October 2019 Edition

Gazette

OCTOBER 2019

3

Mayoral Youth Program 2019-20

5

Get Fire Ready for Summer

6

Have Your Say on Waste

Council News

From the Mayor Making good, informed decisions for our community is exactly why local government exists and as Councillors, when we are considering plans and strategies that drive Council’s work and services, knowing what residents want is very valuable.

We are elected by the people and always want to best serve our communities. We can’t make a decision that makes everyone happy but the highest value is given to the thoughtful opinions and feedback from our residents.

As a Council, we strongly believe in community engagement – and we know it only works when the community is involved. With the Gazette, Golden Plains Times, Council’s website and social media, we are communicating Council’s plans and all our community engagement

opportunities in more ways than ever.

Now, we need you.

If you’ve ever thought ‘why doesn’t Council ask me what I want?’ or ‘why doesn’t Council care what residents think?’ We do care and we are asking. All the feedback on these consultations is presented to Council when the decisions are made, and it’s often the deciding factor in the outcome.

So, I encourage you to make sure your opinion is part of the conversation.

How can you get involved?

• Chat with your Councillors at the next conversation post on Saturday 16 November at the Spring in the Shire Awards Ceremony at Dereel Town Hall.

• Complete the future waste options survey (see page 6) or stop by the final two Waste Management Strategy conversation posts: 11am to 2pm, Sunday 13 October at Rokewood Transfer Station; and 9am to 1pm, Saturday 19 October at Smythesdale Country Market.

• Sign up to Council’s Community Engagement Register.

• Connect with the Community Vision 2040 (page 9) with many upcoming engagement opportunities.

• Visit the Have Your Say page at Council’s website to complete a survey.

• Follow Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and read the Gazette and Golden Plains Times, for all engagement and consultation opportunities.

• Ask a question at the monthly Council meeting, held on the 4th Tuesday of the month in Linton or Bannockburn.

• Celebrate the great people of Golden Plains by nominating a neighbour, colleague or friend for the Citizen of the Year award (see page 11) or encourage a worthy young person to nominate for the Mayoral Youth Project (see page 3).

• Join your local Community Planning group.

• Become a Council volunteer and make a positive difference in your community.

For more information on these opportunities and more, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111.

Cr Owen Sharkey Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council

Courthouse restored to its former glory

Mayor Owen Sharkey and Councillors Helena Kirby and Les Rowe were joined by State Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP, Woady Yaloak Historical Society President Jim Brown, members of the Historical Society and local residents of Smythesdale, for the official re-opening of the historic Smythesdale Courthouse on 18 September.

Since 1861, the Courthouse has stood proudly in Smythesdale’s main street in the town’s Historic Precinct.

While the Courthouse no longer sees judges, defendants and juries fill the main chamber, it has become a busy and important community hub for not only the Woady Yaloak Historical Society, but also the wider Smythesdale community; home to markets, community group functions and activities for the local primary school.

However, after almost 160 years it was in need of much-needed maintenance. Golden Plains Shire Council applied for, and received, a $90,000 Living Heritage Grant from the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning to enable the conservation works to this important landmark in our Shire’s north.

The conservation works undertaken included the replacement of fascia boards, repair to brickwork and mortar, slate roof repairs, roof flashing, gutter and downpipe repairs and replacements, external timber repairs to windows and doors, works to the interior timber floor boards in the Court Room, and a fresh coat of paint on the interior.

2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019

Community News

The Mayoral Youth Program

Mayoral Program 2019 - 2020.

Golden Plains Shire Council is excited to launch the Mayoral Youth Program, a new program to recognise and celebrate the positive contributions of local young people, and encourage local youth to volunteer and get involved in their community.

The Mayoral Youth Project’s Community Impact Awards will be presented to young Golden Plains residents aged 12 to 18 years, who have made a positive impact to an individual, group or environment.

At two special award events in 2020, award-winners will receive a framed certificate of achievement and a $50 Officeworks voucher.

Local community groups who support young people to make a positive community impact will also be recognised and rewarded for their support and encouragement of young volunteers.

Nominations for the first round of the Community Impact Awards open in November and we encourage young people to submit their nomination for this special recognition.

The Mayoral Youth Program webpage including a nomination form for the Community Impact Awards will be available in late October at Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au; with paper copies of the form available at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale.

For more information about the Mayoral Youth Program Community Impact Awards, contact the Youth Development Team at mark.decampo@gplains.vic.gov.au or 5220 7106.

The Value of Volunteers On 29 August, Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and Council’s Youth Development Team officially launched the Mayoral Youth Program to an enthusiastic crowd of students, staff, parents and community members at Meredith Primary School.

