CFA Controlled Burn Olinda

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This morning the Olinda CFA attended a property in Upper Coonara Road in Olinda and assisted in a controlled burn that the residents have received a permit for.
This burn is very large and will burn for up to at least the end of this week.
Please be reminded that there is a Yarra Ranges Council permit for this burn and residents are reminded that normal burning off for fuel reduction purposes is only allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 6pm.
 
If you have a large amount of fuel to burn please contact the Yarra Ranges Council to arrange for a permit.
 
Thank you.

Regional Soccer "One step closer"



After approval by the Minister for Planning, the Victorian Parliament has ratified a planning scheme amendment to enable the development of a much-needed regional soccer facility in Monbulk.
The Legislative Assembly this week agreed to the Government’s motion, which rezones a site at Old Emerald Road, Monbulk, from Green Wedge Zone to Public Park and Recreation Zone.
Eastern Victoria Region MP Edward O’Donohue welcomed the amendment that was earlier in the month moved by the Minister for Planning, Hon Matthew Guy, and approved by the Legislative Council.
“This rezoning will allow Yarra Ranges Shire Council to proceed with an exciting and welcome regional soccer facility in Monbulk,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“Soccer participation has soared in the Yarra Ranges with existing facilities stretched to the limit.
“The Coalition is pleased to have facilitated this rezoning to help cater for the demand on existing infrastructure and the rapid growth in soccer participation that is expected to continue in the area.
“I pay tribute to the tireless work of the Monbulk Rangers Soccer Club, local community members as well as the funding contribution from Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the Federal Government.”
The development will include a pavilion, three full size synthetic pitches, one full size grass pitch, one training size pitch, lighting and car parking.
Mr Guy said the Victorian Coalition Government was pleased to approve the planning scheme amendment.
“The project has been prepared and adopted by the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, so I am pleased the Council can now proceed with this much-anticipated facility,” Mr Guy said.

Planning Advice?






PLANNING FACTS


Yarra Ranges receives on average 2000 planning permit applications per year.

Application types range from urban development, dwellings in rural areas, vegetation removal and
tourism uses.

More than 75% of planning permit applications require further information to be provided after they
have been lodged.

Most applications are advertised by sending a notice to neighbouring properties and putting a sign
on the site. If people object to the proposal often a consultation meeting is held to try and find ways
to address their concerns.

Many applications need to be sent to other external authorities (eg Yarra Valley Water, Country Fire
Authority, VicRoads) so they can review the proposal.

The majority of applications are approved, although many include permit conditions requiring
changes to be made.

On average, a planning permit application will take around 2 months to process if we don’t need any
more information but around 4 months if we need to ask for further information before we can fully
assess your application.

More complex applications can take between 6 - 12 months before a decision is made.

Some applications need to be considered by the Council at a formal meeting, particularly major
projects and applications that have received lots of objections or have a significant environmental
impact.

My advice is to make an appointment to come in and sit down with a planner to go through your proposal!

New playing Lights - Seville Recreation Reserve









I had the great pleasure of speaking at a low key presentation on the weekend about the new playing lights at the Seville Recreation reserve, here some of the highlights!

The State Government committed $100,000 to the installation of sports field lighting on this junior oval at the last election.

A major power upgrade was required to facilitate this installation which resulted in the total project cost coming in at $235,000 with the $135,000 shortfall being committed by Yarra Ranges Council for this important community upgrade.

The new lights are now at a night time competition standard – which opens up opportunities for some junior games being played at night.

In parallel with this project Council has undertaken a major redevelopment of the playing surface including drainage, irrigation and sand profiling before a new summer grass turf playing surface was laid. The investment in this project by Council was in excess of $300,000.

Council has also invested a further $125,000 in installing a new night competition standard sports field lighting system on the No.1 (Senior) Oval. The old lights had to be decommissioned after a safety audit in February 2013 prior to the current footy season.

All of the above projects mentioned were priority actions out of the Seville Reserve Master Plan approved by Council in mid 2011.

Yarra Valley Wines


Some interesting facts!


