GREEN WEDGE & UGB

As most of you know by now I have advocating a movement of the UGB around Coldstream to make the township a "little bigger".



The Shire has a Green Wedge Management Plan which I urge you to read. This link will give you access to 2 files to download.
Issues Paper
Consultation Report

If you would like further information on the Green Wedge Management Plan please contact Claudette Fahy 1300 368 333

COLD-COLDSTREAM on 3AW

At 7 30 this morning the temperature was -2.7 C as recorded on Robert's weather station in the heart of the township. A link to his site is (here) and is well worth a look.

Those of you that were up early may have heard Chris from the Coldstream News agency being interviewed on 3AW by Ross and John on their breakfast program. They interviewed him about the cold snap and his early morning paper round. He can have that job to himself!

Well done Robert & Chris.

Ladies Cocktail Day, Saturday 2nd May 2009

Coldstream football club
invites all wives, girlfriends, mums, daughters for an afternoon of cocktails during the Coldstream vs Heathmont game.

The event will run from 1pm - 5pm at the Coldstream clubrooms and will cost $50, which includes unlimited cocktails between that time as well as finger food.

If you wish to attend then you can contact
either Nat 0407 346 514 or Torz 0433 057 361


Saturday 2nd May - Round 4 vs Heathmont at home

Driver dies in Coldstream crash

If you were in Coldstream at about 4 pm today you would have heard and seen a number of police cars, fire trucks and emergency vehicles racing towards Healsville.

The sad news is that there was a fatal accident near Tarrawarra Rd. Coldstream.

The driver was a 70 year old male.

Fire Service Levy Part 3

We sympathise with losses, but the fire insurance levy is unfair

James Kirby

March 1, 2009

................ Pretty soon people might reasonably question the terms under which they are sold fire insurance. Second, insurers will almost certainly have to lift charges on those householders who continue to pay insurance. ..............

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Fire Service Levy Part 2

Government needs to address unfair fire service levy says Hall.

Thursday, 12 March 2009

THE fire services levy, which is currently paid only by those who pay insurance, is unfair, according to Eastern Region MP Peter Hall.

Speaking in parliament yesterday, Mr Hall called on the government to address the inequity of the fire services levy.

“The cost of the fire services levy, which is used to fund the operations of fire services in Victoria, is borne by three-quarters of the population of Victoria and not the whole population,” Mr Hall said.

``In other states there are different models. The fire services levy is struck by means other than a levy on those who pay insurance. In some states that is applied to people who own property, so the cost and therefore the provision of fire services is spread evenly across all property owners.”

Mr Hall believes the cost of fire services should not be left to the 75 per cent of Victorians who insure their property..................

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Bushfire Royal Commission

Bushfire Royal Commission - Open Letter to Premier Brumby

On the 20th of April 2009, Christine wrote an open letter to Premier John Brumby in response to public concern about the openness of the Royal Commission hearings.

To view the letter, please click on the title

If you would like to make a submission to the Royal Commission in the Black Saturday Bushfires log on to:
http://www.royalcommission.vic.gov.au/Submissions

Coldstream mechanic John Newman.

AS AN apprentice you don’t get a much better career start than Coldstream mechanic John Newman.

The 19-year-old Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) apprentice has landed a job with Walkinshaw Racing’s V8 Supercar Team, run by HSV (Holden Special Vehicles).

By Kath Gannaway Mountain Views Mail

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Fire Service Levy

Next time you get your insurance bill have a look at the breakdown of the costs. You will probably see a BIG portion of the bill going to the Government and the biggest portion going to pay for the CFA ( Fire Service Levy).

I believe that the CFA and MFB need to be funded by EVERYONE not only those that have property insurance, fire does not discriminate. I have asked the Liberal government to examine the situation and the following is part of their response:

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition is deeply concerned about the Brumby Government's increasing reliance on inequitable taxes and charges with the Fire Services Levy imposed on residential and commercial insurance policies being a prime example. Under this Labor Government, households and businesses throughout metropolitan and country Victoria that do the right thing and insure their properties, have been required to shoulder an ever increasing proportion of the cost of funding Victoria’s fire services. There is substantial evidence that this tax is not only inequitable but that it operates as a significant disincentive to insuring at all. The Coalition is currently consulting widely on the issue of the FSL and other state taxes, fees and charges and proposes to release a policy position closer to the November 2010 state election.

OFFICE OF KIM WELLS MP

November 2010, is too far away, action is needed now, before another insurance bill!

