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December 2014
Golden Plains Shire
Gazette
Golden Plains Shire
It’s Childs Play!
Kindergarten Construction Commences
It was a lovely sunny day when the kindergarten roadshow
rolled through Golden Plains on Thursday 9 October to mark
the start of construction on three fantastic projects.
Minister Terry Mulder, Member for Polwarth, visited the
Shire to officially commence construction at important
kindergartens and child care centres in Rokewood, Meredith
and Bannockburn.
Joined by helpful children at each location, Minister Mulder
and Mayor of the day, Cr Jenny Blake, shovelled the first sods
of soil.
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DID YOU KNOW ... Council provides
immunisation services to pre-school children.
Clinics are held at Bannockburn on the third
Tuesday of the month and at Rokewood, Linton
and Haddon on the first Tuesday of the month.
goldenplains.vic.gov.au
To date; demolition is complete and work has commenced
on construction at Meredith, the slabs are laid and frames
are up at Bannockburn and in Rokewood a builder has now
been appointed.
One of the most valuable elements of these projects is that
they provide more families with locally provided services –
removing the need to have to travel to Geelong or Ballarat
for services to suit their children.
In Bannockburn, the two new rooms, new kitchen
and outdoor play spaces will effectively create 32 new
kindergarten places, which can accommodate up to 50
additional enrolments and 12 new effective full time long
day care places for under 3 year old children.
The extension and refurbishment of the existing Rokewood
Kindergarten building will enable an increase in the current
licence capacity and will also enable the co-location of
other early years’ services - effectively creating 10 new
kindergarten places, which can accommodate up to 12
additional enrolments.
The hub at Meredith will provide for a range of family
support services, community and vocational learning
programs and early childhood services. The hub will also
enable new services to operate on an outreach basis in
Meredith, such as counselling, allied and mental health
services.
In the meantime, children are enjoying seeing the
construction and activity happening around their centres
and seeing the new rooms rising out of the soil.
Your
Council
Bannockburn Customer
Service Centre
2 Pope Street,
Bannockburn,
Victoria, 3331.
P: 03 5220 7111
F: 03 5220 7100
Linton Customer
Service Centre
68 Sussex Street, Linton
Victoria, 3360.
P: 03 5344 6444
F: 03 5344 7302
Postal Address
Golden Plains Shire
PO Box 111,
Bannockburn,
Victoria 3331.
Emergency Contacts
P: 1300 363 036
P: 03 5220 7111 (24
Hours)
Bannockburn Cultural
Centre
27 High Street,
Bannockburn
P. 5220 7260
The Well, Smythesdale
Business, Health &
Community Hub
19 Heales Street,
Smythesdale
P. 5321 1500
Northern Community
Centre
Sago Hill Road, Haddon
P. 5342 7000
Bannockburn Family
Services Centre
2a Pope Street,
Bannockburn
P. 5220 7230
From the Mayor
At the October
Special Meeting of
Council, my fellow
Councillors elected
me to represent
and serve the
Golden Plains
community as
Mayor. I appreciate
their confidence
in me and commit to doing the best I can as
Mayor for our community and Council.
I would like to congratulate Cr Jenny Blake
on her two terms as Mayor and the way
she has lead Council over that time. She
has shown strong leadership and has never
wavered in her dedication to serving the
people of Golden Plains Shire. On behalf of
Council and the community I thank her for
her dedication and commitment.
As we look to the future, 2015 holds many
unknowns for our region. As this Gazette
goes to print, the result of the State Election
will be learned. There are implications for
Council, particularly if there is a change
of government, with regard to funding
and strategies that effect the operation of
Council. We could also be facing another
drought period and as a predominantly
farming region, this could impact heavily on
our community.
With uncertainties to face, we will have
to work hard as a team - a team with my
fellow Councillors and management and as
a team with the community - to combat the
challenges that no doubt lie ahead and to
make the most of the opportunities that will
also arise.
As the holiday season approaches I would
like to wish residents a safe Christmas
season and look forward to working with
you, and on your behalf, in 2015.
Cr Des Phelan - Mayor
From the CEO’s Desk
I would like to
congratulate Cr
Des Phelan on his
appointment as
Mayor of Golden
Plains Shire for the
next 12 months.
I look forward
to working with Cr Phelan and Councillors
as we plan strategically and sustainably
for the future of our growing community. I
also extend my thanks to Cr Jenny Blake as
she steps down from the Mayoral position
– Jenny has been a very hard working and
dedicated Mayor over the past two years and
I congratulate her on her efforts.
As I write this message, Australia’s campaign
to stop violence against women, White
Ribbon Day approaches. I am committed
to making 26 November a day where we
2 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
pledge to challenge discrimination, sexism
and violence. Not just for one day, but every
day. We must continue our work in raising
awareness about the huge social, physical and
economic cost of violence against women in
our society.
This edition also brings a double page
spread (pages 8 and 9) on fire preparedness.
Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas
in the world. In Golden Plains, it is especially
important that residents are prepared in
the event of fire because of the diverse
landscapes; from farmland to bushland.
Please keep your family safe and make sure
you are Fire Ready this summer.
I wish all residents a safe and happy festive
season.
Rod Nicholls – Chief Executive Officer and
White Ribbon Ambassador
Community
News
Local Councillor Making History for Golden Plains Shire
As President of the Municipal Association of Victorian,
Councillor Bill McArthur is often involved in significant and
important undertakings. Most recently Cr McArthur has
participated in some landmark occasions.
