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Anti足violence campaign: P5
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Warragul & Baw Baw
Market raises funds for much足needed expansion of life saving Men's Shed Story:Page5.
Pictured: men's shed members Wes Dobson, Garry Champness, president James Hunt, John Crosby, David Mudge, and Andy Dyka.
Councillors hear Beyond the Valley concerns By William PJ Kulich BAW BAW // DESPITE having no say in the approval of the event, councillors heard community concerns and support for the Beyond the Valley music festival at their public meeting on Wednesday. The three-day music festival is planned to be held at Lardner Park from 29 December 2015 to 1 January
2016. Residents of nearby properties presented Baw Baw with a petition opposing the event a fortnight ago, which prompted councillors to request council officers prepare a report on what was planned. That report was accepted by councillors on Wednesday. Before accepting the report, councillors heard comments from people opposed to and supportive of the
festival. Those opposed expressed concerns about noise, traffic, dust and undesirable behaviour they believed would be created by the event. Another common complaint was Lardner Park Events had not consulted with nearby landholders, who found out about the plans from friends and media reports. "I believe, had we been given the
opportunity to have a community meeting... that would've helped appease some of our anxiety," one submitter said at the meeting. A spokesperson for the event organisers said the event was well received when hosted in Phillip Island last year and would inject $2 million into the local economy. The Story continues on Page 4
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WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 27 NOVEMBER 2015
Gauci to lead for final year
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Joe Gauci (centre, left) and Peter Kostos (centre, right) with the other seven Baw Baw councillors after the vote. Photo: William PJ Kulich
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BAW BAW // WARRAGUL ward councillor Joe Gauci replaced North ward's Debbie Brown as Baw Baw ShireCouncilmayorlastweek. Councillors vote on who will lead them once every year. Cr Gauci is the third mayor since this council was elected in 2012 - Mount Worth's Murray Cook led from 2012 to 2014 before Debbie Brown, Cr Cook's deputy, took the position uncontested. Cr Gauci was deputy during Cr Brown's time as mayor. Cr Gauci's election as mayor was unanimous, as was Mount Worth ward councillor Peter Kostos' election to the non-statutory position of deputy mayor. Speaking to councillors and members of the public gathered for the special meeting after his election, Cr Gauci acknowledged former mayors Brown and Cook. "I hope I can live up to the standards you have achieved," he said. He also thanked his family, which he described as his "barometer for issues affecting the public." "It is through my conversations with them that I sometimes found out that we (the council) are not [going about things the right way.]" Asked after the meeting by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen if "Mayor Gauci" was a title he had set out to achieve when he stood for council at the 2012 election, he said "probably not." "I mean, if we go back five years ago I never thought I would be a councillor, let alone be now a mayor. And when I first started in council I didn't think it would be possible to be but, with things that have transitioned over the time it has been possible to do it and I'm really looking forward to it." Usually mayors do not speak on motions, which will be a significant change for Cr Gauci who is often a leading contributor to debates. "Actually that's going to be one of the difficult parts – keeping my mouth closed while the debate's going on," Cr Gauci told WBBC. "This group is a very talented group and everyone's opinion is well known, and I will be able to let mine be well known from the front as well, but it will be different sitting at the front listening." Addressing future revenue issues created by rate capping will be a key concern for the next year of this council, Cr Gauci said. Despite that financial warning, Cr Gauci was upbeat about the projects the council is set to deliver over the
coming year. "Vincent van Gogh had a famous quote which I think sums up this council: 'Great things are not done by impulse but by a series of small things brought together,'" Cr Gauci said. Cr Gauci will likely lead councillors to the general local government elections late next year.
In a short speech after his election to deputy, Cr Kostos said he would use his upcoming term as a learning opportunity. "Over the period of time I've been on council I've had the privilege of working with several mayors," Cr Kostos said. "Under those people I've had the opportunity to learn a lot, and I'd like
to think that in this position of deputy I'd learn more, and assist you (Cr Gauci) in this role." Cr Gauci was nominated to be mayor by Cr Cook, a motion seconded by Cr Brown. Cr Kostos was nominated to be deputy by Cr Brown, seconded by Warragul ward councillor Gerard Murphy.
