Rochfords Vineyard

Planning Application YR-2012/621 – 878-880 Maroondah Highway (Lot 7

LP127612), Coldstream – Buildings and Works for the Construction of a

Marquee Structure and Pergola to the Existing Restaurant Building,

SUMMARY

 The proposal seeks approval to undertake buildings and works for the

construction of a marquee structure and pergola to the existing restaurant

building.

 The subject site is located within a Special Use Zone (Schedule 2 - Major

Tourist Facility) and is adjacent to a Road Zone Category 1. It is not affected

by any overlays.

 The proposed pergola would be attached to the restaurant and provide all

weather protection for patrons using the restaurant. The marquee is a

detached structure and would provide all weather protection for the provision

of concerts only. This is to replace temporary structures currently erected in

the car park area during concert events. Realignment of the internal access is

required to accommodate the marquee structure.

 Notice of the proposal was given by mail to surrounding property owners and

affected persons specifically listed under the Special Use Zone (SUZ2) for the

site as a Major Tourist Facility. Notice was also given by way of signs on the

subject site. No objections have been received.

 The application has been called in by the Ward Councillor for determination by

Council.

 It is recommended that the application be approved and a permit issued

subject to conditions, including a restriction that the detached marquee

structure be used for concerts only.

Read it here

HAVE YOUR SAY: Furious five's council quest comments - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

READ WHAT THE VOTERS ARE SAYING

HAVE YOUR SAY: Furious five's council quest comments - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Councillor pulls out of Yarra Ranges election race - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Councillor pulls out of Yarra Ranges election race - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Fire services levy: what does it mean? - ABC Gippsland Vic - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Fire services levy: what does it mean? - ABC Gippsland Vic - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Jeanette McRae - Pulls out of the Election

I have devoted the past seven years to serving my community and the broader municipality as the Ryrie Ward Councillor. I believe that there comes a time when it is necessary to refresh not only oneself, but to allow the opportunity for others to represent their community. For me that time is now and I will not be restanding as a candidate in the October 2012 elections. I have valued the opportunity to have provided strategic input into the direction for the Shire of Yarra Ranges; to make a difference; to have forged some strong friendships; and to have tested my levels of resilience in rising to the challenges and opportunities that have occurred. I am grateful to have been part of a great team and would like to acknowledge my colleagues who have all contributed to the wellbeing of our municipality and to whom I wish well. I would also like to acknowledge our officers who are dedicated, knowledgeable and who also are mainly local residents. Community members – I hope that I have served you well as your community representative – thank you for entrusting me with this role. I have learnt a lot. Finally and most importantly, I would like to thank my family – your support has been immeasurable. We live in a place of great beauty and it is critical that we care enough to protect and nurture this through our actions.

TAKEN FROM FACEBOOK

Less red tape, more local open space for communities - Premier of Victoria

Less red tape, more local open space for communities - Premier of Victoria

Less red tape, more local open space for communities

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

From the Minister for Planning

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy will introduce new legislation into State Parliament this week that will further cut planning system red tape and importantly, will increase local Councils' ability to provide greater amounts of public open space.

Amendments to the Planning and Environment Act will also scrap the former Labor Government's divisive Development Assessment Committees which ripped planning powers away from communities in their most important areas.

"The Coalition Government is reforming and contemporising the planning system after a decade of destruction by the previous Labor government," Mr Guy said.

"The abolition of the Development Assessment Committees gives councils real certainty that the Coalition Government will not follow Labor's path of appointing committees to override community wishes in setting planning policy.

"The Coalition Government will introduce a new body of Planning Application Committees which will strengthen the role of Councils in the planning system by acting as a voluntary opt-in body to which Councils may delegate applications, or from which they may seek advice, thus giving a greater level of support to local government.

"The new voluntary opt-in Planning Application Committees will provide a similar level of support in decision making as a Planning Panel, should the Council wish to seek further advice," Mr Guy said.

The Coalition Government will also legislate to strengthen public open space requirements and allow Councils to obtain levels of public open space greater than the 5 per cent minimum, as specified in the Subdivision Act.

"Giving legislative support to achieving greater open space is a key component of the Coalition Government's drive to increase Melbourne's liveability. Melbourne cannot remain the most liveable city in the world unless we do all we can to secure more public open space," Mr Guy said.

