Man arrested after allegedly causing Whittlesea crash

-

April 20, 2018

Man arrested after allegedly causing Whittlesea crash

By Joshua Wells

A 32-year-old Nunawading man was arrested in Whittlesea this morning following an accident on April 8 along Plenty Road.

Police allege the man’s car had been erratically overtaking a number of other vehicles along the road, causing a couple to crash with one taken to hospital.

The man will front Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on September 12 charged with reckless conduct endangering life, driving in a manner dangerous, unsafe overtaking and leaving the scene of an accident without rendering assistance.

“Another car, which had been travelling along the same road, swerved to avoid a collision with the vehicle and subsequently crashed into a culvert,” a police report revealed.

The North Central Review understands the arrest relates to the same crash involving Whittlesea residents Tia Vandermeulan, 21, and her partner Adrian Ballinger, 24.

Ms Vandermeulan was transported to hospital with cuts and bruises and concerns over her lower back.

She said after the crash she felt lucky to be alive.

Active in business

The North Central Review

-

April 17, 2018

0

LOCAL business achievers have the chance to be recognised in the 2018 Bendigo Bank Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged businesses of all types to enter the awards, which celebrate business excellence and innovation.

“It doesn’t matter if a business is large or small, home-based or not-for-profit, if you know a business or individual working in a business that deserves recognition, nominate them today,” she said.

Cr Anderson said council was pleased to once again partner with Bendigo for the awards, which focused on the many contributions local business makes to the community.

“The Macedon Ranges has a range of innovative and successful businesses that provide quality services and jobs that boost our local economy and deserve recognition,” she said.
Bendigo Bank, which has community bank branches in Lancefield and Romsey, is excited to be major sponsor of this year’s awards.

Andrew Towner of Braeside Mt Macedon Country Retreat, the 2017 Business of the Year, said taking part in the awards had been beneficial.

“I have found participation in the awards to be a worthwhile exercise as it has provided me with the opportunity to take time out from the busy day-to-day operations to take stock of our business and review the way forward,” he said.

The awards are open to all businesses based in the Macedon Ranges Shire and recognises outstanding service to the community and beyond in the categories of excellence in agribusiness, customer service, health and wellbeing, hospitality, new business, professional services, retail, tourism, trades, construction and manufacturing. There is also a not for profit/public sector award.

Meanwhile, the Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association (RRBATA) is holding its innaugural business dinner this week (Thursday, April 19).

The event to be held at Glen Erin, Lancefield will celebrate the exciting future for Romsey and the region. The dinner commences at 7pm.

Recently appointed Macedon Ranges Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Margot Stork, will be the keynote speaker.

Other presentations will look at local visionary projects such as the Romsey streetscape enhancement, the former Romsey Primary School site transformation and private initiatives such as the Mintaro restoration.

Members of the community are invited to join with RRBATA at Glen Erin for a two course meal and some inspiration to build on the region’s momentum.

Tickets are $50pp for RRBATA members and $55pp for non-members. Bookings: www.trybooking.com. Enquiries: Jenny Stillman Ph. 0412 349849 or email jennystillman@optusnet.com.au

Track sabotaged

Ian Blyth

-

April 17, 2018

0

track inspection — Investigating: Kilmore Racing staff and stewards inspect the track following the discovery of two steel stakes at the 400 metre mark. Photo: Racing.com

POLICE are currently investigating an alleged case of sabotage at the Kilmore racecourse after two metal star pickets were found driven into the turf on Thursday (April 12).

Stewards discovered the stakes during a routine inspection prior to the first race. The meeting was subsequently abandoned.

It is believed that the stakes were driven into the track on the Wednesday night prior to the meeting. The metal star pickets were found two metres off the running rail near the 400-metre mark, one of the highest traffic spots on the track.

The incident has created waves throughout the Kilmore racing community with all condemning the incident as a contemptable act of sabotage.

Kilmore Racing CEO, Ben Murphy, told the North Central Review that he was thankful that a catastrophe had been averted and horses and riders were safe.

“We are fortunate that Racing Victoria and the (Kilmore) Racing Club have processes in place to ensure the track is safe prior to any meeting,” Mr Murphy said.

“It is incomprehensible to think that an individual has done this to the track in what we can only assume is a deliberate act,” Mr Murphy said.

Kilmore trainer, Annie Goble, who had a horse in the first race, added her concerns.
“I find it disgusting that a person would sabotage a race meeting and put the lives of horses and riders at risk. It is unbelievable,” Ms Goble said.

She added that she hoped that Kilmore Racing and Racing Victoria would offer a substantial reward that would lead to police solving the case.

The racing public who attended the meeting were also upset the events that unfolded. Graham Laing and his wife, Pauline, who regularly attend Kilmore’s midweek meetings shared their concerns on the incident.