I will write more on this late, in the meantime please have a look at your insurance bill and e mail me some facts and figures, please.

Regards

Mario Galteri

Help us develop the Council Plan 2009-2013

Council has prepared a Draft Council Plan 2009-2013 and is now seeking your feedback.

A copy of the Draft Council Plan 2009-2013 can be obtained by clicking on the link below. Copies can also be collected from the Yarra Ranges Community Links located at Lilydale, Healesville, Monbulk, Upwey and Yarra Junction.

CONTENTS

Our Sustainability Framework ................................................................................13
Strategic Objectives and Indicators of Success ...................14
Strategic Objective: Strong, Healthy and Connected Communities .....14
Strategic Objective: Environmental Stewardship.......................................14
Strategic Objective: Built Environment ...................................................15
Strategic Objective: Local Economy and Tourism...............................16
Strategic Objective: Arts, Culture and Heritage.....................................16
Strategic Objective: A Living and Learning Community...............................17
Strategic Objective: A Safe and Accessible Shire ................................17
Strategic Objective: People and Culture..........................................18
Strategic Objective: Improvement and Innovation.............................18
Strategic Objective: Customer Focus ............................................19
Strategic Objective: Good Governance .......................................19
Strategic Objective: Reduced Ecological Footprint..........................20
Strategic Objective: Long Term Asset and Financial Management....
.........20


Click on the title to get a copy


.

Anzac day

COLDSTREAM CFA

COLDSTREAM CFA will get a shot of funds when a Lilydale gun club holds a charity event for the volunteer organisation.


Details: Coldstream CFA Bushfire Support Shoot, Saturday, May 9, Melbourne Gun Club, Victoria Rd, Lilydale.

For more information phone 9739 1771 or go to melbournegunclub.com.au or click on the title above.

Beer Blokes

Click on the title to find out about this picture.
47 people get off a bus and walk into a brewery

SURVEY: Tell me whay you think

Hi all,

This is my 129th post and I would like to get a idea of what you think of this BLOG, what you would like changed or new topics to post for Coldstream 3770.

Please e mail me on

coldstream@eftel.net.au

to respond (be honest).

Football- Coldstream Cougars

Good luck guys!

Timber Framed Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas

Taken from the article: Click on the title to read the full story:

However, construction can continue with traditional timber framing in keeping with AS1684 Residential timber-framed construction standard as, even in the most extreme fire hazard risk level, AS3959 allows for:

• Raised timber floors to be used, provided they are enclosed by a compliant wall system;
• Exterior walls of any material meeting a minimum fire resistance level (FRL) of 30 minutes, i.e. an FRL of 30/30/30 that requires walls to maintain structural adequacy, integrity and insulation for a minimum of 30 minutes exposure to radiant heat.

Other requirements include: specifications for glass thickness, the use of bushfire shutters as well as other measures, such as suggestions for reduction of construction requirements on elevated sites by shielding walls from fire attack with careful orientation.

This is just a small extract from the article.

Love Me Tender

Looking for work?

Well here are just a few jobs you can tender for at the Shire.

Category 28 – Minor building works up to $100,000 in value

Small builders to undertake minor building projects (The Contractor must be a Registered Building Practitioner in accordance with the Building Control Commission requirements. Contractors would typically have access to regular subcontractors for some components of the minor building projects. Contractors selected for this Category would in many cases be requested to quote a lump sum price for individual projects. Rates are to be included in the last section of Schedule 2.)

Category 13 – Plumbing maintenance at aquatic centres

• general plumbing services for recreation and aquatic centres
• service and repair of plant at aquatic centres (eg boilers, heaters etc)
• pump repairs at aquatic centres
• maintenance of air handling systems at aquatic centres
• project management of minor works at aquatic centres

Category 20 – Playground equipment repairs and alterations

• playground equipment repairs and alterations
• installation of and repairs to rubber under-surfacing to playgrounds
• supply of playground mulch
• spreading of playground mulch

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Coldstream: Avenue of Trees

In response to yesterdays post I received an encouraging e mail from Jeanette McRae.
It reads as follows:

Hi Mario

Glenn and I have discussed concepts around further beautification of Coldstream including creating an avenue of trees and this proposal seems to fit in nicely. It has been referred to officers for their attention.

many thanks

Jeanette

Thanks Jeanette and Glenn.

Trees: One Gone - 60,000 more to be planted.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges has an allocated budget of $790,000 per annum to implement Council’s Climate Change Commitment.