Other elements of the reform to the Planning and Environment Act include:

• clarifying which statutory authorities will keep powers of veto over local planning decisions, with some authorities such as CMA's to lose this authority;
• streamlining the planning scheme amendment authorisation process so that all decisions are made within ten working days, or deemed authorised; and
• allowing Councils to vary a permit issued by VCAT if changes are required, rather than applicants having to go back into the VCAT queue.

Great Idea from a reader

The next reform I'd like to see is for the State government to ignore the selfish greenies outside and inside their party and allow and mandate the break up of the 40 Ha land parcels to 1 Ha at least, so that the young would-be eco farmers who cant afford or want 40 Ha farms can turn the expensive green grasses into productive vegie plots using intensive permaculture and other ecologically sustainable methods to feed the hungry and growing population in Melbourne. The Yarra Ranges illfounded attempts and unofficial policy to force down prices of GWZ land during 2009 was counter productive which would have compromised the mortgage agreements and as a consequence all the businesses would have faced an extra banking squeeze, proving the State Government should not leave it to the councils & their planners to decide or have the option to allow subdivisions or not. With so many farmers getting to retirement age and with few people interested or financially able to buy large farming operations other than the Asian nations, it would seem a no brainer that allowing a younger generation to enter the eco farming sector while they are younger and healthier would be a big help to securing our local fresh food supplies which together with tourism in all its forms would turn the Yarra Valley into a more vibrant cosmopolitan area which would not do by limiting and blocking new entrants is having. 

I urge that both the extreme left greenies and the Liberal Greenies who still seem to have a say to have a rethink of who they are really helping by mantaining this idea that big farm plots of 40 Ha is good to keep the land green with grass and to exclude and block all the younger eager aspiring eco farmers who would be planting fruit trees and vegies to feed those of us who would prefer Aussie food. Keeping the 40 Ha plus rule will only encourage the land to be purchased by the Asians to do whatever they decide, but locking out small Aussie Eco Farmers from getting started forever, yes FOREVER, as I dont think the Asians have sold any property since they started buying. I would like to hear from any more interested in my views to contact me to promote this concept. I have a list of eager young farmers waiting looking for 1 Ha sites if anyone knows of any please advise.

Comment: There is almost no way to do this our present councilors!

New fire levy added to rates

New fire levy added to rates

The government estimates the changes will mean households will pay on average $145 in metropolitan regions in 2013-14, down from $195 under the current system.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/new-fire-levy-added-to-rates-20120828-24yuy.html#ixzz24uB8aY2Q

Comment:  Will you be better off?

no-one pays the FSL twice

Comment:

Below is an email response from Mich Tanner in relation to the transition period from now to 1/7/2013.  It was suggested that some policy holders would be paying twice in the one year, but as detailed below, it appears that the FSL will only be paid to 1/7/2013.  Those who have policies that go beyond 1/7/2013 should have the FSL rebated or not charged at all.

Fantastic News for all that take out insurance.
Well done LIBERALS!


Mario,

Professor Allan Fels has been appointed the implementation monitor for the transition to the new system.

Prof Fels will ensure the industry tapers down their current FSL takings going into 1 July 2013. To achieve this, Parliament is set to pass a set of consumer protection laws for Prof Fels to ensure policyholders are not ripped off during the transition. Secondly, Prof Fels will be able to name and shame any insurers who are profiteering from the transition.

The market will play a big part in ensuring no-one pays the FSL twice. Policyholders are free to swap insurers next financial year if they feel they are being mistreated. Several insurers have already indicated that they will not charge for the FSL in the final quarter of this financial year in a bid to gain a competitive edge.

I hope the above answers your question.

Regards,
Mitch

Mitch Tanner  |  Research & Media

The Office of Christine Fyffe MP
Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Member for Evelyn

T 03 9735 3208
F  03 9735 3697
A  143 Main Street Lilydale VIC 3140
E  mitch.tanner@parliament.vic.gov.au

HAVE YOUR SAY: Furious five's council quest - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

HAVE YOUR SAY: Furious five's council quest - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Yarra Ranges Ratepayers Group president Alister Osborn, who is also president of the Lilydale Chamber of Commerce, said he would stand for Melba Ward.

Other group members to join the contest are Michael Matthews (Ryrie), Jim Child (O'Shannassy), and Maria McCarthy and Clive Larkman (both Billanook).

Comment:  Michael Matthews has responded to my request to post his policy on this blog and this was posted earlier this month.

