We September 29

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Tuesday 26 September 2006 MR 207-2006

INNOVATIVE WAY TO SPEND A PENNY Two local artists have an unusual canvas to showcase their latest work – the walls of the Lilydale public toilet block. As part of the facility’s planned redevelopment, the Shire of Yarra Ranges has commissioned mosaic art for the internal and external walls. The theme is “metamorphosis”, which reflects the transformation from the old toilet block to the new attractive design. Artists Sarah McPherson and Brooke Taylor have been developing their work with contributions from the community and Shire staff who donated recycled tiles. Local businesses and the community have also donated materials and products for the redevelopment such as grey water recycling pumps, tiles and timber supports. Yarra Ranges councillor Terry Avery said the community had thrown its support behind the project. “We have really been encouraged by the number of business and community groups donating products for this project,” Cr Avery said. “We want to thank them for their support.” Cr Avery said not only would the new toilet block showcase clever water and energy use, it would be a visually stunning landmark at one of the gateways to the Yarra Ranges. “This toilet block will provide an interesting focal point for both residents and visitors to the region,” Cr Avery said. The Lilydale toilet redevelopment is part of an overhaul planned for many of the Shire’s 82 public toilets in coming years. This Lilydale toilet block, on Main St, is set to kick of the redevelopments with state-of-the-art design. The toilet redevelopment is one of three projects planned to give the township a new lease of life. The others are a new Olinda Creek Plaza on Maroondah Highway and “Lilydale Stories”, a series of historical signs strategically located throughout the township.

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The Shire is currently seeking construction tenders for the toilet block. The design includes using water tanks, water saving fittings as well as solar power and energy efficient fixtures. Cr Avery said he anticipated work would begin this year with the next toilet project scheduled for the toilet block at the Yarra Square shopping complex at Warburton. ENDS Media inquiries: Sarah Oldman Community Relations 9294 6341

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Tuesday, 26 September, 2006 ES 208-2006

SHIRE TO UNVEIL LATEST WEAPON AGAINST WEEDS The Shire of Yarra Ranges will unveil its latest weapon in the fight against weedy invasions during Weedbusters Week from 7 to 15 October – the ONE (Our Natural Environment) Trailer. The ONE Trailer was developed by the shire’s environment team to help educate residents about a variety of environmental issues, including weeds. The trailer will be used in October for Weedbusters Week in an effort to raise awareness about the damage weeds cause to our forests, wildlife and waterways. Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane said the trailer would be located at various locations throughout the shire during Weedbusters Week as an information resource for residents wanting to rid their properties of weeds. “The trailer will be equipped with information about different weeds and how to remove them, along with live weed samples to help residents identify various species in their gardens,” Cr Keane said. “The shire’s environment staff will be available for advice, and will be handing out empty dabber bottles to residents for use in their gardens – these are a safe way to treat weeds when using pesticides.” The trailer will also be equipped with indigenous plant giveaways, and residents will have the chance to win professional land management advice on their property as part of a competition. Cr Keane said the trailer’s design featured a painting by local artist Sera McPherson, depicting the shire’s flora and fauna, and an image of a water way flowing from the headwaters in the hills, to the valley and into Port Phillip Bay. “The trailer’s creative and colourful design will make it easy to spot when travelling throughout the community,” she said. The Shire of Yarra Ranges ONE Trailer will be located throughout the shire on the following dates during Weedbusters Week: Monday, October 9 9am - 12pm - Main Street, Yarra Glen (outside IGA supermarket) 2pm - 5pm - Main Street, Healesville (opposite Healesville Community Link) Tuesday, October 10 9am – 12pm – Main Street, Warburton (outside Upper Yarra Arts Centre) 2pm – 5pm – Yarra Junction Shopping Mall

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Wednesday, October 11 9am – 12pm – Wray Crescent, Mt Evelyn (at zebra crossing near Bendigo Bank) 2pm – 5pm – Main Street, Lilydale (outside Olive Tree Shopping Centre) Thursday, October 12 9am – 12pm – Main Street, Belgrave (near the public toilets) 2pm – 5pm – Main Street, Upwey (on the Village Green) Friday, October 13 9am – 12pm – Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose (outside Video Ezy) 2pm – 5pm – Main Street, Monbulk. Residents are also invited to attend a Weed Management Information Session at Lillydale Lake Community Room on Sunday, 8 October from 10am to 3pm as part of Weedbusters Week. A walk and talk on plants and animals (both native and pests) will end Weedbusters Week activities on Sunday, 15 October at the Glen Fern Valley Bushlands main carpark, Glenfern Road Upwey, from 9.30am – 12.30pm. For more information on Weedbusters Week activities in the shire, contact the Environment Department on 1300 368 333. ENDS Media inquiries: Tracey Varley Community Relations 9294 6226