Following a discussion about the new youth program led by the school captains, it was time for action with Mayor Sharkey and the hard-working students getting their hands dirty with painting, maintenance and gardening projects at the school, and then enjoying a well-earned BBQ lunch.

Information about the Mayoral Youth Program will be distributed to all schools in Golden Plains Shire, and the Mayor will speak at a special assembly at Bannockburn College in late October.

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3

Community News

Countdown to summer at the Heart

As we enter spring, the countdown to summer is well and truly on, and we’re getting excited about the opening of one of Council’s major projects: the Bannockburn Heart.

The Heart will also be the Shire’s first inclusive playspace, with accessible play elements and DDA compliant toilets, making it a regional destination for people with disabilities and their families.

Construction of the Bannockburn Heart is well underway, with many of the play elements and structures already installed. With the cool temperatures hopefully behind us, now is the perfect time to start picturing how you will enjoy the regional play space – perhaps spending warm days enjoying picnics and outdoor fun at the new playgrounds with the family, cooking up lunch on one of the BBQs, or bringing the grandkids along to the Shire’s first water playspace.

Stage One of the Bannockburn Heart is a partnership project, co-funded by the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund, grants from the Victorian State Government’s Regional Development Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria, and Council. Our successful lobbying for grants from both governments on this and other major projects in Bannockburn allows Council to redirect our budget revenue to provide full or majority support to projects in the smaller townships across the municipality.

Stage One of the Bannockburn Heart Precinct at the corner of Milton and Byron Streets will create an attractive and welcoming community civic space in the heart of Bannockburn. Featuring new water and adventure play, active recreation equipment; and community facilities including public toilets, seating, BBQs, shade, lighting and landscaped public space; this project will be an exciting addition to Golden Plains Shire.

As the works progress and opening day draws near, stay tuned for details of the community opening of the Heart!

Follow Golden Plains Shire Council on social media and read the Golden Plains Times to keep up-to-date with all the latest developments.

Road Grading Update In August and September, Council’s graders completed or started road projects in the following townships: • Ross Creek • Cambrian Hill • Durham Lead

• Napoleons • Happy Valley • Piggoreet

• Scarsdale • Staffordshire Reef

• Durdidwarrah • Steiglitz • Meredith

• Dereel • Corindhap

In October and November, Council’s graders will be moving across the Shire, working on roads in towns including: • • • •

Durham Lead Napoleons Garibaldi Berringa

• • • •

Springdullah Illabarook Cape Clear Pitfield

• • • •

Meredith Bamganie Morrisons Lethbridge

• Corindhap • Rokewood • Mt Mercer

• Rokewood Junction • Shelford

To report an issue with an unsealed road, please call Council’s Customer Service Team at 5220 7111.

4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019

Get Fire Ready

Be prepared for this Fire Season

Coming out of a dry winter and a long, hot summer, it is vital that residents and communities prepare properly for the fire season.

Golden Plains Shire residents are encouraged to prepare their property and family to reduce the bushfire risk to the entire community.

If you are in a high-risk bushfire area, make sure you know what to do, and when and where to go, on hot, dry, windy days. It could make all the difference to you and your family.

What do you need to do?

A well-prepared property is more likely to survive a fire. It is important to reduce the fine fuels around your house.

Fine fuels, such as leaves, twigs, bark and grass, are a primary driver of fire intensity and spread.

Before and during the Fire Danger Period, residents should take the following action at their property:

TRIM • Trim excess vegetation along driveways, including any overhanging branches, to provide easy access for fire-fighting appliances.

• As a guide, the CFA requires a minimum clearance of four metres wide by four metres high.

• As soon as the Fire Danger Period begins, you are not permitted to burn off on your property. You can find out more information about the Fire Danger Period on the CFA’s website at cfa.vic.org.au.

What does Council need to do?

Under State Government legislation, Council must conduct fire hazard inspections of private property. This includes issuing Fire Prevention Notices and arranging contractors to slash non-compliant private property.

CUT • On land under two hectares, you must cut or mow any long grass so that it is no higher than 100mm.

• On properties more than two hectares, ensure that grass is maintained to no higher than 100mm up to a minimum of 20 metres from the house or outbuilding.

CLEAR • Remove any flammable material around your home, including cleaning out gutters.

• Clear away dead undergrowth and fallen branches.

• Ensure that any firewood is stored well away from your home and outbuildings.

• Ensure that your property is clearly numbered so that it can be easily found by Emergency Services.

