News
Page 6 The Moorabool News – 7 June, 2022
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Initiative continues to grow Tsk tsk, driving whilst on the phone By Lachlan Ellis A man has been found guilty for two separate offences on the same day, after being busted last year driving without an interlock, while also using his mobile phone. Jamie Laurens-Hoyne appeared at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on Friday 20 May, with the police prosecutor telling Magistrate Hugh Radford the accused had admitted committing the offences. “On Saturday the 27th of February 2021 at 1:53 pm, police were patrolling Parwan Road in Bacchus Marsh. They observed a white Mitsubishi approaching a roundabout travelling northbound. The driver was holding a mobile phone in both hands held up to the steering wheel. Police spoke to the accused, his licence had an interlock condition starting 21 Feb 2017 with an indefinite end date. The accused was within the condition period at the time,” Leading Senior Constable Clare Kane said. “He admitted knowledge of the interlock condition and using his phone … he said his wife was on WorkCover and couldn’t drive, and he was on the way to pick up a car with the interlock condition.” Mr Laurens-Hoyne entered a plea of guilty and agreed with the summary, explaining that his wife “is a paramedic and broke her ankle, so I was in her car”. He asked the Magistrate to deal with the matter under Section 76 – that is, to use his discretion to prove and dismiss the charge without further penalty. Magistrate Radford denied that request, instead issuing Mr Laurens-Hoyne with a $600 fine without conviction.
One of Moorabool’s most beautiful features are its plentiful trees, and this year Council is continuing to help nature thrive in Moorabool but a group of volunteer planters are hoping for better collaboration. Council commits $100,000 towards planting, managing, and maintaining more than 18,000 trees across Moorabool every year. Starting this month, Council’s tree planting initiative will focus on Brady’s Lane in Greendale, Jonathan Drive in Darley, replacing vandalised trees in Bungaree, and continuing the nature strip tree replacement program. Council’s ongoing planting initiation, alongside community support and planting days, are seeing the number and variety of trees continue to increase. Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said it was a joy to be surrounded by picturesque nature living in Moorabool, including the wide variety of trees. “Our trees are one of Moorabool’s greatest assets,” Cr Sullivan said. “They are loved by everyone in all their different sizes, colours, shapes, and varieties. We are grateful to Council for their commitment to planting more trees each year and for caring for our existing trees. The trees bring joy to us all.” Council’s Park & Gardens team carefully select the appropriate species of tree for each location, considering a range of criteria including climate, soil conditions, and the look, feel, and health of trees. Ben Davison is Chair of the Ballan
Some of the recent colourful autumn leaf plantings in Mt Egerton. Photo - MSC Arboretum Group, and said while there had been issues organising collaborative work between the Arboretum Group and Council, the group is always happy to see more trees planted. “We always welcome more tree planting and encourage Council to consult with the community about which trees to plant, and how best to encourage more tree coverage – particularly around the populated parts of the Shire,” Mr Davison told the Moorabool News. “We were fortunate enough to have some funding from another community organisation from some years ago...when we went to Caledonian Park we realised the gazebo area was overgrown, there were a lot of invasive species, and
there wasn’t very good tree cover, so we undertook works to beautify the area and put in some retreats. “We engaged with Council, and it became clear they didn’t have the gazebo listed on their maps, and they had basically I guess drawn a line in Caledonian Park that was a bit short, in terms of where it ended. I’ve never had any contact from the Council on planting, I’ve had more from the Moorabool News,” he said. In response to questions about collaboration with the Arboretum Group, Council CEO Derek Madden said, “Council has historically engaged and worked with the Ballan Arboretum Group and welcomes ongoing discussion in relation to tree plantings in line with our strategy and budget parameters”.
Ask the Experts:
Motor Vehicle Accidents How do I make a TAC claim? Prior to claiming any benefits from the TAC, you must report the accident to the police (if it hasn't already been reported) and lodge an initial claim with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). You can lodge the claim on the TAC's website or by calling 1300 654 329. If you need help lodging a claim, our team at Grainger Legal can assist.
Laura Paterson, Senior Associate and Injury Lawyer, Grainger Legal
Who pays my legal fees when I have been injured in a transport accident? If you are successful in obtaining lump sum compensation from the TAC, then it will pay a portion of your legal fees. Sometimes a shortfall is payable by you. Grainger Legal can offer to act for you on a 'No Win No Fee' basis and will provide full disclosure and an estimate of any possible out of pocket costs at your initial appointment. Joanne Santos, Founder and Business Manager, Grainger Legal
What does the TAC pay for after a motor vehicle accident? If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a car, bus, motorcycle, tram or train, the TAC can pay for medical treatment, services to help you while you recover, income support, and lump sum payments for permanent injuries. It does not cover damage to vehicles or non-medical personal items.
Caroline Grainger, Principal and Injury Lawyer, Grainger Legal
How do I challenge a TAC determination about my benefits? You can challenge decisions about your medical expenses or loss of earnings benefit easily with the help of a lawyer via the TAC Protocol process, which aims to resolve disputes outside of court, or via an Application at VCAT. Beware that there are time limits about appealing these types of decision so you should obtain advice about them as soon as possible.
Georgia Walker, Injury Lawyer, Grainger Legal
*This is general advice only. Contact our office and speak with a lawyer to obtain specific advice for your personal circumstances.
Ph: 5303 0250 | 105 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh | www.graingerlegal.com.au