Local People FREE By The People, For The People
EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021
Thanks to these local contributors
Local contributors include: ■ Ann Argent, Central Bowls Division. ■ Stephen Baker, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre. ■ Julie Blyth, Y Water Discovery Centre. ■ Liz Bower, Nanna’s Makers Market. ■ Laura Caine, Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House. ■ Beth Caldow, Shepparton Festival. ■ Meagan Callander, Middle Kinglake Primary School. ■ Bonnie Cavanagh, Broadford Football Netball Club. ■ Viv Cavanagh, Yea Bowls Club. ■ Gayle Cole, Kinglake Friends of the Forest. ■ Stuart Dale, Albert Edward Lodge, Alexandra Masonic Centre. ■ Paul Denham, Buxton CFA. ■ Holly Ditchfield, Eltham Jazz Festival. ■ Andrew Embling, Alexandra Truck Show. ■ Chrissy Eustace, Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges. ■ Patrick Evans, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Hannah Graham, Green Wedge. ■ Sam Hicks, Fawcett Hall, Alexandra Indoor Pool. ■ Ryan Hurst, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Alison Huth, YAPPERS, and Yea Arts. ■ Bev Johns, Kinglake. ■ Ross Malcolm, sports photographs. ■ Rhyll McCormack, Mountain Cattlemen. ■ Kelly McLeish, Yea CFA. ■ Shannon Mittrow, Alexandra SES. ■ Sara Murray, Alexandra Show. ■ Eden Elizabeth Nicholls, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Yea and Molesworth. ■ Alan Pell, Yea Golf Club. ■ Pam Petersen, Alexandra Christmas Tree Festival. ■ Brian Phillips, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ David Purcell, Healesville Amateur Race Club. ■ Peter Rice, UGFM - Radio Murrindindi. ■ Clinton Robinson, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Sacred Heart Primary School, Yea. ■ Michaela Sargeant, Goulburn Valley Water. ■ Denis Smith, Yea St Pats Race Club. ■ Megan Smithwick, Whittlesea activities. ■ Ian Staff, Whittlesea Table Tennis, agricultural items. ■ Steels Creek Grapevine, newsletter. ■ Sarah Stevenson, Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club. ■ Ray Steyger, Alexandra Football Netball Club. ■ Jeffrey Swain, Yea-Kinglake RSL, Alexandra-Mansfield-Yea Legacy. ■ Cat Thomas, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. ■ Heidi Twining, Victoria Police. ■ Nikki Vanderwerf, Alexandra District Health. ■ Iris Vrzovski, Bollygum Community Market. ■ Ash Walsh, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Caroline Weeks, Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival. ■ Peter Weeks, Alexandra SES. ■ Glenda Woods, Rotary Club of Yea.
TIMBER MOVES ‘EXCESSIVE’
■ Loacl Parliamentarian Tania Maxwell has opposed legislation that she says would adversely affect the timber industry in Northern Victoria. The Forests Legislation Amendment (Compliance and Enforcement) Bill 2019 will increase opportunities for prosecution against VicForests contractors in a move Ms Maxwell said was unnecessary and excessive. Ms Maxwell said she was perplexed the government had passed a Bill dealing with the timber logging industry before release of a new Code of Practice, which is due before the end of the year. Ms Maxwell said it was incumbent upon the government to ensure adequate transition models to ensure towns, jobs and the industry can survive post native timer logging. “The native timber industry is incredibly important to communities in Northern Victoria. The discontinuation of the industry already has people concerned about how they will transition away from what has been a sustainable industry. Unknown regulations and greater fines only increases this uncertainty,” Ms Maxwell said. The new minimum penalty for individual timber workers will increase $21,000, while protesters who enter worksites will be fined a little over $3600. Ms Maxwell said the global timber shortage currently felt across Victoria, resulting in market prices skyrocketing, serves as a warning for the government ahead of its phase out of the Victorian native timber industry. “These decisions have wide-ranging impact, not least for regional communities but will affect the availability of timber for residential and commercial projects across the state.”
