Upgrade works underway at Kilmore

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November 13, 2018

UPPER House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, called into Kilmore Racing last week to get an update on track improvements that are part of a $1.3 million dollar joint funding project.

The club will receive $578,000 from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund with Racing Victoria contributing almost $722,000 to support the project project that will see the home straight widened to 18 metres to make it consistent with the rest of the course. The track’s negative camber and crown will be removed.

The upgrades have so far seen the demolition of stalls near the winning post, old horse wash bays and soon the removal of a stewards’ tower.

“These major upgrades will help maintain Kilmore Racecourse’s status as one of regional Victoria’s key country racing and training venues,” Ms Symes said.

The Kilmore venue that 14 thoroughbred race meetings and 35 trial and jump out sessions each year and around 20 trainers with 60 horses use the track each week.

Works are expected to start after the Kilmore Cup on 25 November, and be completed by March next year. Racing at Kilmore will be on hold while the improvements take place, but trainers will continue to have access to the venue’s sand training track. Trotting meetings will continue.

Feed it Forward launches

Community Groups

The North Central Review

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November 7, 2018

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A PACKED Lancefield Mechanics Institute played host to the launch event for the Feed it Forward project on Tuesday.

The project is a combined effort between the Lancefield and Romsey Neighbourhood Houses to bring people together one meal at a time.

More than 120 people turned up to the community harvest lunch, including representatives of all three levels of government.

Feed it Forward volunteer Alison Gamble said organisers were overwhelmed with the response.

“We are overwhelmed by the numbers of attendees supporting and the number of volunteers here today helping,” she said.

“Yesterday, we did a full day of prep to get this going and we’ve been inundated by our local community with the donations we’ve had from people’s gardens.

“The local people have been supporting us so there’s just a lot of groundswell for this initiative right now.”

The Feed It Forward project aims to take advantage of some of the extra fresh produce that’s available in the area and use it to bring people together through cooking and sharing food.

The special event came together with a lot of help from volunteers and local businesses chipping in.

Lancefield Providore donated a lot of fresh produce and Lancefield Bakery donated fresh bread, while other donations of lettuce, herbs and as many pumpkins as you could ask for came from peoples own gardens.

The project will setup at the Lancefield Farmers Market on the fourth Saturday of each month and take donated produce from local gardeners, as well as from the market’s stallholders.

On the following Wednesday, they will host a big cook-up where everyone can come together to cook and eat the meals.

The community harvest lunch will be at Romsey Neighbourhood House on Wednesday, November 28.

Cox elected Mayor

The North Central Review

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November 6, 2018

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LAWRIE Cox was elected as the new Mayor of the City of Whittlesea at Thursday night’s special council meeting.

Cr Cox was elected unopposed after being nominated by the outgoing Mayor Kris Pavlidis.

Cr Tom Joseph was elected as Deputy Mayor, also unopposed, after being nominated by outgoing Deputy Mayor Emilia Sterjova.

Notable in their absence were Crs Mary Lalios, Ricky Kirkham, Norm Kelly, and Alahna Desiato.

Cr Cox becomes the third person to be elected as both Shire President and Mayor. He joins Vic Michael and Frank Merlino in being elected into both roles after his first stint as Shire President from 1982-83.

Cr Cox said he was humbled to be elected Mayor.

“As a Councillor I and all my colleagues have been entrusted to act in the best interests of our community,” he said.

Cr Cox paid tribute to the outgoing Cr Pavlidis, saying she had handled herself well during a ‘torrid year’ despite ‘attempted disruption’.

He also acknowledged CEO Simon Overland’s efforts since his appointment.

“The actions of our CEO during the year have been exemplary to the pressure being applied in his role,” Cr Cox said.

Cr Cox identified roads, infrastructure, aged care, employment, retaining agribusiness and urban renewal as some of the challenges facing council.

“We want to see Whittlesea as the area of choice to live based on what is delivered not just cheap housing,” he said.

Cr Cox made his personal thoughts known about the ‘Change the Date’ debate, saying January 26 is ‘hardly what I would call recognition day of a great historical event’.

“The current generation cannot change past actions but can create a real community where we are all engaged and celebrating together no matter what your background or where you are from,” he added.

“Thank you for electing me tonight and I look forward to the hard yards ahead.”

King of the road

The North Central Review

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November 6, 2018

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THE Kilmore Bypass is back on the agenda with the Opposition Leader, Mathew Guy announcing in kilmore last week that an elected Liberal-Nationals Government would build the long-awaited facility.

