Free ride on public transport this Christmas

Google Reader (1): "Free ride on public transport this Christmas
by michaelc@webplace.com.au (Befekir Kebede)
Train, tram, coach and bus services across Victoria will be free from first to last service on Christmas Day, Tuesday 25 December, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

“Public transport is the safe and easy way to visit family and friends for Christmas celebrations,” Mr Mulder said."

'via Blog this'

Country cook takes title - Food & Dining - Lifestyle - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Country cook takes title - Food & Dining - Lifestyle - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader: "A COLDSTEAM chef who uses organic produce straight from the garden has been named Australia's Country Chef of Year.

Gary Cooper, from restaurant Bella Vedere, was named the best regional chef by Country Style magazine."

'via Blog this'

HAVE YOUR SAY: Renewed call for VicForests in Yarra Glen comments - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

HAVE YOUR SAY: Renewed call for VicForests in Yarra Glen comments - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader:

"Unbelievably, Samantha Dunn is now putting forward a motion to rescind the motion passed on 11/12 /2012. This will take place at the first 2013 meeting.What is wrong with letting the council get on with council business, and get out of political statements"

'via Blog this'

Federal Labor urges Victoria to tax the family home

 Land tax would be levied on the family home under a proposal put forward by the Gillard Labor Government today.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan used a meeting of state and federal treasurers in Canberra to dodge responsibility for national tax reform, instead calling on states to abolish stamp duty, funded by increases in land tax."


Comment:  Is she serious?

I Heard It On The Grape Vine

Rumour:

IGA COLDSTREAM MAY HAVE CHANGED HANDS.

Warning on bogus CFA salesman - Emergency Services - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Warning on bogus CFA salesman - Emergency Services - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader: "THE CFA is warning of the reappearance of a door-to-door salesman selling fire extinguishers and fire blankets who is falsely posing as a representive of CFA.

CFA spokeswoman Amy Schildberger said the man had been active since February this year in Boronia, Lysterfield, the Dandenong Ranges and, in recent days, Malvern.

She said the CFA did not sell products or fundraise door to door.

"Anyone approached by people in this manner claiming to be from CFA should decline the offer and immediately call Consumer Affairs,'' Ms Schildberger said.

"Anyone who feels threatened or intimidated should call police.''

The CFA also warns that people offering to paint numbers on gutters to help emergency services locate an address is not a practice endorsed or recommended by the CFA.

Anyone with information should contact Victorian Consumer Affairs hotline on 1300 558 181 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

'via Blog this'

Weather Station History | Weather Underground COLDSTREAM

Check the local weather here.

Coalition to reopen timber harvest at Mount Cole

 "The Victorian Coalition Government will allow limited commercial timber harvesting in the Mount Cole and Pyrenees Ranges state forest for the first time since 2004 following a sensible proposal from the local community.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the re-entry to harvesting at Mount Cole would be limited to salvage and silvicultural harvesting.

“A conservative one-year, 600 cubic metre licence for the removal of storm-affected timber will be taken up by local Chute sawmill Pyrenees Timber,” Mr Walsh said."

'via Blog this'

taken from FaceBook

We Support the Timber Industry - Our Sustainable Resource.

Friends of Forestry Media Release
12th December, 2012
Yarra Ranges Dumps Paper Pledge

The Yarra Ranges Council, in a stunning reversal of policy, last night dumped its direct involvement with the Wilderness Society's "Ethical Paper Pledge.”

Friends of Forestry (FoF) President, Brett Robin, said it was a huge victory for the sustainable timber industry, but moreover a victory for common sense and community feeling.

"FoF congratulates new Mayor Jim Child, and his dynamic new team of progressive, genuine, straight-thinking Councillors.

"Unlike the conspiracy theories being yelled by those opposed to the sustainable timber industry, there were no political agendas with the new Councillors, they were simply proving they make decisions on behalf of the majority of their community, treat all industries equally and will not be threatened," he said.

"This is an inspirational victory for our hundred year old sustainable timber industry that has been 'battered from pillar to post' by untrue green ideology for far too long.

"FoF encourages all community members to learn more about the local timber industry and our world-class forestry management practices, which not only provides direct and indirect jobs but ensures our forests are well managed so future generations can continue to enjoy their beauty and outstanding timber products," he said.

Yarra Ranges Council has long held a reputation as a "green" Council, and was one of only two councils in Australia to support the Wilderness Society driven 'Ethical Paper Pledge.’

Last night's decision now gives the 'green light' to Vicforests to move their Head office to the Yarra Valley, a move that will create close on 70 new jobs.

“The new Shire of Yarra Ranges last night proved they are still green but they also will not be dictated or bullied to by a minority and that they are progressive and believe in building strong social and economic communities within the Shire.”

“FoF congratulates members and councillors who were faced with typical unruly, rude and aggressive behaviour from the opponents to the timber industry who in the face of defeat yelled abuse and were disruptive and disrespectful to all speakers”.

