Letter to the editor

I write to correct the information presented in an article published in The Community Voice on July 12, 2023, titled Strathbogie Shire and upgrading our local roads.

The article claims Strathbogie Shire Council is hiding information and using delaying tactics which is untrue.

The Weir Rd upgrade meets all safety and design standards.

To better explain how – it is important to first understand this is not a greenfield site. It is a brownfield site, which means we are bound by existing restrictions and infrastructure.

An example of this is the 7m road pavement quoted in the article. While this falls within the recommendation in the Guide to Good Road Design, this is not possible to achieve at Weir Rd. Due to restrictions such as trees, or space in general, a 4m sealed pavement with 1m shoulders will be delivered. This meets the design criteria required for this road. As the Road Authority, many of our rural roads are designed to these same standards due to the existing infrastructure and vegetation.

To meet safety standards Council will use other safety treatments such as guard rails and appropriate speed limits.

In designing the Weir Rd upgrade, an expert road designer has considered all issues and created a design suitable for this improvement.

It’s also important to note a road safety audit was not required at the design stage. This is because it is not a regional road managed by Regional Roads Victoria. The design for the upgrade of Weir Rd, was completed with a general load limit of 25 tonne.

Artist Ann Cremean said she had always loved the bush and all the details in it.

“The shapes of rocks, colours of fungi, mosses small details of plants,” she said.

The works in ‘Open Space’ are abstracted shapes taken from and inspired by the bush.

“The granite outcrops of the nearby hills around Euroa are of particular interest to me,” Ann said.

“I have been walking in and around the Strathbogie area for a few years now and this show is a response to all the subconscious ideas and shapes that have settled in my mind.”

A love of colour is also most evident in the show.

“Painting is a process that I enjoy almost as a type of meditation. And an emptying of the mind,” Ann said.

“The square form of works allow for flexible displays of the work which is a way of reminding myself that art can, and should be, fun and playful.”

Open Space will show at ARTBOX in the Seven Creeks Park, Euroa which can be viewed by the public 24/7 through the glass pane windows.

The exhibition’s soundtrack loop will be accessible by QR code on a window decal. So viewers will be able to interact by playing this through their own device.

Mayor Binks said there was also still a chance to view the current exhibition Gaanbona by Taungurung artist Aimee McCartney of Luruk-In.

To find out more about ARTBOX or to express your interest in using the space, visit https://www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/arts-andculture/artbox/

I can also confirm appropriate speed signs will be installed as per the design.

Council conducted a traffic count on Kirwans Bridge from January 19 to January 27 in 2021.

During this time an average of 501 vehicles used the bridge each day.

The original design was done based on 100 vehicles per day. However, the redesign of the road considered additional traffic load factored to 600 vehicles per day plus 15 per cent allowance for heavy vehicles after the floods and subsequent closure of Kirwans Bridge.

I would also like to correct the misinformation being spread about Council staff.

As CEO – I understand I am fair game to the public and public comment. Claims made in this article about Council staff are incorrect, untrue, unfair and border on defamation.

Council is meeting its obligations and timelines as set out in the Freedom of Information Act. Claims about an onsite meeting with a Council engineer is also untrue. The engineer quoted in the article was not in attendance.

As you know we are committed to a long-term sustainable future for Kirwan’s Bridge. We are working hard to create better outcomes for our community.

Julie Salomon Chief Executive Officer Strathbogie Shire Council

Disclaimer-

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Go Nagambie. Every effort is made by Go Nagambie to ensure that the information contained within the Community Voice is correct. Personal views expressed in this publication are solely those of the respective contributors and do not reflect those of the publisher or its agents. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent. Photographic rights remain the property of the Community Voice Newspaper.

Even smarter than it looks

The Ford Puma’s unmistakable silhouette and effortless style demands attention. But its beauty is much more than skin deep, with innovative technology and safety features to connect and help protect you. A spacious SUV with flexible interiors, the Ford Puma offers functionality and comfort, without holding back style. From the 8-inch colour touch screen and 12.3-inch digital cluster, the Puma is packed with technology to make every drive effortless.

Central Ford Kilmore

129-131 Powlett Street, Kilmore Victoria 3764

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Victoria’s fire services are calling on households to develop or review their Home Fire Escape Plans

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA respond to more than 3,000 residential fire incidents across the state each year, many of which are preventable. House fires move fast and can fill your home with smoke in a matter of minutes. They can be devastating and fatal. While the dangers of fire are very real, there is a lot you can do to protect your family and your home.

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman, AFSM said that families and households spending time at home this weekend should take the opportunity to make a plan together, practice it, and ensure they are well prepared.

