained at two
hours, or one hour, I don't know, two hours a day." Cr Williamson said new fast internet provisions would be a substitute for Noojee residents. But the vote was close in addition to Cook and Williamson's support, councillors Brown, Kostos and Gauci voted for the closure. Councillors Balfour, Jones, Murphy and Power voted against. "We think of libraries as places where books live," Warragul ward's Mikaela Power said. "In this case and many others... it's a place where people go and is part of the community. "We have very few other council services in Noojee." Drouin ward's Tricia Jones said "$14,000 isn't really very much in the whole scheme of things." Warragul ward councillor Gerard Murphy said an expanded library at the local primary school could serve as a replacement. At the start of the meeting one Noojee resident said: "Literacy rates in regional areas are higher than ever and to close something like a library is disgraceful. "I believe you people as council lors have a responsibility to give our young people... something to do."
Pakenham rail pickup under review
· LOCAL NEWS · 3
RAIL commuters frustrated by met ropolitan passengers taking seats on regional services at cheaper rates may soon have a victory. Pakenham commuters have the choice between both Metro and V/Line services, but only pay the lower Metro pricing to board the faster V/Line services. Overcrowded evening peak serv ices usually have spare seats after the Pakenham dropoff. Sunbury is the only other station with a similar arrangement. The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen understands a review could see boarding restrictions implemen ted late next month, meaning Pak enham station would be set down only on citybound services and pick up only for Gippslandbound services. Asked to confirm if that would be the case, a spokesperson for Public Transport Victoria said the rules were under review. "Pick up and set down rules for V/Line services are being consid ered by the Government as part of the broader network change that will take place with the start of serv ices on Regional Rail Link," the spokesperson told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. "Further information will be pro vided in coming weeks."
Getting social: sport and fitness IN THIS edition's wrap of local social media accounts to follow we take a look at just a few of the sporting accounts for clubs and venues in Baw Baw. But before that, a correction: the Warragul Business Group's account details were wrong in the last edition. Its actual Facebook page can be found by searching for the organisation's name and its Twitter handle is @WglBusinessGrp. Drouin Hawks Football Club f search for team name One of the bestmaintained local sport pages. Posts include training information, photos and more. GippSport T @GippSport
f /GippSport
GippSport posts about issues in local sport, health and wellbeing. Updates also include information about games, links to articles and other information. Longwarry Cricket Club f search for team name Set up as a human page (you add the team as a friend rather than hitting like) the Longwarry Cricket Club's Facebook page acts as a community hub for members and fans. Trafalgar Victory FC f search for team name A wellmaintained Facebook page featuring links to match summaries, training details and
other event information.
progress:
Warragul Colts JFC T @ColtsJFC f /warragulcolts.jfc One of few local clubs to use both Twitter and Facebook for fan engagement. The pages feature regular game and training updates, photos and more. Set up as a human page on Facebook, you have to add the team as a friend rather than hitting like.
One of the questions we often get asked is 'Why hasn't the pool been drained yet?' Well we've decided to let you in on a little secret...
Warragul Leisure Centre f /YMCAWarragul Updates from the Warragul Leisure Centre. This account has recently had an increase in activity as pool renovations have got underway, posting edited pictures of
21 May 2015
Yarragon Cricket Club f search for team name Occasional updates from the Yarragon Cricket Club.