27 NOVEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN
Outdoor pools reopening next week BAW BAW // OUTDOOR swimming pools will reopen for summer at the start of December. Pools in Drouin, Neerim South, Rawson, Thorpdale and Trafalgar will open from 1 December on days forecast to reach temperatures of 25 or above. In Rawson the pool will open for early morning swims regardless of the weather. Casual entry to the pools will cost $5 for adults, $3 for those with concession and $13 for families. Monthly and season memberships are also available. Pools will not open on days covered by a Code Red (catastrophic) fire rating and will be closed on Christmas and Boxing days. Those planning to attend the pools have been reminded to remain sun smart: wear t-shirts, hats and sunglasses, use sunscreen, and seek shade. Opening hours for pools can be found on the Baw Baw Shire Council website, bawbawshire.vic.gov.au. The Warragul Leisure Centre remains closed while upgrades take place, including the construction of a new outdoor pool. Will you be utilising Baw Baw's outdoor pools this summer? Let us know on Facebook - search for "Warragul Citizen."
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'Imposter syndrome' keeps women away from councils: panel By Jack Lacy GIPPSLAND // REASONS for the councillor gender gap were discussed in detail at Wednesday's Connecting Women Across Gippsland conference at Lardner Park. The day-long event, organised by Women in Gippsland, featured inspirational women with stories to tell. A key part of the conference was a panel on local government representation. Panellists were former Baw Baw Shire councillor Ruth McGowan, Wellington Shire councillor Carolyn Crossley, former mayor Linda Bennet and aspiring Wellington councillor Jess Kearns. Initially, each panellist discussed why women should run for council. "Having diversity on council is sorely needed," Ms McGowan said. "Council typically consists of white, straight men over the age of 60, who have retired, which represents probably only 20 per cent of the population." "What council needs is the involvement of young people and people from different cultural backgrounds." Panellists agreed that one key cause of women not standing for local government was the imposter syndrome, which describes women feeling they do not have the skills to
run for office. "Women feel they have to be perfect in order to run for certain positions," Ms McGowan said. "Women have to be 90 per cent confident, whereas men only have to be 20 to 30 per cent. "Gender inequality, bias, exists because women feel they have to adopt the role of being subservient, which isn't the case at all." Jess Kearns is the youngest youth mayor in Wellington Shire history and plans to stand at the next council election. She said she believed the imposter syndrome concept was accurate but would seek to break it down through putting her name in the ring at the next election. "The imposter syndrome does exist on some level, as well as certain stereotypes associated with gender; 'if women are involved in local council, can they provide an active voice? Can they take the criticism?'" Ms Kearns said. "We all have a voice, we all need to be heard." Ms Kearns said that as a young person on the Wellington council she would be able to represent those in the community who may not have a voice. "I feel I can represent young women," she said. "It's important for me to stand up
within the local community and represent women like myself." Each of the panellists also reflected on who inspired them. "Sian Gard, the host of this discussion, encouraged me to run for council," Carolyn Crossley said. "Sian asked me, 'how do you want your children to perceive you? A woman who is part of a mother's club or a woman who is empowering, actively making a difference within the community?'” Linda Bennett said "Mikaela Power, a current Baw Baw Shire councillor, inspires me," "Mikaela once told me everything I needed to learn, I learned at kindergarten. She meant the kindergarten committee, but still, what she says inspires me and other women to have self confidence and proves they can do anything they set their mind to." The conference line-up also featured Di Padgett, who discussed the importance of giving, and a large number of other inspirational local women. Women in Gippsland's Sallie Jones and Kelly Koochew said they were very pleased with the success of the event and the interactions between women from across Gippsland were highlights.
