Mitchell Shire Council spends $1.3 million+ on quarry dust-up
By Lauren Duffy
Freedom of information, FOI, documents show that Mitchell Shire Council has spent at least $1.3 million to fight the proposed quarry south of Wallan.
The documents, provided to the Review by quarry operator Conundrum Holdings, show council’s legal bills for the ‘No Quarry’ campaign totalled $1.31 million, including GST, from 2016 to 2022.
The invoices from Maddocks Lawyers also include payments to specialised consultants and experts.
From 2016 to 2019, $78,562 was spent on lawyers, but it was in 2020 that council’s legal bills ramped up – totalling $286,557 for the year when COVID hit.
However it was 2022 that proved to be the most costly with Maddocks’ invoices seen by the Review showing a total of $926,961 was spent on legal fees, much of it following a 28-day panel hearing requiring several legal practitioners, including barristers and experts.
Council also spent more than $10,000 on fighting Conundrum Holding’s Freedom of Information request, which was referred to the Office of Victorian Information Commissioner, OVIC, before council took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, VCAT.
A string of other costs were also involved in the campaign with 60 spent on catering sourced from cafes across Mitchell Shire; $645 on food from supermarkets to supply at ‘No Quarry’ meetings; $2860 on a bus trip for community members to protest on the steps of Parliament; plus $15,092 on other consultants.
A total of $36,051 has been spent on marketing materials for the campaign – $4180 on 200 t-shirts; nearly $20,000 on 85 banners, corflutes and signs, including items replacing signs that carried the slogan ‘Tell Minister Wynne this quarry is a sin’ – which sparked outrage from Conundrum Holdings when it was displayed at a council stall at an Assumption College event in 2021.
Marketing also included $3388 on placing ‘No Quarry’ advertisements in the Review.
Conundrum Holdings managing director Ron Kerr said after years of inaction and delays, his company implored decision-makers to clearly and quickly outline the future of the quarry application.
“Now this has been confirmed, we are saddened that an authority [Mitchell Shire Council] that should be doing more about road maintenance and local services has devoted so much money and resources to deny this vital primary industry,” he said.
The invoices supplied under the FOI process do not include money that council has spent on internal resources, including staffing.
The Review requested council provide an estimate of how much it had spent on staff wages and other internal resources, but the question was not answered.
Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford said the cost of the ‘No Quarry’ campaign is directly related to the importance of the issue to the community.
“The bulk of the expenditure in this matter relates to the unfortunate situation council found itself in having to engage lawyers and experts to defend a scenario we should never have been put in,” he said.
“When the Victorian Government exhibited the Beveridge Northwest Precinct Structure Plan for public feedback in 2019, the quarry was not identified as part of the Future Urban Structure.
“We have a community of residents who bought properties not knowing there would be a quarry in the middle of their neighbourhood.”
Mr Luxford said the community had made it clear they did not want the quarry and council supported the ‘community-led campaign’, which had raised concerns about a quarry creating congestion on roads and excessive noise.
He said council believed the proposed quarry would stifle the delivery of essential infrastructure for the next 30 years in parts of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipality.
“While we are disappointed that we have had to expend significant resources on this issue, council stands by its decision to do everything in its power to protect our community and their future,” he said.
“Throughout this process, council has complied with all Freedom of Information requirements. We are not anti-quarry; we just cannot accept a quarry in the middle of a master planned community of more than 100,000 residents.”
Wally Mott, the owner of the land on which the quarry is proposed, is also the owner of the Review.
For more from Conundrum Holdings, see its paid advertisement on page 3 of this week’s print edition.
Train derailment caused by ‘breakdown of risk management’
By Grace Frost
The final investigation into the derailment of a passenger train at Wallan East in 2020 found the experienced driver of the train was unlikely to have understood a change to the service’s usual route, resulting in his own and one other death.
NSW Trainlink XTP passenger train ST23 was travelling from Sydney to Melbourne on February 20, 2020, when it derailed at Wallan East.