Mr Guy was joined by Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh, Member for Euroa Steph Ryan and members of the kilmore business community at the announcement that was often drowned out by the continuing parade of heavy vehicles along Sydney Street.

“A Liberal Nationals Government will get the bypass back on track if elected in November. Daniel Andrews was happy to play politics before the election but failed to deliver a project that was shovel ready when they were elected to government,” Mr Guy said.

“We will build the Kilmore Bypass and look into further options to divert truck traffic away from residential areas around Kilmore and Wallan to make these towns more liveable, and attract more people to live, work and raise a family in regional Victoria,” he added.

It was back in 2013 when the then Premier, Ted Baillieu, pledged to build the $130 million bypass committing to finish the project by 2017. But with the Baillieu/Napthine government losing office at the end of 2014 the project failed to become a reality.

There was little joy later, when in 2015 the North Central Review broke the news that the Andrews state budget had allocated a mere $13.4 million for the project. Missing from the budget was Baillieu’s $130 million – Gone like a freight-train, gone like yesterday.

Minister for Roads, Luke Donnellan, advised in February 2015 that he government would need to undertake due diligence on the project. This was despite the project being costed by the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) in November 2014.

The DTF undertook those costings as part of Caretaker Conventions associated with the then state election.
The department wrote in its report that it considered the estimate of $130.5 million was a reasonable estimate of the additional cost to deliver the project.

Ms Ryan was critical at the announcement of the government throwing more planning money into a project that was shovel ready when it came to power.

“This project has been planned to death. The last four years of delays has seen traffic congestion rise, bringing down liveability of Kilmore,” Ms Ryan said.

“If elected, we’ll build the bypass around Kilmore on the western route which was designed in consultation with the Kilmore community in 2014. Our plan is to get trucks out of town will revitalise the heart of Kilmore, improving safety for pedestrians and local traffic and encouraging people to stop and enjoy Kilmore’s rich history,” she added.

Mitchell Shire Mayor, Rhonda Sanderson and CEO David Turnbull were at the announcement and both welcomed the move as a ‘boost for investment’ in Kilmore’s CBD infrastructure.

Under the coalition plan, land acquisition would take place over the next two years, with $20 million already allocated for this, while construction will start from 2021-22 for the project now estimated at $162.6 million.

Mernda’s tiny library

Kids & Youth

The North Central Review

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October 30, 2018

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THE Ideas and hard work of Mernda Primary School students has helped create the first Mernda Tiny Library, a initiative which will celebrate a love of books.

Mernda Village Tiny Library was built by the Whittlesea Men’s Shed and was designed and implemented by the vision of Mernda Primary School student representative council.

The Tiny Library was inspired by Mernda Primary’s Community Story time program, where SRC students run Story time once a fortnight on Thursday afternoons from their own school library to inspire reading to pre-school children.

Mernda Primary’s story time is part of the larger Mernda 1000 Voices project, supported by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, where community members are encouraged to act on their aspirations for their community.

The Tiny Library will give families who come to Mernda Village Community Activity Centre a place to engage in book reading until Mernda has its own library.

Mayor Kris Pavlidis said the Library is based on the principles of building community, sparking creativity and inspiring young readers.

“What a proud moment to see our youth sharing their love of reading with pre-school children and also helping people connect and belong. A wonderful example of community development,” she said.

Council push for funded interchange

The North Central Review

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October 30, 2018

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Mitchell Shire Council is calling on election candidates to urgently commit funding towards the $80 million Wallan freeway interchange and Watson Street upgrade.

The call comes as a result of VCAT’s decision to approve a major clay quarry at 2330 Epping-Kilmore Road in Wallan earlier this month.

The Austral Bricks quarry will supply the majority of Melbourne’s building industry and, as a result of this, will see many more trucks using roads that are already congested and continuing to experience rapid growth.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Rhonda Sanderson said a commitment from the Victorian Government is urgently needed so that Federal funding can be secured to deliver the road upgrades before the quarry opens.

“People are already experiencing significant delays and safety risks as they try to go about their daily lives,” Cr Sanderson said.

“Our community is already having trouble getting to work, to child care, to school, to the local shops and to sportsgrounds.

“VicRoads has completed most of planning work and this major infrastructure project is ready to progress to the next stage. We need it bought forward now so this vital piece of work is completed before the quarry opens.”