“We were here with our grandchildren and were both surprised and concerned when we heard what had happened. Kilmore is a lovely track and you don’t expect that sort of thing to happen here, or anywhere for that matter,” Mr Laing said.

Country Racing Victoria, Chief Executive Scott Whiteman, said that his organisation, like all racing participants, customers and supporters, is ‘sickened by the events’ surrounding the abandonment of Thursday’s races at Kilmore.

“We all know the risks involved in thoroughbred racing and the bravery required of our jockeys every time they saddle up to ride. It is incomprehensible that anyone would seek to endanger them or their mounts,” Mr Whiteman said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be left anonymously.

Andrews must act

Roads & Transport

The North Central Review

-

April 17, 2018

0

Middle Gorge issue

LOCAL groups have combined to send a combined community letter to the Premier, Daniel Andrews, regarding the renaming of Marymede Station on the Mernda railway extension project.

As reported in last week’s Whittlesea Review the community has shown its strong disapproval for the new name of Middle Gorge and has decided to take the matter directly to Spring Street.

The letter co-signed by the South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance, Friends of South Morang, Public Transport Users Association and Neil Johnson, Lost Mernda Historical Group and Dr Crystal Legacy, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning School of Design, University of Melbourne calls the premier to take action on the issue.

In their introduction the signatories noted that North Melbourne Station will soon be renamed West Melbourne Station to better reflect where it is located.

“It is in this spirit that we write to you, for when you alight at a station, that’s where you would expect to be,” the authors noted.

While praising the ‘exceptional progress’ being made on the construction of the Mernda railway extension project, the consortium made its concerns known over the re-naming of Marymede Rail Station to Middle Gorge.

“As you are aware, the choice of the name ‘Middle Gorge’ has caused major protest among the great majority of residents due to the fact that the location is several kilometres from the station.

The consortium has also expressed its concern that there was no community consultation about the name Middle Gorge.

“There have been many public information sessions and at not one of them has it been said that Marymede would be renamed. Even our member contacts on the Mernda Rail Community Reference Group have confirmed that no name change was discussed during any meetings,” South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance spokesperson, Darren Peters said.

The consortium closed the letter with the wish that Mr Andrews can ‘come to the rescue’ and show the community that he is willing to listen.

The Whittlesea Review contacted the office of Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green and was told that Marymede was only an ‘interim name’.

The office the Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio. Ms D’Ambrosio responded. “The naming of the train stations must follow particular protocols. They cannot be named after people or businesses as this could be seen as promotional,” she said.

“I am confident our community will understand and accept the rationale and will enjoy this fantastic new project.”

Paradise with Golf Course views

News

The North Central Review

-

April 16, 2018

0

8 Parkside Rise, Wallan

This is one of the most sought after properties in all of Wallan, with a courtyard location, a fully usable acre, a famous front garden and has views over the 11th fairway of the Hidden Valley Golf Course from the rear yard. The floor-plan is super flexible and could accommodate an extended family, with two ensuites and two WIRs, leading off two main bedrooms downstairs, one with a private living area, and two more good sized bedrooms upstairs and a further kids’ retreat or 5th bedroom. At the front door, you are greeted with a formal entry, a formal lounge with cathedral ceilings and wood heater. Step through to the Baltic Pine kitchen, which has a high quality Neff oven and Meile gas cooktops – fantastic for the entertainer.

There is enough space for a seperate living area adjoining the kitchen meals area as well. Car and boat accommodation is plentiful, with a two car garage for everyday use, and a further shed space to fit another 10 cars plus there is a concrete forecourt of a total of approx. 750 m2.

Inclusions:

Boat shed (11x 4.8m) 4.8 H
Workshop shed (18 x 7m)
22,500 L water tank
260 feet bore water
Sprinkler system (front back garden grass)
Cathedral ceilings
Wood fire heater in formal living area
Electric fire place in second living area / rumpus
Westinghouse Dishwasher
Surround sound speakers in ceiling
Spa bath upstairs
3 phase power in main garage
Split system cooling and heating in kitchen area
Gas ducted heating
Telephone point in garage
Grey water recycling system
Flood lights to front and rear of house
Rear storage area with roller door access
Bird aviary
Landscaped gardens
Large outdoor undercover entertainment area with water feature
12 car garage space
Enclosed dog / chicken house
Connected to Town water supply, gas and electricity

High stakes

The North Central Review

-

April 13, 2018

0

POLICE are currently investigating the placing of two star pickets on the turf at the Kilmore Racecourse on Thursday (April 12).

Stewards discovered the stakes during a routine inspection prior to the first race. The meeting was subsequently abandoned.