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Wednesday 27 September 2006 LE 209-2006

HANDY ADVICE FOR NEW BUSINESS STARTERS Anyone looking at setting up a home-based business won’t want to miss the shire’s free business information session at the Montrose Town Centre on Thursday, 19 October. The Shire of Yarra Ranges free ‘Getting Started in Small Business’ information session is supported by the Swinburne Business Enterprise Centre and the state government’s Victorian Business Centre, and is an ideal opportunity for people to learn how to get started in business. The session will provide participants with information about the local area and industry trends, access to small business training, information on how to plan for a business and assistance with local or state business licences and approvals. Yarra Ranges councillor Ken Smith said the free information session would also present information about networking opportunities. “This is a great opportunity for anyone starting out to develop a list of contacts for business networks or associations and training opportunities,” Cr Smith said. “Participants will also learn how to access advice about the viability of their business idea.” Cr Smith said the information session would be presented by experienced specialists in small business from the Swinburne University Business Enterprise Centre and the Victorian Business Centre. “Starting a small business can often be a daunting process, but with a bit of guidance and the right advice, you’re half way there. “I would encourage anyone looking at stepping out into the small business world to attend this valuable opportunity.” The Shire of Yarra Ranges free ‘Getting Started in Small Business’ information session will be held on Thursday, 19 October from 10am to 12pm at the Montrose Town Centre, Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Montrose. Bookings are essential and can be made by registering online at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or by contacting the shire’s business support officer Donna Donovan on 1300 368 333. ENDS Media Inquiries: Tracey Varley Community Relations 9294 6226

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Wednesday 27 September 2006 BE210-2006

COUNCIL INVITES MT EVELYN COMMUNITY TO SKATE PARK MEETING The Shire of Yarra Ranges is holding a public meeting on Thursday October 5 at the Mt Evelyn Public Hall starting at 7.30pm to discuss the concept design and possible location for a new skate and BMX facility for Mt Evelyn. Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan has invited Mt Evelyn community members of all ages to attend the meeting to hear first-hand about the shire’s plans and to make their views known. The shire has allocated $120,000 to construct a skate park/BMX facility for the young people of Mt Evelyn. Cr Heenan said he was hopeful of community support as a result of the meeting for the muchneeded project. ENDS Media inquiries: James Martin Community Relations 9294 6114 or 0419 522 424

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Wednesday 27 September 2006 LL211 -2006

SHIRE SUPPORTS KINDERGARTEN FUNDING CAMPAIGN The Shire of Yarra Ranges is throwing its support behind a campaign to convince the state government of the need to better fund kindergarten infrastructure. Many of the state’s kindergartens are ageing, in a poor state of repair or fail to meet the needs of children and their teachers. The campaign, called ‘Don’t Forget About Us – Every Child’s Education Starts Here’, is designed to secure the urgent injection of $60 million into helping support the maintenance needs of the state’s kindergartens. Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane said while many of the buildings used for kindergarten programs were owned by local councils or churches, the responsibility for kindergarten programs rested with the state government. “Kindergarten education is a service that is funded by and the responsibility of the state government. And while the government has announced that it will inject funding into maintaining and upgrading schools it has not made the same promise with regards to kindergarten infrastructure,” Cr Keane said. “$60 million dollars is urgently needed from the state government to enable local communities and local governments to provide appropriate educational settings in order to help our children learn and develop.” Cr Keane said the advocacy campaign was directed at all kindergartens, not just those using local government facilities. “Kindergarten is the cornerstone of education and yet all too often enormous pressure is placed on parents and kindergarten committees to fundraise in order to help support their children’s early development. “Local governments and parents are being unfairly asked to bear the burden for infrastructure maintenance for an area that is clearly the responsibility of the state government. We believe the government needs to urgently commit funds towards upgrading and maintaining kindergarten infrastructure.” The shire is writing to local members of parliament seeking their support for additional funding and will be encouraging kindergarten committees and parents to also contact their local MP, state election candidates and the Premier’s office. Media inquiries: James Martin Community Relations 9294 6114 or 0419 522 424

