A COLDSTREAM mechanic has come up with a simple, yet ingenious, invention that will make the life of a truck driver much easier.
To read the FULL story, please click on the TITLE
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tax on fire services remains a burning issue
Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has tabled a further 200 signatures in Parliament this week in response to the Brumby Labor Government’s unfair Fire Services Levy (FSL).
The petition calls for the State Government to immediately review the tax on fire services and implement a fairer model of funding as is the case in other states of Australia.
Victoria’s FSL has been strongly criticised by peak bodies such as the National Insurance Brokers Association, Country Fire Authority, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Insurance Council of Australia.
A lack of action by the Brumby Government on introducing a more equitable FSL has also angered householders and community organisations.
“The Country Women’s Association recently tabled a resolution at its State Conference that ‘everyone who benefits from fire services should contribute to its funding not just those who take out insurance’ and that the ‘State Government (should) make it mandatory that all ratepayers pay the Fire Services Levy’.
“The resolution was carried unanimously by the 800 plus delegates present.”
Dr Sykes said that in October 2009 the Government announced a long overdue review of the FSL and released its Green Paper for wider community consultation.
At the time Dr Sykes was critical of the review process because while formal submissions on the Green Paper are open between June and July 2010, the Brumby Government has made no commitment to release the final White Paper before the next State Election.
The White Paper is due to be released within six months of the Bushfire Royal Commission handing down its final report on 31 July 2010.
“I am concerned that this government is not genuinely committed to change as the White Paper will not be available when Victorians go to the polls later this year,” Dr Sykes said.
Dr Sykes said the Brumby Government has known for years how unfair and inequitable the FSL is but has done nothing.
“Everyone but this government acknowledges that the current FSL has many deficiencies.
“The Victorian Liberal-National Coalition in government is committed to implementing a fairer system.
“I challenge the Brumby Government to release the findings of the White Paper prior to the upcoming State Election,” Dr Sykes concluded.
Media enquiries Bill Sykes MP 0427 624 989
Bill Sykes MP, State Member for Benalla
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture & Water
2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla 3672
Ph: 03 5762 2100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 03 5762 2100 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Fx: 03 5762 4478 Mobile: 0427 624 989
Email: bill.sykes@parliament.vic.gov.au
Monday, June 21, 2010
Cougars ready second time around
* Chris Vernuccio
* From: Leader
* June 20, 2010 1:52PM
COLDSTREAM coach Sean Ellis conceded his team was underprepared for its opening round clash against Mitcham, which the Cougars lost by 100 points.
But, they produced a sensational turnaround on Saturday, thrashing the Tigers by 75 points at Coldstream Reserve in their EFL Division 3 clash.
To read the full story click on the TITLE above.
10/30 Right Runs Out on 31st of August
There has been confusion and concern from some residents about Yarra Ranges Council’s interpretation of the State Government’s 10/30 bushfire prevention fuel reduction right in recent weeks according to Liberal Member for Evelyn Christine Fyffe MP who is today setting the record straight.
The “10/30 Right” which expires on the 31st of August 2010 permits landholders to clear any vegetation on their own property, including trees within 10 metres of a house and any ground fuel within 30 metres of a house “as of right” without a permit.
“It is absolutely clear that anyone who wishes to reduce fuel by removing or lopping vegetation around buildings used for accommodation, adjacent to existing fences and on property boundaries in the Yarra Ranges the 31st of August 2010 ,” Mrs Fyffe said.
“After this date a council permit will be required,” Mrs Fyffe said.
However, Mrs Fyffe has also urged caution for anyone planning to remove vegetation from their property.
“It is vitally important that anyone removing vegetation from their premises seek advice if living in a land slip area to prevent the unsafe movement of rock, debris and soil,” Mrs Fyffe said.
Media: Ruth Barendse – 9735 3208
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Fire services levy must change
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
This is a letter to the editor from Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, issued to the press this morning.
Dear Editor
The Fire Services Levy (FSL) that funds the CFA is being reviewed by the State Government, and CFA volunteers agree that change is needed.
Any new system for funding fire services should be more equitable – the FSL is collected through property insurance, so people who don’t insure don’t contribute to the cost, even though the CFA protects their property too.