Cr Sanderson said current and future growth means there is no extra capacity on our road network.

“We’ve already experienced significant growth in and around Wallan which is putting pressure on our road network and causing safety concerns,” she said.

“With our population in Wallan growing from 11,500 in 2011 to approximately 14,000 in 2018 and plans to hit 50,000 around Wallan in the future, the road network can’t absorb the extra traffic this quarry will create.

“We now need the freeway interchange and the duplication of Watson Street to maintain our liveability as people go about their lives, to support the viability of our local shopping centres and to ensure our community is well connected.”

Cr Sanderson said she didn’t want to see problems being experienced in other growth areas replicated here because of the quarry.

“We’ve seen what can happen in other areas when this infrastructure isn’t provided until it’s too late. We have an opportunity to avoid that mistake here,” she said.

“Our local members of Parliament secured funding for a business case and associated planning work which is now complete. The next stage now needs to be brought forward as a priority, so we can pursue Federal funding ahead of the Federal election.

“The acceleration of this project is absolutely critical and will be our number one priority for the Victorian and Federal election.”

Opposition sports commitment

The North Central Review

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October 30, 2018

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THE Liberal Nationals have called the Labor government and raised the stakes, committing $15 million to building the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct if elected next month.

The funding would cover both sections of the sports precinct, the indoor Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub and New Gisborne Sports Fields projects.

It is a $3.4 million improvement over the Labor government’s commitment of $11.6 million, made with the additional commitment of $6 million last week.

Liberal candidate for Macedon Amanda Millar and Opposition Leader Matthew Guy visited New Gisborne on Monday (October 22) to announce $9 million for the Sports Hub and $6 million for the sports fields.

The indoor sports hub is to be used for basketball, netball and futsal, and also feature a dance studio and an auditorium for large events. The indoor facility could also be used by outdoor sports in times of inclement weather.

The Sports Fields’ two new ovals will incorporate grass and synthetic playing surfaces for football, cricket and soccer, netball and tennis courts, outdoor recreation spaces and a brand new pavilion.

Ms Millar said she has been working hard with our local sport clubs to find the financial support needed for this important community infrastructure.

“In the Macedon Ranges, the local population has grown by around 10,000 people in the last decade but there’s been no extra funding for local sport clubs to cater for this growth,” she said.

“As a result, our local sport clubs have been forced to do more with less.

“There’s more work to be done but this is a good start to get back in control of the pressure local population growth has put on community sport.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Margot Stork said having both major parties committed to the New Gisborne project was extremely pleasing.

“We all share the same vision, to develop a premier sporting destination for the Macedon Ranges,” Ms Stork said.

“Council has been working in partnership with local community groups and sports associations to advocate for this and we are really excited that we are making significant progress through these funding commitments.”

The precinct project could be constructed in two stages, with the first stage to cost approximately $31.4 million, and a future second stage at a cost of an additional $10 million.

All in on Sports Hub

Sport

The North Central Review

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October 23, 2018

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MACEDON Ranges residents could be one step closer to the sports facility of their dreams, with the promise of a further $6 million in funding for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct from a re-elected Labor state government.

Minister for Sport John Eren and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas joined representatives from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and local sporting organisations in
New Gisborne to make the announcement on Friday.

The $6 million will help deliver the indoor portion of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, with four indoor courts including a show court and spectator seating, new change rooms, multipurpose rooms and other amenities to be integrated with the existing Macedon Ranges Netball Complex.

The commitment comes after $5.6 million for the outdoor portion, including new sports fields, new tennis and netball courts, and outside play spaces for local families, was promised by Premier Daniel Andrews’ Labor government in August.

The total commitment of $11.6 million would go a long way to delivering the project, but funding would still be required from both council and the federal government to see the project to completion.

This comes on top of council’s planned $10.7 million contribution and $100,000 in support from AFL Victoria.

It was an emotional announcement for many of the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to get the project off the ground.

Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub group member Tamara Collins and spokesperson Megan Condron both teared up after Mr Eren made the announcement.

“You can’t even describe it. Probably about a week ago, we were maybe a little resigned to the fact it wasn’t happening now which was devastating because the region needs it so badly,” Ms Collins said.

“I think it really proves just how much this facility is needed so this was the best news I’ve had since I had my kids.”

“It has just been an incredible community journey and I think it’s uniting for the first time to have towns, sports, sporting groups, community groups and schools all unite, it makes it something special,” Ms Condron added.