Community shares dementia knowledge and experiences WHILE prime minister Tony Abb ott surfed to raise money for New South Wales’ Wipe Out Dementia Fundraiser, volunteers in Gippsland united to share their own experien ces and further educate themselves. Christine Thomas and Jenny Skuja are two volunteers who work with people suffering from deme ntia in the Gippsland region. Both Thomas and Skuja have witnessed the impact of the disease firsthand. "I have worked as a volunteer for 10 years and in the aged care field for over 25 years. In my line of work I have met and interacted with lots of people, living with varying forms of dementia," Christine Thomas said. "Unlike Christine, I have only served as a volunteer for six months. I think my dad might have dementia because he presents some notable symptoms. However, I am unsure whether or not this is the case and am currently seeking out further information," Jenny Skuja said. Ms Thomas and Ms Skuja were
By Jack Lacy L jack_m_lacy just two people in a crowd of dozens of volunteers who attended Alzhe imer Australia's Education Seminar in Drouin earlier this month. According to Alzheimer's Aust ralia Community Visitors Scheme program coordinator Rosemary Joi ner, the amount of interest the event attracted was much higher than anticipated. "Initially, we were unsure as to whether even a small group of people would attend. However, tod ay's turnout has been remarkable and the event has been a complete success," she said. "We had to move the event from the Alzheimer Australia's office in Drouin to Lyrebird Village in order to accommodate for a greater amount of people." Members of the public who had partners and relatives living with the disease also attended the seminar. Volunteer Christine Thomas said she believed the event’s popularity
was both a blessing and a curse. suffering from dementia," she said. "The amount of people here Despite a power failure, Alzhei today suggests that lots of people mer's Australia facilitator Michelle want to be further educated about Foster gave an engaging and insigh dementia and is a good tful presentation at the event. opportunity for members Throughout Ms Foster's of the community to talk members of the meet each other," Ms audience acted out "Comm Thomas said. involving a u n a ication scenarios bout th "However, at the person with deme e same time, today’s and how the bra requirdeisease ntia unfortunate large tu in functioned, specif improv s rnout, highlights the ically the severed ement " significance of deme connected between ntia and that commun neurons. ication about the disease Over the course of the requires improvement. We three hour event numerous (myself and Jenny Skuja) only topics associated with dementia knew about this event because of were covered including symptoms our volunteer work." and behaviours, risk factors, Ms Thomas said she believed not effective means of communication all members of the public were able – for example body language and to access information about dem tone – and strategies for dealing entia which could be of benefit to with certain situations. them. More information on Alzheimer's "Not everyone has the technology can be found at fightdemen to access certain resources and tia.org.au. information relating to the disease, Alzheimer's Australia's Drouin and how best to go about treating a office is at 2B / 3537 Princes Way family member or friend who is Drouin.
4 · LOCAL NEWS ·
WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 29 MAY 2015
Fair go focus for Labor candidate By William PJ Kulich L Keening_Product LABOR'S candidate for McMillan in the next federal election Chris Buck ingham is ready for a fight, but his first victory played out within his local party branch. Mr Buckingham recently narro wly won the party preselection for the seat. Local branch members who voted in the candidacy contest were divided a 46/46 split bet ween those backing him and those backing Bernadette O'Connor. The final say went to a state vote. "The local ballot was very close and then it was decided pretty deci sively at the central ballot, which is the statewide ballot for the Labor party," Mr Buckingham told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. "The convention is that there's a local ballot weighted at 50 per cent and then there's a state ballot loaded at 50 per cent. It's democr acy in process. It's not a perfect pro cess but certainly in this situation I'm happy with the outcome." Mr Buckingham has pitched himself as a nonfactionally aligned Chris Buckingham will campaign on progressive Labor values. Photo by William PJ Kulich progressive Labor member. "I'm standing principally on values that people would expect of a nities in this electorate have been confidence and people's belief in stations, various largescale emplo progressive Labor politician," he caught in a divide and conquer, their capacity to take out loans, yers are under pressure to com they've been encouraged to think purchase things, [and] has an pete, and compete internationally. said. "The community needs to hold "I put myself as an unaligned parochially rather than working impact on small business too. "People in regional Victoria those employers to account on the candidate, which