Part of this commitment is:

Plant 60,000 plants for carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement.

I would like to see a few of these planted in Coldstream, mainly along Maroondah Highway along the UGB (Urban Growth Boundary) as the trees there a sparse and not continuous (see I do have a green streak in me).

I hope you all agree with me.

Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-prone Areas

Boris Iskra of Wood Products Victoria has informed us that he has uploaded 3 documents to the timber.org.au website (refer link: http://www.timber.org.au/menu.asp?section=Design&sub=Bushfire%20Performance) prepared by Wood Products Victoria in response to the pressing Victorian need to provide technical support for the use of timber products in bushfire-prone areas.
There is also the need to provide designers, specifiers, builders etc the confidence that timber products can be used... following on from the negative government press release stating that only concrete slabs and brick veneer would be allowed in the most extreme bushfire areas – which is incorrect.

The following publications are found on the website:

· Overview - Building with Timber in Bushfire-prone Areas (Vic/ACT) – Provides some general background to building in bushfire-prone areas.

· Timber Framed Housing in Bushfire-prone Areas (Vic/ACT) – Specific construction details for both brick veneer and timber clad houses on suspended timber floors.

· Bushfire Standard - Timber Building Element Summary Table (Vic/ACT) – A summary of the key elements required when building in bushfire-prone areas.

Good Bye Tree - Finally!

I hope this is the last time we need to say good bye to the hello tree.

COLDSTREAM’S “hello tree” is getting the chop after Yarra Ranges Council agreed to remove the tree to make way for traffic lights.
Residents welcomed the move which they believe will help make the intersection safer.

“I’m pleased to say goodbye to this tree and hello to a safer intersection,” Cr Higgins said.

To read the full story click on the TITLE above.

Coldstream Cougars- 3rd Division Seniors

Coldstream 155 points
North Ringwood 100 points

Coldstream
Goal Kickers: L. Doughty 7, J. Stewart 5, D. Den Braber 3, M. Price 2, A. Dale, P. Glassborow, M. Johnson, R. Kerr, S. McDonnell, J. Pignataro, D. Gordon
Best Players: R. Kerr, D. Gordon, M. Price, J. Stewart, L. Doughty, N. Cuthbertson

North Ringwood
Goal Kickers: J. Barrett, G. Cochrane, E. Koh, J. McConnell, A. Sharp, D. Walls, D. Beagley, G. Aitken, J. Miles
Best Players: C. Pardo, G. Sykes, A. Baltruweit, J. McConnell, M. Parkes, E. Koh

For the rest of the results click on the Title.

Good Bye Tree

The following is taken from the minutes of the last Shire meeting:
Click on the title to get a full account.




Following Council's consideration of VicRoads proposal at the meeting of 27 January 2009 (item 8.9 refers) VicRoads was requested to provide further information regarding options that had been considered for proposed improvements at the intersection in addition to assessing Council's proposal to carry out widening works on the southern side of the intersection so as not to cause any impact on the Eucalyptus botryoides located on the north-western side of the road reservation at the intersection. VicRoads advised that an option of a roundabout for the intersection is not viable due to the inability of the roundabout to effectively manage traffic flow in peak demands.

Considerable vegetation removal would also be required to provide sufficient vision to other roads at the intersection for drivers approaching the roundabout. VicRoads also provided a concept plan for carrying out road widening works within Maroondah Highway on the south side of the roadway. This proposal shows significant vegetation removal along the southern roadside and would impact on the amenity of adjacent residential properties and their driveway access to Maroondah Highway.

Crs Cox and McRae inspected the site with Council officers on 18 March 2009 to assess the alternate proposal and the extent of works to the southern side of Maroondah

YARRA RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL MINUTES - 14/04/09 24
Highway. It was identified that considerable vegetation removal would be required along the southern roadside and that adjacent residential properties would experience a loss of amenity and impact to their driveway access.

Resolved on the motion of Crs Heenan and Warren

A Division was called:
For: Crs Templer, Higgins, Warren, Heenan and Cox
Against: Crs Cliff, McRae, Avery and Dunn

Keep Work Local - Tender for a Shire Contract

Welcome To Yarra Ranges Council E-Tendering

Welcome to Yarra Ranges Council electronic procurement and tendering web pages, which has been designed to improve the speed and efficiency for both Yarra Ranges Council and our suppliers.

To use this system and to access the tenders being called by Yarra Ranges Council, you must first be a registered Supplier. To register, click on the TITLE above.

