Inner city insulated but suburbs and wedges face higher slug on fire services levy | Herald Sun

Inner city insulated but suburbs and wedges face higher slug on fire services levy | Herald Sun:

 "HOUSEHOLDS in outer suburbs and regional areas face a higher slug on their fire services levy than those in inner Melbourne."

Mount Evelyn to lead the way on stormwater reuse - Premier of Victoria

Mount Evelyn to lead the way on stormwater reuse - Premier of Victoria: "
Mount Evelyn to lead the way on stormwater reuse"

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

From the Minister for Water

An Australian-first initiative that encourages residents to use more of their stormwater runoff at home is being proposed for parts of Mount Evelyn, Minister for Water Peter Walsh announced today.

“This two year pilot, developed by Yarra Ranges Council and Melbourne Water, aims to dramatically reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and pollution entering the Little Stringybark Creek,” Mr Walsh said.

“Yarra Ranges Council has proposed an Environmental Significance Overlay to apply to new developments in the Little Stringybark Creek catchment which create additional hard surfaces, such as roofs or paving, that are greater than 10 square metres.

“Planning approval will be conditional on the proponents finding options to capture and treat more of their stormwater runoff onsite.

“This pilot program encourages residents to capture their stormwater at home and use it to flush their toilets, water their gardens and for other non-drinking purposes around the home.

“It is a practical example of how Integrated Water Cycle Management can be tailored to suit the needs of local communities, and it is the type of project that fits neatly with the Victorian Coalition Government’s Living Victoria objectives.

“We will be monitoring the success of this pilot closely and there is potential for similar programs to be applied to other catchments across Melbourne,” Mr Walsh said.

Member for Evelyn Christine Fyffe said since the drought there were strong community expectations that better use be made of all available water sources, including stormwater, rainwater and recycled water, and it was exciting to see this pilot project going ahead.

“Not only will households in our community be reducing their demand for drinking water and saving money on future water bills, they will also be helping to improve the health of one of our local waterways,” Mrs Fyffe said.

Yarra Ranges Councillor Maria McCarthy said the pilot program was a win for the Little Stringybark Creek.

“One of the major sources of pollution and causes of erosion in the creek is stormwater runoff,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Every time it rains, large amounts of stormwater are washed from roofs, roads and footpaths and into the creek through the drainage system.

“As more development occurs, the volume of stormwater flowing into the creek increases, which damages the creek and causes erosion. Stormwater also carries litter and pollution into the creek affecting water quality,” Ms McCarthy said.

Throughout the trial, all stormwater capture and treatment systems will be awarded a stormwater retention score.

Calculated by Melbourne Water, the score will be based on the ability to treat and capture stormwater on site, with a minimum score needed for new developments to proceed.

Treatment options such as raingardens or rainwater tanks that go beyond the minimum requirements may be eligible for partial or full reimbursement by Melbourne Water.

Households may also be eligible for Victorian Government rebates through the Living Victoria Water Rebate Program.

The proposed Environmental Significance Overlay has been released for comment until 11 March 2013. For more information visit the Yarra Ranges Council website or download the project brochure.

'via Blog this'

Council differential rates consultations continue - Premier of Victoria

Council differential rates consultations continue - Premier of Victoria:

"Council differential rates consultations continue"

'via Blog this'

Things to do in Coldstream, Melbourne - WeekendNotes

Things to do in Coldstream, Melbourne - WeekendNotes:

Events - On Now & Coming Soon

Yarra Valley Gourmet Produce and Artisan Market

Package Deal - stunning scenery, tasty food and shopping

03/03/2013

"Things to do in Coldstream, Melbourne"

$30,000 for Yarra Valley Food and Wine Festival - Premier of Victoria

$30,000 for Yarra Valley Food and Wine Festival - Premier of Victoria:

"Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher today announced that the Victorian Coalition Government has contributed $30,000 to support the Yarra Valley Food and Wine Festival. The funding is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting regional Victorian events through Tourism Victoria’s Events Program."

Fury as minister slices into golf course row

Fury as minister slices into golf course row: "PLANNING Minister Matthew Guy's intervention to approve a controversial golf course development is set for the Supreme Court, after he gave the green light to the proposal days before an appeal was due to be heard."


Developer Bill Boerkamp, who was appealing at VCAT, was furious. His lawyers wrote to Mr Guy last Friday urging him to reconsider, and submitting evidence Mr Boerkamp was planning to use at VCAT. He has instructed lawyers to begin proceedings in the Supreme Court to challenge the decision, which will be acted on if Mr Guy does not reconsider.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/fury-as-minister-slices-into-golf-course-row-20130219-2epir.html#ixzz2LO5hLtaA

Home - Melbourne Planning Strategy

Home - Melbourne Planning Strategy:

 "MELBOURNE"

THE DISCUSSION PAPER

A Discussion Paper called"Melbourne - Lets talk about the future"  has been released to prompt debate around Melbourne's future.