Photo credit: CCMA

Council engages contractors to conduct roadside slashing of all Council’s sealed roads and strategic fire breaks, which have been approved by the CFA. Council also conducts burning of selected reserves to remove the fire hazard and for ecological purposes.

For more information on fire preparations in Golden Plains Shire, visit Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5

Waste Management

6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019

Waste Management

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7

Community News

What’s the Latest With… …Meredith Interpretative Centre

Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from commercial operators, community groups and social enterprises interested in leasing the Meredith Interpretative Centre.

The Centre is located at 10 Wallace Street, Meredith, and is a modern and attractive 61.5 square metre building that includes an exhibition space, store room, entrance foyer and covered terrace.

The site also features: • 15 off street car parks • On site public toilets that make it a popular rest spot for travelers • Prominent site with frontage onto the Midland Highway with 5,700 daily traffic movements • Power and town water supply • Close to workforce • NBN Fixed Wireless coverage Expressions of interest in leasing the Meredith Interpretive Centre are due by 9am, Monday 28 October, 2019. For more information, email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au or call Council’s Investment Attraction and Business Support Team at 5220 7111.

… Golden Plains Wind Farm Golden Plains Shire Council welcomed the announcement in August 2019 that the Federal Government has approved the Golden Plains Wind Farm under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC), following its sign-off of the Environmental Effects Statement.

The Golden Plains Wind Farm is set to be one of the largest wind farms in the southern hemisphere with developer WestWind Energy confirming plans for up to 228 wind turbines in the area around Rokewood. The Federal Government’s announcement follows approval for the project from the State Government’s Minister for Planning in January 2019.

The Golden Plains Wind Farm will be the largest development ever undertaken in Golden Plains, delivering significant economic outcomes to the community and the region, particularly in terms of job creation and infrastructure development.

8 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019

… Bannockburn Plaza Redevelopment

The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has upheld Golden Plains Shire Council’s decision in October 2018 to approve a planning permit for the Bannockburn Plaza Redevelopment.

On 15 August 2019, VCAT issued an order confirming that a permit be granted for the redevelopment of the existing shopping centre complex, Bannockburn Country Plaza, at High Street. The order follows a three-day hearing to consider the merits of the development proposal, which received a small number of objections.

The order details a number of variations to those conditions outlined with the Council-issued planning permit. The variations were supported by an expert urban design consultant appointed by Golden Plains Shire Council during the VCAT appeal process.

Council welcomes VCAT’s decision to confirm the planning permit and looks forward to the developer progressing the multi-million dollar retail project to construction soon.

…Teesdale Structure Plan

Golden Plains Shire Council is working towards the preparation of a new Structure Plan for Teesdale and wishes to understand community preferences that may affect its content.

The Structure Plan preparation process seeks to: • Review the existing 1997 Teesdale Structure Plan.

• Guide long term development in Teesdale.

• Review commercial development opportunities.

• Review the need for new community and development infrastructure, where not already considered in existing Council Strategies.

The Structure Plan is expected to be finalised in early 2020.

Following two community conversation posts at Teesdale Primary School and Turtle Bend Reserve in September, the online survey is open until Sunday 20 October, 2019.

For more information or a paper copy of the survey, call Council’s Strategic Planning Team at 5220 7111.

Community News

Golden Plains Community Vision 2040 Over the next few months you will likely hear a lot about the Golden Plains Community Vision, but what exactly is this project?

The Golden Plains Community Vision 2040 is a high-level strategic document that will set the vision for the type of community and place our Shire will be in 2040. The Community Vision will directly influence the decisions and actions that we all take today to move Golden Plains Shire into the future. Once completed, the Community Vision will provide direction for Council priorities and provide a course for united, community-led action.

In September, Council invited Expressions of Interest for residents to join a voluntary Community Reference Group for the project. This group will work alongside Council Officers in the co-design of how Council will roll out engagement opportunities to the wider community, so that everyone has the opportunity to have their say on what type of community Golden Plains will be in the year 2040. Council thanks all interested residents who put up their hand to be a part of this exciting first stage of the project.

So what’s next?

Over the next several months there will be many opportunities for all residents to contribute to the Golden Plains Community Vision 2040. We’ll be out in the community at various events, such as Children’s Week in October, asking community members:

• What do you love about Golden Plains?

• What is your hope for Golden Plains Shire in the year 2040?

• What are you willing to do to make that hope a reality?

We’ll have more information on the project and how you can be involved in the next edition of the Gazette, as well as on Council’s social media channels, and in the Golden Plains Times, so stay tuned!

Let’s Get Active Together!