Cr McArthur joined Premier Napthine and Local
Government Minister, Tim Bull, to co-sign a new Victorian
State-Local Government Agreement (VSLGA) to create
a whole-of-State-Government commitment to consult,
communicate and negotiate with local government
(pictured). Cr McArthur announced the historic moment as
a most welcome one.
“This Agreement is about mutual respect, accountability,
transparency and cooperation. It seeks to reinforce StateLocal Government relations - It is a great result for the
sector and I congratulate the State for delivering on the
commitment,” said Cr McArthur.
Cr McArthur’s recent signing of the Age-Friendly Victoria
Partnership and Leadership Declaration, alongside Minister
for Ageing, David Davis and Sue Hendy, CEO COTA Victoria
(pictured), will strengthen the partnership between the MAV
and State Government as they work on better State and
local planning for the creation of age-friendly communities.
Congratulations also go to Cr McArthur who has been
elected a Vice President of the Australian Local Government
Association (ALGA) at its annual general meeting in
Tamworth on 12 November. The ALGA is the national voice
of local government, representing 560 councils across the
country.
This is great news for Golden Plains Shire. Cr McArthur will
be able to continue his strong representation of Victorian
Local Government at both the State and National levels to
ensure our issues are well represented and that there is
equitable distribution of opportunities.
Batesford Secures Important TAC Funding
Golden Plains Shire Council was one of 23 Victorian councils
to be awarded a share of $1.2 million under the TAC’s Local
Government Small Infrastructure Grants Program.
The program encourages councils to develop solutions to
local safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians. TAC data
shows these road users account for more than 1600 serious
injuries across the State each year.
Council is delighted to announce that TAC approved
$90,000 for a Batesford project which will be matched by a
further $90,000 from Council.
In Batesford, there is a limited path network and where
paths are lacking, pedestrians often use road shoulders to
access different areas of the town.
This grant will help provide a safer environment for walking,
be cycling friendly and encourage greater participation in
physical activity in general.
The Grants Program was developed in consultation with
local councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria,
VicRoads and other stakeholders, including Victoria Walks,
Bicycle Network Victoria and the RACV.
2015 Training Program Announced - Grant Writing for Community
The first training session
for the new year has
been booked to take
place in Smythesdale and
Bannockburn. This session
will help community groups
and volunteers to prepare
quality applications under
Council’s Community Grants
Program.
Tips for Successful Grant
Writing
Dates and locations: • Monday 2 February at
the Bannockburn Cultural
Centre, 27 High Street,
Bannockburn
• Wednesday 4 February
at The Well, Smythesdale
Business, Health and
Community Hub, 19 Heales
Street, Smythesdale
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: FREE
Learn how to prepare quality
applications under Council’s
Community Grants Program.
The session will also cover
topics such as planning
your grant, the application
process, grant acquittal and
basic principles of successful
grant writing.
Want to register? Please
contact Caroline Jordan on
5220 7216 or email caroline.
[email protected].
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 3
Upcoming
Events
Discover the Art of Golden Plains
The Clyde Park Golden Plains Arts Trail 2015 is set for the
weekend of March 21 and 22 with more artists than ever
before opening the doors to their studios and exhibiting in
town halls, wineries, pubs and cafes across the length and
breadth of the Shire.
The Shire will be awash with opportunities to explore and
experience the arts and all the great things Golden Plains
has to offer.
Major sponsor, Clyde Park Winery, located five minutes
from Bannockburn will be providing a special brunch menu
for Arts Trail visitors and will feature talented local artist,
Donna Twycross. Donna will be on site until about 2pm
each day and will be creating a huge interactive painting
over the weekend, to which visitors will be encouraged to
add their own artistic flair!
Art will feature in Meredith, Dereel and Smythesdale in
the north, with the historic Courthouse hotel hosting five
eclectic artists. In the southern part of the Shire, art will be
on a trail all the way to Wingeel, where world renowned
sculptor Lucy McEachern will open the doors to her rural
studio. 2015 offers an Arts Trail that truly has something to
appeal to everyone.
Another special feature for the Clyde Park Golden Plains
Arts Trail 2015 Arts will be the chainsaw sculpture
demonstrations at the Royal Hotel in Meredith and the
newly erected Bundjil Eagle viewing platform at Maude.
Viktor Cebergs, the artist involved in carving the poles
for the Maude viewing platform, will be performing live
chainsaw sculpture demonstrations over the weekend.
Enjoy the amazing views over the Moorabool Valley, learn
about the intriguing indigenous story of the area and be
astonished at the fine level of detail Viktor can achieve in a
sculpture using a chainsaw! There will also be storytelling
sessions presented by a Wathaurung elder who will shed
light on the fascinating history of the Maude area and the
story of Bundjil – the inspiration for the viewing platform
structure.
The Clyde Park Golden
Plains Arts Trail 2015 has
so much to offer, check
the Arts Trail program for
specific demonstrations,
exhibitions, locations and
storytelling times.
Want to find out more?
Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.
au or goldenplainsartstrail.
com.au or follow
on facebook.com/
GoldenPlainsArtsTrail.