The driver and an accompanying qualified worker, who were both in the train’s leading car, died in the accident.
Eight passengers were admitted to hospital with serious injuries, while a reported 53 passengers and the five passenger service crew sustained minor injuries.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, ATSB, released its final report into the incident on Wednesday, finding ‘a breakdown in risk management processes’ contributed to the derailment.
What happened?
A fire in a signalling hut at Wallan East two weeks prior to the derailment resulted in damage to the signalling system on the train line between Kilmore East and Donnybrook.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation, ARTC, slowed the speed limits between the stations where signals were down, resulting in major delays.
ARTC decided trains would operate at higher speeds once again from February 6 while signalling remained down.
Passenger trains were permitted to travel at 130 km/h.
An accompanying qualified worker, AQW, was also required to travel in the cab with the driver between Kilmore East and Donnybrook as a precaution.
The driver of the train that derailed had driven through Wallan eight times in the 12 days prior to the accident, with speed limits remaining at 130 km/h.
On February 20, a deviation to the regular route through Wallan was made to prepare for testing the signalling system and to clean contamination off the track’s railhead.
Trains travelling through Wallan were to be routed through the Wallan Loop – a short section of railway that deviates from the straight track.
The train’s driver received a paper copy of the train notice advising of the changes at Wallan Loop from the AQW when they boarded at Kilmore East.
The paper specified a speed limit of 15 km/h for entry into the loop and a limit of 35 km/h when exiting the loop.
The network protocol did not require the network control officer to read the content of the documents to the driver.
The ATSB found there was no communication between the controller and driver regarding the maximum speed of 15 km/h for entering the Wallan Loop.
ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said investigations suggested the train driver likely expected to remain on the straight track, where the speed limit was 130 km/h.
“There was no protocol in place to confirm the driver’s understanding of the revised instruction, with no requirement for the driver to read back or confirm the instructions to the network control officer,” he said.
The train approached the Wallan Loop at about 7.43pm at a speed of between 114 and 127 km/h when the maximum permitted speed to enter the loop was 15 km/h.
An emergency brake application was made, which slowed the train a small amount but was not able to stop the train from derailing.
The driver had been associated with the rail industry for about 40 years, employed in a range of roles including driving, training, and management.
Safety findings
The final report details 37 findings including 15 safety issues regarding the derailment.
Findings included that ARTC did not specify the qualification and knowledge requirements of persons who were to perform the safety-critical role of an AQW.
The investigations also found working arrangements to manage traffic while the signalling system was not functioning deviated from ARTC network rules.
“We identified that several safety factors increased safety risk including weaknesses in ARTC risk management, the train working arrangements, risk controls including a reliance on manual processes, and stakeholder engagement,” Transport Safety chief investigator Mark Smallwood said.
The investigation also highlighted the design of the XPT driver’s cab contributed to the fatal outcome for the driver and accompanying qualified worker.
“This investigation highlights the importance of effective risk management for managing planned and unplanned track and infrastructure works, such as in this instance the loss of signalling through Wallan,” Mr Smallwood said.
To view the full 130-page report, people can visit .
New inclusive playground at Whittlesea Primary School in full swing
By Pam Kiriakidis
AN INCLUSIVE playground, designed for students of all abilities, is now open at Whittlesea Primary School.
The new playground, supported by the State Government’s Inclusive School’s Fund, features a swing and climbing equipment on a soft foam base that allows all students – regardless of their disabilities and differences – to enjoy outside the classroom.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins officially opened the new space last Monday, with the help of students, Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage and the school’s principal Ty Hoggins, who provided a tour to the parliamentarians prior to the opening.
Ms Hutchins said the new playground created a safe environment for all children.
“It’s built so that no matter what ability a child has, they can enjoy themselves and play with their colleagues and it’s not a segregated area, it’s a blended area so everyone can play in a safe environment,” she said.
Ms Hutchins said parents who had children with disabilities were advantaged.