Golden Plains Shire will join VicHealth in encouraging kids to walk, ride or scoot to school as part of the annual Walk to School program.

Every October, Walk to School encourages families to get active on the trip to and from school to help kids build healthy habits for life.

Golden Plains Shire will work with local primary schools to deliver a range of activities to support more families to walk, ride or scoot to school this October thanks to $15,000 funding from VicHealth.

Council will launch ‘Walk or Wheel Wednesdays’, promoting the new initiative at schools across Golden Plains.

For more information, visit the Walk to School website at www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au or call Council’s Health and Wellbeing team at 5220 7189.

Walk or Wheel Wednesday Launch

10am to 4pm, Wednesday 9 October.

Join the Vic Health ‘Walk to School’ program launch and walk or wheel to school. Roving performers, live music, performers and giveaways along High St, Milton St and Moreillon Dr in Bannockburn.

For more information, call Rebecca Hickey at 5220 7189.

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9

Events in Golden Plains goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events

12 Oct

Teesdale Celebrates

15 & 24 Oct

SBMS Small Business Clinics

2 to 6pm. Teesdale Turtle Bend Celebrate 10 years of Live@TurtleBend and 70 years of Teesdale CFA with markets, children’s entertainers, ride, salsa classes, live music, lantern parade. Free entry.

More info: Claire Whiteley 5281 5115.

19 Oct

20 Oct & 17 Nov

20 Oct

Dereel Art and Craft Festival

10am to 2pm. Dereel Community Hall A community arts day featuring demonstrations, exhibition and try new art techniques. Fun, food, community garden and more.

More info: Lisa Hunter 0414 895 020.

Inverleigh Produce and Lifestyle Market

10 to 4pm, 15 Oct. 22 High St, Bannockburn 10am, 24 Oct. Inverleigh Public Hall.

Free one-on-one small business mentoring clinics to support local business. Bookings are essential.

More info: business@gplains.vic.gov.au

19 Oct & 16 Nov

Smythesdale Country Market 9am to 1pm. Smythesdale Historic Precinct.

A country Saturday market with a variety of goods and craft stalls.

More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784.

20 Oct

Community Art and Music Fiesta

9am to 1pm. Lawsons Park, Inverleigh.

A great community-led market with fresh produce items. October theme: Halloween.

November theme: 2nd Annual Dog Show.

More info: www.inverleighmarket.com

9am to 4pm. Smythesdale Historic Precinct.

A fabulous community event embracing an exhibition of two and three dimensional art, projection, live music, comedy and poetry.

A spoken word competition, food vans, craft stalls and workshops. More info: Barry Wemyss 0487 225 881.

Smythesdale Pony Club Gymkhana 23 Oct

Celebration of Children’s Week

9am to 5pm. Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre

10am to 12pm. Bannockburn YMCA.

A fun day for novice riders of all age.

Rings for tiny tots, topsy riders, juniors, pony clubbers and more.

A fun filled two hours of activities, music and giveaways.

More info: Lyndall Gallbraith 5220 7230.

More info: Janet Jackson 0429 402 047.

26 & 27 Oct

LOLA – Linton on Literary Arts

Smythesdale Petanque Tournament

26 Oct

9am to 5pm. Downtown Linton.

8.30am. Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve.

LOLA captures and presents stories of the people of Linton. Local art, stories, music and access to community groups.

Sign up for four rounds of games plus final, play starts at 9.30am. BYO or canteen.

More info: Jeff Langdon 0411 552 862.

More info: Kylie Turville 0448 428 190.

Australia Day Award Nominations Nominees must be a Australian citizens, who either live or work in Golden Plains Shire, and have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.

Hard copy nomination forms: Available at Council Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale.

Online: Fill out and submit the form online at: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/forms/australia-day-awards-2020 More information: Call 5220 7245 Nominations must be received by 5pm, Monday 2 December, 2019.

10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019

2019 Award-Winners with Mayor Sharkey.

Citizen of the Year Senior Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year Anthony Walker

Malcom Johns

Luke Getsom

Meredith History and Interest Group

Events in Golden Plains goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events

2 Nov & 7 Dec

Golden Plains Farmers’ Market

7 & 21 Nov

8.30am to 12.30pm. 22 Byron St, Bannockburn.

10.30am to 12.30pm, 7 Oct. Haddon Community Centre.

10am, 21 Oct. Haddon Community Centre.

Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities.

Starting up or already in business, this workshop will help you get the most out of digital opportunities.

More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

More info: business@gplains.vic.gov.au

.