Golden Plains Farmers’ Market Sumptuous Luncheon
Swirling winds and grey skies did not dampen the
enthusiasm of the 90 guests who attended the Golden
Plains Farmers’ Market Sumptuous Luncheon on Saturday
1 November. This marquee occasion was again part of the
4 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
popular Toast to the Coast regional food and wine event.
Friends found friends and new friends were made as parties
and couples made their way to tables with name tags stringtied to rustic hessian wrapped fresh herbs. Patrons enjoyed
fine wines from Austins vineyards, boutique Prickly Moses
beers from the Otways and fabulous food provided by Matt
Dempsey and the famed Gladioli Restaurant.
Master of Ceremonies for the day was well known food
journalist and 3AW personality Wendy Hargreaves and
Geelong singer/guitarist Callan Young provided musical
entertainment which had the crowd on its feet dancing.
No one wanted the day to end, but as part of the Toast to
the Coast event, patrons happily allowed themselves to be
ushered onto buses where they continued to enjoy their
day at local vineyards, Austins and Clyde Park.
Community
Your
A Bluesy Cruisey New Year’s Eve
The Bluestone Blues Festival is back this News Year’s
Eve to send off 2014 and greet 2015 in swampy blues at
Murgheboluc Reserve.
This year, the old bluestone hall will light up with blues
master Brian Fraser, Stringybark McDowell and sidekick
Rusty, the super talented Greg Dodd & the Hoodoo Men,
and the low down, dirty, smokin’ blues crew Rodd Paine
& the Fulltime Lovers. Legendary Greg Achison & the
Souldiggers will greet the new year with some party tunes
and a stack of other raucous blues artists and local talents
complete an exciting and impressive listing.
Ticket holders can enjoy onsite camping and refreshments
whilst appreciating some classic blues mixed in with some
award winning blues funk.
Bluestone Blues Festival has been running since 1996.
The event is presented by Sleepy Hollow Blues Club and
is a two day celebration on New Year’s Eve from 6pm and
New Year’s Day from 11am. Tickets for the two days start
from $70. Gates open 10am on 31 December. Tickets:
trybooking.com.
Community Trailer Available for Events Across the Shire
The Trailer is kitted out with all things useful to event organisers from a marquee, umbrellas,
tables and chairs and A-frame signs to traffic cones, barrier netting and a toolkit complete with
hacksaw, staple gun and hammer!
The Events Kit and Trailer is available for use by community groups conducting activities, festivals
or events within the boundaries of Golden Plains Shire.
For more information or to book the kit for an upcoming event contact Council’s Community
Events Officer, Elaine Kellett, on 5220 7221 or [email protected].
December
6
Golden Plains Farmers’ Market
A great place to meet local
farmers and pick up a basket of
fresh, locally grown produce, the
first Saturday of every month
from 9am and 1pm. Located on
the corner of High and Milton
Streets, Bannockburn. Enquiries:
goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au.
20
Smythesdale Country Market
The Smythesdale Country Market
is located within the iconic Historic
Police Precinct. Come along and enjoy
locally produced food and crafts, or
visit the mobile library. The market
runs on the 3rd Saturday of every
month from 9am to 1pm.
Enquires and stall bookings:
Lin, Phone: 5342 8751
22
22
Teesdale Community
Christmas Carols
Teesdale Turtle Bend will come alive
in family fun and Christmas spirit.
There’ll be performances from
Teesdale Primary School and preschoolers and Santa will be making
an appearance. BYO chair, blanket
and picnic rug. Information: http://
teesdalecommunityevents.com/
Teesdale Country Market
Enjoy some country stalls this
Christmas and celebrate the
handmade and the home grown on
Sunday 22 December 9am – 1pm at
Teesdale Turtle Bend. Information:
http://teesdalecommunityevents.com/
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 5
Your
Community
Golden Plains Shire Community Grants 2015/16
Applications for the Golden Plains Shire Council’s
Community Grants Program 2015/16 will be open from
Monday 2 February 2015. The Community Grants Program
enables community groups to further meet the needs of the
wider community in a partnership relationship with Council.
Grants are available to community groups for projects
that provide outcomes for the benefit of the community.
Examples include new community programs and events,
purchase of equipment and facility improvement projects.
Funding is provided by Council on a dollar for dollar basis,
with the Community group’s contribution provided in-kind
or by cash. All applications must meet Council’s Community
grant application criteria.
The guidelines and application forms will be available online
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in February 2015 at goldenplains.vic.gov.au or from the
Bannockburn and Linton Customer Service Centres,
“The Well” Smythesdale Business, Health & Community
Hub, Northern Community Centre, Haddon or by calling
Michael Hynes on 5220 7182.
Applications close 5.00pm Friday 27 February, 2015.
Come Along to Our Information Sessions
Community members are invited to participate in
workshops for successful grant writing being held during
February 2015; see the Grant Writing article on page 3.
Want to find out more? Contact Community Recreation
Officer, Michael Hynes, on 5220 7182 or email:
[email protected].
DID YOU KNOW ... Council has a new email address for all Community Grant enquiries and applications.
Information will come out soon regarding next year’s grants round. Email your one-stop-shop here:
[email protected]
Introducing: Sarah Dalton, Youth Activities Officer and World Ranked Triathlete
Sarah is a Youth
Development Officer
with Golden Plains Shire
Council. In her spare time
Sarah is a Junior Triathlon
Development coach in the
Geelong and Surf Coast
region. Sarah’s passion for
helping others and affinity
with young people has an
extremely positive impact
on the young people she
works with.