“For the first time in a long time, Friends of Forestry members can say they are proud of the Shire of Yarra Ranges and look forward to helping build strong vibrant communities as they have done for 100 years”, concluded Mr Robin.

Like ·  · Share · 283 · 3 hours ago · 

Winery wins in the wind | Upper Yarra Mail | Star News Group Local community news

Winery wins in the wind | Upper Yarra Mail | Star News Group Local community news: "
COLDSTREAM Hills Winery has taken out two prizes at the Dan Murphy’s National Wine Show of Australia in November."

'via Blog this'

Bid for pledge on jobs deal | Ranges Trader Mail | Star News Group Local community news

Bid for pledge on jobs deal | Ranges Trader Mail | Star News Group Local community news:

Comment:  The motion PASSED (five for, four against)

A Message from Cr Fiona McAllitser

Hi Everyone,

As you are probably aware we are in the process of developing our 4 year Council Plan. This document is critical in setting the tone, direction and priorities for the next 4 years. 

The process is starting with a survey which came out in Shirewide but to date only 1000 across the entire municipality have completed it. 

Could you please send this email and the link to as many people as  you know and ask them to logon and complete the survey by the end of the week?

 The more voices we have the better the plan will be.

http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Reports_Policies/Council_Plan

Thanks!

Kind regards,
Fiona

Cr Fiona McAllister
Yarra Ranges Council - Ryrie Ward

HAVE YOUR SAY: Lilydale's new mini suburb - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

HAVE YOUR SAY: Lilydale's new mini suburb - Council - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader: "THERE are plans for a new mini suburb in Lilydale, with up to 4000 new homes set to be built in a massive multi-million dollar development in the town.

Yarra Ranges Council released information last week, stating 4000 new dwellings were proposed for the Sibelco Quarry site."

'via Blog this'

UPPER YARRA MAIL

The mail can now be read online and has a great new modern format.

There is a link on the GOOD LINKS section in the right column.

http://upperyarra.starcommunity.com.au/

Worth a click!

Hot conditions for Chirnside Park orchard fire - Emergency Services - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader

Hot conditions for Chirnside Park orchard fire - Emergency Services - News - Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader: "Crews were called to a fire in a former orchard in Coldstream West Rd at 12.45pm, which had spread into surrounding paddocks."

'via Blog this'

Speeding driver nabbed in Vic road blitz | Perth Now

Speeding driver nabbed in Vic road blitz | Perth Now: "A MELBOURNE man has been caught driving almost double the speed limit as part of a Victoria's Summer Stay road safety blitz.

Police detected the man travelling at 113km/h in a 60km/h zone in Coldstream in Melbourne's outer east just after 9pm (AEST) on Wednesday."

'via Blog this'

All fired up! Work starts on new MFB training centre

"All fired up! Work starts on new MFB training centre
by info@webplace.com.au (Administrator)
Work is officially under way on Victoria’s new $109 million emergency services training centre in Craigieburn, Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine announced today."


Comment: our FSL put to good use.

Solid results for timber industry audit

"The Victorian Coalition Government has released the findings of three independent audits of commercial timber harvesting in Victoria’s State forests. The audits show a very high level of compliance with the regulatory framework."

Averages\Extremes for the month of November 2012

Average temperature     = 16.9°C

November average        = 17.2°C

Average humidity        = 70%

Average dewpoint        = 10.7°C

Average barometer       = 1014.4 hPa

Average windspeed       = 2.5 km/h

Average gustspeed       = 5.0 km/h

Average direction       = 156° (SSE)

Rainfall for month      = 55.8 mm

Coldstream Average      = 73.0 mm

Rainfall for year       = 843.8 mm

Maximum rain per minute = 0.8 mm on day 27 at time 10:07

Maximum temperature     = 39.6°C on day 29 at time 16:53

Minimum temperature     = 4.5°C on day 11 at time 05:53

Maximum humidity        = 98% on day 24 at time 07:00

Minimum humidity        = 20% on day 24 at time 16:19

Maximum dewpoint        = 21.6°C on day 30 at time 10:11

Minimum dewpoint        = 3.0°C on day 13 at time 10:36

Maximum pressure        = 1025.7 hPa on day 10 at time 08:50

Minimum pressure        = 1003.1 hPa on day 29 at time 18:45

Maximum windspeed       = 18.5 kmh from 180°( S ) on day 12 at time 14:28

Maximum gust speed      = 44.4 km/h from 203°(SSW) on day 12 at time 13:22

Maximum heat index      = 42.5°C on day 29 at time 16:23

Avg daily max temp :24.4°C

Avg daily min temp :9.9°C

Total windrun = 1807.8km

-----------------------------------

Daily rain totals

-----------------------------------

  00.2 mm  on day 2

  15.4 mm  on day 3

  05.8 mm  on day 4

  00.8 mm  on day 8

  07.2 mm  on day 9

  02.2 mm  on day 10

  08.0 mm  on day 12

  02.0 mm  on day 20

  00.8 mm  on day 21

  05.8 mm  on day 29

  07.4 mm  on day 30

Regards,

Robert Bethell