means that an together. I will be encouraging way they treat their yone can vote for me if they so people to work together, work colla realise the employer/emplo employees. choose, and it means I'm not bound boratively, learn from each other yee relationship is one of "While it may seem partnership, not conf by caucus or factional positions in and support each other. "What "Coming back to those values, I lict, and it saddens me like changes in terms of the policymaking and w f e're the subtle acing made very clear my support of to see larger compa mix, what we're thinking. here is a facing here is a subtle "I'm not sure that it'll have a marriage equality on my platform nies not necessarily s degraubtle degradation in work taking their respons massive impact on the way I within the Labor party. "It's not a question of religion, it's ibilities to the com work dation in ers' rights and in turn represent the community if I'm ers' rig actually a matter of discri munity as seriously undermining elected because at the end of h ts" community confide mination and it's well and as they could." the day I stand on values, a t truly time for change, nce, and that's no good When asked how he which people are very o "It's nion of and if two people want would make larger comp for anyone in this region." familiar with." to make a public anies listen, Mr Buckingham Mr Buckingham's fair go Mr Buckingham queston, it's commitment... then would not give a policy position focus also applies to his views on will base his campa el i g i al l y a r they should be able but said "sustained and gentle the Liberal party's policy of turning ign around equality a c tu e r o f to do so." pressure" from the community back asylum seeker boats. and fair working con t t a " m ion Mr Buckingham could help. "My position on asylum seekers ditions and pay. t a n i m i r c said a vote on same is this: come back to the core Labor "Oh no, it's not going to [cause] "I stood [for presel s i d sex marriage in coming change, it's a valuesbased position. value of a fair go for all," he said. ection] on core Labor months might resolve the It's about a fair day's pay for a fair "We need to think long and hard party values, which are a issue before the next election, day's work," he said. as a country as to whether the 'stop fair day's pay for a fair day's but said his position represented "I'm not against workforce flexib the boats' policy that has been work and a fair go for all, and I ility and increased productivity – constituted by the Abbott governm think in the current climate that his approach to other issues. "What it comes down to is a fair they are good things. What we need ent is anything more than a stopgap means a couple of things that are to avoid is a situation where, slowly measure. We need to start thinking very relevant to the people of go for all," he said. "Job stability and security [for but surely, the community loses of some longterm solutions for this McMillan," he said. "The other thing is also about example]. We've seen increased cas confidence in its capacity to problem, we need to be treating people with more compassion, and inclusive community leadership, so ualisation in the workforce and inc prosper. "I'm making very clear this we need to be recognising the deep encouraging communities to work reased use of labour hire firms by together for the greater good in the companies around the region. That position, because I think people discomfort that sits with people on electorate. I think too often commu in turn undermines community need to realise milk factories, power this issue."
Mr Buckingham took the chance to criticise the federal Liberal government's budget. "When we look at the federal budget and the mindset of the current government we're not see ing any empathy for [all] working households. "It still is the 'give the money to business and the breadcrumbs will fall off the table' [mentality], and I think we need a more sophisticated conversation and debate in this day and age."
Buckingham's background By Matthew Sims L mjsim94 THE LABOR party has backed Chris Buckingham to contest the seat of McMillan in the next federal election. The seat has been held by Liberal MP Russell Broadbent since 2004, who also held the seat from 1996 to 1998. At the 2013 election Labor selec ted young candidate Anthony Naus, who lost to Broadbent with a two party swing against Labor of 7.62 per cent. The last Labor Party member to hold the seat was Christian Zahra, who represented the area from 1998 to 2004. Mr Buckingham has been invo lved in the community since moving to Warragul with his partner, Baw Baw councillor Mikaela Power, in 1997. He became a member of the Labor Party in 1998. He has held many executive positions, including chief executive officer of tourism organisation Destination Melbourne and the general manager of Gippsland Tourism. He is also a member of the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Victorian Tourism Industry Council. The electorate of McMillan covers much of West Gippsland, including the townships of Warr agul, Drouin, Trafalgar, Yarragon, Wonthaggi, and Pakenham. The next federal election will lik ely be held on a Saturday between 6 August 2016 and 14 January 2017.