● Tania Maxwell MLC Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party was critical of a lack of consultation on the bill, saying the penalties were too harsh and responding to a loophole out of the historic ‘Take Me Home’ failed legal action by DELWP against VicForests. Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party supports a continuation of sustainable logging practices, balanced against environmental protections. According to Timber Towns Victoria, there are more than 2500 people directly employed in the native timber industry along with thousands of indirect jobs, in totally adding $300 million to regional economies. Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party expressed concern the proposed $120 million phase out package announced by the Victorian Government in 2019 would not be enough to support community transition away from native timber. - Karen Rourke
DRUG RAID AT YARRA GLEN
● Part of the Police operation.
■ Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad seized drugs, chemicals and a number of high-end stolen goods following the execution of a series of warrants across Victoria. Warrants were executed at residential, commercial and rural properties in Yarra Glen, Brighton East and Cheltenham as part of an investigation into the large-scale manufacture of methylamphetamine at short term rental properties. A 36-year-old Brighton East man, a 38-yearold Clyde man and a 35-year-old Brighton East woman were arrested. All three were interviewed by Police. Police located a large clandestine laboratory at the Yarra Glen property with commercial quantities of unknown liquids, believed to be liquid methylamphetamine and precursor chemicals. A quantity of methylamphetamine was also seized directly from two of the people arrested. ● Turn To Page 2
Local News Women leaders
■ Nominations are now open for the 2022 Young Women Leaders of Nillumbik Awards. These awards recognise and celebrate the contribution of young women in Nillumbik to their communities. Awards are presented across six categories: ■ Nillumbik Young Woman of the Year – Young women making a difference and leading change in Nillumbik ■ Young Creative Leader – Young women using creative arts to represent, motivate and inspire community ■ Young Sports Leader – Young women who lead and inspire others to participate in sport and physical activity ■ Young Gender Equity Leader – Young women championing gender equity, wellbeing and freedom from violence for every woman and girl ■ Young Environment Leader – Young women protecting and enhancing the environment ■ Young Business Leader – Young women leading the way in local business. The awards will be presented at Nillumbik’s International Women’s Day event in March. Nominate a young woman leader now at nillumbik.smartygrants.com.au/ YWLA2022 Nominations close on Friday, December 17. - Natalie Town
Toilets closed
■ Murrindindi Shire Council has had to close the public toilets in Castella Central Park as the pumps and tanks have been stolen. The Council is unsure how long it will be until they can reopen the toilets, but they have committed to keep the community updated. The closest alternative public toilets are located in Kinglake and Yea. If you have any information about this theft, please call Victoria Police. - Murrindindi Shire Council
Names wanted
■ Thornton Eildon District Football and Netball Club is finalising some honour boards. The Club would some some more information on netball between 1990-2018. The Club has etails but is still missing a significant portion of the names. Those withg information on the Coach Grade and Best and Fairest, along with year are asked to contact the club. - Thornton Eildon District Football and Netball Club
Op Shop worry
■ Kinglake Ranges OpportunityShop has a recurring problem with ‘donations’ dumped outside its shop out of hours. “We love your donations, as what we sell goes back into supporting the community through programs and food relief for the Kinglake Ranges community,” said a Shop representative. “However, donating under the cover of darkness and leaving when the shop isn't open for volunteers to manage, isn't fair. “There are signs all over the front of the shop stating how and when donations can be left. Our capacity during COVID lockdowns is limited and this is making the work of our volunteers difficult and tiresome.” - Kinglake Ranges Op Shop
Page 2 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Local Briefs Fast track time
■ A number of projects will be fast-tracked to apply for funding from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. Mitchell Shire Councillors endorsed the following projects to be their priorities for submissions to the Fund: ■ Chittick Park Accessible Playspace, Seymour ■ Ryans Creek Activation Stage Two, Kilmore ■ Wallan Central Cycle and Nature Trail, Wallan ■ Greenhill Reserve Playspace, Wallan The Growing Suburbs fund is a superb opportunity for Mitchell Council to gain extra funding for special projects in the community. Councillors thanked the State Government for their support. Councillors said these were worthy projects and our staff had done a good job in the past securing these funding opportunities and were confident Mitchell Shire would be lucky again with some of these projects. Councillors said open space was important for connecting people particularly in the community’s recovery from COVID-19. - Mitchell Shire Council
Get Active Kids