170 - years in the Yarra Valley,
120 - wine producers,
95 - Cellar Doors,
150 - Grape growers,
3000 hectares - under vine,

24000 tonnes - grapes produced,
16.8 Million - Litres produced,
22 Million - Bottles produced,

$154 Million in Sales,
$33 Million consumed in the region,
$45 Million in sales through restaurants,

950 Full time staff,
$66 Million is wages,
85% of employees live in the region!

Yarra Ranges’ Councillors Help Meet Disability Transport Need









Deputy Mayor, Cr Jason Callanan, and Cr Maria McCarthy visited the Mt Evelyn office of the local disability support provider, Melba Support Services, to personally present a cheque for $8,600 on behalf of all Yarra Ranges Councillors.

Mr Foard said “this very generous donation comes after Melba launched an appeal in our Autumn newsletter seeking community support to help increase and improve our transport services. Several of Melba’s buses have driven over 300,000 kilometres and have past their useful life and require replacing.”

“Ensuring that we have a safe, reliable and specially fitted-out fleet of vehicles to assist us in helping each person we support make meaningful connections within their community is essential”, Mr Foard said.

Melba works with people with complex support needs, assisting them to have valued roles within their communities. Vehicles are used to help people access their community for work, recreation, therapy or other health-related services, Mr Foard said.

“Being able to provide individuals with transport allows us to support each person’s emotional and physical health and well-being,” said Mr Foard.

“Our vehicles, which are fitted with hoists to assist people who use wheelchairs, allow people to be involved in activities that enhance their relationships and their quality of life – without the transport services we provide that would simply not be possible.”

“This donation will enable people to perform a range of activities, including community-based volunteering. Rob, Phil and Bec, who are supported by Melba, assist in the delivery of meals on wheels for people living in the Yarra Ranges. Others visit the Emerald SES and assist by washing their vehicles”, said Mr Foard.

Mr Foard also urged local businesses who may wish to advertise on Melba buses and, at the same time support Melba’s work, to contact Mrs Lisa Glassborow, Manager Community Relations, on 0402 302 477.

In January this year, Melba was declared the Yarra Ranges Council Community Group of the Year 2013, an achievement everyone at Melba is very proud of, Mr Foard said.

About Melba Support Services
Melba (named after Dame Nellie Melba) provides support services to some 140 people with physical and intellectual disabilities. It has been a leading community organisation in the Yarra Ranges for more than 40 years. Melba is also the first organisation in Australia to be accredited for person-centred excellence by the U.S.-based Council on Quality and Leadership.

Clean up your act!





I went on a tour with the ladies from TRAC the other day and this is what I came across when on Mt Dandenong Tourist Road in Montrose. Dumped rubbish and some even looked like industrial waste. I just cant understand why some one would do this, obviously they have a complete disregard and no respect for the all who live around this area and in fact the whole Yarra Valley! Although I imagine it would be quiet hard to track down the culprits, rest assured if we do find out be prepared to face the consequences!

Win for Yarra Valley Tourism


 
 
 
 
 
Very exciting news today!

Minister King ( Federal Minister for Regional Services) recently announced the success of our joint Regional Development Australia Fund application with Yarra Valley Railway for $3.56M for the $9M Yarra Valley Regional Tourist Precinct and Rail Link Reconstruction Project. Minister King made the announcement at 11:30am in Yarra Glen today.

The steam heritage railway will be a unique, historical and iconic drawcard for visitors to the already popular Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges tourist destination. We believe this project unlocks the full potential of arguably what will become the most beautiful tourist railways in Australia.

The railway is estimated to attract 200,000 visitors each year and generate $35 million with the flow on benefits to our community and local business significant. The importance of the project to the tourism product of the Yarra Valley was evident at the announcement with notable business leaders attending, including representatives from the Healesville Chamber of Commerce, Rochford Winery, RACV Club and Yarra Valley Chocolateria and Ice Creamery.

Council has committed $250,000 plus resources to the project and will enjoy a continued and positive working partnership with Yarra Valley Railway to see the railway become a reality.

Fair to say, the Yarra Valley Railway and broader Yarra Valley community is very excited by this announcement.

Immunisation Survey









The topic of immunisation has been circulating around in the media over the last few days, and some of it has been a bit misleading...

