Thursday, November 29, 2012

Compost trials creating fertile ground for new markets to grow



"“The new organics recycling facility being developed at Bulla, north of Melbourne, will take about 80,000 tonnes of food and garden waste from 11 councils in Melbourne's north and process it into valuable compost,” Mr Smith said.

The tender process is also underway for another facility to service eight councils in the south east region. The procurement process involves a feasibility study to determine a suitable location.

Mr Smith said the Mallee trial was one of several Sustainability Victoria was considering to demonstrate the benefits of using compost in a variety of situations."

'via Blog this'

COMMENT:  I hope they have learnt from our experience at Coldstream

Friday, November 23, 2012

Cash to help debate Melbourne's future - Government - News - Maribyrnong Leader

Cash to help debate Melbourne's future - Government - News - Maribyrnong Leader:

"COMMUNITY groups will get financial help to hold consultation events to discuss a plan for Melbourne's future.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy yesterday spoke to community groups and concerned residents about the State Government’s Metropolitan Planning Strategy discussion paper.

The event was organised by community group Planning Backlash."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Coldstream Cfa

☆ ★ ☆ SUNDAY 25TH NOVEMBER ~ OPEN DAY !! ☆ ★ ☆

It would be wonderful if the community could support the CFA
on Sunday 25th, and show their appreciation to to all the "volunteers" 

that dedicate their time and lives to the Coldstream Community. 

Bring the family along, take a pic with  the fire trucks (or the firemen lol), and have a chat with members etc. 

Its a great opportunity if your keen on joining the brigade. Hope to see you there!



RECENT COMMENTS

Recent comments used to be displayed on the LHS.  For some reason this widget has stopped working.

Please e mail me comments in future and i will add them.

Regards

Mario Galteri
mariogalteri@gmail.com



Friday, November 16, 2012

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Tecoma McDonald's: Council meeting hijacked | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

Tecoma McDonald's: Council meeting hijacked | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly:

 "About 50 protesters took to their feet and began shouting at members of the council for voting against a Supreme Court appeal, causing the meeting to be adjourned for 15 minutes."

Councillor Samantha Dunn had moved an urgent motion calling on the council to reconsider funding an  appeal to stop the controversial development. It is the second time she has tried to get such a motion through.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

'via Blog this'

Tough new consumer protections to support abolition of fire services levy - Premier of Victoria

Tough new consumer protections to support abolition of fire services levy - Premier of Victoria:

 "The Victorian Coalition Government has introduced legislation to establish the Fire Services Levy Monitor (the Monitor) and to strengthen consumer protections in the transition to the new and fairer property based system.

Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien said that a key component of the new consumer protections would be penalties of up to $10 million for a body corporate and $500,000 for an individual, against price exploitation, false representation and misleading and deceptive conduct.

The Monitor will oversee the transition to a new property-based levy and provide advice and guidance to consumers and the insurance industry to make certain that insurers genuinely phase out the existing insurance based levy."

Read more by clicking the title

COMMENT:  This is a good move

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

.: Free TV and computer recycling :.

.: Free TV and computer recycling :.:

"Free TV and computer recycling
Media Release Date:29 October 2012
Next time you upgrade your home computer or invest in a new LCD, spare a thought for what happens to the old technology.

Instead of adding to landfill or collecting a pile of old electronics at home, Yarra Ranges residents can now recycle them for free.

Director Environment and Engineering Mark Varmalis said Coldstream Transfer Station was now participating in the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme.

“Residents can bring their old TVs & computer equipment to the Ingram Rd transfer station free of charge,” Mr Varmalis said.

“This is a fantastic way to dispose of unwanted e-waste without adding to landfill – and it costs you nothing more than a short drive to Coldstream.”

The equipment will then be taken off-site and recycled.

Items accepted free of charge at Coldstream include;

All televisions including the old CRT types
Laptops, notebooks and palmtops
Desktop computers
Printers
Multi function devices that print, copy, scan and fax
Cards, motherboards
Web cameras
CD drives
DVD drives
Hard drives
Floppy drives
Mouse and trackball
Scanners
Keyboards
Joysticks and gamepads"

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

What issue should the new Yarra Ranges Council prioritise? - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

What issue should the new Yarra Ranges Council prioritise? - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

My published comment:


"The previous council refused to change the UGB in the Shire especially around Coldstream. Our group COLDSTREAM 2020 made great inroads into changing the UGB around Coldstream and was supported by an official survey conducted by Jeanette McRae and the Shire, a survey by Christine Fyffe MP and our own survey. 