From Barrier Reef to Baw Baw ◄From Page 1 primarily focussed on, involve dred ging up the sea floor and dumping the dredge in the [reef's] world heritage area." A spokesperson for the Common wealth Bank told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen in an email statement the bank would consider environmental impacts. "We... recognise our role in addr essing the challenge of climate change, including helping organis ations to transition to a low carbon economy, investing in renewables and ensuring we have robust, respo nsible lending practices in place," the spokesperson said. "In that regard we have invested in more than 170 renewable energy projects in the wind, solar, hydro and landfill gas power sectors. "We have a robust approach to responsible lending for any project, no matter where it is, and each proj ect is assessed on its environmental, social and governance impact.
"We are a signatory to the third edition of the Equator Principles, an internationally recognised set of principles that reflects the latest development in environmental, soc ial and governance risk practices. "We have developed nine ESG commitments to responsible lend ing that provide us with a robust framework to asses any project finance and/or business lending activity. Those commitments mean we will not lend money to projects that would irrevocably damage World Heritage sites or other high value conservation areas like the Great Barrier Reef." The spokesperson said they were unable to comment on the Adani case in particular due to client confidentiality. The protest was not met with a negative response from the bank. Stickers outside the bank have largely not been pulled down and the protesters were not confronted by bank staff. "We respect the right to peaceful
protest as we believe people have the right to express their views as long as they do so in a peaceful manner in compliance with the law and common standards of cour tesy," the spokesperson said. Ms Wattchow said the commu nity had responded well to the local campaign. "People have been very intere sted and very concerned," she said. "It's mostly an awareness thing people don't know where their money's going. "A lot of people have considered [changing banks], a lot of people have already moved their banks as part of the divestment campaign, people can pledge to move their banks if the Commonwealth Bank does decide to fund this project. "There has been multiple campa igns running on this issue – there's also the Dump Your Bank campaign being run by the Australian Climate Coalition, and also Greenpeace. "There has been a lot of response and people are moving away from
these banks that are funding environmentally destructive proj ects. Ms Wattchow said the bank's strong presence in the economy made its actions important. "The great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's most beloved and well known icons internationally, and as one of Australia's leading banks the Commonwealth Bank has a responsibility not to destroy this icon," she said. "It's not in our best interests and it's not in anyone's best interests." The Commonwealth Bank spoke sperson said the bank took its position in the economy seriously. "As one of Australia’ largest busi nesses we understand the general community interest in our activit ies. People have the right to express their views in any peaceful manner if they wish," the spokesperson said. "We understand that the comm unity want to ensure that we have robust practices and policies in place when we consider lending to
organisations and that these prac tices cover the full range of envir onmental, social and governance impact. This we do." Ms Wattchow said several peo ple had discussed their experiences of the Great Barrier Reef with her and other protesters. "There was a chap who lived up in Queensland on the reef for ages and he came along and was really interested in the issue. A lot of people have been concerned the reef's not going to be there by the time they retire and want to move back to Queensland or they're conc erned their kids won't be able to see it when they grow up," she said. "I mean, I'm concerned, I've never been to the reef but my dad's been there and he'd brought back amazing photos and stories from his amazing adventures up there. "I want the reef to be there for my future and for the future of kids I meet. "It's really good people care about this issue."
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29 MAY 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN
Certainty returns for renewables generators By Matthew Sims
So you agreed to a reduced target? Well, look at the alternative!
L mjsim94
41,000 GWH 33,000 GWH Editor's cartoon and comment Lobby group the Clean Energy Cou ncil successfully played a risky game with the RET. Aware the Liberal gover nment was likely to cut the target alto gether, the CEC suggested a lower target and got the parties on board. The move put the solar sector offside, but seems to have achieved its inte nded outcome.