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE IN 
38 DAYs

'
Make a submission before 5pm on Thursday, 28th March, 2013



comment: Will Coldstream get a mention?

Local councils drive Metropolitan Planning Strategy community consultation

comment:  What is Yarra Ranges doing?

Planning Minister approves Eastern Golf Club application for golf course for Yering | Leader Newspapers East Melbourne | Local Community News VIC | Knox Leader | Manningham Leader | Maroondah Leader | Whitehorse Leader | Waverley Leader | Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Free Press Leader | Herald Sun

"PLANNING Minister Matthew Guy has approved the Eastern Golf Club's application to build a $49 million golf course in Yering." 3770

Heritage trees in Lilydale drilled and filled with diesel oil in vandalism attack | Leader Newspapers East Melbourne | Local Community News VIC | Knox Leader | Manningham Leader | Maroondah Leader | Whitehorse Leader | Waverley Leader | Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Free Press Leader | Herald Sun

"VANDALS have poisoned six heritage-listed trees in Lilydale by drilling them and filling them with diesel fuel."

Comment: there is no reason for this planned vandalism.

Crowd cheers as Yarra Ranges councillors reject $5m Healesville development | Leader Newspapers East Melbourne | Local Community News VIC | Knox Leader | Manningham Leader | Maroondah Leader | Whitehorse Leader | Waverley Leader | Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Free Press Leader | Herald Sun

Crowd cheers as Yarra Ranges councillors reject $5m Healesville development | Leader Newspapers East Melbourne | Local Community News VIC | Knox Leader | Manningham Leader | Maroondah Leader | Whitehorse Leader | Waverley Leader | Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Free Press Leader | Herald Sun:


"Crowd cheers as Yarra Ranges councillors reject $5m Healesville development"

Council last night

From  "Jim Child
Healsville Mill Site application refused.

Ethical Paper Pledge rescission motion lost, Yarra Ranges Council resolution of 11 December 2012 stands."

Comment: Thanks Jim

Council officers recommend rejecting Healesville development, councillors to decide tonight | Leader Newspapers East Melbourne | Local Community News VIC | Knox Leader | Manningham Leader | Maroondah Leader | Whitehorse Leader | Waverley Leader | Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Free Press Leader | Herald Sun

Council officers recommend rejecting Healesville development, councillors to decide tonight | Leader Newspapers East Melbourne | Local Community News VIC | Knox Leader | Manningham Leader | Maroondah Leader | Whitehorse Leader | Waverley Leader | Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader | Free Press Leader | Herald Sun:

 "PLANNING officers are recommending Yarra Ranges councillors reject a controversial $5 million mega-development in Healesville."

'via Blog this'

Uproar over minister's approval of golf club relocation

Uproar over minister's approval of golf club relocation:

 " relocation of the Eastern Golf Club course to the Yarra Ranges has been approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy"

'via Blog this'

Department of Sustainability and Environment - Planning scheme amendments ONLINE

Department of Sustainability and Environment - Planning scheme amendments ONLINE: "YARRA RANGES PLANNING SCHEME

AMENDMENT C130
"

Rezones 215-217 Victoria Road, Yering to Special Use Zone Schedule 9 and incorporates the document Eastern Golf Club Yering, February 2013 to allow for the use and development of the land for a Golf Club and associated uses.

Healesville residents up in arms over proposed McDonald's | 3AW Radio

Healesville residents up in arms over proposed McDonald's | 3AW Radio:

"Healesville residents up in arms over proposed McDonald's"

Click on the title to read the full story

Brakes on rates | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

Brakes on rates | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly:

 "COUNCILS will not be able to charge certain landowners and businesses at higher rates under new guidelines released last Monday.

Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell was given the power last year to overrule councils' discretion to charge some landowners or businesses extra. She said "several councils have employed significant creativity and stretched their differential rates powers to pursue social policy objectives.""

Read the rest by clicking the title above.

.: Hard Waste Collection starts :.

.: Hard Waste Collection starts :.: "Since last year Coldstream Transfer Station has participated in the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme, meaning residents can bring their old TVs & computer equipment to the Ingram Rd transfer station free of charge"

'via Blog this'

HEALESVILLE Have your say

Executive Summary - Discussion Paper

Healesville has been identified as the next priority in Council’s structure planning program for its activity
centres. This is due to its importance as a regional centre and significant tourist destination.