Read about the history of women on the Baw Baw Shire council by visiting warragulcitizen.com and searching for 'female representation'
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WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 27 NOVEMBER 2015
Beyond the Valley concerns heard Continued from Page 1 spokesperson also said drugs and alcohol would be well monitored. While councillors heard the concerns, they will not be the ones deciding whether or not the event goes ahead at Lardner Park. The officers' report on Beyond the Valley stated Lardner Park Events has a long history of operating entertainment events at the site and organisers would have to comply with a council officer-enforced Place of Public Entertainment permit and other standard planning controls before holding the event. The PoPE will assess, among other things, safety, road access, emergency management and noise. Council officers said that under the Environmental Protection Act, the PoPE would require music only be played between 08:00 and 23:00, or 08:00 and 22:00 if the event exceeds five hours. A maximum volume would also be set. "Based on the current information provided as part of the PoPE, the music would not be able to exceed 22:00," the officers' report read. "If the event wishes to exceed these hours then a separate approval from the EPA will need to be sought." The Beyond the Valley PoPE was lodged with the council on 23 October and is under consideration. The officers' report also concluded responsible authorities need not conduct consultation sessions as the applicant need only satisfy legislative
requirements. According to the organisers' spokesperson, tickets for the event have been been capped at 16,000 people across the three days. "I actually think these people could have 20,000," the spokesperson said." "But they have been responsible and capped it at 16,000. "I've read comments on social media that there will be hooning. We don't want people to be encouraged to drive. At our festival you cannot leave; you drive in and your car is parked for the duration. If you are off-sited you are off-sited without your car." The spokesperson said the event had been selling between 20 and 50 tickets to the event per day in the last 60 days. Tickets range from threeday passes to one day access. "The fourth day is the bump out day, and [visitors will leave] relatively early on that day, New Year's Day," the spokesperson said. On accepting the motion, Drouin ward councillor Tricia Jones said the turn out of concerned locals at the meetings, as well as supportive submissions and comments from Lardner Park neighbours and the general public, was "true democracy" and praised the report for providing facts to dispel misinformation grown from poor communication. "One lesson we all should have learnt this evening is Lardner Park is among rural properties; people do live there and [need communication.]"
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Going away this holiday? Here's your tech checklist
When preparing for that wellearned summer trip away simple things are forgotten, especially how to best look after your expensive computers and devices. To make remembering easy, we have prepared a checklist of things to do to protect your tech before and while you are away. A lot of these points may seem very obvious, but in the mad rush of the “silly season” it is always worth checking your list twice. Printers: Inkjet printers squirt inks similar to a spray paint can through tiny jets which can clog when not used for a period of time. It is recommended that inkjet printers be used at least once every few weeks, especially in the heat of summer. Obviously you cannot use your printer while on holidays, but do a quick colour print before you go to freshen up the heads. Protect your devices while travelling: If you plan on taking your tech with you, remember that, especially overseas, laptops, phones and tablets are heavy targets for theft. If you have important information on your devices, passwords usually will not stop a keen hacker with direct access to your computer. A hotel room, airport lounge or other comfortable place may seem secure, but in reality might not be. As always, remember to back up your data before you go. Electronics left at home: If you do decide to leave your electronics at home, it goes without saying that you should put them out of view in a cool dry place to protect from theft. Under the roof is not a good option over summer. Also, make sure the devices you leave at home have been fully charged before heading off. Batteries, if left flat too long, cannot be charged again which in some cases can render a device useless. Many devices have internal batteries which cannot be replaced easily. The charging rule also applies to desktop computers with older power supplies for similar reasons. Home security: Double check your security systems are operational and armed before leaving home. Remember, if your home security system relies on the internet, do not turn off your modem or WiFi router as you walk out the door. Leaving your WiFi connection on can also have the same theft deterrence effect as putting your lights on a timer – a techsavvy thief would notice a missing connection. Stay connected: And finally, remember to pay your internet and electricity bill before leaving for a long time. Getting reconnected can take time and money. If you have any holiday tech questions, visit Warragul Computer Repair at 2 Smith Street, Warragul. 0499 999 869.