■ Round 3 of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open and closes November 30. The Program helps eligible families get their children involved in organised sport and active recreation activities by reimbursing the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms, and equipment. Eligible children may be able to receive up to $200 each. To be eligible, children must be Victorian residents, up to 18 years old and named on a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, as well as a Medicare Card. For the first time kids under four will be eligible, providing an opportunity to enrol toddlers in a range of activities including lifesaving learn to swim classes. Recipients in previous rounds are also eligible meaning young Victorians can continue playing sports like basketball throughout the year or switch seasonal sports from football to cricket. Special consideration also applies for children named on their own valid Health Care Card or residing in Care Services. Additionally, temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants and international students may also be eligible to apply. - Megan Smithwick ● From Page One
Y. Glen drug raid
■ Police also seized cash, false identification, and a number of high-end stolen goods, including two allegedly stolen BMWs, drones, racing bikes and industrial equipment. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au “Today’s result is incredibly satisfying – drugs are a significant driver of crime and community harm across the state and are a strong focus for Victoria Police,” said Detective Inspector Gerry McKenna, Officer in Charge of the Clandestine Laboratory Squad. “Illicit drug labs pose significant health and safety risks to the community and many of the chemicals involved in drug manufacture are highly volatile, explosive or carcinogenic in nature. “Residual contamination resulting from the manufacture of these illicit substances presents a serious risk to human and environmental health. “Sadly, this is another example of drug syndicates taking advantage of short term rental properties as a location to manufacture drugs. “The cost to the legitimate owners of this property is likely to be immense, and there may be damage to the address that is not recoverable,” said Det. Insp. McKenna. - Victoria Police
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Local People: 2
Govt. silences voices: MP ■ The Andrews Labor Government is refusing to hear the voices of people who oppose its decision making by continuing to limit the sitting of the Victorian Parliament, says Euroa MLA Steph Ryan. Speaking in Parliament yesterday (Tue.), Ms Ryan said the government had truncated the hours of the Parliament and had stopped members from raising local issues in person. “Labor MPs are stifling the Parliament in an effort to prevent the Opposition from holding the government accountable to its draconian decision-making,” Ms Ryan said. “Democracy in this state continues to be sacrified by Labor MPs who are so drunk on power, they are silencing the voices of anyone who questions them. “No one is pretending that management of this pandemic is easy and that it does not present challenges, but there is no more important job than ensuring that the Parliament, which sits at the heart of scrutiny, transparency and accountability of this government, continues to operate. “Labor MPs continue to hide behind health advice from a department that answers to Labor Ministers. “Members have few opportunities to raise
● Steph Ryan, Euroa MLA
the questions put forward to us by our constituents for government ministers to answer in person in the chamber. “The Nationals have proposed measures like rapid testing in order to return to normal sittings and in order to give voice to the very real concerns affecting our constituents. “But Labor MPs continue to reject those measures because fundamentally, they want to stifle the Parliament and it does not want the Parliament to sit in the way that it usually would.” Ms Ryan said she continued to be contacted by residents from Mitchell Shire wanting to have their voices heard as they continue to bear the brunt of harsh lockdown restrictions. “Mitchell Shire residents are frustrated that the government continues to lock them down, despite there being no tier 1 exposure sites within the shire,” Ms Ryan said. “They want to know why other shires with multiple tier 1 exposure sites can continue to operate while they continue to be locked down. “Residents have asked me to share their stories about how lockdowns are impacting their lives – how they are facing financial ruin and how their kids are impacted by their inability to go to school.” - Steph Ryan
Backyard sleuths in W’sea
■ The City of Whittlesea is calling on residents to help find native, rare and significant plants and animals as part of a community biodiversity study that will help create a better understanding of the land. In conjunction with work being undertaken by Whittlesea Council staff and expert ecologists, any sightings of native plants and animals by residents out for their daily exercise, will be recorded to develop a comprehensive database of the native species that call the municipality home. Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said this study will help us understand what species make up our local landscape and how we can best care for them. The last survey of this kind was conducted over 24 years ago, and much has changed in that time. “The City of Whittlesea has a unique landscape with many significant flora and fauna species in the area,” Ms Wilson said. “One of the key things we are looking for in this study are sightings of any rare or threatened species that have not been spotted in our municipality in recent times. These include animals such as the platypus, bird species such as the Freckled Duck or Barking Owl and reptiles like the Tree Goanna.