Yarra Ranges Council wishes to invite organisations to bid for the supply of the undermentioned goods and/or services contained within these web pages.

All our staff are required to conduct their activities in accordance with Yarra Ranges Council, Code of Ethics.

Yarra Ranges Council has also developed a set of Supplier Guidelines which outline our expectations of the suppliers we have engaged.

This system has been developed by TenderLink.com Pty Ltd

Solar in the Suburbs Program

The article below did not detail what our Shire was specifically doing. Glenn Patterson (our CEO, pictured) provided the following details.

The Solar in the Suburbs Program is the one where we were planning to partner with other councils who form part of EAGA - Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action. The concept basically looks for the best price on the market for solar installation as a bulk tender - with all EAGA councils part of the arrangement - on behalf of the community...basically taking one difficult step out of the equation on their behalf. This is a model that has been tried and tested by other alliances very successfully.

The administrative management of the program for all 6 EAGA councils is being offered by the Environment Shop. Although they are not in our Shire, the program looks to also engage local businesses as the installers.

Under this scheme, residents need only sign up prior to 30 June to be eligible for the rebate (all other conditions satisfied of course - means test below $100K) even if works occur shortly after. This formalises the rebate process and abates scenarios where people are still waiting on rebates that are yet to be filed by their privately selected installer.

Thanks Glenn.

Councils can help you go Green

Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges are among six councils who have set up a bulk solar purchasing scheme in the hope it will encourage more residents to consider alternative energy.

Details: 9095 7404 or www.solarsuburbsprogram.com.au

click on the TITLE for the full story

Death: Vail Colliver

Vail Colliver from Station Street, one of the older residents of Coldstream has passed away. He was a well know figure in the township.
Vail passed away quietly on Saturday 11th April 2009.
His funeral will be held at the Memorial Park.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Thanks Mate! Day

Click on the image to read in more detail.

Thanks to Jeanette McRae for send this on.

Stink Group Site

http://www.greenstink.com.au/

Click on the Title to go to this site.

KEEP TUNED >>> MORE INFO IN THE WIND ( Excuse the pun)

Bushfire pet remembrance in Coldstream

ANIMAL lovers will be able to remember pets and native animals lost in the Black Saturday bushfires during a ceremony in Coldstream.

Read where by clicking on the title.

Yarra Ranges Shire says good-bye to Coldstream’s “hello tree”

AFTER outraging residents in January by voting to keep a tree in Coldstream that one councillor claimed said``hello to visitors’’ ahead of installing traffic lights at a dangerous intersection, Yarra Ranges Shire has voted to remove the tree.

Click on the title to read more.

Lights at Melba & Maroondah Should Go Ahead

Last night at the council meeting it was agreed that Vic Roads would be given a permit to install lights at the intersection of Melba and Maroondah Highways.

The vote was very close, 5 for and 4 against. The main argument was not to save the tree that created a huge response last time but if Vic Roads were correct in their assessment of the situation.

The major discussion point was over the type of roadworks proposed. There were two major directions, Vic Roads (who were not present last night) insisted that traffic lights were the only way to go and that a roundabout would not work or fit.

Some councillors argued that Vic Roads were wrong and a roundabout could be made to fit.

Vic Roads have been saying this all along and have been sent back to the drawing board several times only to come back with the same solution, that is, lights.

Reading between the lines, I believe, that if Vic Roads were sent back to the drawing board again they would shelve the project.

I would like to congratulate all councillors for putting their views forward and I agree that it was a difficult decision to resolve.

Will it be Good bye to the Hello Tree?

The Shire will decide tonight.
Read the details by clicking on the title.

Motorcyclist caught at 235km/h in Coldstream

All I can say " What an idiot!" and he was lucky he did not kill himself or anyone else.

Yarra Ranges traffic management unit boss John Morgan said a 23-year-old Glen Waverley man was caught travelling east on Maroondah Highway, near Maddens Lane, at 10.20am today.

Read the full story and see some pictures by clicking on the Title.

SMELL: Has it gone?

I have had a number of e mails complaining about the smell from the Coldstream Compost Facility.
There is little I can do but ask you to report these to the EPA by phone or e mail the Shire.

Phone 9695 2777 (Melbourne)
E mail: mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
this e mail will generate an automatic reply, but in it please include details eg
your e mail adddres
your name
date of smell
time of smell
location where you detected the smell
rating of smell 1 to 10 where 10 is "a vomit smell"

Footy: Coldstream Cougars

Football
3rd Division Seniors play NEXT WEEK at 2:10 at Coldstream V Nth Ringwood

NO FOOTY TODAY

Workers Wanted

Are you between jobs, on the dole or retired and bored?
Want to help those who have lost fences in the recent fires?
There is a catch, >>> there is no pay just personal satisfaction.

read the story " Off the fence By Kath Gannaway" by clicking the title above.