Policy and promises at Labor launch
Chris Buckingham watches Mark Dreyfus speak at the launch. Photos: William PJ Kulich
McMILLAN // LABOR candidate for McMillan Chris Buckingham is confident a campaign based on taxation and state partnerships will see him victorious at the next federal election. Launching his campaign at the Drouin Football Club last week, Mr Buckingham told the region's true believers protecting household incomes against a GST increase, employment security, job creation and small business assistance were key issues Labor would campaign on. He also listed the predominantly state areas of public transport, health, and education as key concerns of his coming into the election. The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen asked Mr Buckingham why he was campaigning on state issues. "When I talked about public transport I talked about public transport infrastructure, which federal governments can play a hand in if they choose to," he said. "Quite clearly this federal Liberal government has avoided funding public transport infrastructure and that has caused Victoria some degree of discomfort. It has certainly had a flow-on impact in terms of the services provided on the Gippsland line because we don't have enough lines. We need more lines and we need better movement of rail within Melbourne which is causing the congestion and delays. "We need good planning for the rest of the region; from a health perspective clearly the federal government has a role and funding local government as well." Federal governments can only have involvement in state projects with the invitation of state governments. Asked if he had discussed with the Victorian government what could be delivered in McMillan Mr Buckingham said no, but suggested the Andrews Labor government would have similar goals to him. "Federal and state Labor have shared priorities around health, education, training, jobs, there's no secret they are the four pillars and are the things I will be focussing on with the upcoming election," Mr Buckingham said. Mr Buckingham said already announced Labor policies on taxation, education funding and business would have direct impacts on the region. "We heard the conversation about tax and the need to make sure very wealthy superannuants who are deriving tax free incomes of more than $1 million or $2 million per year actually do pay their fair share," he said. "There's an inequity in that [and large companies avoiding paying tax in Australia.] What we're seeing from Labor is a very clear statement saying we're going to deal with that." Shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus QC was a guest speaker at the
local launch event. He said public debate and discussion of policy were important to Labor heading into the election, but his speech frequently focussed on more personal comments about Liberal party members. "This is a short speech at a campaign launch," Mr Dreyfus explained to the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. "What I'm saying is Labor will have a full set of policies by the time of the next election. We've rolled out quite a number of policies over the course of this year and I could list for you right now the policy announcement at the start of this year in relation to family violence, which is in my portfolio area of shadow attorney general." Asked if he thought a federal Labor government would be able to fix, as mentioned in Mr Buckingham's spe-
ech, the issue of congestion on the Pakenham and Gippsland lines which successive state governments have largely not touched, Mr Dreyfus said it would be up to the states to lead. "Well clearly we can't self-start on major infrastructure projects, it has to be something the state starts, and an example of this is the Melbourne Metro Rail project," he said. A signed posted of Gough Whitlam was auctioned at the launch as a fundraiser for the party, earning $450 for the campaign. The poster was the last of several donated to campaign fundraisers by local party figure John Anderson over the years. "The Liberals will out-spend us, they always do," Mr Anderson said. "What we have is passion and Labor values."
Shadow attorney general Mark Dreyfus speaking at the launch
27 NOVEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN
Family violence 'extremely prevalent' in Gippsland GIPPSLAND // AUSTRALIAN of the year Rosie Batty visited Warragul last week as part of her national campaign against domestic violence. Ms Batty spoke at a sold out Baw Baw Business and Community Network event attended by hundreds of locals. Those in attendance heard Ms Batty’s story of resilience, courage and inspiration. Her relationship with a violent partner who ended up killing their 11-year-old son Luke has been at forefront of public discussion on domestic violence. Ms Batty said her public speaking was about giving a voice to thousands of domestic violence victims in similar situations to what she faced. Gippsland is of particular concern to Ms Batty, who said the region has one of the highest rates of domestic
By Jack Lacy jack.lacy@warragulcitizen.com violence in Victoria. "Family violence is extremely prevalent [in Gippsland]," Ms Batty said. "It’s important to highlight the issue and support what has already been done. "Gippsland is close to where I live and it’s important to support local communities." Statistics from the anti-domestic violence group White Ribbon Foundation suggest one in three women experience domestic violence in their lives.