I have asked Jeanette McRae for a policy statement a number of times.  An email from her suggested that she would soon, but, as yet, nothing!

Victorian Fire Services Levy Shake-up

Victorian Fire Services Levy Shake-up
.....

The new levy will consist of a fixed component of $100 a year for residential properties and $200 for commercial, industrial and farming properties.

On top of that there will be a variable component calculated on the value of a property to be set at budget time. 

Pensioners and veterans will get a $50 concession per household from the levy, costing $20 million a year

The government will also get rid of GST and stamp duty charged on the fire levy. Overall, the changes will cost the state budget $105 million a year. They enact recommendations by the royal commission into the Black Saturday bushfires.

Some sections of the community have complained the current insurance-based levy is unfair as underinsured households and businesses or those not insured at all get the benefit of firefighting services without fully contributing.

Farmers, too, have complained about the soaring insurance levy in rural areas, which has risen to as much as 95 per cent of premiums in recent years.

...................

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/shakeup-of-fire-levy-announced-20120828-24xrd.html#ixzz24oAor02m

Comment: Finally!

New fire levy to hit home | Herald Sun

New fire levy to hit home | Herald Sun

Victorians have been warned to brace for more hip pocket pain with legislation for a new charge to replace the Fire Services Levy to be introduced in Parliament.

The levy, which helps pay for the Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigade, will be replaced by a new property-based tax.

Every homeowner will have to pay, not just those who choose insurance, by mid-2013.

Comment:  This is NOT a NEW fee for a lot of us who take out insurance. I hope it will be a REDUCED fee as more people are forced to pay the fire service levy, for those of us that have been subsidizing the uninsured.

New planning zones on the way for Frankston - Local News - News - General - Frankston Weekly

New planning zones on the way for Frankston - Local News - News - General - Frankston Weekly

In a major shake-up of Victoria's planning zones, Planning Minister Matthew Guy has outlined a zone reform package that proposes significant changes to residential, commercial, industrial and rural zones.

Mr Guy said current planning reforms were outdated.

"We can't have planning reforms that were developed in the 1970s in place in 2012. We are in a very difficult economic time and this will encourage business growth."

He said councils worried about businesses moving out of town precincts were living in the past. "It's just 1970s rhetoric ... coming from a handful of people in the planning industry who have been frustrating people for the past 30 years. That time is over."

Mr Guy expected the government to adopted the changes soon after submissions closed on September 21. Councils would then have 12 months to implement the changes.

"Councils have been asking for extra power and authority for nearly 10 years and they will get it through these reforms. It gives councils the ability to consider those permits they have never been able to consider before."

Comment:  What is our Shire doing about these reforms?

HAVE YOUR SAY: Nightmare as horses escape in Coldstream - Crime - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

HAVE YOUR SAY: Nightmare as horses escape in Coldstream - Crime - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

ONE horse was killed outright and another fatally injured when four escaped from the Carlton Lodge Equestrian Centre on Maroondah Highway on August 17 during peak-hour traffic.

Healesville mother Lynne Murray was driving home at 6pm with her daughter Melanie, 15, when she spotted the four frightened horses dodging traffic in the dark on the busy highway.

read the rest...

Farmers 'impatient' over fire levy changes - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Farmers 'impatient' over fire levy changes - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Comment: SO AM I

Legislative delay leads to raised levy - State News - Agribusiness and General - General - Stock & Land

Legislative delay leads to raised levy - State News - Agribusiness and General - General - Stock & Land

MP says fire levy changes more equitable - ABC Goulburn Murray - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

MP says fire levy changes more equitable - ABC Goulburn Murray - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Coldstream TIP Fees

Ref:  Lilydale Leader 20/08/2012

Community Safety Survey

Welcome to the Community Safety Survey

Yarra Ranges Council is working in partnership with Victoria Police and other agencies to develop a Community Safety Action Plan.

So far we’ve gathered research data that tells us what the local safety issues are.  Now we want to know how you feel about safety in Yarra Ranges - after all, the stats are only one part of the story.

Your views are important to us.  The information you provide will be used to assist in identifying areas of concern for you and future needs of the community.