I am hoping that this council will see the many benefits of expanding Coldstream with the Post office as its new centre."

'via Blog this'

Anger over Great Ocean Road rezonings - State News - Agribusiness and General - General - Stock & Land

Anger over Great Ocean Road rezonings - State News - Agribusiness and General - General - Stock & Land

"PLANNING Minister Matthew Guy has approved the rezoning of more than a dozen parcels of farming and coastal land along the Great Ocean Road that will be targeted for high-end resorts and hotels."

Comment:  Let's hope Coldstream is next for a rezoning.

'via Blog this'

HAVE YOUR SAY: RACV says how to fix Yarra Ranges roads - Transport & Traffic - News - Free Press Leader

HAVE YOUR SAY: RACV says how to fix Yarra Ranges roads - Transport & Traffic - News - Free Press Leader

"ROAD upgrades and better bus services are vital to keep the Yarra Ranges moving.

The RACV has identified seven vital infrastructure projects, costing more than $80 million, urgently needed to help traffic flow.

The wish-list of upgrades include an estimated $42.45 million upgrade of York Rd between Swansea and Monbulk roads and the construction of a Lilydale bypass.

Other projects in the transport blueprint include:

* upgrading Wellington Rd between Lysterfield and Belgrave-Hallam roads;

* duplicating the Maroondah Highway between the Warburton and Melba highways;"

see more online


Maroondah Highway, ColdstreamIngram RoadIntersection Signals - heavy vehicles and large volumes of traffic
Maroondah Highway, ColdstreamKillara Road / Station StreetIntersection signals
Maroondah Highway, Coldstream *Warburton Highway to Melba Highway
Duplication of existing road




Comment: Read the full article by clicking the link above.


'via Blog this'

Major summer works program for Regional Rail Link - Premier of Victoria

Major summer works program for Regional Rail Link - Premier of Victoria:

 "Major Regional Rail Link construction works including new tracks, new signals and tunnel strengthening will be carried out over the quieter summer holiday period, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today."


Mr Mulder said works to be undertaken between Footscray and Sunshine included:
  • bridge modifications in Footscray and West Melbourne;
  • track installation and realignment in Footscray and West Melbourne;
  • station upgrade works at Sunshine, West Footscray and Footscray railway stations;
  • continued work to remove two level crossings at Anderson Road, Sunshine;
  • tunnel strengthening works to support the Dudley Street bridge structure;
  • earthworks in Tottenham, Footscray and North Melbourne;
  • replacement of track and ballast in Sunshine;
  • rail signal replacements at South Kensington;
  • service relocation in Sunshine; and
  • site investigations.



Comment:  I hope we might see COLDSTREAM STATION on this list before the year 2020!

'via Blog this'

Melbourne, let’s talk about the future - Premier of Victoria

Melbourne, let’s talk about the future - Premier of Victoria:

"Melbourne, let’s talk about the future"

Comment: COLDSTREAM is part of this discussion.  Please add your voice.

'via Blog this'

Sunday, November 11, 2012

.: Cr Maria McCarthy, Billanook Ward :.

.: Cr Maria McCarthy, Billanook Ward :.: "Cr Maria McCarthy, Billanook Ward
After raising a family while running a small business, I value the ethic of hard work. I have served on various local committees including Yarra Ranges Ratepayers Association, Melba Support Services, Yarra Valley Italian Cultural Group, Mt Evelyn Street Festival, Friends of Lillydale Museum Trust, Lilydale Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Billanook Ward covers Mt Evelyn and part of Lilydale"

'via Blog this'

.: Cr Andy Witlox, Chirnside Ward :.

.: Cr Andy Witlox, Chirnside Ward :.:

"Cr Andy Witlox, Chirnside Ward
I’ve grown up in the Yarra Ranges and enjoy cycling and playing golf. I’m raising a young family and know what it’s like to struggle with a big mortgage. I want to focus on core services, roads, footpaths, recreational parks and protecting our environment.