Community perception of domestic violence must be addressed to stop the violence, according to Ms Batty. "People find it uncomfortable to talk about domestic violence as a gender issue, which is the biggest hurdle," Ms Batty said. "The statistics say it all; men are perpetrating the majority of the violence." Men supporting community events and standing up against domestic violence is crucial. "The challenge is to get the message across to male audiences and encourage men to support community events," Ms Batty said. "Men need to see the part they can play rather than seeing it as 'feminist brainwashing propaganda.'" Despite community discussion
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and measures implemented to combat widespread domestic violence, a lot of progress still needs to be made. "There is a lack of resources for women and men, perpetrators and victims, to get the support they require," Ms Batty said. "We're only at the start of things that need to happen." Australian police deal with a domestic violence case every two minutes. An estimated 657 cases require police intervention every day nationally, while in Victoria alone police deal with 68,134 family incidents in a year. If you or someone you know know is experiencing family violence you can contact 1800RESPECT at 1800respect.org.au or on 1800 737 732."
Life saving Drouin Men's Shed starts expansion DROUIN // WORK has begun on enlarging the Drouin Men's Shed shed after a successful fundraiser on the weekend. The shed has been open to all men over the age of 18 since mid-2012. Many are familiar with the group's volunteer work in the community and wood working handywork, but it also serves a larger purpose. "Anything a man wants to do in the shed, they can do," secretary David Mudge told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. The shed is equipped with wood working and modelling tools, tech and a social area. "There's a very large social group which comes in and chats over tea and coffee. Basically we boost one another because you have guys who have come in with depression or anxiety or whatever it may be, and by being in the shed together and just talking, on a health basis, helps them pick themselves up again and improve. "We have several guys we believe we have saved from suicide because they now have a reason to live." That is a big achievement for the group, and Mr Mudge puts it down to taking men out of their isolated sheds at home. "This shed now is taking those people out of the shed where they
Detonators stolen WARRAGUL // DETECTIVES are warning of potential severe injuries after detonators were stolen in Warragul earlier this month. "Overnight Wednesday 11 November unknown offenders entered a yard in Queen Street where they have stolen a 2006 Hino tipper truck, an eight metre Beaver trailer which had a JCB back hoe,” a police spokesperson said in a media release. "On the Hino truck there was a steel locked box which contains a large number of railway track signal detonators." Detective Senior Constable Glen Redenbach said there was a serious risk of injury to the thieves and public. "The detonators have the potential to take limbs off or cause severe injuries if they are detonated in close proximity to people,” he said. "We are asking anyone who comes across any of the detonators to contact police on Triple Zero immediately and not to touch or move the items."
were on their own, where they still hadtheirdepressionandanxiety,"hesaid. "By coming into an organisation like this, they're with a group of men where they can talk together and help each other and help overcome the problems they have had. "Men don't talk about their own issues. You send a man to a doctor, he won't tell the doctor everything. But you bring a group of men together and they'll start talking – 'oh, you've got that problem. Well I've got this problem too.' Then they start to bounce off each other and doing that actually picks them up." On Sunday Men's Shed members ran a fundraiser to contribute to a planned $50,000 expansion of their shed. The expansion will add a 7.5 metre by 18 metre area to the present shed, located at the Drouin Golf Club. "It's going to change the whole dimension of the shed, Mr Mudge said. "We're going to move all our machinery out into the new section so it quietens the social area down. It will give us a larger meeting area for the quiet side of us and also allows us to bring in a sheet metal shop and a paint shop. "Hopefully by February we will have the new section up." The group has a membership of
100, largely from Drouin, Warragul and Longwarry, but the fundraiser market and open day attracted people from the city as well as locals. "We've had an excellent day. Figures are better than last year's and the crowd was a heck of a lot better," Mr Mudge said. "I couldn't count how many people came through, I have no idea. I sat at the table looking after the finances and people were just streaming in non-stop from the moment we opened up. "Our sausage sizzle was extremely successful, which it always is," he added with pride. "We have a reputation of having an extremely good sausage sizzle so we do a lot of them around the district and we always sell a hell of a lot." While the weekend's fundraiser was successful, it did not raise all the money required for the full expansion project. Mr Mudge said the Men's Shed was seeking dona-ions from the public to help cover the shortfall. Mr Mudge added that the Men's Shed is always looking for new members and anyone can join, no matter their skills. For those interested in using machinery, training on safe operation is provided.