“It gives parents choice who have kids with disabilities – that they don’t always have to go to a specialist school – they can go to the local primary school and know they’re going to have accessibility and they’re going to be treated fairly,” she said.
Whittlesea Primary School applied for the grant under the Victorian School Building Authority and consulted with all students for feedback on their new playground.
“That strong student voice through the brochure, letting them vote on the types of equipment for them to actually say what they enjoy doing at break means they’re enjoying their recreation and learning in the yard,” Mr Hoggins said.
He said the new space aligned with the school’s values and conveyed an important message to the community.
“We have three core expectations – respect your school, do your best and help others succeed – that help others succeed in particular is not just worrying about themselves, but worrying how they be a positive influence on others – that is inclusion,” he said.
“I think we send messages to our community by what we establish and the behaviours that we have in place all the time, and this playground prioritising the inclusive approach, sends a message to our whole community.”
Ms Kathage said the playground was setting up students for life.
“The world is made up of all different people and the reality of life that for a successful, happy life, you need to get along and enjoy the company and everybody, being in this playground means that children learn how to play with all types of people, all ages,” she said.
Northern and Kilmore hospital merger in government hands
Northern Health and Kilmore District Health, KDH, boards have approved a potential merger proposal.
Following community and staff consultation, the boards endorsed a proposal to formally merge creating a new health service for the northern catchment area.
Under the proposed structure, each health service will continue caring for local communities while exploring new ways of sharing resources, increasing access to specialist services, and enhancing career opportunities for staff.
The proposal has now been referred to the secretary of the Department of Health and the Minister for Health for consideration and approval.
If approved, KDH and Northern Health will develop an integrated strategic plan and clinical service plan with a shared vision for a sustainable model of care benefiting the northern community.
KDH board chair Gillian Leach said the integration would provide the community with greater access to clinical expertise and options for care closer to home, while helping support and grow staff career paths.
“Our proposal puts our patients, staff and community at the core. We’re building on our strong collaboration with Northern Health to bring specialised care closer to the patients’ homes, in a familiar setting with familiar faces,” she said.
“Together, we’re shaping a stronger and more accessible future for everyone.”
Areas of key importance to stakeholders include maintaining the KDH name and identity; no reduction in staff levels; staff continuing to work when and where preferred; delivering care closer to home by increase residents’ access and introducing more specialist services; introducing paediatric outpatient service at Kilmore; strengthening local maternity services to allow more births in Kilmore; and streamlining access to tertiary care through collaboration and improved communication.
Northern Health board chair Jennifer Williams said the consultation period was an opportunity to hear about what was most important to staff and the community.
“It is evident that our partnership holds immense benefits, not just for our communities but also our dedicated staff,” she said.
“Undoubtedly, joining the two health services will address the needs of the fastest-growing catchment in Victoria.”
Robot joins Craigieburn Road upgrade
A NEW high-tech robot has joined the Craigieburn Road upgrade on the front line to make the surveyor’s job of line marking the road easier and safer.
The robot will ensure surveyors on the project continue to have the best equipment and the flexibility to respond to the evolving challenges of road construction.
Dubbed the ‘TinySurveyor Terra’, the robot is equipped with advanced GPS and automation technology to deliver precise, reliable measurements faster than traditional methods and can autonomously paint precise points, with an accuracy of between one and three centimetres.
Major Road Projects Victoria, MRPV, senior manager Dimuth Gammampila said the TinySurveyor Terra was a welcome addition to the team.
“This next-gen surveying robot has quickly become an important tool for the Craigieburn Road Upgrade and will help us get the job done safer and sooner,” he said.
“Our surveyors are able to be so much more efficient with this newer and technologically advanced robot, as part of our investment to give our team the resources they need to work safely in all areas of construction.”
The robot has been completing surveying activities in around one-fifth of the time that it would normally take to do the job on foot.
It has been online since July with other similar type robots to roll out this year on other road projects, including the Sunbury Road Upgrade.
The new robot has been implemented as part of Major Road Projects Victoria’s Craigieburn Road upgrade and still requires the essential input of surveyors to ensure the robot’s safe and appropriate operations.