If you are motivated and free then ring the VFF on 1300 882 833 to volunteer.

LIGHTS - TREE- ACTION!

The story continues!

Our famous, often called the "hello" tree or the tree that welcomes visitors to the Yarra Valley may soon be converted to furniture! WHAT A JOKE!

Who cares what happens to the tree, just fix the intersection! There are hundreds of thousand of trees in the shire and there is nothing special about this ONE tree!

Let's get our priorities right, lets make the intersection safer, let's reduce the time cars sit waiting to join the flow of traffic on busy holiday times and most weekends. Increasing traffic flow efficiency will reduce more greenhouse gases than this tree would ever do.


TRAKEN FROM THE LATE ITEM >> Click on the title above to go to the full item agenda.


BACKGROUND
As part of VicRoads road improvement program $1.5 million has been allocated to upgrade the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Melba Highway to provide a signalised intersection. In order to meet traffic build-up that will occur as a result of the installation of traffic signals, widening of Maroondah Highway to provide an additional through outbound lane is proposed in conjunction with widening of Melba Highway and modification of existing splitter islands at the intersection.

The proposed works are expected to improve traffic congestion experienced particularly on weekends, holidays and festival events.

There have been 13 serious accidents at the intersection since 1990.
In order to carry out the proposed improvement works, road widening is required within Maroondah Highway.

PROPOSAL
Further information provided by VicRoads identifies that there is significant impact to the southern roadside of Maroondah Highway associated with the alternate proposal for works at the intersection of Maroondah Highway and Melba Highway. It is therefore recommended that Council approve the original VicRoads proposal with modifications as follows:


· that the timber from the removal of the Eucalyptus botryoides be utilised to create street furniture that could be installed at the site or in the general locality;

· that a bicycle path be included in the proposed works that would eventually form part of a continuous path between Lilydale and Healesville;

· that replanting of 70 new plants to offset the removal of the Eucalyptus botryoides occur within the existing road reserve adjacent to Dame Nellie Melba House in accordance with the attached replanting schedule; and

· that the existing 70 km/h speed zone for Coldstream township be extended to the eastern side of the intersection to improve road safety in this area.

HAPPY EASTER

I am not sure how many read my COLDSTREAM 3770 >> News, Views & Gossip here but I hope my posts are of some use to you.

I would like to wish you all a happy and safe Easter break. Please drive with utmost care and zero alcohol.

All the Best
Regards

Mario Galteri

ANL (Australian Native Landscapes)

ANL run the compost site at Coldstream and have been at VCAT because of the smell created by the process.

RUMOUR,

It is rumoured that ANL have asked the SYR for an ammendment in the permit. At this stage I am unsure of what changes they are asking for, but I will let you know when I get some facts.

The Latest on the TRAFFIC LIGHTS

The SYR agenda came out today but I was surprised to see no mention of the item that was rumoured to be back on the round table!

After I few e mails I was able to find out that there will be a discussion about the traffic lights or roundabout at the intersection of Melba & Maroondah Highways.

Glenn Patterson (CEO) said "With the councillors' knowledge, a late report has been prepared for next Tuesday's council meeting on this subject."

He went on to say, "It will be at the end of the Environment and Engineering section, so yes towards the end of the night. There won't be a report available until the night."

The meeting will be at the Shire next Tuesday.
Click on the title above to see what else is on the agenda.

Parks re-open over Easter weekend

Many of Victoria's bushfire-affected parks and recreation areas will be open to the public on the Easter weekend.

Parks that were closed during the February fires but are now open include:

Central Victoria: Kurth Kiln Regional Park, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Arthurs Seat State Park, Mornington Peninsula National Park, Yan Yean Reservoir Park, Plenty Gorge Park, Warrandyte State Park, Upper Yarra Reservoir park, Silvan Reservoir park, Dandenong Ranges Gardens;


For the current list of open parks visit the Parks Victoria website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63. For forests go to Department of Sustainability and Environment website www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests or call 136 186.

Bumper sticker

This is a copy of the bumper sticker available from Christine Fyffe (our local state member). I also have a few here at Coldstream Timber.