In March this year, Sarah
placed second in the Ocean
Road XTERRA triathlon
which qualified her for the
World Championship OffRoad Triathlon held in Maui,
Hawaii. Sarah was one of
800 competitors from 40
countries to compete in the
1.5km swim, 30km mountain
bike and 10km run event.
“Triathlon has become a
vehicle for me to connect
with people on all kinds
of levels. I enjoy being a
teacher of the sport and
also enjoy learning from
everyone around me. This
year has been an incredible
journey of self-exploration.
I cannot underestimate the
values I learnt through the
process ... Race day was
simply a celebration, I knew
the hard work had been
done.”
The swim was a rough open
water swim at D.T. Fleming
Beach, the bike course was a
30km loop with 3,300 feet of
climbing through the West
Maui Mountains and the run
involved steep dirt tracks
through Oleander forest.
Sarah placed 12th in the 2429 age group. An excellent,
courageous achievement.
Well done Sarah.
Become a Youth Team Member today!
The Golden Plain FReeZA Youth Development Team
members are making their faces known all around the
community, attending and supporting various community
events and festivals. The Team recently attended the
Live@TurtleBend event in Teesdale, a community event
showcasing local young musicians. The Team is made up of
6 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
a group of passionate young people who are interested in
helping plan, organise and provide safe, fun events for other
young people.
We are looking for more Team members.
Applications are open 14 – 25 year olds to join the 2015
FReeZA Youth Development Program. FReeZA offers young
Your
Community
‘Inspire the Plains’ Youth Program’s Funding Success!
Young people of Golden Plains will enjoy the benefits of
a $120,000 grant from the State Government’s Engage!
Funding Program announced by Minister Terry Mulder in
October.
This positive youth development program will benefit
young people, families and communities of Golden Plains
Shire. ‘Inspire the Plains’ will help young people to become
more actively involved in their local communities and
will help them develop a fuller sense of belonging and
connectedness to their home towns.
‘Inspire the Plains’ will support Council’s Youth Team to
work with young people across the Shire, to help them
reach their full potential and to actively participate in the
workforce and community life.
Key developments outlined in the project include;
leadership development, mentoring opportunities,
education and employment transition pathways and
arts based development and community volunteering
opportunities.
Specifically the project will expand current activities and
develop new programs in the following areas;
• Youth Voice committee, community events and projects
• Volunteering
• Involvement in Council’s Youth Development Strategy
• Short courses and skill development
• Primary to secondary school transition program
• Employment and career forums
• Leadership forums
• Health support group development
• Cultural awareness initiative
• School holiday activities
• Art Mentorships
A Golden Year for Youth in 2014!
2014 saw the best of what Golden Plains Youth has to offer.
•The first ever Golden Plains Barwon South West Skate
League event was held in the twilight timeslot at the
redeveloped Bannockburn skatepark.
•The annual Golden Youth Awards were again a big hit
during National Youth Week, recognising young people
in sport, arts, community, and health.
•iVan the Youth Engagement van attended youth and
community events throughout the Shire
•A successful transition from primary to secondary school
program was again delivered.
•Battle of the Bands was a huge success in the Golden
Plains musical heartland of Meredith.
•Teesdale’s Live @ Turtle Bend attracted some of the
region’s best young musical talent for their event
in October.
•Opportunities for leadership development occurred for
students at primary and secondary school level.
people opportunities to develop skills and career pathways
in the music, art and entertainment industries. By joining the
FReeZA team you will lead the planning and delivery of youth
events in your local community and gain practical experience
in event management, sound and lighting, graphic design,
stage management, photography and much more.
•Art mentorships have again had a remarkable uptake.
•Local young sportspeople were recognised by Council
(including two Commonwealth Games representatives).
•The Golden Plains FReeZA and Youth Voice teams
continue to advocate on behalf of their peers.
2014 has been a fantastic year for the youth of Golden Plains,
with 2015 promising to be bigger and better than ever!
Want to learn more? Contact Tom Mullane-Grant on
5220 7106 or at [email protected].
Expressions of interest can be made to Sarah Dalton, Youth
Activities Officer on 5220 7177 or [email protected].
Applications forms available online at: goldenplains.vic.gov.
au/youth Applications close Friday 6 February 2015.
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 7
Your
Are You Fire Ready?
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world.
Understanding your level of risk is the first step in
developing your Grass and Bushfire Survival Plan.
Have a look at the different types of fire risk environments
below and see which one you live in. By recognising and
understanding your risk environment this will also help you
to start preparing your property from fire.
Grassfires can be extremely dangerous - people can die in
grassfires. Risk is most extreme if you live surrounded by
or near forest that is difficult to see through. However, all
forest or woodland presents a bushfire risk. You do not have
to live in the bush to be at risk of bushfire. Suburban homes
can burn down in bushfire too.
Make Your Bushfire Plan Today
The CFA has a wealth of resources to help you know what to
do before and during a
bushfire.
How to plan? Just
as every family or
household is unique,
every fire plan will be
different. There are
many ways you can go
about your planning –
but the information and
templates in the Fire
Ready Kit on the cfa.
vic.gov.au website are
designed to put you on
the right track.
8 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
At an absolute minimum, talk through the ten decisions
below with your household. Review these points before
each fire season and don’t put it off until later:
• Which Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to leave?
• Will you leave early that morning or the night before?
• Where will you go?