There are a number of ways you can have your say:

• complete the online survey
• 
  
• join the online community safety conversation 
• 
  
• for a hard copy survey call the 
• Community Safety Team on 1300 368 333

CODE OF ETHICS FOR COUNCILLORS

CODE OF ETHICS FOR COUNCILLORS

In providing for the good governance of its community, the Council of the Shire of Yarra 
Ranges has adopted the following ethics to apply to all Councillors to ensure that they act 
honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of Yarra Ranges as a whole:

1. Councillors will respect the personal views of other Councillors and the decisions of Council;

2. Councillors may publicly express their own opinions on Council matters but not so as to 
undermine the standing of Council in the community;

3. The Mayor will always represent the opinion or position of Council when speaking publicly;

4. Councillors will incur expenditure in a responsible manner and in accordance with the 
Councillor Expenditure and Donation Policy;  

5. Councillors will avoid conflicts of interest and will always openly disclose any direct and 
indirect interests where they exist;

6. Councillors will act with integrity and respect when interacting with Council staff and 
members of the public;

7. Councillors will demonstrate fairness in all dealings and conduct and be open with and 
accountable to the community at all times; 

8. Councillors will conduct themselves in a manner that does not cause detriment to Council or 
the Shire of Yarra Ranges community.

This Code forms part of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, adopted on 13 October 2009.  The  Code of Conduct will be reviewed following each Council Election.

Fact or Fiction?????

As posted by a reader.

AUSNET claims it is illegal to offer OFF-PEAK rates on electricity which I find amazing and non believable that State & Federal government [except the GREENS PARTY] would make electricty price reductions illegal for OFF PEAK HOT WATER SERVICES. 

We pay a fortune in monthly electricity bills, so we are looking to swap over to any company who has a genuine competitive tariff for normal rates and an off peak rate. We are with TruEnergy at moment and they also blame AUSNET & the new SMART METERS they claim which I also find unbelievable, but anyone who knows the facts can correct me if im wrong. 

We were going to change to Momentum Energy from Tasmania Hydro [no carbon tax on hydro]who claimed it would be easy just by ringing AUSNET to have OFF PEAK recongnised on the meter billing system. Funny though Red Energy also Hydro Electricity generated claim costs have gone up on replacement equipment thats why there rates have gone up. Mommentum has been good for competition but some of their salesmen are inclined to tell porkys about how easy it is to get OFF PEAK for HWS just to get the new business and then AUSNET say no it's illegal. Who amoung your readers might know a better version of the truth?

Comment:  Reply here or email me  mariogalteri@gmail.com

Coldstream TIP

Recovery & Waste Transfer Centres

Recovery and waste transfer stations proivde residents with a local drop off point for the disposal of waste.  Waste is separated and where possible, recycled to miminise the amount of material going to landfill.

Privately operated transfer centres are located at:

Yarra Ranges Recycling Services

Address:Ingram Road, Coldstream (Mel Ref 281 E11)
Phone: 9739 1227

PRICELIST : follow this link

Dumped Rubbish

Dumped rubbish is a blight on our landscape and can harm our native plants and animals. 

To help protect our environment we ask that you report anyone you see dumping rubbish or any dumped rubbish to us immdiately. Do not approach anyone you see dumping rubbish but do take note of the vehicle's registration number.

Anyone caught dumping rubbish will face fines of up to $1,433 and we will investigate and prosecute anyone who is suspected of dumping rubbish.

To report dumped rubbish or someone you have seen dumping rubbish call 1300 368 333 or email

Hard, Bundled Branches & Metals Collection

Each year between February and April residents can place hard, bundled branches and metal waste out for collection. Below is some important information on what you can and can't put out for collection and when it will be collected.

When will my hard, bundled branches and metal waste be collected?

Each area of the shire has a nominated collection time, please enter your address on our online maps to to check when your collection is scheduled. Or call us on 1300 368 333. 

What Can I Put Out For Collection?

Your waste should be separated into three stacks;  hard waste and bundled branches, which are no more than 3 cubic metres in total, and metals. It should be placed on your nature strip by the Sunday evening before the start of your collection week. Late material will not be collected.