The new system must generate enough funding for the fire services – it takes time, tankers and training to make new volunteers into the firefighters who protect country and suburban Victoria every day of the year.
And any improved system should recognise that CFA volunteers already contribute to the fire service – it is clearly unfair that they are taxed to pay for a service that they provide for free.
Allan Monti
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
Representing CFA volunteers
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Amazing escape from crash fire (Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, 15 Jun 2010, Page 3)
Amazing escape from crash fireALEX MUNRO
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
15 Jun 2010
EMERGENCY workers say it was a miracle two men survived a crash in Coldstream on Wednesday between a prime mover and a 4WD. The collision set the truck ablaze but did not seriously hurt its driver. The driver of the 4WD was airlifted to Royal...read more...
Monday, June 14, 2010
More on the recent TRUCK fire
EMERGENCY workers say it was a miracle two men survived a crash in Coldstream on Wednesday between a prime mover and a 4WD.
The collision set the truck ablaze but did not seriously hurt its driver.
To read the FULL story, please click on the TITLE
The collision set the truck ablaze but did not seriously hurt its driver.
To read the FULL story, please click on the TITLE
Friday, June 11, 2010
EPA & ANL @ VCAT
As you may know, EPA decided in May 2010 to refuse to isssue a Works Approval to Australian Native Landscapes Pty Ltd ("ANL") for its proposed upgraded composting facility in Coldstream. Since then, ANL has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ("VCAT") for a review of EPA's decision.
VCAT now requires ANL, as the applicant, to promptly give to all persons concerned, including people such as yourself who made submissions during EPA's consideration process, copies of all documents that are relevant to the VCAT hearing.
If you want to receive these documents, please provide a postal address asap by emailing community.engagement@epa.vic.gov.au so that EPA can pass on that address to ANL. ANL will then post the documents to you.
Please note that VCAT will not be hearing the case for several months. The first step is a Directions Hearing on 22 July 2010 at VCAT (55 King St Melbourne), which will map out VCAT's pre-hearing processes and schedule the hearing dates.
Regards
Gary Laidlaw
Community Engagement Facilitator
18 Cheviot Avenue, Coldstream NO DUAL OCC
REASONS
Background
1 This is an application for the construction of a single storey dwelling located at the rear of the existing dwelling. I am aware that this application follows a number of similar applications recently considered by the Tribunal within Coldstream. I am also aware that the application of State and Local planning policy has been discussed in each of the earlier decisions and I will discuss these observations later in this decision.
2 Mr Guy Walker and a number of residents from Coldstream objected to the permit application and now seek a review of the decision of Council to issue a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit.
3 The objectors raised issues on the grounds that the development of this site (and others) is against planning policy and in conflict with the character of the neighbourhood. I will address each of these issues below.
1 Having reviewed the State and Local planning policies within the Yarra Ranges
Decision
1 This application does not fail because of policy. As stated, there is no prohibition on development of a second dwelling. It fails because it has not been site responsive and fails to comply with objectives of clauses 55.02-1 and 55.05-4. In reaching my decision, I make the observation that sometimes the better outcome would be to demolish the existing dwelling. The site is therefore not constrained by the footprint of the existing dwelling and more able to be site responsive to such issues as trees to be retained on the site.
2 Having regard to the above, I will order that no permit is issued.
Tracey Bilston-McGillen
MemberOnce again, this is just a few paragraphs from the decision. E mail me for the full report if you wish.
NO dual occ for 5 Witham Drive Coldstream
Reasons
This is an application lodged by objectors against the decision of the Council to issue a Notice of Decision to grant a planning permit for the construction of a dwelling at the rear of the site.
The objections are largely concerned with the lack of policy support for the proposed dwelling but also that the proposal fails to respect the character of the neighbourhood and will have a detrimental impact on adjoining properties.
Having heard the submissions, reviewed the plans and assessed the development against the provision of the scheme, it fails. It fails not because of planning policy but because it is results in a poor layout and
internal amenity for dwelling 1, it has a poor streetscape outcome and fails to respect the character of the neighbourhood.
1 The proposal does not fail because of planning policy.
1 Coldstream is a rural township. It is not a suburban location where development is cheek-by-jowl. Development in this location needs to demonstrate that it is site responsive and respectful of the neighbourhood character. This proposal fails to achieve this.