“During winter, we spend much more time inside, out of the cold, so it’s important to establish or revisit your Home Fire Escape Plan,” Commissioner Freeman said.

“Nobody wants to think about a fire in the home, but sadly in Victoria every year, on average 18 lives are lost in preventable house fires.”

“Knowing how to quickly exit your home in case of an emergency could mean the difference between life and death, and it is crucial that all members of the household, including children, know what to do in the event of a house fire.”

CFA Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said winter is a good time for Victorian residents to re-educate themselves on their Home Fire Escape Plan.

“Whether you are a homeowner or renting, you should have a plan in place and practice it regularly, deciding on a safe place to meet, like the letterbox, should an emergency arise,” CO Heffernan said.

“To keep your loved ones safe, it is essential smoke alarms are installed in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways so everyone in the property is alerted to a fire.”

“The safest plan is to get down low to stay out of the smoke, close nearby doors to slow down the spread of the fire, and call triple zero once you’re safely outside.”

For more information on how to make a Home Fire Escape Plan, visit frv.vic.gov.au or cfa.vic.gov. au.

When making your Home Fire Escape Plan, remember:

Know what to do if a fire occurs. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you should have a home fire escape plan in place.

Practice your plan for when there is an emergency with your whole household.

You can’t escape if you have deadlocked your doors.

Tips for when there is a fire: Get out and stay out or get down low and stay out of the smoke.

If it is safe, close doors to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.

Alert other people on your way out.

Meet at a safe place, such as the letterbox out the front of your home.

Call triple zero from a mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone.

“These laws are in place to ensure the safety of all.”

Cr Binks said that dog owners could be infringed or prosecuted if they do not comply with the Act.

“Every dog owner must take responsibility for their dogs. We urge our community to do the right thing and follow these simple rules so you do not end up in a serious situation.”

$1 million reward for Strath Creek cold case murder

Homicide Squad detectives have announced a $1M reward for information as part of their investigation into the suspicious death of Robert ‘Jack’ Richardson almost 40 years ago.

The 49-year-old’s body was located by members of the public in bushland off King Parrot Creek Road near Strath Creek on 31 March, 1984.

It’s believed Robert, who was more commonly known to his friends and associates as ‘Jack’, had been shot in an execution-style killing.

He had last been seen with two unidentified men in St Kilda between 1.20am and 2am on 4 March and police believe he was murdered some time later on this day.

Jack had been due to appear at Melbourne County Court on 5 March after being charged, along with two co-accused, with conspiring to traffick heroin.

This investigation involved a high-level organised crime syndicate operating in Melbourne at the time, with connections to the Painters and Dockers union.

The matter was also linked to an attempt on the life of a NSW Police undercover operative, who was a prosecution witness in the case.

After being committed to stand trial, Jack was granted bail and had been living in St Kilda with his girlfriend.

Despite a significant investigation at the time, no one has ever been charged with Jack’s murder.

A 1985 inquest into his death found that Jack had been murdered by a person or persons unknown.

Investigators believe Jack’s death was most likely arranged with the assistance and knowledge of several people, including some he would have known well and trusted as friends.

Since the time of the original investigation, detectives have received further information about Jack’s death and those potentially responsible however at this time there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone.

the crime scene has also been conducted and fresh DNA has been identified.

Police believe this will also provide further avenues of enquiry for the investigation.

Victoria Police have announced a $1M reward for information in relation to those responsible for Jack’s death in the hope it will provide new leads and result in those responsible being held to account.

A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Robert ‘Jack’ Richardson.

The Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.

Police have also released a number of photos of Jack, as well as images from where his remains were located in Strath Creek.

Police urge anyone with information about Robert's death to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.

Notice Of Annual General Meeting

Nagambie Recreation Reserve Committee of Management invite all to attend the AGM

6.00pm Tuesday 22nd August

Nagambie Recreation Reserve AGENDA

Minutes of last AGM President ’s Report

Treasurer ’s Report

Election of Office Bearers

The committee of management are now accepting nominations for President - Vice President – Treasurer – Secretary

PO Box 129 NAGAMBIE VIC 3608 – nrrcom3608@gmail.com Nagambie Senior Citizen's Centre Inc.

Annual General Meeting

Friday 11th August, 1:00pm

Items of Business:

To confirm minutes of previous AGM President's Report Financial Report 2022/2023

Election of Executive and Committee Members for the year 2023/2024

Nomination forms for the above positions are available by contacting the Secretary, and may be submitted in person to the Secretary, or by post to PO Box 246, Nagambie, 3608. Nominations close on Friday 28th July at 4:00 pm

For further information, please contact the Secretary on 0419 567 580 Senior