• What route will you take – and what is your alternative in
the event that a fire is already in the area?
• What will you take with you?
• What do you need to organise for your pets or livestock?
• Who do you need to keep informed of your movements?
• Is there anyone outside your household who you need to
help or check up on?
• How will you stay informed about warnings and updates?
• What will you do if there is a fire in the area and you
cannot leave?
Remember to decide who will do what as part of your plan.
Finding Out About Fires
The Country Fire Authority is responsible for issuing advice,
warnings and alerts in response to bushfires. It’s important
to understand what these mean so that you can act.
Advice Message – there is a fire in your area. The advice
message provides you with general information to keep you
up to date with developments.
Watch and Act – A fire emergency threatens you. Conditions
are changing and it is time to start taking action to protect
your health, life and your family.
Emergency Warning – You are in imminent danger and need
to take action immediately to protect you and your family’s
life.
Emergency Alert - In extreme circumstance, emergency
alerts are issued as text messages to mobile phones and
fixed line phones in the vicinity of the fire.
There are a number of avenues to get warnings and
information about fires.
Radio: ABC local radio is the best source of warnings
although commercial stations may also pass on warnings.
Internet: The CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au lists all current
incidents with details of any warnings issued.
Phone: For information on fires you can call the Victorian
Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. If you have a
smartphone and mobile phone coverage, the Fire Ready app
is a fantastic tool for getting the latest information about
fires in your area.
Prepare. Act. Survive.
Community
You: On a High Fire Danger Day there is no substitute for
regularly sticking your nose outside the back door, sniffing
the breeze and taking a look around to be sure there’s
nothing happening fire wise in your area.
IMPORTANT - Do not rely on an official warning to leave.
Bushfires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives
within minutes.
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DID YOU KNOW ...
If you live near bush, leaving early is the
safest option to protect you and your family.
On hot, dry and windy days, fires can start
and spread quickly. Leave and live.
The FireReady App.
The FireReady app is the official Victorian Government app
for access to timely, relevant and tailored bushfire warnings
and information in Victoria.
The app puts CFA, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and
Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI)
emergency warnings and information at your fingertips.
For more information about the new FireReady app, visit
firereadyfaq.emergency.vic.gov.au
The app is now a centralised information source managed
by Emergency Management Victoria and supported by the
Department of Justice.
Fire Danger Ratings – What Do They Mean?
Many of us are now familiar with the Fire Danger Dial but
just what is it trying to tell us?
The Fire Danger Rating tells us how dangerous a fire would
be if one started. Ratings are forecast using Bureau of
Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, and based
on weather and other environmental conditions such as
fuel load.
Code Red – our very worst days. Fires starting on these
days are uncontrollable, fast moving and unpredictable.
Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires
in these conditions and the safest place to be is away from
high risk bushfire areas.
Extreme - Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.
If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable,
unpredictable and fast moving. Homes that are situated
and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire, that
are well prepared and actively defended, may provide
safety.
Severe - Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions. If
a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable. Well
prepared homes that are actively defended can provide
safety. You must be physically and mentally prepared to
defend in these conditions.
Very High, High and Low-Moderate - If a fire starts, it can
most likely be controlled in these conditions and homes can
provide safety, but residents should stay aware on High and
Very High fire danger days as fires can still start and impact
on homes quickly.
LOW-MODERATE
CODE RED
FIRE DANGER RATING
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 9
News
Council
Update on Bannockburn’s Natural Gas Roll Out
The Bannockburn natural gas roll out preparations and
planning are well underway, with works scheduled to
start on the city gate at Gheringhap early in the new year
(subject to environmental approvals).
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More than 1,490 premises will have the ability to connect
to natural gas once the roll out is complete, with customers
able to connect to natural gas as the pipeline goes past
their premises.
AusNet Services are currently in the process of obtaining
environmental and other approvals to begin construction of
the pipeline in early 2015.
For further information on how to connect to natural gas
and to view a copy of the Bannockburn natural gas roll out
map visit: ausnetservices.com.au and go to the Energy for
the Regions section, or call AusNet Services on 03 9396
7623 or email: [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW ... that Golden Plains Shire produces 21% of Victoria’s eggs, 11% of poultry, 5% of pigs,
and 4% of Victoria’s sheep and lambs.
Council’s Road Responsibility
The Golden Plains Shire road network is one of the larger
local government road networks in Victoria. Council’s
road responsibility is for approximately 1,837 kilometres of
sealed roads, gravel roads and unformed roads.
Road Hierarchy
The road network has a hierarchy comprising Highways,
Main Roads and Local Roads. Highways and Main Roads
are fully managed (except in townships) by VicRoads from
A and B Class Roads (managed by Vicroads) highlighted in
blue and red.
10 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
VicRoads’ Geelong Regional Office. Highways are A and
B class roads and Main Roads are C class roads in the
statewide route numbering system.
Local Roads
Most Local Roads within the Shire are the responsibility of
Council; for management, maintenance and construction.
Some unformed roads and tracks in forest areas and CFA
fire access tracks are the Shire’s responsibility; others
being the responsibility of Government Departments such
as DEPI.
Unsealed Roads
The unsealed road network, managed and maintained
by the Shire, is approximately 752 kilometres in length.
An annual grading program is conducted on all gravel
roads within the Shire. The budget allowance nominally
provides each gravel road within the Shire with two grades
per year. However, some roads will receive more grading
while others may only be graded once a year if at all, as
determined by traffic use, road and weather conditions.