INDUSTRY STABILITY
A DECREASED Renewable Energy Target has been approved by the Liberal/National coalition and Lab or parties and is set to be passed through federal parliament in the coming weeks. After approximately 15 months of disagreement between the parties and crossbenchers, the coalition has struck a deal with Labor to a 33,000 gigawatt hour target, compared to the 2009 target of 41,000 gigawatt hours. The RET is a federal measure to guide Australia toward having 20 per cent of energy generation come from renewable sources by 2020. Despite the reduction, the bipartisan agreement has boosted confidence for those who provide renewable energy, including solar providers. Gippsland Solar managing direc tor Andrew McCarthy told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen the agreement would make people more confident in purchasing solar technology for their homes. While the suspension of the RET had little to no impact on the small scale solar companies, Mr McCar thy said business had increased to unseen levels. That was further compounded by the introduction in this year's fed eral budget of an immediate ded uction of all tax on assets purchased by small businesses up to $20,000. The policy will apply to all assets purchased by small businesses with an income up to $2 million until 30 June 2017.
The amendments of the RET could also see wood from Victorian native forests burnt as a renewable energy source, despite a number of environmental groups saying it is not an appropriate source of energy. One company which plans to take advantage of that inclusion, Brown Coal Innovation Australia, has prov ided approximately $1 million towa rd a trial of a Direct Injection Car bon Engine in the Latrobe Valley. The company has said its Direct Injection Carbon Engine, which inv olves converting the coal or biomass into a waterbased slurry, will red uce CO2 emissions from brown coal power stations by 50 per cent by using a mixture of coal and forest materials. But the inclusion of forest mater ials has drawn criticism from many Gippsland environmental figures. Some have said the government's inclusion of burning materials from
· LOCAL NEWS · 5
Victorian forests as a source of renewable energy would be counter productive. Gippsland Environment Group member and independent candidate at the 2013 federal election Peter Gardner said the target should be increased to phase out pollution in the Gippsland area. “I have written on a number of occasions that we should phase out the brown coal generators in the Latrobe Valley as quickly as possi ble,” Mr Gardner told the Warragul and Baw Baw Citizen. “Adding the burning of material from native forests to the RET is a further insult to clear thinking.” Environmental conservation group Gippsland2020 member Tracey Anton has said the inclusion of the burning of forest materials will impact on more sustainable projects in the future. “To include biomass into the RET now without first defining how the industry will be scoped in the future would be reckless,” Gippsland2020 said in an email to senator for Victoria Ricky Muir. However, Clean Energy Council chief executive officer Kane Thorn ton said the RET agreement would allow tens of thousands working in the renewable energy industry to feel secure in their work. “It has been a tough 15 months, but this development will be a huge weight off the shoulders of the 20,000 people working in the indu stry,” he said in a media release. The review of the RET found household electricity bills increase by approximately $1 every week, or by four per cent.
Bellbird Park grows ◄From Page 1
Cr Cook foreshadowed an altern ative motion that would have seen just under half of the affected land sold, but that never went to a vote as Cr Jones' motion passed. Many residents of surrounding streets spoke to submissions at the start of the meeting. "A big pull for us to live in this area was the landscape," one spea ker said. "This land is not excess to need. With recent residential rezoning of farmland [nearby] it is even more important to keep this land. "When developers have to set aside land for parks in new estates, why is the council considering sell ing this off in an already established area?" Another speaker said the park was wellloved and maintained by locals. "On paper it may not be marked as part of the park, but in truth it is. Physically you can see it is a part of the park," another speaker said. "Just because you can excise this area off doesn't mean you should." "One shire in this state, Stonnin gton, is wanting to acquire houses to extend existing parkland. This shire is trying to sell it off. "In Melbourne lord mayor Rob Doyle will acquire houses and land to create parkland. Our council wa nts to acquire parkland to build houses." Another nearby resident said "if I'd wanted to live in Pakenham I would've purchased a property there." The council's planning scheme was raised by a number of submi tters and councillors as a reason the council should not sell the land. The scheme and other planning docum