“However, plant species are just as important, so we are also looking for species such as the Creeping Grevillea or any species of orchid.” Ms Wilson said that there is still a lot to learn about the local species and our community can play an important part in helping us fill in the knowledge gaps. To view a gallery of some of the rare or threatened species the Council is looking for, or to submit your sightings of any native species you would like identified, visit engage.whittlesea. vic.gov.au. You can submit photographs, videos, audio recordings or descriptions and can mark the location of your findings on a map until November 12. - Whittlesea City Council
House can help
● Lydia Wilson
■ The Whittlesea Community House is still operating and able to help. The house may be physically closed, but help is still available remotely Monday – Thursdays 10am – 3pm.You can contact the Community House by phone: 9716 3361. - Megan Smithwick
Positive change in Ranges
■ Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Changemakers Program has come to a close, providing 16 community members an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and networks to go back and create positive change in their local communities. The program had to adapt to the changing environment around COVID-19 restrictions and as such, was held exclusively online. Despite this setback, the program still featured some major highlights, including a chat with Uncle Dave Wandin about his leadership journey, a session with Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Fiona McAllister and the opportunity for participants to gain practice in public speaking by presenting their learnings and plans for community change to the rest of the group. The program was delivered by Liminal by Design in partnership with Tangent Consulting and Hatrick and Co, and as one of the facilitators Margaret points out, the resilience and willingness to learn shown by the participants ensured the program’s success. “Many participants were severely impacted by storms and were without electricity for a substantial period, while also navigating through numerous lockdowns and remote learning,” she
● Cr Fiona McAllister
said. “The generosity, support and connection within the group, albeit entirely on Zoom, was really evident. “As the course progressed, we noticed a sense of trust being built as well as a significant increase in the confidence of each participant, and an increase in community connection and support for one another. “Throughout the course, participants were guided by the question, ‘What is the change you want to see?’ As facilitators we are now incredibly excited to see the participants ideas and changes come to life across areas such as environment, arts and culture, mental health and diversity.” Participants from the program reflected on what they learned below: Andrea – “Being guided by people who have worked with community groups for decades, and who are passionate about sharing their experiences and knowledge was such a privilege. “It was such a privilege to meet with people like Uncle Dave Wandin and to hear about what he has learned about being a leader in the community, including the responsibilities, privileges and challenges.” - Yarra Ranges Shire Council
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The Local Paper - Wednesday, October 6, 2021 - Page 3
Local People: 3
Secretary search for Ruffy
■ Anew-look Ruffy CommunityAction Group has one remaining position to fill – secretary. New chair Courtney Hamill said the group’s first mission would be the development of the 2022-2026 community plan. With Bernard Hamill also new to the committee as vice-chair – and currently also as acting secretary – the committee hopes to see another community member nominate for the secretary role soon. Other new committee members are Ann Laherty-Hunt (treasurer) and Daryl Otzen (website manager). “Vice-chairperson and treasurer were filled at the first AGM and I nominated at the second AGM,” Mrs Hamill said. “I’ve been doing the Fairley Leadership program and saw a need for a chairperson after the action group’s first AGM.” RCAG was formed in 2009 to support, coordinate and supplement the activities of various existing community groups in the Ruffy area. Former chair Rob Jamieson said the community action group had achieved 29 community projects totalling $20,439 between 2018 and 2020. However, the onset of COVID-19 had so far paused new projects in 2021.