Acceptable materials

household furniture up to 10 pieces of wood (no fencing) china, glass and mirrors (securely wrapped and marked) small branches (thinner than 75mm) tied in bundles with strong non plastic string (do not use stockings, wire or plastic) large branches (no thicker than 200mm in diameter or longer than 1.5m) neatly stacked white goods and appliances (fridge doors removed) scrap metal, tools, equipment and fencing wire (coiled and tied) mower, metal baths and heaters metal car parts

Unacceptable materials

no bricks, rubble, excavated material, soil or earth, building renovation or demolition material no batteries, car, truck or tractor tyres, suspension springs or engines no chemicals, hazardous materials or asbestos no industrial, business or commercial waste no household garbage, recyclables or polystyrene no timber, stumps or roots no liquids, paints, oil or fluids no gas cylinders, fuel or water tanks no unwrapped glass lino accepted materials not appropriately bundled

What if my collection is missed?

If your collection has been missed, please contact us on 1300 368 333 within one week.  Late notification will result in non collections

For more information contact us on 1300 368 333 or email

Enrolling to vote at the 2012 Yarra Ranges Shire Council elections

Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 years of age or have moved and have not yet updated their address are being urged to enrol to vote in the upcoming Yarra Ranges Shire Council elections.

The Acting Electoral Commissioner, Liz Williams, said: ‘Anyone aged 18 years or older who is not enrolled must do so by the close of rolls at 4.00 pm on Friday, 31 August 2012.’

For State enrolment, voters already on the roll can update their enrolment details instantly using the online application at vec.vic.gov.au. However, those who are enrolling for the first time, changing their name or who do not have a driver licence will need to print and sign their form and have it witnessed before returning it.

Enrolment forms can be downloaded from vec.vic.gov.au and are available at any Australia Post outlet or Centrelink office.

There are special enrolment categories for owners, occupiers, company nominees and non-Australian citizens who pay rates. For further details, contact Yarra Ranges Shire Council on 1300 368 333.

Voters can check that their enrolment details are up-to-date by viewing the exhibition roll from Monday, 27 August 2012 at:

·         Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave

·         Healesville Community Link, 110 River Street, Healesville

·         Lilydale Community Link, Anderson Street, Lilydale

·         Lilydale Library, Anderson Street, Lilydale

·         Monbulk Community Link, 21 Main Road, Monbulk

·         Montrose Library, cnr Mt Dandenong Tourist and Swansea Roads, Montrose

·         Mooroolbark Library, 7 Station Street, Mooroolbark

·         Mt Evelyn Library, 50 Wray Crescent, Mt Evelyn

·         Upwey Community Link, 40 Main Street, Upwey

·         Yarra Junction Community Link, cnr Warburton Highway and Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction

·         Yarra Junction Library, Hoddle Street, Yarra Junction

Further information on enrolment is available at vec.vic.gov.au or by calling the VEC’s enrolment hotline on 1300 805 478.

– ENDS –

Media enquiries:

Mary Sammut
Communication Officer
Victorian Electoral Commission
Phone: (03) 8620 1190
Email: mary.sammut@vec.vic.gov.au
vec.vic.gov.au

Thief grabs famed Coldstream winery gate - Crime - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Thief grabs famed Coldstream winery gate - Crime - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

POLICE are investigating the theft of a beautiful hand-made, one-off gate from a Coldstream winery.

The gate, called The Tree of Life, was stolen from Stones of the Yarra Valley, late at night on August 2 or in the morning of August 3.

Insurers prepare for fire services levy shake-up

Insurers prepare for fire services levy shake-up

Rezoning promises fertile future in Mernda - Council - News - Whittlesea Leader

Rezoning promises fertile future in Mernda - Council - News - Whittlesea Leader

Yarra Valley, Melbourne, Victoria | Wine Tours | Things To Do

Yarra Valley, Melbourne, Victoria | Wine Tours | Things To Do

Great article about our region.
Glad they did not visit Coldstream.

Wells defends delay to fire services levy changes - ABC Central Victoria - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Wells defends delay to fire services levy changes - ABC Central Victoria - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Victorian Government has defended delays in the announcement of changes to the fire services levy.

The levy, paid by landowners as part of their insurance premiums, will be dramatically changed as part of a key recommendation after Black Saturday.

Treasurer Kim Wells says the delays have been caused by widespread consultation and an announcement will be made soon.

"This is the largest state tax reform for many, many years, as long as I can remember," he said.

"It has to be right. We said that we would move to a property-based levy by the first of July 2013 and we're on track but there'll be an announcement very shortly about the legislation."