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Wednesday 27 September 2006 BE212-2006

COUNCIL TO UNDERTAKE AUDIT OF COLDSTREAM COMPOSTING FACILITY Yarra Ranges Council has put the managers of a Coldstream composting facility on notice to deal with unpleasant odours coming from the site. The Leastwaste composting facility, which operates under a works approval agreement with the EPA, will be audited by the council following a resolution at last night’s Council meeting. Councillors voted in favour of a motion to audit the facility to ensure it complies with the conditions of its planning permit and in particular a requirement that no nuisance odour will come from the site at 537 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale. The council will also apply to VCAT for an enforcement order requiring the operators of the facility to ensure it complies with condition 14 of the planning permit relating to odour, and to address any other breaches of the planning permit identified by the audit. The council motion was initiated by councillors Tim Heenan and Jeanette McRae following a meeting organised by the shire and involving concerned local residents, the EPA, Leastwaste, the composting facility operators and senior shire staff. Crs Heenan and McRae, who were both at the meeting, said it was critical that the operators addressed the concerns of residents and the council and abided by the stringent conditions of the planning permit. “If the facility is unable to comply with the conditions of the planning permit to the satisfaction of the council we will look to requesting a further VCAT hearing to consider an additional enforcement order, which may, if all else fails, include the option of cancelling the permit and closing the facility down,” Crs Heenan and McRae said. The shire is also encouraging residents to assist by filling out an Odour Nuisance Monitoring Sheet so it can map and quantify the extent of the problem. Monitoring sheets are available by calling into the shire’s Lilydale Community Link or by calling 1300 368 333. ENDS Media inquiries: James Martin Community Relations 9294 6114 or 0419 522 424

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Thursday 28 September 2006 ES213 -2006

YARRA RANGES COUNCIL CALLS FOR REVIEW OF VCAT POWERS The Shire of Yarra Ranges has called on the state government to put an end to logging in Rural Conservation Zones and has asked the Planning Minister, Rob Hulls, to undertake an urgent review of VCAT’s powers and give greater weight to local planning policies. The call follows a decision by VCAT to approve an application to log a large area of forest in Hoddles Creek, despite strong council and community objections and the site being located in a Rural Conservation Zone. Yarra Ranges’ call for a review of VCAT’s powers and greater weight being given to local planning policies is being supported by the Eastern Region Group of Councils – a group of 10 suburban and interface councils. Yarra Ranges’ mayor Monika Keane and councillor Samantha Dunn said the decision to allow logging to proceed at the Hoddles Creek site was made despite the area being classified as a Rural Conservation Zone and subject to an Environmental Significance Overlay – the two strongest environmental controls available to the council. The council decided in January this year to knock back the application by Moran Logging to log the 99 hectare site due to its environmental significance and strong opposition to the proposal by local residents. Moran Logging took its case to VCAT, where the shire presented evidence highlighting the site’s environmental values, supported by the council’s stringent planning controls. A strong case opposing logging at the site was also put forward by members of the local community and the Environment Defender’s Office on behalf of the Friends of Hoddles Creek. . Cr Dunn said VCAT’s decision not only disregarded the council’s planning scheme and community concerns, it also set a possible precedent for further logging in Rural Conservation Zones. “It is outrageous that VCAT has made this determination given the application falls so short in achieving the aims of the Regional Strategy Plan, the shire’s Planning Scheme and the intent of the Rural Conservation Zone, which is aimed at protecting and enhancing natural resources and biodiversity. “VCAT has clearly indicated that logging forests is sustainable because they’ll grow back. The simple fact is if we can’t say no to logging here, where can we say no!”