Chirnside Ward covers: Chirnside Park and part Mooroolbark"

'via Blog this'

.: Deputy Mayor Jason Callanan, Chandler Ward :.

.: Deputy Mayor Jason Callanan, Chandler Ward :.:


 "Deputy Mayor Jason Callanan, Chandler Ward
As a paramedic, I see myself as a person who is passionate about helping people. I am committed and focused on community safety, education and sustainability. I want to see safer roads, and sustainable growth balanced with the great and beautiful environment. I would encourage more tourism and ensure our farmers are supported.

Chandler Ward covers: Silvan, Kalorama, Seville, Wandin, Monbulk and Macclesfield"


'via Blog this'

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Site map - Yarra Ranges Council area

Site map - Yarra Ranges Council area:

'via Blog this'

Weed identification app puts control in the palm of your hand - Premier of Victoria

Weed identification app puts control in the palm of your hand - Premier of Victoria: "Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish today launched a new Weeds of Murrindindi iPhone and iPad application to help tackle the spread of environmental weeds following the Black Saturday bushfires.

Mr Smith said the free app would be online today, providing the community with important information on weed identification and control."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, November 08, 2012

New face elected Yarra Ranges mayor | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

New face elected Yarra Ranges mayor | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly: "NEW councillor Jim Child has been elected Yarra Ranges mayor for the next year.

All five new councillors — including Child himself — voted for the O’Shannassy ward councillor, in what appears to be a divide between the old and new faces at the shire offices.

Three councillors — Samantha Dunn, Noel Cliff and Child — were nominated for the mayorship last night , however Cr Dunn and Cr Cliff received only two votes each in the nine-seat council.

Cr Child said one of his main aims was to ensure higher education is maintained at the Swinburne Lilydale campus.

He said as a retiree he was ready for the role as mayor, and expected it to be a learning curve.

In his first mayoral response, Child rubbished an article published in the Weekly that made reference of a divide between the returning councillors and new councillors, and said ‘‘our team will be united’’. "

'via Blog this'

NEW SHIRE MAYOR

Jim Childs has been elected Mayor 
and 
Jason Callanan Deputy Mayor. 

Congratulations to both of them.

Regards and good luck

Mario Galteri



Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Weather statistics for Coldstream Estate weather station


   Averages\Extremes for the month of October 2012 in Coldstream

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average temperature     = 13.8°C
Average humidity        = 72%
Average dewpoint        = 8.0°C
Average barometer       = 1016.9 hPa
Average windspeed       = 2.2 km/h
Average gustspeed       = 4.5 km/h
Average direction       = 295° (WNW)
Rainfall for month      = 48.6 mm
Coldstream Average      = 77 mm
Rainfall for year       = 788.0 mm
Average YTD             = 646 mm
Maximum rain per minute = 6.6 mm on day 27 at time 08:16
Maximum temperature     = 32.2°C on day 30 at time 14:09
Minimum temperature     = 3.3°C on day 09 at time 05:24
Maximum humidity        = 98% on day 22 at time 07:58
Minimum humidity        = 18% on day 30 at time 13:27
Maximum dewpoint        = 15.6°C on day 19 at time 12:06
Minimum dewpoint        = 2.7°C on day 23 at time 6:20
Maximum pressure        = 1032.1 hPa on day 02 at time 09:14
Minimum pressure        = 1002.3 hPa on day 25 at time 06:13
Maximum windspeed       = 20.4 kmh from 360°( N ) on day 04 at time 10:18
Maximum gust speed      = 35.2 km/h from 315°( NW) on day 16 at time 16:48
Maximum heat index      = 30.3°C on day 30 at time 14:09
Avg daily max temp :20.2°C
Avg daily min temp :7.4°C
Total windrun = 1611.0km
-----------------------------------
Daily rain totals
-----------------------------------
  08.4 mm  on day 9
  01.6 mm  on day 10
  11.6 mm  on day 12
  04.0 mm  on day 14
  02.0 mm  on day 15
  01.2 mm  on day 16
  05.2 mm  on day 19
  01.0 mm  on day 21
  00.2 mm  on day 22
  04.4 mm  on day 24
  02.4 mm  on day 28
  06.6 mm  on day 29

Rainfall for the month was down on the average.




Regards,

Robert Bethell