● Courtney Hamill
Projects within the township included varied works and new equipment at Ruffy CFA, Ruffy Hall, and Tablelands Community Centre; first aid training; and social connection through a community luncheon. Mr Jamieson said the major achievement was the linking of many of the projects to upgrade village infrastructure and elevate community preparedness to manage a fire emergency or critical incidents. “Advocacy for the community was the highest priority for RCAG,” Mr Jamieson said. “The community thanks committee members, Felicity Sloman, Heather McCall, Ann Laherty Hunt, Jacqui Hagan and Darryl Otzen for their contribution to the success of RCAG during this period.” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn thanked the retiring committee for its hard work and encouraged the Ruffy community to continue supporting future RCAG initiatives. “Ruffy Community Action Group is a vital asset in helping to strengthen its community, and Council thanks all volunteers who have played a role,” Cr Raeburn said. - Ruffy Community Action Group
● Craig Lloyd, Whittlesea CEO
tal to help engage with the community more often on the things that matter to them. Other highlights of the Annual Report 202021 include: ■ The introduction of an opt-in food and garden organics waste recycling service, resulting in a 16 per cent increase in the diversion of food and garden waste from landfill. ■ The implementation of a new online planning portal, allowing people to manage their planning applications from start to finish in the one location, as well as receive real-time application status updates, making it a quicker and easier process. ■ Continued work on the $4.5 million McLeans Rd Kindergarten, which will open in January 2022, ready for the start of the new kindergarten year. - Whittlesea City Council
Council releases Report
■ Delivering the completed Mill Park Leisure, an All Abilities play space and extensive support for COVID recovery for community and local business are some of the highlights of the City of Whittlesea’s Annual Report 2020-21. In what was the first full year for the Council under the leadership of Administrators, and with a new CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the City of Whittlesea says it worked closely with the community to provide much needed COVID-19 support to businesses and residents, while also continuing to deliver essential services and major infrastructure projects. Chair Administrator, Lydia Wilson, said that while the pandemic had a significant impact on the community, the City of Whittlesea has been able to adapt and deliver important services. “Throughout the challenges of the last year, I am immensely proud of the resilience our community has shown,” Ms Wilson said. “Our residents, service providers, local business and the staff at the City of Whittlesea have all responded and adapted to support and provide for one another during these uncertain times, and I feel privileged to be representing this community,” Ms Wilson said. The Council’s $2 million COVID-19 recovery program includes $400,000 to community organisations for emergency relief and $400,000 for a “support local” campaign and incentive program to help local business. “Community representatives have helped us shape the initiatives in this program, and I thank them for the suggestions and input,” Ms Wilson said. “Over this past year, we have also delivered more than $54 million of projects as part of our new works program and completed a number of important infrastructure projects.” The state-of-the art facilities at the $25 million redevelopment of Mill Park Leisure opened in April and the All Abilities Play Space was completed in February. “We have continued to develop strong strategic partnerships and advocate to all levels of government about the issues that matter to our community, including funding for community infrastructure, roads to reduce congestion and mental health and family violence support services,” Ms Wilson said. Whittlesea Council says it has successfully advocated for and received an Orange Door Access point, a key family violence support service, and a headspace satellite service for youth mental health at the Baseline for Young People facility. Ms Wilson said the Council had also kept its focus on customer service, working to make it easier for the community to interact with Council and built a dedicated online engagement por-
COVID: W’sea man dies
■ A man in his 80s from Whittlesea has died after contracting Coronavirus, health authorities announced yesterday (Tue.). Other deaths included: ■ a woman in her 60s from Banyule ■ a man in his 60s from Whitehorse ■ a woman in her 70s from Hume. Victoria was notified of 1763 new cases of COVID-19. All were locally acquired. There are 14,368 active cases in Victoria – all locally acquired. There are 517 COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. 101 of those cases are in intensive care, with 66 cases on a ventilator. There were 15 new cases in Mitchell Shire, and one in Murrindindi. It is probable that ongoing transmissions from cases generated via the superspreading events related to Grand Final gatherings have likely contributed to the notable increase in today’s case numbers. Cases in LGAs in the north are continuing to stabilise (Hume, Moreland). Local Government Areas in metropolitan Melbourne recorded more than one newly diagnosed case included: ■ 29 cases in Banyule ■ 309 cases in Hume ■ 25 cases in Manningham ■ 14 cases in Maroondah ■ 90 cases in Moreland ■ 7 cases in Nillumbik ■ 180 cases in Whittlesea ■ 14 cases in Yarra Ranges - Department of Health and local health professionals
Local Briefs Peak grass growth