Michael Matthews Your Candidate for the Ward of Ryrie in the Shire of Yarra Ranges

Michael Matthews

Your Candidate for the Ward of Ryrie in the Shire of Yarra Ranges

A Better Way Forward

It’s YOUR Council

We need a Council that listens and responds to the needs of you the rate payers. A Council that cares about local issues, living within its means and making sure what is important to you is heard and action taken to ensure our community is economically strong and socially secure.

We need to:

Stop the waste

I commit to keeping the base rate increases to CPI for the next three years.

Achieve Better Outcomes

I commit to improving the planning process so decisions are made that benefit the community and economy of the Yarra Ranges and the environment.

Listen to Communities

I commit to listen to you and engage in open proactive community consultation.

Fix Basic Services

I commit to making the Yarra Ranges Council accountable for service delivery.

Support Australian Jobs

I commit to buying Australian goods and services.

Michael Matthews

A Better Way Forward

My Views:

-            Tourism: under pins much of the region economy we have to do more to support this key area of economic development.

-            Planning: planning should consider economic benefits, social and environmental factors to achieve balanced outcomes.

-            Balance the Budget: we should live within our means and not impose rate increases to fund activities or programs we cannot afford.

-            Working Together: we are a diverse and exciting region with many facets. Our industries provide employment and contribute to our economy. All must be given support in the context of working together to allow us to build a sustainable and secure future.

-            Poker Machines: we should not introduce any more Poker Machines. We are a food and wine region, one that has strong agribusiness and natural beauty all part of the attraction to the many tourists who visit us.

-            Local Issues: the Council should focus on local issues within their control.

Michael Matthews

A Better Way Forward

Ryrie Ward

Ryrie Ward covers: Healesville, Coldstream, Gruyere, Yering, Yarra Glen, Steels Creek, Badger Creek, Dixon's Creek and Chum Creek

Published by Michael Matthews,

Candidate for the 2012 Elections in the Ward of Ryrie, Shire of Yarra Ranges.

PO Box 1351 Healesville 3777 Victoria, Australia.

Michael Matthews

A Better Way Forward

Comment:  Published as sent.  Please take time to read it.

Lewd suggestions in Coldstream

Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident in Coldstream on August 2.

Police said three 12-year-old girls were in the Halle Supple Reserve playground about 4.45pm when they were approached by a man who asked them to expose themselves.

The girls immediately left the playground and police were notified a short time later.

The man is described as being in his late 30s or early 40s, solid build and balding with red hair and a moustache.

Police said he was wearing a white polo shirt and jeans and may have been driving a white VS Commodore sedan or similar.

If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or crimestoppers.com.au.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS SOON

Thinking of running?  It's not too late!
Check out this link from the shire.



Council Elections 2012, information on enrolling to vote and information for prospective candidates.

Council Elections October 2012

Victorian Councils will hold elections in October 2012.  The Yarra Ranges Council elections will be conducted entirely by postal ballot.

With a postal election, to make your vote count, completed ballot papers must be returned to the Returning Officer for the election by 6pm Friday 26 October, 2012.  There is no Saturday voting at polling booths as with State and Federal elections.

Details about the elections and postal voting will be released closer to the lead up to the election.
To vote at the Local Government Elections 2012 you need to be correctly enrolled by 4.00pm Friday 31 August, 2012.

You need to enrol if:

• you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 27 October, 2012; and
• you are not on the Sate electoral roll;
• or you have moved to a new residential address at least a month ago and have not updated your enrolment details, including any changes to postal address.

Voting in Council Elections

A person has one vote only in a municipal district.  Voting is compulsory where you are enrolled for your principal place of residence (ie via the State Electoral Roll entitlement).    Voting is not conditional on being a property owner;  if you are aged 18 and over and on the State Electoral Roll you are required to vote in Council Elections.  In Council Elections, where a voter at the time of the Election is aged 70 years and over, the voter is excused from compulsory voting.

more here...

Comment:  Michael Matthews, Di Moore and Jeanette McRae are running in our ward of Ryrie.  There mare be others as well. 

 I hope to post comments, on here, from them specifically about Coldstream.

WHAT QUESTIONS WOULD YOU LIKE ANSWERED BY THEM? 

Girls asked to expose themselves in Coldstream playground

POLICE have released an image of a man they want to talk to after 12-year-old girls were asked to expose themselves in a playground.

The three girls were in the Halle Supple Reserve playground, in Coldstream, about 4.45pm last Thursday when they were approached by a man.

REFERENCE: 

Comment:  there is a photo fit picture on the link

.