It is believed that the stakes were driven into the track on the Wednesday night prior to the meeting

The metal star pickets were found two metres off the running rail near the 400-metre mark.

The incident has become a police matter in what appears to be an alleged deliberate act.

The North Central Review print edition will contain a full report on the incident and an update on investigations on Tuesday, April 17.

Silence of the ramps

Ian Blyth

-

April 10, 2018

0

FUTURE development of Mitchell Shire towns in the Urban Growth Boundary are being compromised by inaction and broken promises that are seeing releases of residential land stalling due to lack of access infrastructure.

The towns of Beveridge and Wallan are carrying the brunt of the delays that are restricting the development of the existing communities.

With a large portion of projected growth in the Wallan and Beveridge areas, pressure needs to be put on government agencies to address the issue sooner rather than later. Of particular concern is the Watson Street and Hume Freeway Diamond Interchange in Wallan.

The project, which was first announced close to 18 years ago, includes the construction of southern ramps and upgrade of the existing interchange to the Hume Freeway into a full diamond interchange.

Land developers, businesses and local residents have been vocal on the construction of entry and exit raps on the south side of the Hume Freeway-Watson Street interchange urging that it would dramatically reduce congestion on the existing Northern Highway exit that is struggling to cope with increased traffic loads.

A panel hearing into amendment C96 to the Mitchell Planning Scheme back in 2014 provided an indication that construction and any relief to traffic congestion was in the distant future with comments by a VicRoads representative putting the construction of the ramps “within the next ten years”.

A stumbling point for funding for the construction is the increasing VicRoads reliance on funding for the construction works coming from developers.

While there is general agreement that developers should contribute to infrastructure such as public open spaces within a development, contributions towards projects that are essentially state infrastructure are seen as the responsibility of the government.

It is this sticking point that has in part contributed to delays in projects like the Watson Street interchange.

At that time Mitchell Shire Council also advised the panel that it did not support the VicRoads’ request for to introduce developer contributions towards the interchange ramps agreeing that the ramps were indeed state infrastructure.

The residential development at Wallara Waters is one development in the area that has experienced delays in land releases due to holdups in in approvals from authorities – in particular VicRoads.

A 2009 agreement between the developer, council and VicRoads required the preparation of a traffic impact assessment, after 553 residential lots had been constructed. This was to assess the potential works for construction of the south-oriented Hume Freeway ramps on Watson Street and other upgrade works.

However discussions between the parties appeared to stall mid 2017 with the traffic impact assessment and agreement on future road access works failing to gain consensus.

A dispute on the Wallara Waters project was scheduled to go to VCAT last December with the applicant seeking a review and a decision on the suitability of the traffic impact assessment that was holding up the release of some 70 residential lots that VicRoads, as the referral authority, was not giving approval.

In December an order from VCAT advised that the developer had withdrawn the application as the matter had been settled allowing the development to proceed with a revised traffic impact assessment provided.

Back in May 2017 there seemed to be some movement in Watson Street when the Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green, announced $3.8 million to kick start road projects including the southern ramps at the Hume Freeway and Watson Street interchange and duplication of the Northern Highway from the Hume Freeway to Wallan Secondary College.

“These upgrades will improve access to the developing residential areas East of Wallan as well as Wallan train station, while also providing a vital alternative Hume Highway access point. Northern Highway duplication would significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve travel times and make it safer for drivers to access Wallan during peak periods,” Ms Green said at the time.

Minister for Public Transport and Major Projects Jacinta Allan was a little less committed. When the North Central Review asked her to provide details on the possible cost and progress on the Watson Street interchange, Ms Allan’s office responded with the obvious.

“The upgrade of the Watson Street interchange and southern ramps onto the Hume Freeway will relieve traffic congestion on the Northern Highway and provide alternative access to the Hume Freeway,” the response from Ms Allan’s office stated.

“This project along with the upgrade of Watson Street and duplication of the Northern Highway south of Watson Street are part of a package of works planned to help cater for the future growth of Wallan.” There was no response to our request for a timeline for works planned.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson said that cCouncil is advocating strongly for the Hume Freeway to connect with Watson Street through the construction of on and off ramps.

“We’re also calling for Watson Street and the Watson Street bridge to be duplicated, including a reconfiguration of the Watson Street Northern Highway intersection,” Cr Sanderson said.

These works are expected to cost approximately $80 million, with Council calling for $20 million immediately to design and start construction of the diamond interchange.
“Council is also calling on VicRoads to progress plans to investigate duplication of the Northern Highway at Wallan,” she added.

Meanwhile at the southern end of the Urban Growth Boundary, work is underway on the O’Herns Road upgrade with stage 2 of the project comprising a new diamond interchange at O’Herns Road and the Hume Freeway.