■ With spring comes longer days with increased sunshine, and people head outside to enjoy the great outdoors. The increased warmth, sunshine and spring rains also brings peak grass growth. Grass grows 3 to 6 times faster in spring than any other time of the year, and our open spaces will often have taller grass in between programmed mowing. Mitchell Council’s Parks and Gardens team will get to each area as soon as possible, said a Council representative. Council’s Parks and Gardens team manages the maintenance of the shire’s town based open spaces including parks, town entrances and Council facilities. This also excludes roadside slashing and spraying, which is managed by Local Laws for Municipal Fire Prevention. “Please be understanding during this challenging grass maintenance time, as the Parks Team do the best they can to keep up,” said the Council representative. If you have any concerns about grass maintenance, please use the Report It tool or phone 5734 6200. - Mitchell Shire Council
Bring Maccas back
■ Macquarie perch populations across Victoria’s north east will benefit from a Commonwealth Government grant from Landcare to help recover the iconic species through breeding and habitat improvements. Already endangered, the Macquarie perch has been heavily impacted by bushfires which have caused the loss of habitat and increased sediment in waterways. Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the $181,500 grant would be used for a range of recovery measures across the Buffalo and King rivers and Cudgewa Creek “The funding is great news for ‘Maccas’ and will enable our staff at the Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon, to spend more dedicated time devoted solely to breeding these fish and helping improve breeding success and the overall number of fingerlings stocked,” Mr Dowling said. “A short helicopter trip rather than a fivehour truck journey will now be used for transport of broodfish from where they’re collected direct to the hatchery, significantly reducing transport time and stress, and hopefully improve spawning success. “A focus on feeding them live food will further assist broodfish health making for better quality eggs and more of them. Instream fish habitat will be installed at two sites, including boulder seeding and hardwood timber structures, while fencing and revegetation work will improve streamside health. “Community planting weekends along riverbanks are planned with recreational fishers, local Landcare groups, the North Central Catchment ManagementAuthority and the public.” The VFA has a range of partners involved in the recovery plan for Macquarie perch including the Women in Recreational Fishing Network, Corryong Angling Club, VRFish, Futurefish Foundation, Ovens Landcare Network, Upper Murray Landcare Network, North East Catchment ManagementAuthority and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. This Landcare-led Bushfire Recovery Grants Program has been supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat. For more information about Victoria’s collective effort to bring back the Maccas visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ recoveringmaccas - Victorian Fisheries Authority
Watchdog watch
● Daniel Andrews, Premier
■ The Federal Government’s response to the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian has shown it does not believe in a robust watchdog for parliamentarians, Indi MHR Helen Haines says. - Helen Haines
Page 4 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Local Briefs Stalk arrest
■ Manningham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a man after a woman was stalked by a man while out exercising in Donvale on Saturday, September 25. A 52-year-old Donvale man was arrested on Friday (Oct. 1). The man was identified following a public appeal for information and investigators would like to thank the community for their assistance. The man has been released and is expected to be charged on summons. - Victoria Police
Stronger economy
■ Enabling local employment, educational opportunities and successful and innovative local businesses are the goals of a new strategy being developed to strengthen the City of Whittlesea’s local economy. Strong Local Economy is one of the Whittlesea 2040 goals and the Council is developing a strategy to better guide its path towards achieving the goal. Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the Council would be formalising strategies for each of the Whittlesea 2040 goals – Strong Local Economy, Connected Communities, Liveable Neighbourhoods and Sustainable Environment. “It’s important that we clearly set out how we are going to achieve these goals to enable Council to plan and effectively resource our community’s priorities,” Ms Wilson said. “The City of Whittlesea has experienced strong economic growth over the past decade, however the past 18 months have been challenging with COVID severely impacting local business and our community.” “Now is the time to put steps in place to guide us moving forward in the COVID recovery phase and beyond.” The strategy will be based on the key pillars of local employment, education opportunities and successful, innovative local businesses. The strategy will set out how the Council will support the creation of local jobs that match the skills of residents, the provision of education and training opportunities for all stages of life and foster a supportive environment that helps businesses to be successful. Ms Wilson said it was important that the community and local businesses helped shape the strategy. “Our community has told us a lot in recent times about what was important to them. We’ve used this to shape our Community Plan 2021-25 but we’ll also use this feedback to inform the Strong Local Economy Strategy,” she said. Whittlesea Council has developed a discussion paper as the first step towards developing the strategy. “We are now seeking community and business feedback on the discussion paper,” she said. “We want to partner not only develop this strategy but to help us drive this vision of the City of Whittlesea’s Strong Local Economy,” Ms Wilson said. You can have your say on the Strong Local Economy Discussion Paper until the end of October. Visit engage.whittlesea. vic.gov.au for more details on how you can be involved. - Whittlesea City Council