Want to Report a Problem?
The most common defects reported for roads include
potholes, corrugations, road narrowing or deterioration
of road surface. If you wish to report a Local Road defect/
fault, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on
5220 7111 or email [email protected].
News
Tourism
Majestic Maude Platform Tells Ancient Story
A new attraction is now complete overlooking the
Moorabool Valley in the township of Maude. The platform
not only provides spectacular views over the Moorabool
Valley, it tells the creation story of Bundjil and his six
helpers.
The story goes that Bundjil summoned six men to assist
him in the creation on the land, people and all living things
and to pass on his teachings and knowledge to all men and
women.
When he had finished, Bundjil gathered his wives and
children and instructed Bellin-Bellin (the musk crow) who
was in charge of the winds, to open his bag and let out some
wind.
Bellin-Bellin opened his bag and released a wind so strong
that it carried big trees into the air, roots and all.
Bundjil wanted more wind, so Bellin-Bellin opened all his
bags and released a wind so great that it carried Bundjil
and his family to the Heavens, where they live now, looking
down on the world as stars.
The platform is now open for the public. Come and see
the story of Bundjil and take in the majestic views of the
Moorabool Valley.
The story of Bundjil courtesy of Uncle Bryon Powell,
Wathaurung Co-op Ballarat.
Bike.Walk.Ride. Choose Your Trail Experience
Have you downloaded Golden Plains’
free Bike.Walk.Ride App yet? It is a
handy tool for exploring the Ballarat
to Skipton Rail Trail. Amenities and
facilities in the townships along the
way are all pinpointed. The App
includes information about historic
towns and buildings that can be found in the surrounding
area.
Visitors are able to self-navigate their journey along the
trail, choose to extend their visit once here, have a safe and
enriching experience and importantly, tell other travellers and
people back home what a great place the region is to visit.
Take Your Time Touring Mode:
• Points of Interest
• Pinpoint your location
• Zoom and pan facility
• Highlights next attractions
Map and Amenities Mode:
• Screen icons open informative pages about towns, roads
and geographical features
• Amenities include eateries, picnic spots, public toilets and
other points of interest
Race The Train Mode:
• Test yourself against the train
• Race along the trail from start to finish, or from station to
station
• Compare your times against the original train timetable
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 11
Your
Community
Where Opportunities Grow …
Did you know that Golden Plains Shire is home to a
surprising array of businesses that provide a truly diverse
range of goods and services? From home based businesses
to large corporations with turnovers in the millions, there’s
room for just about anything in Golden Plains.
Born out of a need to find tasty vegetarian food, A Hidden
Secret in Maude was started in 2009 by Cherry and
Christina Mullins with the aim of creating delicious, top
quality vegetable tarts.
Today A Hidden Secret is still a family business, with six
immediate members of the family involved as well as
employing four other talented staff from the local area.
All of their products are cooked in the purpose-built
commercial kitchen on their property in Maude. They’ve
been able to adapt to changing markets and different
requests, with their product range now catering for a range
of dietary requirements including tarts, cakes and muffins,
as well as a range of preserves and relishes, including their
famous beetroot relish.
In 2013 A Hidden Secret won a Bronze medal at the Royal
Melbourne Fine Food Awards with their fruit frangipane
tart.
A Hidden Secret has grown significantly over the past five
years and continues to look for opportunities to expand.
They now distribute their products across the region
to markets, cafes and retailers in Geelong, Ballarat and
along the Great Ocean Road. They contribute to the local
economy by sourcing their products locally where possible
and employing local people.
Do you have a business idea? Looking to set up in Golden
Plains Shire, don’t hesitate to contact Helena Charles
5220 7102 or Mick Cosgriff 5220 7201 in the Economic
Development Unit.
Role of Local Government - Find Out More in the Guide to Local Government
To help Victorians understand more about local councils
and their role in building stronger local communities, the
Victorian Government developed a web-based Guide to
Local Government.
The Guide is a great way for all Victorians, no matter where
they live, to learn more about local government as well as
understanding how much their council is doing in their local
community every day.
It has information about how councils work, how they make
decisions, what services they are responsible for delivering,
how they are funded and much more.
Information is organised into six main sections:
• How councils work
• How councils make decisions
• What councils do
• Planning and finance
• Council elections; and
• Consultation and complaints.
Where possible, the Guide provides visitors with direct
links to a variety of information that may not otherwise be
easily accessible from the one website. Examples of related
links include VicRoads, which is responsible for the main or
12 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
arterial roads not managed by councils, or the Victorian Civil
& Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which hears complaints
against some council decisions.
While the Guide to Local Government aims to provide
general assistance, it is only a guide.
Information in the Guide may not take into account all the
individual circumstances and you should check with Council
for specific details about arrangements in Golden Plains
Shire.
Want to read the Guide? You can visit the Guide to Local
Government at: localgovernment.vic.gov.au/theguide.
Your
Community
Sports Boosted Across Golden Plains
It has been an exciting couple of months for Golden Plains
Shire Council, with five successful projects receiving funds
from the State Government. These substantial projects will
significantly benefit a range of communities and user groups
well into the future.
The Woady Yaloak BMX Track will be upgraded to align the
track with current safety standards and will also modernise
and improve the track design.