“Fuel reduction burning is a fire management tool that must be used at every opportunity. In many areas on Black Saturday roadside verges burnt extremely hot because of the exceptionally high build up of fuel over many years adding enormously to the intensity of the wildfire. These areas must be treated as a potential threat to life and property in a wildfire event and have their fuel load systematically reduced”, Mr Blackwood said.


“Properties covered with trees, especially native trees, burn fiercely. Virtually every building surrounded by native bushland has been incinerated. Its just common sense really. Reduced fuel loads mean reduced fire risk. No fuel means no fire! Mr Barton said.

Fuel Reduction Bumper Sticker Launch - --- A Drive to Save Lives

NO FUEL – NO FIRE ALLIANCE

Fuel Reduction Bumper Sticker Launch - A Drive to Save Lives

Today a new group called the No Fuel - No Fire Alliance combined forces with State MPs and a Councillor from the Mt Alexander Shire to launch a bumper sticker campaign aimed at reducing the effects of severe bushfires.

Branded with the slogan “No Fuel – No Fires, Fuel Reduction Saves Lives”, the stickers are the concept of Rita Bentley who has spent 20 years lobbying both state and local government for a more balanced approach to land management that recognises that green values must not be prioritised ahead of human safety.

“Public land management policy has been hijacked by the green movement to the extent that fallen timber is not being removed because it is regarded as habitat for critters. Policy-makers refuse to listen to those with generations of experience in forest management. Instead they adopt computer modelled imported policy from places that simply do not have the intense fire risk that we live with”, Mrs Bentley said.

State Liberal Members Christine Fyffe and colleague Gary Blackwood have joined the fight with Independent MP Craig Ingram and Paul Weller of the Nationals to help put the focus back on saving lives.

“As a member of the all party Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC), I saw and heard evidence during our 2008 investigation into the Impact of Public Land Management Practices on Bushfires. The evidence proved without a shred of doubt that fuel reduction burns must be increased. Bushfires are regarded as inevitable in our parched landscape. However, their size and intensity are variables that we have a capacity to influence through a more aggressive schedule of prescribed burning,” Mrs Fyffe said.

Former arborist in the forestry industry Scott Gentle made a submission to the 2008 ENRC Bushfire Inquiry foreshadowing the events of Black Saturday in which he stated, “Living in an area like Healesville, whether because of dumb luck or whatever, we have not experienced a fire since about 1963. God help us if we ever do, because it will make Ash Wednesday look like a picnic", Mr Gentle said.

Nationals MP Paul Weller commented, “If we are to take one lesson from the recent bushfire disaster, it is that unless fuel loads are maintained at safe levels, then we will have unsafe forests and the potential for more terrifying infernos”.

Liberal Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood highlighted the threat posed by overgrown roadside verges.

“Fuel reduction burning is a fire management tool that must be used at every opportunity. In many areas on Black Saturday roadside verges burnt extremely hot because of the exceptionally high build up of fuel over many years adding enormously to the intensity of the wildfire. These areas must be treated as a potential threat to life and property in a wildfire event and have their fuel load systematically reduced”, Mr Blackwood said.

Independent Member for Gippsland Craig Ingram pointed to the benefits of fuel reduction for our ecosystems.

“I have advocated for many years for major change in the way our public lands are managed, particularly for major increases in ecological and fuel reduction burning as an essential tool to improve the health of our native forests and reduce the fire risk on communities living in and around forest areas”, Mr Ingram said.

Bushfire survivor David Barton shared his observations of the problems with native trees in particular.

“Properties covered with trees, especially native trees, burn fiercely. Virtually every building surrounded by native bushland has been incinerated. Its just common sense really. Reduced fuel loads mean reduced fire risk. No fuel means no fire! Mr Barton said.

Mrs Bentley agreed, “The message No Fuel No Fire – Fuel Reduction Saves Lives is clear. We know we can’t remove the danger altogether but we can make it a damn sight safer”, Mrs Bentley said.

Media: Ruth Barendse – 9735 3208

Ring Ruth if you want a sticker.

Carbon Footprint: Solar Hot Water Rebate

The Australian Government is providing a rebate of $1,600 to help eligible home-owners, landlords or tenants replace their electric hot water systems with solar or heat pump hot water systems. This offer is part of the Government's $3.9 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package and it came into effect on 3 February 2009.

Eligibility requirements

The $1,600 Solar Hot Water Rebate is only available to people who have not already accessed support to install ceiling insulation through the Homeowner Insulation Program.

Want to find out more? Click on the TITLE