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Cr Keane criticised the use by VCAT of state guidelines to override the council’s planning scheme. “The tribunal acknowledged the “commitment to biodiversity conservation” in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and stated that it provided “greater standards of environmental protection” than the state government’s Code of Practice. “Nevertheless the tribunal overrode the shire’s policy without considering the issue of community benefit,” Cr Keane said. Cr Keane said the decision reinforced the need for the state government to act on concerns about the operation of VCAT, especially in relation to the lack of weight and adherence given to local policies. “The decision raises serious issues about the relevance of local planning policy frameworks; the adequacy of the Rural Conservation Zone; the operation of the Native Vegetation Management Framework and the conflicting objectives of the Department of Sustainability Environment’s planning, forestry and flora and fauna functions,” Cr Keane said. “Decisions like Moran Logging and ‘Mitcham Towers’ create significant concern in local communities about the operation of the planning system. “Local government expends considerable amounts of time, budget and human resources in an effort to support a system which does not appear to support it.” The shire has also called for a review of the state government’s Native Vegetation Management Framework, aimed at protecting native flora and fauna and biodiversity values, amid what it believes are inconsistencies in the way the framework is applied. “The framework applies stringent requirements to the removal of vegetation for farming, home construction and fire prevention purposes, however, these same requirements don’t apply to forestry” Cr Keane said. A letter on behalf of 10 local councils, including the Shire of Yarra Ranges, forming the Eastern Region Group of Councils was sent to the Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls, on August 17 calling for reform to the Planning Act and the operation of VCAT. The shire is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Planning and will work with local members of Parliament to highlight the need to reform the Planning Act. ENDS Media inquiries: James Martin Community Relations 9294 6114 or 0419 522 424

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Thursday 28 September 2006 TC 241-2006

METAL KOMBAT HEADS TO HEALESVILLE For a night of live metal music check out the latest “What the Funk” gig at Healesville Memorial Hall on Friday 6 October. Metal bands Strict Vincent, Plodhead, La Hain and Beyond Mine will headline the drug, alcohol and smoke free event. Strict Vincent is a Melbourne based band with a similar sound to metal greats while the other bands feature local musicians from Healesville, Montrose, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and Mooroolbark. Metal Kombat is the latest gig held by “What the Funk” as part of the Overload program. Entry is $5.00 and doors open at 7pm for the all age event. “What the Funk” is a group of six young people from Healesville who run fully supervised, smoke, drug and alcohol free live music gigs at Healesville for 12 to 25 year olds. “Overload” is a live music event on the second Friday of the month at the Healesville Memorial Hall. The next “Overload” event will be an acoustic show on November 10 - “What the Funk Unplugged”. Bands wanting to take part in the “Overload” program should send their demos to “What the Funk”, Shire of Yarra Ranges, PO Box 105, Lilydale 3140 or drop them in to Youth Services in Main St, Lilydale. Anyone interested in being a part of the “What the Funk” committee should contact Belinda Chalmers at Youth Services on 9294 6716 or email [email protected]. ENDS Media inquiries: Sarah Oldman Community Relations 9294 6341

MEDIA RELEASE Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140 Telephone: 1300 368 333

www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Facsimile: 9294 6499

Thursday 28 September 2006 SHC 215-2006

QUICK FLIP FOR ESSENTIAL INFORMATION The shire’s Youth Services, in partnership with local youth and community agencies, will launch the Quick Flip resource guide as part of Mental Health Week on Wednesday October 11. The guide features a range of tips, strategies and local contacts to support young people through a range of issues including mental health, bullying, body image, drug and alcohol use and family violence. Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane said the guide was an essential tool for primary and secondary school teachers, youth and community agencies. “The guide contains information on a number issues facing young people but perhaps more importantly it lists valuable contact information for the many support services in the local community. “Quite often people are aware of the risks or warning signs but are unsure where to get help. Quick Flip puts them in touch with the many agencies and industry professionals that can help,” Cr Keane said. The guide will be launched at an agency showcase where industry professionals will be on hand to discuss the services and support programs on offer for young people in the Yarra Ranges. “Growing up can be a difficult time and young people are presented with many challenges. It’s important that we do all we can to support them and provide them with the appropriate assistance should they need it,” Cr Keane said. The agency showcase is open to teachers and community agencies and will be held at the York on Lilydale, York Road, Mt Evelyn on Wednesday October 11 from 3.30pm-5.30pm. A free copy of the Quick Flip Guide will be available to each school and agency in attendance. For more information contact Youth Services on 1300 368 333. ENDS Media inquiries: Kirsty Thomas Community Relations 9294 6226