Despite being mooted several years after the Watson Street project, O’Herns Road has attracted federal and state government funding under the $3 billion Victorian Infrastructure Package. Completion is due in late 2019.

Nix to name change

Ian Blyth

-

April 10, 2018

0

THE unexpected change of name of one of the stations on the Mernda rail extension has received a less than enthusiastic response from residents.

Originally named Marymede, the station has morphed into Middle Gorge – which strangely is located some 7.8 kilometres away in Yarrambat.

The Mernda Rail Alliance is leading the charge to have the name changed back to Marymede or something more appropriate to its location.

A popular suggestion on the Alliance’s Facebook page is the renaming Marymede to South Morang – the location, until 1959, of the original South Morang Station.

This would necessitate the current South Morang being renamed Plenty Valley (or something similar). Mill Park was one suggestion.

City of Whittlesea councillor, Cr Tom Joseph has also suggested The Lakes.

Residents first heard of the new name when the Andrews Government announced that the $600 million Mernda Rail Extension is six months ahead of schedule, with the first test trains to Mernda to be running by the end of September.

Acting Premier and Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan, joined Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green in Mernda to announce train testing will begin earlier than expected. The Minister also revealed the names of the three new stations as – Mernda, Hawkstowe and Middle Gorge.

The announcement, while bringing a positive reaction regarding the earlier completion date, created a not unpredictable storm over the name change.

Mernda Rail Alliance spokesperson, Darren Peters, said that the name change was never raised in any of the reference group meetings he had attended.

“Middle Gorge was never discussed. No wonder the community is upset,” Mr Peters said.
Linda Watson wrote on the Alliance Facebook page: “Happy with Marymede. It’s what we all call the station now. Middle Gorge sounds like something out of a Harry Potter movie.”

“Just leave things and names alone. Too many silly bureaucrats with nothing to do on April Fool’s Day,” John Egan contributed.

The three new stations, irrespective of their name, are expected to cater for up to 8,000 commuters a day, helping ease congestion along Plenty Road.

A new shared user path will connect the stations and provide alternative transport options. Perhaps foot traffic when the trains are late?

Passenger trains will begin after a testing and commissioning period, with details of dates and timetables to be finalised in coming months.

Romsey park named

The North Central Review

-

April 10, 2018

0

THE name of the new community park located at the former Romsey Primary School site is “Romsey Ecotherapy Park”.

The name was chosen from 25 names submitted by community members and groups, including the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park (GRAAP) committee.

GRAAP submitted two names – Romsey Ecotherapy Park and Romsey Sensory Discovery Park – and no objections from the community were received in response to the alternate names.

East Ward councillor, Cr Bill West moved a motion at the March council meeting that council endorses the name Romsey Ecotherapy Park for the new community facility.

“This is a wonderful facility for Romsey and I congratulate the GRAAP committee on the excellent work it has done to bring this community park to a reality,” Cr West said.

Works have begun on the project to transform the historic 150-year-old school building into a community health centre, surrounded by the park.

Over the years residents have expressed a desire for the old school site to remain as a place where the community could continue to gather and where links between community members could be strengthened and this project responds to that wish.

The project is valued at $3.2 million for the former school building and the community park.

The Romsey project has been the focus of significant work among a broad range of partners including Cobaw Community Health, the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park group and council.

The former school building is currently being renovated and extended for its new role a community health centre. The design prominently features the historic school building, with a rear extension abutting the planned parkland. It is expected the building work will be completed in mid-2018.

The council appointed landscape architects ran several consultation activities in Romsey to gather community ideas for the park and the architect incorporated many of these ideas into the park concept plan. The landscape plan includes an active play zone, a picnic space, an events space, a water play area and a sensory therapeutic space.

The community park is the fourth community park delivered by council in partnership with the community. All previous parks—Gisborne Adventure Playground, Woodend Children’s Park and Kyneton Community Park have been named by the committee or community group involved.

The Romsey park is different in that it has triggered a formal naming process due to the introduction of formal naming rules.

Council is the naming authority under the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria. The naming rules are provided for under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 and compliance with the naming rules is mandatory for all local governments in accordance with the Act.

Wallder’s Cafe progressing

The North Central Review

-

April 3, 2018

0

WALLDER’S Café in Kilmore is on the verge of re-opening.

The restaurant’s manager Phulpreep Singh confirmed to the North Central Review that the repairs had all been approved.

“Everything is ready to go and now we are just waiting on the Mitchell Shire Council to help with the final piece,” he said.

“We need to close the foot path. We are waiting on permission. It is a heritage building so it has taken a little while but we are close.”

The establishment was rocked last month when a vehicle rolled across the road, up the gutter and through two posts to strike the front window of the shop.

No one was hurt as Wallder’s was closed, but tradesmen were on hand to help board up the damage.