Tracey Bilston-McGillen Member |
Fire services and the non-insured Green Paper
The bushfires in February 2009 reminded all Victorians of the need to ensure our fire fighting services have the best equipment and best training available to respond to the annual threat of bushfires in our community.
Every Victorian understands the need to have well funded fire fighting services, however there has been community debate following the fires on the best way to fund them equitably.
A review of the Fire Services Levy conducted by the Department of Treasury and Finance in 2003 found that, along with significant annual funding from the Victorian budget and Melbourne-based councils, the current model was the best way to fund Victoria’s fire services.
However, it is now appropriate to review the model again given that the Victorian Government has committed to reconsidering all aspects of our state’s ability to prepare for and respond to major bushfires.
The Fire services and the non-insured Green Paper (PDF, 3,968KB) has been designed to help Victorians establish the best way to fund Victoria's fire services and to determine whether an alternative model would deliver adequate funding in a more equitable way.
Have your say on the Green Paper - Submissions close 15 July 2010 . Submissions can be sent:
By post:
Fire Services Project
Department of Treasury and Finance
1 Treasury Place
East Melbourne
Vic 3002
Every Victorian understands the need to have well funded fire fighting services, however there has been community debate following the fires on the best way to fund them equitably.
A review of the Fire Services Levy conducted by the Department of Treasury and Finance in 2003 found that, along with significant annual funding from the Victorian budget and Melbourne-based councils, the current model was the best way to fund Victoria’s fire services.
However, it is now appropriate to review the model again given that the Victorian Government has committed to reconsidering all aspects of our state’s ability to prepare for and respond to major bushfires.
The Fire services and the non-insured Green Paper (PDF, 3,968KB) has been designed to help Victorians establish the best way to fund Victoria's fire services and to determine whether an alternative model would deliver adequate funding in a more equitable way.
Have your say
The Government wants to give all Victorians the opportunity to comment on the ideas put forward in this Green Paper and to convey their views on how Victoria can equitably fund our fire services.
Generally, all submissions would be treated as public documents unless individuals or organisations request otherwise. Please note that freedom of information access requirements will apply to all submissions including those treated as confidential.
The Government wants to give all Victorians the opportunity to comment on the ideas put forward in this Green Paper and to convey their views on how Victoria can equitably fund our fire services.
Generally, all submissions would be treated as public documents unless individuals or organisations request otherwise. Please note that freedom of information access requirements will apply to all submissions including those treated as confidential.
Have your say on the Green Paper - Submissions close 15 July 2010 . Submissions can be sent:
By post:
Fire Services Project
Department of Treasury and Finance
1 Treasury Place
East Melbourne
Vic 3002
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Residents have a win @ VCAT
I heard today that VCAT has not permitted the construction of two dual occs in Coldstream.
Anyone who can confirm please e mail me or add a comment.
Anyone who can confirm please e mail me or add a comment.
Yesterday's Crash and Burn
To read the full story click on the TITLE above.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics treated two people injured in a fiery collision at Lilydale this afternoon.
Advanced life support paramedics from Lilydale, intensive care paramedics from Ringwood East and an ambulance helicopter were called to the Maroondah Hwy at the Warburton Highway at 1.10pm.
Intensive care paramedic Edda Courtney said it appeared a truck and 4WD had collided, destroying the 4WD and the truck which caught fire.
‘A 36-year-old man from the 4WD was trapped in his car requiring the door to be cut off,’ she said.
‘He suffered abdominal injuries as well as pain to his leg and ankle.
‘We put a drip in his arm and gave him some fluids and pain relief to help stabilise his condition.
‘Given the potential for a spinal injury we fitted a neck brace to the man.
‘He was loaded into the helicopter and flown to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition.
‘A 40-year-old man was assessed at the scene and taken to Maroondah Hospital for further observations.
‘Both men are incredibly lucky given how serious this collision was and with the truck catching on fire.’
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
BREAKING NEWS: Coldstream truck explodes into flames
TRAFFIC chaos is predicted for afternoon peak hour commuters after a truck was engulfed in flames in Coldstream at 1pm today.
The truck was travelling north to Coldstream along Maroondah Highway.
A pasing motorist who contacted the Leader said the whole truck was ablaze.