Inverleigh secured funding for the local Cricket Club with
$37,550 being put towards the construction of a new cricket
training facility which will include four individually enclosed
cricket pitches with natural turf run-ups.
The Bannockburn Soccer Club is celebrating as $100,000
from the State Government, and a further $550,000 from
Council, will build new amenities and change room facilities
to service the users of the recently constructed soccer
pitch. The facility will allow Golden Plains Soccer Club
to host matches and grow soccer in the Shire, as well as
provide a multi-use space for the community.
The Dereel Skate Park has also received funds of $66,000,
along with Council’s $34,000 contribution, to upgrade the
Dereel facility. This project will involve the redevelopment
of the existing skate park to creatively enhance the space,
upgrade the design and meet safety standards.
Knitting for Community Need
The Planned Activity Group in Rokewood has been
incredibly busy of late, knitting blankets, beanies and
scarves for homeless and disadvantaged people.
Over the past six months, valued volunteers Sandra
Vanderlei, Pam Gardiner and Ann Agombar have crafted
a mountain of lovingly made, warm, knitted items for the
needy people of the Geelong region who find themselves
sleeping out, particularly over winter.
Would you like to help? Anyone wishing to get involved
can start knitting too or for those without the needle skills
can donate wool for the ladies to create a new mountain
of clothing.
Please contact Noel Brebner, Social Support Coodinator
5220 7154 or email [email protected].
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DID YOU KNOW ... In a typical month the Aged and Disability Service provides 312 hours of Personal Care
for 43 clients and 634 hours of Home Care for 168 clients. Council receives an average of 24 new client
referrals every month..
Always There to Lend a Hand - Centacare Home and Community Care
The Access and Support service helps people who have
diverse needs and who have difficulty finding out about
services or getting the services they need.
The Access and Support service provides short term
support for frail, older people, younger people with a
disability who;
• need help to stay living at home,
• have diverse needs,
• need help to access services.
If you or someone you are caring for is experiencing
difficulty accessing the Home and Community Care (HACC)
service, an Access and Support worker may be able to
help you.
The Access and Support worker will talk with you about;
• what is most important to you (your needs and goals),
• what you need help with to stay safe and well at home,
• what you want to be able to do or keep doing.
The Access and Support worker can talk with you about the
range of support services and options available in your area.
Want to find out more? Please call 5337 8999 or email:
[email protected]
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 13
Sustainability &
Environment
Neighbourhood Safer Places – Places of Last Resort (NSP-PLR)
Council has established five open space Neighbourhood
Safer Places – Places of Last Resort (NSP-PLR) in Golden
Plains Shire. These are located at:
• Cape Clear Recreation Reserve
Recreation Road, Cape Clear
• Haddon Recreation Reserve
Sago Hill Road, Haddon
• Linton Recreation Reserve
Brooke Street, Linton
• Ross Creek Recreation Reserve
Sebastopol- Smythesdale Road, Ross Creek
• Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre
Corner of Glenelg Highway and Lords Lane, Smythesdale
Neighbourhood Safer Places - Places of Last Resort are
identified spaces within the community that may afford
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some protection from radiant heat, the biggest killer during
bushfire. They are a place of last resort in fire
emergencies only.
These NSP-PLRs are open space areas where residents can
go when their personal fire plans have failed and they are
left with no other option. They are not a replacement for
having your own well prepared fire survival plan and being
aware of the weather and fire danger in your area.
There is no guarantee of safety at a NSP-PLR. There are no
special facilities and no provision of food, water or built
shelter. The NSP-PLR may be uncomfortable and exposed to
smoke and embers and is only intended to provide a place
of last resort during the passage of a fire.
Want to learn more? Visit the CFA website at: saferplaces.
cfa.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention
Officer on 5220 7111.
DID YOU KNOW ... Golden Plains Shire Council is responsible for managing approximately 1800 kilometres
of road reserves.
Wildlife Corridors
Roadsides constitute less than 2% of the total land mass in
the Golden Plains Shire, with native vegetation representing
only a small proportion of this area.
Wildlife corridors act as ‘stepping stones’, allowing native
wildlife to move from one habitat to the next and play an
important role in maintaining genetic diversity across the
landscape by allowing the continuation of viable plant and
animal populations.
Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation are the two
main contributors to a decline in biodiversity across the
landscape. When native vegetation is cleared, fragmented
patches or pockets of native vegetation are created. As
land clearing continues, the native plants and animals that
live there become isolated and begin to decline in numbers
Wildlife corridors are areas of native vegetation that help
and genetic diversity. By creating wildlife corridors through
link up larger areas of native vegetation.
What might seem like an untidy mixture of shrubs, grasses, revegetation and protection of existing vegetation these
pockets can remain viable.
fallen timber, logs, twigs and bark is in fact an important
You can help to create and extend wildlife corridors by
ecosystem for our native plants and wildlife.
revegetating along fence lines and property boundaries with
Corridors are commonly associated with roadsides
containing continuous remnant vegetation, fence lines and native plants. Planting a variety of indigenous trees, shrubs
and ground covers will provide refuge for a variety of native
vegetation along watercourses. This is why all roadsides
that contain native vegetation are protected and permission wildlife. Information regarding which indigenous species to
plant can be found on the Golden Plains Shire’s website.
to remove and destroy vegetation on roadsides requires
approval from Council and consent from the Department of Want to enhance and create wildlife corridors? Contact
Council’s Natural Resources Officer for advice on 5220 7111.
Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI).
14 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014
Sustainability &
Environment
Domestic and Feral Cats Cause Concerns
In recent months Council has received a number of nuisance
complaints regarding cat activity within the Golden Plains
Shire. Often complaints address cats fighting, scratching
furniture, attacking or disrupting other pets or killing native
wildlife.
A key objective of Council’s Domestic Animal Management
Plan seeks to ‘provide the community with a clear
understanding of Council’s expectation of pet owners’. Our
team is committed to reducing documented cat nuisance
complaints by 5% per year.
Several solutions are available to residents:
Registered Cats
We rely on cat owners to assist Council by keeping cats
indoors at night. If you suspect that your cat is causing a
nuisance on a neighbouring property you are encouraged to
explore options for containing the cat within its yard.
Community Cats
Do you have a friendly and sociable cat that comes around
often for a feed and to socialise? The problem with
community cats is that with no one taking responsibility for
them they are never de-sexed, vaccinated, properly cared for
or registered.
So if you believe that you may have a community cat, it is
time to take some action. Firstly, establish if the cat has
an owner. You could ask around or catch the cat and get it
scanned for a microchip, then if un-owned you could either
adopt it and have it registered and desexed or it could
be impounded.
Feral Cats
Feral Cats are a significant problem within the Golden Plains
Shire. In Victoria it’s believed there are 500,000 unowned
stray and feral cats. Feral cats are known to kill native
wildlife and are a nuisance in the community. Council has
made cat traps available for residents who have encountered
a feral cat problem.
Want more information? Contact of our Community
Protection Team on 5220 7111.
Taking the lead in reducing dog attacks
Dog attacks are continuing to occur locally and have a
devastating impact on pets, livestock and owners. While
the majority of recent attacks have resulted in the death of
sheep, there have also been incidents of pet dogs, chickens
and alpacas being killed or seriously injured as a result of a
dog attack.
Most people find it difficult to believe their family pet could
attack or kill anything, but it does happen. The majority of
dog attacks Council has responded to involve a much loved
family pet getting out and inflicting serious injury or killing
other animals.
To your pet, chasing and mauling another animal can
become a game. This can lead to one dog chasing and
injuring more than 20 livestock in a single incident. This is
how an otherwise happy, friendly ‘wouldn’t bite anyone’
pet becomes a cruel menace.
Perhaps more tragic is when a family pet attacks and kills
someone else’s pet. On most occasions both parties end up
losing their pet because the attacking dog is put down.
Council and residents don’t want aggressive or dangerous
dogs in the community. To avoid the risk of having your pet
destroyed as a consequence of injuring or killing somebody
or something, always keep it securely contained to your
property or on a leash when out walking.
Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 15
Community
Alternative Formats
If you are interested in
receiving a copy of the
Gazette in large print or
on audio tape please
contact Customer
Service on 5220 7111 or
1300 363 036.
The Golden Plains Gazette
is published six times
per year and is delivered
to all households and
mail collection centres
and is also available on
Council’s website.
February Deadline
Please note, the deadline
for the February edition
is Thursday 8 January
2015. Send your copy with
“Gazette News” in the
subject line to
[email protected]
Fax: 5220 7100 or post
PO Box 111,
Bannockburn 3331.
Rokewood Tip Times
Friday 2pm to 5pm
Sunday 9am to 12pm
The Golden Plains Gazette
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is FSC Certified; 100%
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Free environment, 100%
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Noticeboard
Rates ‘In Full’ Reminder
Residents and property owners are
reminded that if you have not chosen to pay
this year’s rates by instalments, then your
rates are due in full by Monday, 16 February
2015. Your rates can be paid by BPay,
POSTbillpay, mail, internet goldenplains.vic.
gov.au or in person at our Customer Service
Centres at 2 Pope Street Bannockburn and
68 Sussex Street, Linton.
Fire Restrictions are now in force
For those of you who may not have seen announcements over the past week or two, Fire
Restrictions are now in force in Golden Plains Shire. Full details of the restrictions can be
found on Council’s website goldenplains.vic.gov.au
Detox Your Home – 6 December
Detox Your Home is a safe and FREE, easy to
use service to dispose of common household
chemicals without harming your health or
the environment.
Ballarat’s collection is on Saturday 6
December between 10am and 4pm
at the Ballarat Transfer Station, Gilles Street South, Ballarat. sustainability.vic.gov.au/
detoxyourhome.
Waste Services – Changes to Holiday Collections
Waste collection in the Christmas and New Year’s weeks will see collections that fall on
Public Holidays collected one day later than usual. The remainder of each week will see no
change to collections.
Christmas Day collection will take place on Friday 26 December. Boxing Day collection will
take place on Saturday 27 December. New Year’s Day collection will take place on Friday 2
January and collection for Friday 2 January will move forward to Saturday 3 January.
Holiday Dates for Council Customer Service Centres
Council’s Office hours over the Christmas to New Year’s period will see all Customer Service
Centres closed from 12.30pm on 24 December 2014 and re-opening on Monday 5 January
2015.
Take a Stand Against Hate
In light of heightened security concerns and reports of racism and hatred towards
members of our community; a new valuable tool has been developed. In Victoria, racial
and religious descrimination is against the law. www.antihate.com.au gives people a
way of reporting what has happened to them and equip them to stand up against hate
themselves.
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