ents put emphasis on open land and rural feel. "The planning scheme this shire adopted is something the council should live and breathe," one submitter said. "The sale of this land conflicts directly with that planning scheme." "Every public consultation, every discussion I've had, whether it was Baw Baw 2050 [or other planning documents], the public response was always 'we love the parks and gardens in Drouin,'" another subm itter added. "It was always the underlying assumption that we would keep the existing parkland. "You (councillors) worked hard on the Precinct Structure Plan and other strategies, you want to be remembered by those. "Once this land is gone, we ain't getting it back." One of the youngest people to ever make a submission to counci llors, a boy who lives nearby, said: "I like to kick the footy in the park with my Dad." Cr Kostos was heckled by people in the gallery when speaking against Cr Jones' motion. When trying to explain Bellbird Park was not being sold, as the campaigners had implied, he was met with retorts of "yes you are!" When he went on to say Bellbird Park was already one of the largest recreation areas in Baw Baw one gallery member yelled "well you should be proud of it!" But Cr Kostos' primary point was he believed a partial sale would have little effect on the park. "Those blocks total half an acre," he said "If this motion fails and the alternative happens to get up, hav ing two houses in this particular
piece I don't believe is going to stop people from using the park. "I get the impression from the commentary from the people that we are going to get rid of the trees. There are a lot of misconceptions about this motion." Residents said the open space made them feel safe in using the park, and a member of a nearby sporting facility said the land was the only safe pedestrian route to some of the Bellbird Park facilities. Cr Murphy said the recent addition of hockey facilities to the park had taken public open space away from the people, and rezoning the land to parkland would be a kind of compensation. The land has been used as parkland despite its zoning for decades, a point noted by Cr Brown. "I know they're zoned residential, but the zoning is one item we'd like to fix up," Cr Brown said. "For the last [decades] it has been seen as open recreation area. Cr Brown said there was a need to have open space not tied to a sporting facility. "We need areas where people can do what they want to do without being restricted to sport," she said. "We should not be driven by financial gain only." Cr Williamson attempted to abstain from the vote but ended up supporting the motion." "The two proposals have merit," he said. "The compromise would've work ed, but then you think if you put two houses there, and a lot of the trees are taken out, those houses are goi ng to look awfully bare and it actu ally splits the two sides of the park." He added jokingly: "In the back of my mind [is] another park we could sell, tell everyone that."
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6 · ENVIRONMENT · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 29 MAY 2015 Nature Note with 'Gouldiae'
Winter rhapsodies
A walk in the bush at this time of year will often result in hearing one of nature’s most remarkable bird songs. You might hear a Kookaburra laugh cut short, followed immediately by the unmistakable crack of the Eastern Whipbird, the machinegun rattle of a Lewin’s Honeyeater, ‘chokchok’ of a White eared Honeyeater, (who perhaps shouldn’t be about at the moment), and various miscellaneous whistles and squeaks of other species sometimes uttered too rapidly to identify. Often this soliloquy will end with the identifiable ‘bilikbilik, bilikbilik’ of the one and only Superb Lyrebird. Lyrebird mimicry is legendary. Everyone has a Lyrebird story – an axe man chopping wood, a chainsaw, the motor drive of a camera, barking dogs, even the imitated whistled tune of a working bushman. One particular yarn I enjoyed is of a park ranger who heard a Lyrebird repeat the knockknock sound of his spray tank on his back as he sprayed the weeds along the track. The ranger thought he might test the bird out and deliberately ‘knocked’ the tank three times, ‘knockknockknock’. Back came the call, knockknockknock. The workman knocked his tank four times and back came four knocks from the bird. The bird kept following as the ranger got to seven deliberate knocks on the tank. After seven the bird stopped. Perhaps Lyrebirds can only count to seven! Lyrebirds breed through the winter months. The male begins renovating his display mound in autumn and the female starts building a nest through May and June. Both species will perform mimicry at this time, but it is the male who is the expert.