A recent Herald Sun article and piece on the Sunrise program implies that in the Yarra Ranges 236 children aged five years had not had any vaccinations at all. These statistics do not take into account the parents who chose to delay the vaccinations administered to four-year-old children until after they had turned six, or the children who had received part of the full vaccination program.

The figures quoted were obtained from the National Health Performance Authority and were calculated using information relating only to the 2011-2012 period.

The latest Department of Health quarterly statistics indicate that over the past 12 months our Immunisation team has achieved 90% coverage in the three age groups we are tested on. We’re hopeful that this is an indication that more residents are choosing to follow Victorian recommendations.

The recent media coverage highlights the continuing discussion around immunisation and we are keen to hear your thoughts on the issue.

We have re-opened a survey around immunisation services in the area – a survey we have used in the past to gather the public’s thoughts and experiences in a safe, unbiased and confidential way.

If you would like to contribute to this discussion, please fill in the online survey here

HIDDEN ART PROJECT












Monbulk residents can explore their creativity by making art from things old and new to be hidden in the main street as part of a community art project.

“Hidden”, presented by the Monbulk Arts Project, is a joint effort of Council and the Monbulk Business Network.

Project coordinator Jenny Watson said it involved an opportunity for people to make art for the street, then hide it on the walls of Monbulk.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to put our stamp on Monbulk and to have a great time doing it,” she said.

“I would encourage everyone to have a go and register their interest.”

The project follows the streetscape project that has rejuvenated the shopping district last year.

Councillor Jason Callanan said the project would help bring community ownership to the streetscape.

“Not only can they enjoy the end product but also the process of creating the artwork along the way,” he said.

The project will include free workshops for community groups or school classes to be held between June 23 and July 3.

The Monbulk Arts Project group is calling for expressions of interest for the workshops which can be held at their own venues or the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre.

The two-hour workshops can include Mandala painting, crochet, collage, natural dyeing, illustration, stencil spray art, felting, studio time, guided artistic tours of Monbulk.

Expressions of interest in art workshops can be made to Jenny Watson from the Monbulk Business Network on 9756 7566 or John Coleman on 9014 9733.

The project will be launched with a sausage sizzle at Monbulk Hub on Sunday 23 June from 12-2pm.

Yarra Ranges Best in the World!









Congratulations to Flemmings and Phillip Johnson Landscapes for winning "Best in Show" at the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show. They also received the first ever completely unanimous decision by the judges in the show's 100-year history. The award winning finished design took more than 2 weeks and 2500 man-hours to build, the also used 38 tonnes of tools, equipment , materials and plants sourced both locally and abroad.

Yarra Ranges is proud to see our own businesses prosper on the international stage! For more information I encourage you to visit www.flemmings.com.au/chelsea2013

Draft Budget, Council Plan & Capital Expenditure out for consultation

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At a Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday 14 May 2013 Yarra Ranges Council (‘Council’) resolved that the Proposed Council Plan 2013-17 and Proposed Budget 2013-14 presented to that meeting be received and advertised for public comment. These documents outline the strategic direction and key activities that will be undertaken by Council and how the activities will be funded. A copy of the Proposed Budget 2013-14 and Council Plan 2013-17 is available on this page and at Council Community Links in Lilydale, Monbulk, Upwey, Healesville and Yarra Junction.

Any person wishing to mThursday 13 June 2013. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 105, Lilydale, 3140 or to mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au. Submissions will be considered by the Council in accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.
ake a written submission on the Proposed Council Plan or Proposed Budget must do so prior to 5pm on

A person may request to be heard before the Council in support of their written submission or be represented by a person acting on their behalf. Submissions will be considered at the Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday, 18 June 2013 at 6.30pm at the Civic Centre, 15 Anderson Street, Lilydale. Anyone wishing to speak at this meeting must advise Council as part of their written submission. A Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 25 June 2013 at 7.45pm at the Civic Centre, 15 Anderson Street, Lilydale to consider the adoption of the Council Plan 2013-17 and Budget 2013-14.

Any person requiring further information concerning the Council Plan or Budget should contact Wayne Jack, Director Corporate Services at w.jack@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or (03) 9294 6454.