David Galteri said: ``First the engine at the front of the truck was on fire then the flames started going along underneath the truck.
``It hit the tarpaulin and the whole thing was up.’’
``It hit the tarpaulin and the whole thing was up.’’
It is believed the driver had safely escaped and several cars had pulled over.
Police said emergency services were in attendance now.
Police said emergency services were in attendance now.
VIC Severe Weather Warning: Damaging Winds
Damaging winds averaging 50 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are forecast for the Alpine district and parts of the Central, West and South Gippsland and East Gippsland forecast districts.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* People should not park or shelter under trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
Robert B.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* People should not park or shelter under trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
Robert B.
50,000 free trigger nozzles
The Brumby Government and water authorities will provide Victorian gardeners with 50,000 free water efficient trigger nozzles for their garden hose in exchange for their old twist nozzles.
From Saturday, 5 June, 2010, the free trigger nozzles will be available from more than 50 accredited Water Saver Garden Centres, with a limit of two trigger nozzles per household.
Water Minister Tim Holding said the free trigger nozzle giveaway follows the overwhelming popularity of a program to provide 14,000 trigger nozzles to mark the introduction of Stage 3 water restrictions in April this year.
Stage 3 water restrictions allow gardens to be watered for two hours every second day and a 50 per cent increase in watering for public gardens and sportsgrounds.
For details on where to get a free water efficient trigger nozzle visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au or call your local water authority.
From Saturday, 5 June, 2010, the free trigger nozzles will be available from more than 50 accredited Water Saver Garden Centres, with a limit of two trigger nozzles per household.
Water Minister Tim Holding said the free trigger nozzle giveaway follows the overwhelming popularity of a program to provide 14,000 trigger nozzles to mark the introduction of Stage 3 water restrictions in April this year.
Stage 3 water restrictions allow gardens to be watered for two hours every second day and a 50 per cent increase in watering for public gardens and sportsgrounds.
For details on where to get a free water efficient trigger nozzle visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au or call your local water authority.
COLDSTREAM’S recycling centre
COLDSTREAM’S recycling centre has had a $200,000 upgrade to cater for booming demand for electronics waste recycling.
The upgrade included improvements to e-waste recovery systems and additional unloading bays.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said the improvements were completed in response to an increased number of recyclables, particularly electrical goods such as televisions, computers and appliances, being collected at the site.
‘‘As technology improves, so too does our ability to recycle a larger variety of used goods, including TV sets, computers and other equipment, which is a much better alternative to sending them directly to landfill,’’ Cr Cox said.
‘‘Improvements at the site will also help in reducing traffic congestion and queues, enabling residents to unload their recyclables in less time.’’
The Coldstream Recovery and Waste Transfer Centre is in Ingram Rd.
Recycling centre set for e-waste (Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, 08 Jun 2010, Page 13)
Recycling centre set for e-wasteLilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
08 Jun 2010
COLDSTREAM’S recycling centre has had a $200,000 upgrade to cater for booming demand for electronics waste recycling. The upgrade included improvements to e-waste recovery systems and additional unloading bays. Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said the...read more...
Growing traffic issue (Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, 08 Jun 2010, Page 7)
Growing traffic issueLilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
08 Jun 2010
arrow at the intersection of Kimberley Drive and Maroondah Highway, Chirnside Park.read more...
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
MY RED SPOT
Then go to this link and voice your comments.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Twice the rates pain (Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, 01 Jun 2010, Page 9)
Twice the rates painAlex Munro
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
01 Jun 2010
YARRA Ranges Council rates will increase by an average of 7.65 per cent, almost double estimated increases to council costs. As revealed exclusively by the Leader last week (May 24) bushfire preparedness costs and a state government hike in landfill...read more...
ANL bid thrown out (Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader, 01 Jun 2010, Page 5)
ANL bid thrown outAlex Munro
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
01 Jun 2010
RESIDENTS have cautiously welcomed an EPA decision to reject Australian Native Landscape’s latest bid to re-establish its Coldstream composting facility. In a damning release last week, the EPA said it had no confidence in the ANL’s proposal after...read more...
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
More On Compost
WHAT DO YOU THINK: Should ANL give up the Coldstream compost site?
Double Click to read the rest!
New plans for compost are rejected
and here as well.
Taken from our local papers.
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