The bird in the photo circled me while I sat quietly on a log for half an hour, just off the track in Nangara Reserve at Jindivick. Other local spots where Lyrebirds can be seen or heard, particularly at this time of year, include Mt Worth State Park at Yarragon, Morwell National Park, TarraBulga National Park, Glen Nayook at Neerim Junction, Crossover Regional Park at Rokeby, Uralla Nature Reserve at Trafalgar and almost any deep and moist fern gully in our beautiful Baw Baw Shire and surrounds. Words and photo by 'Gouldiae'. For more, visit gouldiaesblog.blogspot.com
ARTS & RECREATION ·
WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 29 MAY 2015
Yarragon exhibition a family affair By William PJ Kulich A SURPRISING exhibition featur ing the works by the families of two sisters is on display in Yarragon until Sunday. The families of Willow Grove's Alene Bonser and Aspendale artist Margaret Allnut have come together to fill the Old Grain Store gallery, the former home of the Baw Baw Arts Alliance. Fourteen members of the families contributed to the exhibition, some
as young as eight and 15. Works cover a wide variety of media from traditional painting to needlework, from ink blotches to ceramics. The works are of a high standard and show a family of exceptionally creative and talented people. Ms Allnut told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen even she was surprised by the volume of artwork they had to display. The exhibition will be open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Neerim Bower subject of new documentary REGIONAL Arts Victoria has rele ased a video documentary on the Neerim Bower Small Town Transfo rmations project. The fiveminute video features interviews with townspeople, those involved directly in the project and RDV's director. The project saw the construction and erection of the Neerim Bower art installation at the main road entrance to the town last year, as well as umpteen arts and comm unity projects around the town. In the interviews the organisers discuss the creative and social sides of the project, including the objec tions raised by some in the town. "I think you have to be very careful of small towns and big thi ngs, and this is a big thing, it's seven storeys high," project coordinator Mark Long said in the docum entary. One artist said: "one of the hardest things was just dealing with
other people, getting the artist's ideas across." "People wanted us to give the money back." Another added: "it was trying to fight that attitude that it should go on something else that was the big challenge." "The project could've gone either way, it could've divided the town," Mr Long said. "When we found there was opposition we went out and spoke to people and we engaged with people and we tried to tell them what we were doing. "Over time we brought the town with us, I think, and we now have a lot of support." The positive responses from townspeople are covered in the documentary. You can find the full video on YouTube. Search for "Small Town Transformations – Neerim South" or visit youtu.be/uPeecVb3Als.
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29 MAY 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN
· ARTS & RECREATION · 7
indivick Sculpture Show 2015
'Triangulate' by Rex Greenland will be installed at the new Warragul underpass Photos by Jack Lacy
EVERYTHING from animals and fables to the human form has been on display at the annual Jindivick Sculpture Show this month. A variety of mediums including woodfired ceramics, timber and stainless steel were utilised by artists for their entries, resulting in a varied and engaging display. The majority of artists were based in Gippsland and competed for cash prizes to the value of $5,000, as well as the chance to have their work displayed at the Narkoojee Winery. From over 50 entries, judges Penny Teale from the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery and Mark Cowie of the Victorian Sculpt ors Association selected what they believed to be the 10 best works. Artists Lawrence Marshall, Bill Binks, Sue Acheson, Ellen Sayers, Colleen Bright, Jason Hilder, Darren Nibbs, Wayne Foender, and Mary van den Broek all received the event's top honour. Several other monetary prizes were also awarded including the Nangara and Narkoojee Acquisition (John Bishop and Graham Duell respectively), as well as the Baw Baw Shire and Vic Roads Acquisition (Rex Greenland). Greenland will have his work, Triangulate, installed at the new Warragul Underpass. From the vast selection of art on display, the majority of the work was fascinating and highly appealing.