The purpose of the Healesville Structure Plan is to establish a framework for the future land use,
development and urban design of the Healesville township. It will guide public and private sector actions
related to land use and built form, movement networks, public spaces and infrastructure provision.

Yarra Ranges Views

Yarra Ranges Views: "Yarra Ranges Council is committed to working together to create great places to live, work and visit in theYarra Ranges region.

Yarra Ranges Views is the place for you to express your ideas and to have your say online. Your comments will be considered in making important decisions which shape the future of your community.Council values your advice and invites you to sign up, login and join the discussion in our online community forums. "

Comment: Great site to express your opinion.

Coldstream IGA

Heard on the grapevine

the sale of the COLDSTREAM IGA

has FALLEN THROUGH.

Comment: Shame, shame, shame.

.: Council Meetings :.

.: Council Meetings 

Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Anderson Street Offices, starting at 7.45pm. You are welcome to come along to meetings and observe from the gallery. 

There are also opportunities for you to submit questions to the Council, make a submission or speak to an item.

Brakes on rates | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly

Brakes on rates | Maroondah Weekly - Yarra Ranges Weekly:

COUNCILS will not be able to charge certain landowners and businesses at higher rates under new guidelines released last Monday.

Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell was given the power last year to overrule councils' discretion to charge some landowners or businesses extra. She said "several councils have employed significant creativity and stretched their differential rates powers to pursue social policy objectives."

 "Yarra Ranges mayor Jim Child said his council was "flying neutral" on the issue. He said differential rates was more of an issue for rural residents in the shire. "Rural constituents have asked, 'Why should we have to pay for footpaths and the like when we don't use them?'," he said. "But what do they do when they come into town, walk around the side? There have been tense discussions in the past when retirement homes have applied for differential [lower] rates but have been knocked back by council.""

Comment:  The way rates are calculated must be an issue for discussion.  The present system is not fair.

weather statistics for Coldstream Estate

Attached are the weather statistics for Coldstream Estate weather station.

Highlights were a few HOT days and a severe lack of rain.

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

   Averages\Extremes for the month of January 2013

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

Average temperature     = 20.5°C

Six yr average          = 20.3°C

Average humidity        = 59%

Average dewpoint        = 10.8°C

Average barometer       = 1010.6 hPa

Average windspeed       = 3.4 km/h

Average gustspeed       = 6.4 km/h

Average direction       = 169° ( S )

Rainfall for month      = 2.6 mm

January average         = 51.0 mm

Rainfall for year       = 2.6 mm

Maximum rain per minute = 0.4 mm on day 31 at time 18:08

Maximum temperature     = 41.6°C on day 17 at time 14:10

Minimum temperature     = 7.4°C on day 15 at time 06:39

Maximum humidity        = 96% on day 08 at time 07:11

Minimum humidity        = 8% on day 17 at time 19:14

Maximum dewpoint        = 18.6°C on day 07 at time 18:00

Minimum dewpoint        = -0.1°C on day 17 at time 18:41

Maximum pressure        = 1022.0 hPa on day 06 at time 08:45

Minimum pressure        = 994.9 hPa on day 18 at time 04:48

Maximum windspeed       = 22.2 kmh from 360°( N ) on day 04 at time 11:53

Maximum gust speed      = 40.7 km/h from 338°(NNW) on day 17 at time 15:58

Maximum heat index      = 42.2°C on day 07 at time 17:06

Avg daily max temp :29.8°C

Avg daily min temp :12.4°C

Total windrun = 2496.8km

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

Daily rain totals

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

  02.0 mm  on day 10

  00.2 mm  on day 11

  00.4 mm  on day 30

Cheers,

Robert Bethell

Council Plan & Budget follow up survey - Ryrie Ward

Council Plan & Budget follow up survey - Ryrie Ward:

Hi All,

As you might be aware we are in the process of developing the 2013-2017 Council Plan - our blueprint for priorities and future directions and a critical document.

There has already been a survey in Shirewide that provided useful feedback from the 1000+ community members that completed it but we need to know more about what matters and where you want our money and time invested. To help in gathering this feedback a short survey has been developed - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Ryrie-Ward

If you are able for forward the link to as many people in your networks that would be great. The Council Plan is such an important strategic document and it needs to accurately capture what is important to all in our communities. The survey will be open until the 15th February and I would love to see several 1000 responses from the Ryrie Ward.

Kind regards,

Cr Fiona McAllister

Ryrie Ward - Yarra Ranges Council

p: 0408 349 640 or 5962 6765

e: crfionamcallister@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

w: www.fionamcallister.com.au<http://www.fionamcallister.com.au/>