NEWS DESK VEC backs ward boundary changes
On track: A planned burn along the Bunurong Track was aimed at giving Arthurs Seat protection from bushfires. Pictures: Yanni
Burning the Seat for future protection A PLANNED burn on the slopes of Arthurs Seat two Sundays ago was designed to lessen the intensity of any future bushfire in the area. “The major benefit of the operation is that should a bushfire occur in the area in the future; it will be less intense, making it more likely that firefighters can contain it before it impacts on people, property and the environment surrounding Arthurs Seat,� forest fire management, metropolitan district manager, Dan White,
said. “That’s because the burn has reduced a lot of the fuel that a bushfire relies on to sustain itself. It also complements the other fuel reduction work we’ve done at Arthurs Seat like clearing fuel breaks, mowing and slashing.� The burn along the Bunurong Track on Sunday 3 April was conducted by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria. “Along with local knowledge and
science, we use a computer modelling program developed with Melbourne University called Phoenix Rapidfire, to target priority areas across the state in our burning program,� Mr White said. “Phoenix modelling demonstrates that this priority burn reduces the potential for fire to move up into Arthurs Seat State Park and spread further in to Main Ridge and Red Hill.� Mr White said smoke from the burn
was highly visible and Arthurs Seat Rd had been closed for 48 hours, possibly causing inconvenience, “particularly for tourism operators and local businesses, so we thank them in particular for their cooperation�. “It was a complex burn to plan and deliver and has been in the planning phase for three years to ensure it was conducted safety,� he said. Information about planned burn times and locations are at www.vic. gov.au/plannedburn.
THE Victorian Electoral Commission says changing the boundaries of Cerberus, Nepean, Red Hill and Seawinds wards will “ensure equitable representation for voters�. The final report on the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council subdivision review was released Friday. “The recommended adjustments will help uphold the principle of ‘one vote, one value’ for the upcoming local council elections,� electoral commissioner Warwick Gately said. If the changes are adopted, Red Hill ward’s sole councillor will represent more than half of the municipality. The VEC researched key features of the shire and “carefully considered public submissions� in making its recommendation, he said. The number of voters represented by each councillor must fall within 10 per cent of the municipal average. The report has been forwarded to the Local Government minister Natalie Hutchins for consideration. If accepted, the new boundaries will take effect at the local council elections in October. See the report at vec.vic.gov.au or by calling 131 832. Copies are available at council offices.
Mothers meet PENINSULA Group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association will hold a talk “Too much or too little – managing your supply�, 10am, Tuesday 12 April, Bentons Square Community Centre, Bentons Rd, Mornington. New members welcome. Details: 0407 327 737.
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK Southern Peninsula News 12 April 2016
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