Review by Jack Lacy L jack_m_lacy
Two of the shortlisted works, The Sushi Barrel (Darren Nibbs) and Man does not live by bread alone (Lawrence Marshall) immediately resonate with the viewer for a number of reasons. Inspired by giant tuna, known by some as the “barrels of the sea,” Nibbs' work is made up of a wine barrel and recycled steel. Not only is The Sushi Barrel significant in its stature, the intricacy of the work also adds to the artwork's appeal. On the other hand, Marshall's work is a stylised depiction of a man fishing. The somewhat whimsical nature of the steel sculpture immediately catches your eye and is largely abstract. Jindivick's show also featured several notable art pieces inspired by Australian fables. David Doyle's work Tiddalick celebrates the South Gippsland myth of a frog with an unquenchable thirst. Tiddalick portrays the fable in a simplistic manner with painted, crushed steel. Artist Lawrence Marshall also conveys a classic Australian Fable, Mulga Bill, but in an eerie manner with The Spirit of Mulga Bill. Arguably Banjo Paterson's most famous character, Bill
'The Spirit of Mulga Bill' by Lawrence Marshall
'The Sushi Barrel' by Darren Nibbs
'Tiddalick' by David Doyle
'Emergent' by Bill Binks
'Bloom No. 3' by John Bishop
is depicted by Marshall as a skeleton riding a bike and is made entirely from recycled steel. But not all the artwork at the show resonates with the viewer. A number of works seem simpli stic in comparison to others in the exhibition, and some more abstract works were completely unrecognis able without knowing their names. For example Bloom No. 3 by John Bishop, which received the Nagara Acquisition, depicts a flower. While its head was evident, the petals are hard to determine and not conveyed with any intricacy. But overall, this year's Jindivick Sculpture Show featured many impressive and distinctive works of art. The intricacy and detail of most works, not to mention the incorporation of a variety of mediums, added to the enjoyability of the display. In most cases the viewer is able to comprehend the artist's mentality and connect with the work on a deeper level. Works from the festival were moved to the Narkoojee Winery in Glengarry on Saturday, where they will remain on public display until the end of September.
8 · ARTS & RECREATION · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 29 MAY 2015
GIG GUIDE IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE DATE BUDDY HOLLY IN CONCERT 29 May @ West Gippsland Arts Centre
A Tribute to musical sensation Buddy Holly starring Scot Robin. Time: 20:00. Tix: wgac.com.au LOBES OF JULIA 30 May @ O&H Warragul Time: 21:30. Free
BAW BAW TRIO AND FRIENDS 31 May @ Wesley of Warragul
Featuring Brian Chapman on piano, Joan Evans on cello and Daniel Stefanski on violin. Time: 14:30 Tix: trybooking.com/123800
DEWAYNE EVERETTSMITH + SIETTA 05 Jun @ West Gippsland Arts Centre
Descended from both the Aboriginal community ofCape Barren Island and the Gunai/Kurnai people, Dewayne's music is influenced by his heritage and shaped by his tough early years and love ofmany musical styles and great singers. Time: 20:00. Tix: wgac.com.au THREE OAK ROAD 06 Jun @ O&H Warragul Time: 21:30. Free ROY ORBISON & THE EVERLY BROTHERS (A TRIBUTE) 12 Jun @ West Gippsland Arts Centre Time: 20:00. Tix: wgac.com.au PLAN B 20 Jun @ O&H Warragul Time: 21:30. Free NOMAS TEGRO 27 Jun @ O&H Warragul Time: 21:30. Free
IAN MOSS 07 Jul @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria
Six strings classics tour.
HAVE A GIG OR EVENT COMING UP? Get it listed here. Email deets to editor@warragulcitizen.com. The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen supports local live music.
OTHER EVENTS WARRAGUL CAMERA CLUB WARRAGUL STAMP AND COIN FAIR 06 Jun @ Exhibition Hall, Howitt Steet, Warragul Time: 09:00 to 16:00
The Warragul Philatelic Society presents the Warragul Stamp and Coin Fair. With free admission and our annual raffle to be drawn. Children are most welcome. Buy, sell and swap: stamps, coins, postcards, militaria and swap cards. For general enquiries contact 0409793081.
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