Mr Eren said the potential investment will mean Macedon Ranges’ sporting stars might finally have the facilities they deserve.

“We’re very focused on making sure sports precincts like this not only survive but thrive going forward so more members of our community can take part in the sports they love to do,” he said.

Ms Thomas said when the Premier announced the $5.6 million for the outdoor component, it was apparent the community needed more assurance the project would be delivered in full.

“This is more than just an investment in new courts – this is a real investment in local clubs and our local community,” she said.

Whittlesea ear marked for upgrade

The North Central Review

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October 23, 2018

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LIBERAL Candidate for Yan Yean Meralyn Klein has promised to deliver a $2 million upgrade to the Whittlesea Police Station if the Coalition wins the election.

The candidate joined Shadow Minister for Police Edward O’Donohue to announce the funding on Monday, October 15, in a bid to help improve facilities for local officers.

Ms Klein said this upgrade was an important step for the region.

“We promised to reinvigorate the police station, the station is old and decrepit and has been ignored,” she said.

“A Liberal Government, when elected, will invest $2 million to upgrade the station.”

Mr O’Donohue said helping men and women in blue was a top priority.

“The hard-working men and women of Victoria Police deserve a modern, contemporary police station to enable them to perform their important work in keeping the local Whittlesea community safe,” he said.

Crime data obtained from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals a surge in crime in Whittlesea with an overall crime increase of 42.3% and a 37% increase in common assault in the past few years.

Further to this, there has been a 44% increase in home invasions.

The Whittlesea area has also experienced drastic population growth.

Feat of clay

The North Central Review

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October 23, 2018

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THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision to overturn Mitchell Shire Council’s refusal to grant a permit for the planned clay quarry in Wallan has been described by councillors as the worst planning decision in decades and a disaster waiting to happen.

As a result of the decision council will put pressure on the Minister for Planning for changes to the planning schemes to protect land within the urban growth boundary.

The move, if successful, will prevent what council sees as disruptive land uses such as extractive industries from locating within these precincts.

“It (the VCAT decision) is a ridiculous scenario – it is good planning chucked out,” Cr Stevens said during discussions at the October council meeting.

“What it does send is a clear message to the state government to get on with these ramps at Watson Street,” she added referring to the long-promised Hume Freeway interchange.

Cr Bob Cornish added his concern on the impact of quarry vehicles on other local roads saying that VicRoads advice to VCAT during the hearing as yet another case of “VicRoads not doing its job properly again,”

Cr David Lowe agreed saying he was worried over the additional heavy vehicles using district roads.

“Among other things will put terrible pressure on the roads. Spring Street has got to realise the problems it and its agencies have caused,” Cr Lowe said.

It would appear that Cr Lowe’s and Cr Cornish’s concerns have some substance. The VCAT decision states that once the quarry is operational there will be 140 trucks a day coming and going from the facility – many with backfill material.

Despite concerns expressed by Mitchell Shire Council at the hearing, the VCAT members have stated that the Epping Kilmore Road – which will be the main arterial used between Wallan and the Austral Bricks plant at Wollert – is, according the VicRoads, capable of carrying vehicles up to B-Double size.

VicRoads advice that also stated that the road presently carries a daily volume of 2600 vehicles – there was no breakdown given as to the type and size of these vehicles. However, anecdotal evidence would suggest that the majority are cars and light commercial vehicles.

“The additional 140 truck movements represent an increase of 5.4 per cent over the current daily volume which is well within the design capacity of the road,” the VCAT decision states.

Cr Rob Eldridge said that VCAT was defending its decision because it claimed it was for the greater good for the Victorian community.

“This may be so but it is our community that will be suffering. If it is for the greater good as VCAT claims then the wider Victorian community should contribute to make sure Wallan’s infrastructure is in place to deal with this mess,” he said.

In addition to the planning changes council will press government on the completion of the Watson Street interchange and other infrastructure measures to enable the area to handle the increase in heavy vehicles.

Cr Bob Humm suggested that all election candidates should be questioned on their position on the VCAT decision.

“It’s close to the area that the government itself wants developed as a transport hub. The candidates would be very foolish if they did not pick this one up he said.

Concern also spills from council into the wider community, with kilmore resident, Brian Mawhinney describing the VCAT decision in last week’s North Central Review as “appalling”.

“This quarry will have an impact on people’s health and no doubt diminish property values. Then again VCAT has become the developers’ rubber stamp,” Mr Mawhinney wrote.