OCTOBER 10, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Nature strip fine pain By Alesha Capone Wyndham council has issued more than $1 million in fines to vehicles parked on nature strips in a two-year period. City operations director Stephen Thorpe said that between September 27, 2017 and September 27 this year, the council issued 8100 infringement notices to people parked on nature strips across residential, industrial and commercial areas in Wyndham. The fines amounted to $772,756 in total. Mr Thorpe said that from September 27, 2016, to September 27, 2017, the council issued 3643 infringements notices totalling $341,631 to people parked on nature strips.
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Tally-ho for riding school There will be many tears shed when the Taleeho Riding School in Wyndham Vale closes. The popular riding school will shut down at the weekend after a developer bought the land where it is based. Sue Cradock and her daughter established the school nine years ago, renting fields and an old farmhouse located near Ballan Road. Mrs Cradock said she had decided to shut up shop for good because of the development occurring in Wyndham. She said that even if she opened up elsewhere, the land would most likely end up being sold for development. “There is no land for me, so I had to sell all the horses off,” she said. “I’m glad they’ve all got good new homes. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye.” Mrs Cradock said she loved watching children learn to ride and develop their equestrian talents. She said many of the young students based at the school had been “shattered” by the news of its closure, and that some would have to travel to Melton or Lara to continue their riding lessons. Several horse owners who agist their mounts at the property are also looking for new homes for their animals, including one girl who owns eight horses. Mrs Cradock said she wanted to thank the “good people” who had helped her at the riding school during the past nine years. Taleeho will host a clearance sale on Saturday, October 27, to sell its equipment. See facebook.com/Horses for details.
Cars … can create safety issues if motorists can’t see past them
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- Stephen Thorpe “Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Truganina were the suburbs where the majority of infringements were issued,” Mr Thorpe said. Within Victoria, parking on a nature strip – or partially on a nature strip – is not permitted under municipal local laws unless there are signs giving permission to do so. If residents wish to construct a parking bay on their nature strip, they must apply to their council for a permit. “There are a number of reasons as to why people should not park on nature strips, whether it be in residential, commercial or industrial areas,” Mr Thorpe said. “Cars parked near intersections or driveways can create safety issues if motorists can’t see past them. “Vehicles can also damage underground services – such as water, gas, electrical and stormwater services – as well as the casing in which these services are contained. “They also destroy grass and vegetation, cause ruts and carry mud and debris on to roads.” Mr Thorpe said the fines were revenue for the council. “Where fines are unpaid, they are referred to the state government through Fines Victoria, or are referred to court,” he said.
Laila,8, is a regular rider at the school. (Damjan Janevski)
Alesha Capone