FSPL rebalanced - A major win for Victorian farmers


 
 
 
THE Victorian Government has listened and delivered for the state's farmers by rebalancing the fire services property levy.
"We've been calling for the levy to be cut from the 52 cents/$1000 of CIV (capital improved value), first proposed last August, to a fairer rate," VFF President Peter Tuohey said.
"That's exactly what the Premier and Treasurer have delivered by announcing a farm rate of 31 cents/$1000. The VFF thanks Dr Napthine and Mr O'Brien."
"We've been working for the past eight months, urging the government to rebalance the proposed 52 cent rate, arguing it was unfair, when townspeople were paying 12 cents on every $1000 their property was worth."
As it stands farmers will pay a fixed FSPL of $200, plus 31 cents on every $1000 of their properties' CIV.
"We did call for the rates for households and farms to be the same at 20c/$1000 of CIV. What the government has delivered is a significant compromise, which will see a lot of farmers better off under the new property-based charge.
"We congratulate the government on taking on one of the toughest reforms in politics. Replacing the current fires services levy on insurance premiums with a property based charge.
"It means everyone who owns property will now contribute to the cost of running the state's fire services, not just those who fully insure."
"The VFF has spent the past 15 years arguing past governments to deliver this reform, using a fair and equitable model. We thank the Napthine Government for stepping up to the mark, listening and delivering for rural people," Mr Tuohey said.

I'm still here!






Contrary to recent media reports about me going on leave for 3 months, I can assure you that this is untrue and will be getting on with business for the Chandler Ward constituents!

Amendment C112 Goes to Public Exhibition


 
 
 
 
Public exhibition of Amendment C112 commences on 2 May 2013The Amendment changes a number of the Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) maps in the localities of Kalorama, Launching Place, Lilydale, Olinda, Seville, Silvan, Silvan South, Tremont and Wandin North, based on updated information about the susceptibility of the relevant properties to landslip. In some cases land is to be included in the EMO. In other cases it is to be excluded.

All affected land owners and occupiers will be notified of the Amendment. Members of the public can view the Amendment documents from 2 May 2013 at the following locations:

· Council’s Community Links
· Council’s website
· Department of Planning and Community Development’s website.

The closing date for submissions is 3 June 2013.

My first 170 days!









Well, what a roller coaster ride I have had since becoming a councillor! To start off was a number of high profile council meetings to throw you straight into it! Since then the last few meetings have been very quite!

Many of you may not know what I have been up to so I shall try and give you a bit of a run down of what I have been doing in front and behind the scenes!

I have been trying to meet with many of my local constituents to get a sense of what we really want in our ward, and so far the biggest issues have been, Roads, Zoning, and ah oh yea ROADS! Chandler ward has a large number of unsealed roads and this is going to be my biggest task to try and upgrade our network over the next few years.

Some of you have already contacted me about your road and I have been meeting with Council Officers to try and see what we can do. The Special Charge Scheme is a great way to get your road sealed, this scheme sees the residents paying a portion of the works and the larger percentage the council picks up. Once the road is built, no more money is needed by the residences to pay for maintenance that is now the responsibility of the council. This scheme could see the value of residences increase dramatically, not to mention "no more dust and corrugation!! "

Another project I am looking at is the intersection sealing program which council has. Although this doesn't fix the dust on the dirt roads, it's a start, with sealing of intersections where dirt meets bitumen. For some this is all that is needed, and we could get saround 10 intersections done instead of approx 1km of sealed road.

Our budget is being produced and we are looking at the rates and how we can make it a little less of a burden on all of us, we want to make rate increases the same for the next four years and try and lower them if we can. Now this means some cost savings need to be made in order for this to happen. So we are in the process of looking at ALL areas where we can make some efficiencies. Still have a long way to go so watch this space!

We have made a clear direction to respond to the survey that was recently distributed to all constituents, and from that we have made a rapid change in direction, our intention is to try and redirect an extra 1 MILLION dollars to improve and/or extend our footpath network. So all you Chandler Ward folks, if you have an idea for a footpath, get in fast because this money will go quick!