Ridd Ct re-named
■ The process of changing Ridd Court to Ridd Drive in Seymour will begin with Mitchell Council agreeing to the renaming. Councillors said it was only common sense that Council comply with State legislation on street naming. The change would also make it easier for emergency vehicles to locate properties. - Mitchell Shire Council ● You can have The Local Paper emailed you inbox, free. Go to the ‘subscribe’ section at www.Local Paper.com.au
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26-hour wait at Northern
■ There should be an immediate investment by the Andrews Labor Government at the Northern Hospital in Epping, says Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell. This follows an experience by one of her constituents. Speaking during the adjournment debate in State Parliament this week, Ms Lovell retold the visit of Christine, who was left waiting in the emergency department of Northern Health for nearly 26 hours. This was while she waited for a CT scan and ultimately a hospital bed, all the while exposed to both COVID positive and possible COVID positive patients nearby. Ms Lovell said the ambulances at the Northern Hospital were experiencing a four-hour wait with their patients on the night Christine arrived. Her experience was proof that Victoria’s hospital system was broken, with staff overworked and an acute shortage of hospital beds. She said that to add insult to injury, two days after she was released, Christine was informed that the emergency department of the hospital had been identified as a Tier 1 exposure site and ordered to get tested and quarantine for 14 days.
EPPING HOSPITAL OVERWHELMED
● Wendy Lovell MLC
Ms Lovell called on Health Minister Martin Foley to order an assessment of the capacity of Northern Health to cope with the additional demand it is experiencing due to COVID-19, and provide the funding, staff and infrastructure needed to ensure the health needs and safety of all patients are met. “Labor have been in government, and in charge of Victoria’s health system for 18 of the past 22 years and have no-one else to blame for the broken state of Victoria’s health system. “Christine’s shocking experience at the Northern Hospital is proof of how bad it really is for our healthcare professional and the patients they look after. “Minister Foley needs to act immediately and provide the Northern Hospital with the resources they need to deliver the first-class health care Victorians deserve,” Ms Lovell said. - Jason Kelly
Green light for Eltham plan
■ Nillumbik’s $5 million Eltham Urban Congestion Fund project has been given the green light, with works set to start in March. The project, which was endorsed by the Council last week, has undergone a number of modifications and improvements to address issues identified during community consultation in which almost 900 contributions were received. Funded through the Federal Government’s Urban Congestion Fund, the project includes a range of traffic and transport initiatives to make the Eltham Activity Centre more pedestrian friendly and connected, while reducing congestion in the area. Key outcomes from last week’s meeting include: ■ Abandoning plans for a 24/7 40kmh Main Rd speed limit ■ Introducing a 40kmh speed limit on local roads Bible St (Cecil to Taylor Sts), Cecil St, Pryor St, Arthur St (to Bible St), Taylor St , Commercial Place and Panther Place ■ Adopting the underground powerline option for the new Main Rd shared-use path ■ Abandoning the proposal to make Cecil St entry only from Main Rd
● Artist's impression of the shared-use trail at Main Rd, Eltham. ■ Retaining the tree in the median strip of Main Rd as well as the median break arrangement for the bus terminal signals ■ Retaining the roundabout at the intersection of Bible and Arthur Sts and installing zebra crossings ■ Abandoning plans for a raised platform intersection at Bible and Cecil Sts ■ Adopting plans for car parking on the western side of Bible St only In addition, Nillumbik Council will initiate discussions with St Vincent’s Health and VicTrack regarding a longer-term option for the “missing link” of the Diamond Creek Trail. Mayor Cr Peter Perkins commended the community consultation for the project. “This has been a great process with 229 individual submitters with a total of almost 900 contributions. We received lots of feedback and many amendments have been made to the plan as a result of that consultation,” Cr Perkins said. Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine thanked the community for its feedback. - Natalie Town
Lights ready at Yea Rec.
● High-powered night lines are ready to be installed at the Yea Rec. Photo: Yea Football Netball Club
● Broadford is to host the Australia Day Community Awards and Citizenship Ceremony for Mitchell Shire. The Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell will host the annual event. Mitchell Councillors said they were pleased the Club has put their hands up to do the Australia Day celebrations . - Mitchell Shire Council