9 Nov

16 Nov

Teesdale Community Car Boot Sale 13 & 26 Nov

9am to 2pm. Leighdale A grand community car boot sale with stalls and car boots. Entrance is a gold coin donation to support the upkeep of Leighdale facility.

More info: Kirsty Blake 0427 811 971.

Cape Clear Spring Fair

10am to 3pm. Cape Clear Primary School Trash and treasure, sausage sizzle, pony rides, cake stall, face painting, jumping castle, spinning wheel and much more.

SBMS Tax Essentials Workshop 10am to 12pm, 13 Nov. Bannockburn Cultural Centre.

10am to 12pm, The Well, Smythesdale.

Free Council workshop in conjunction with the Australian Taxation Office. Give your business the best start.

More info: business@gplains.vic.gov.au

17 Nov

Meredith Car Show 10am to 3pm. Meredith Cricket Club.

Family event includes a car show and display with plenty of food options for hungry patrons.

More info: Laura Vear vear.laura.l@edumail.vic,gov.au

17 Nov

SBMS Small Business Workshops

More info: David Rochow 0409 919 200 .

Linton Town Wide Garage Sale

24 Nov

Creators and Craft Market

8am to 2pm. Linton.

10am to 2pm. Lions Park, Bannockburn.

More than 30 garage sales across town.

Bargain hunters and treasure-seekers can pick up a map at the Linton Takeaway Store from 8am.

Showcasing local craftspeople and artisans, enjoy shopping, food and local musical talent.

More info: Noeline Trevor 0427 923 934.

More info: Jenny Stuart 0427 447 416.

Every Month

Local Food Swaps

Bannockburn 9.30 to 10am, every 4th Saturday of the month. Bannockburn Station Café Car Park. More info 0425 735 581.

Inverleigh 9.30 to 10am, every 2nd Saturday of the month. Sonny Café, 15a High St. More info 0407 876 880.

Meredith 9.30 to 10am, every 3rd Saturday of the month. Back Creek Café, Staughton St. More info 5286 1166.

Public Holiday in Golden Plains

Notice is hereby given that Adem Somyurek, Minister for Small Business, under section 8 of the Public Holidays Act 1993, has declared – • Tuesday 5 November 2019 is not a public holiday in all areas of the municipal district of Golden Plains Shire.

• Friday 8 November 2019 is appointed a full-day public holiday for all areas in the municipal district of Golden Plains Shire west of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate the Ballarat Show.

• Friday 18 October 2019 is appointed a full-day public holiday for all areas in the municipal district of Golden Plains Shire east of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate the Royal Geelong Show.

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11

Community Notice Board Customer Service Centres: Bannockburn 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Victoria, 3331.

Linton 68 Sussex Street, Linton Victoria, 3360.

Smythesdale 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351.

Phone P: 5220 7111 F: 5220 7100

Understanding Social Enterprise Workshop Council is partnering with Social Enterprise Academy and Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) to run a free two day workshop on Understanding Social Enterprise in Bannockburn on Thursday and Friday, 5 and 6 December, 2019.

Funded by Rural Councils Victoria, the facilitated workshop will bring together leaders from community, business, education, government, and social entrepreneurs to learn more about social enterprise. Places are strictly limited. For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events

Get Fit in Dereel The Dereel exercise program continues at the Dereel Soldiers Memeorial Hall from 10 to 10.45am, Wednesdays from 23 October to 11 December (no class on 20 November).

Postal address Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.

Presented by a Ballarat Community Health Exercise Trainer, this 45 minute lowmoderate intensity exercise circuit includes a combination of cardio and strengthening exercises. New participants will complete a pre-exercise screening tool prior to participating and a doctor’s letter may be required to attend.

Emergency contacts P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours) To receive a copy of the Gazette in large print, call 5220 7111.

The Golden Plains Shire Council website has a text-to-voice option. The audio is generated using ReadSpeaker text-tospeech technology and will read the content out loud.

The deadline for the December issue of the Gazette is 9am, Thursday 7 November. Email: news@gplains.vic.gov.au or post to PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331.

The Golden Plains Gazette is produced on stock which is FSC Certified; 100% recycled post consumer waste.

The cost is $10 per class. Registrations are essential; contact Lucy, Dereel’s Community Wellbeing Officer, at 0409 247 237 or commhealth@integratedliving.org.au

Rates Payment on 30 November All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers have received their 2019/20 Rates Notice in the mail.

Residents who have chosen to pay their rates in instalments and paid their first payment by 30 September, are reminded that the second instalment if due by 30 November 2019.

For more information or a confidential chat about your rates situation, call Council’s Rates team at 5220 7111.

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