Councillors have a Ward Fund where we can contribute to community groups and individuals projects to improve our local community. So far I have given just a bit over $8000.00 to these groups

  • Monbulk College
  • Mountain District Car and Bike Show
  • Monbulk Community Quilt Show
  • Macclesfeiled Pony Club
  • Animal Aid
  • Wandin Football & Netball Club
  • Rotary Club of Wandin
  • Melbourne Breast Cancer Bra Walk
  • Golden Memories Karaoke
  • Wandin Nth Primary School
  • Melb Support Services
  • Inner Wheel Club of Wandin
  • Oxfam Australia
  • Seville Pre-School
  • Monbulk Jnr Football Club
  • CFA
So I still have some funding left, if you know of a community group looking for some assistance let me know!

A bigger and longer issue I am facing is the Planning Scheme HOLD before you start throwing tomatoes at me, let me tell you I am supportive of change, but only if it will enhance our way of living in the yarra ranges!

I have had a number of requests to look at the Green Wedge Zone, as I have many in the ward wanting to change this. Can I say from the outset, as an individual applicant, It would be extremely difficult to get it changed, but if there are many in the same area wanting change, this can be looked at more favourably.

So hopefully my next 170 days will see some big news come out regarding our budget, strategic plan, and infrastructure in the yarra ranges! Keep me informed of whats happening out there!

Bye for now! "join me on facebook and twitter!"

Monbulk Under 16 Football Team








Was great to present the official Jackets to the Under 16 Monbulk Football team, they looked very professional and something younger players will aspire to! Well done boys and good luck for 2013!

Monbulk Jnr Football Club









It was a great pleasure to attend the presentation of team uniforms to the members of the Monbulk Under 16's Jnr Football club. This is the first time that this has been done for this team. Last year the under 16's side only had around 11 players, but this year they have 29! The team jackets looked great and I am sure that each team member will wear them with pride! Many thanks to Cr's Mcarthy and Child who also chipped in to fund this project!

Burning Off

 

Open Air Burning in Yarra Ranges


In Yarra Ranges you can only burn off in the open air to reduce the level of dry plant material ( bark, leaves, branches) that would fuel bushfires.

Before 15 April 2013


Open air burning is prohibited without a permit from the CFA or the Councils Fire Prevention Officer. For more information please visit the CFA website.

After 1.00am on 15 April


Please enter your street number and name only to find out when you can burn off. Please do not enter your suburb name into the search. When your details are displayed, click on the link to find the burning off requirements for your area.

DSE Planned Burns in my area






Yarra
Expires 10/04/2013 11:00 am

Smoke may be visible in the following locations as well as from surrounding areas:
Badger Creek, Balnarring, Bittern, Cambarville,Chum Creek, Coldstream, Don Valley, Gruyere, Hastings, Healesville, Launching Place, Lilydale, McMahons Creek, Merricks North, Millgrove, Mount Martha, Mornington, Moorooduc, Mount Evelyn, Mount Toolebewong, Reefton, Seville, Seville East, Silvan, Somerville, Tarrawarra, Tuerong, Tyabb, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, East Warburton, Woori Yallock and Yarra Junction.

What To Do:
  • Be aware of planned burns happening in your local area and stay clear of areas where burns are taking place.
  • If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, the Department of Health advises people to seek medical advice or call “Nurse on Call” on 1300 606 024.

    Additional Information:
  • Road users are advised to take extra care as road travel may be hazardous due to low visibility from smoke.
  • Traffic management will be in place where smoke may affect local roads.
  • Drivers are also asked to be alert to fire vehicles in burn areas and fire crews working close to roadsides.

    Road Closures:
  • Check www.traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

    Park Closures:
  • Please refer to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/

    Stay Informed:
  • For information about planned burning in Victoria visit the DSE website at www.dse.vic.gov.au/burns or the Country Fire Authority (CFA) at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667.
  • Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment can contact VBIL via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.

  • For up-to-date information about air quality visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/air/bulletins
  • If you have a smart phone you can download the free CFA FireReady application to see planned burns on a map.
  • Keep informed by listening to ABC Local Radio, commercial radio stations or watching Sky News TV.
  • Information about fires is available at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by calling the VBIL.
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