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New chair for West Gippsland cancer patients WEST GIPPSLAND // A $1,500 donation from a local club will allowthe West Gippsland Hospital to buy a new chair for cancer patients. Club 88's donation to the hospital's oncology unit will provide much-needed comfort for patients which, a hospital spokesperson said, is "vital during the course of treatment." The club raised the funds through the sale of discount shopping voucher bookelts. Local businesses provided a discount for shoppers who purchased the $10 books
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from Club 88 members. Club88 members Helen van Heuven and Beryl Dyson visited the Oncology Unit to formally present the money to unit Manager Anny Byrne.
The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen is not just a print paper! All print edition stories and extra, breaking stories are published online at warragulcitizen.com
Right: Club 88 members Helen van Heuven (left) and Beryl Dyson (right) present equipment to oncology Nurse Manager Anny Byrne. Image supplied by the West Gippsland Regional Hospital.
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Life
Erica's mountain market also being promoted. Ms Anderson said there were confirmed market stall bookings from many local artists already.
"
People think 'oh, it's too far away' or just haven't been there in years. [Erica's] just so beautiful
"We've been organising it for probably five months," she said. "We've got 50 market stalls, and because it's on the oval - there's a lot of space so we will still take on people if they want to apply. "We'd like to make it have a bit of a festival feel, just a one-off Christmas/summertime market. It's been a lot of work but it's rewarding and it's really exciting to see it all come through. "Hopefully people will travel far to come." Small business support is stated as a key aim on the event's social media accounts. "Our aim is to get our small local businesses known to the community. Being local business owners ourselves we realise just how hard it can be to get your name out there." But the market is not just about sales. The gold coin entry collection will be donated to the Erica Kindergarten. You can find the market on Facebook by searching for "Erica Market in the Mountains". Those planning to attend have been reminded there are no petrol stations or ATMs in Erica. Right: Klaire Anderson with the market poster. Photo: William PJ Kulich.
the entertainment at the Warragul Business Group's family fun night, held last Friday Photos by William PJ Kulich
Snapped: Eleanor Edelman susses out
ARTS // BAW Baw is known for its vibrant markets and arts community, and a new annual event is set to bring those scenes together in Erica. The Market in the Mountains will be held on 13 December at the Erica oval. Presented by the Erica Progress Association but organised by Moe artist Klaire Anderson, the event will feature local arts and crafts, produce and live music. "My partner's from Erica so me and a friend who's also got her own small business have both been doing markets for a while and we just decided we would like to do one up there because we love it up there," Ms Anderson told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen. "The market will be arts and crafts and local produce, similar to the [Warragul Arts and Farmers' markets] layout. There's going to be live music and kids' activities. "It's going to be on the oval at Erica, which is basically the centre of town, so what I've done on the poster is made a 'things to do' list which kind of entices people to come up and maybe see what else is around. "There's walking trails, you can go up to Walhalla. Walhalla is 15 to 20 minutes from Erica so there's lots of things to do up there. "A lot of people think 'oh, it's too far away' or they just haven't been there in years, and it's just so beautiful, the Mountain Rivers region." Other destinations mentioned on the poster include caf茅s, camping and fishing spots, walks and the Thomson Reservoir Dam. A scenic drive through the Mountain Rivers region, starting at Moe and finishing at Traralgon via a number of eastern Baw Baw towns, is
Snapped: CFA volunteers were also at the WBG event to entertain and educate kids
Pothole paint gets results WARRAGUL // LAST fortnight WBBC published a story on a frustrated resident who spray painted "FIX THIS" on potholes at the intersection of Sutton Street and Stoddarts Road. It seems the paint got results as the holes have since been fixed. The anonymous local used fluorescent pink spray paint to circle potholes and write their message beside them. Last week the worst damaged areas were patched. Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen if the spray paint had prompted the repairs, a Baw Baw Shire spokesperson said temporary repairs were being made during the construction of a housing estate nearby. "There are currently service installations being undertaken along
Sutton Street by various utility authorities associated with the Emberwood subdivision development," the spokesperson said in an email. "While the works are ongoing, trafficable areas will continue to be made safe with temporary treatments. "Following the completion of the roundabout construction and services installation, the road surface along Sutton Street will be reinstated, potentially prior to Christmas, if not early in the new year." The council has previously responded to pothole activism, promptly repairing a road in Longwarry North after a flower pot was left in a hole.
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