The Craigieburn Road upgrade includes the construction of new intersections at Hume Highway and Mickleham Road, while works continue on new westbound lanes.
Once complete, the Craigieburn Road upgrade will improve traffic flow and travel times, enhance connectivity across Craigieburn, and make it easier for people to walk or cycle across the area.
The Craigieburn Road Upgrade works are scheduled to be fully completed in 2025.
A high-tech robot is working on the Craigieburn Road upgrade, using advanced GPS and automation technology to deliver precise, reliable measurements for line marking.
Wallan’s mixed fortunes against Woodend-Hesket: Riddell District Recap
By Max Davies
Despite being down by 25 points early into their home match with Woodend-Hesket at the weekend, the Magpies were able to claw their way back to a two-point victory at the final siren.
The current rivalry between Wallan and the Hawks is the closest in the Riddell District competition, with the result leaving both teams tied for second on the ladder on 52 points after 11 wins each this season.
Assistant coach Spencer Mathieson said the opposition started well but was encouraged that his team was able to turn it around after quarter time.
“It was a positive that we fought back and kept persisting when we were challenged, so that was a good sign,” he said.
“Woodend were on top in the clearances and they were kicking with a slight breeze. When we got the footy, we were just falling down at half forward and they were just getting too many easy rebounds.”
The Magpies were able to adapt to the Hawks’ defence and break through for some scoring opportunities, with captain Michael Mannix, Sean Morris, Brayden Byrne, Steven Boyall and Jacob Langborne the standouts among many contributors.
Wallan will this week travel to play Riddell, where Mathieson hoped to return the favour with a victory at Riddell, as the Pies suffered a loss to the Bombers at Greenhill Reserve earlier this season.
“We want to finish with a bit of momentum going in towards the finals,” he said.
“Winning form is good form, and we want to take that into the finals. We don’t have to rely on anyone else, we’re just looking forward to the opportunity this week and the finals after that.”
Elsewhere, Romsey came up short against top team Diggers Rest and remain sixth on the ladder, while Macedon delivered a home-game thumping to the visiting Western Rams.
The remainder of games for the final round of the season include Melton Centrals at home against Diggers Rest, as Macedon travel to Woodend-Hesket.
Emotional one-point win for Lancefield
TWO weeks ago Lancefield coach Tim Bannan said he hoped his side could ‘sneak a win’ against one of the top five sides of the Riddell District competition – and that dream came true on Saturday.
The second-last Tigers hosted fourth-placed Riddell for round 17 at the weekend and came out on top by one point – the victory a culmination of Bannan’s continued calls for a four-quarter effort and belief that a win was on the cards.
“It just comes to when we talk about belief, we showed composure with the footy, we didn’t cough it up in tough situations and we actually looked after it,” Bannan said.
“We’ve also had a few players recommitting, which is really good – the guys that were thinking about maybe going elsewhere, I think after the game it’s put a bit of a stamp on them staying because they know now that we can actually do it.”
Backline players Lukas Fellows and Lachlan Giles were among the standout performers for the match, while the Bombers struggled to contain young guns Harry Behan and Cameron Osmond.
Bannan said his players were ‘up and about’ and ‘the pub was rocking’ on Saturday night, while the victory was also an emotional one for many long-time players and supporters.
“It was pretty emotional [at the final siren],” he said.
“Especially for some of the older guys, like Matty Bowden’s played 250-odd games here and he’s never beaten Riddell so there was a bit of a tear in his eye. Three really young kids hugged him at the end of the game, and I think that set him off as well.
“I’m not a very emotional man, but walking off the ground and just looking at our players’ faces and the supporters that were in the club rooms when they sang the song, that’s where we want to be at.”
Lancefield will this weekend travel to face historic rivals Romsey for the final round of the season, with Bannan hopeful his team can carry the momentum and give themselves an opportunity to finish with five wins for the year.
Netball
A Grade netballers from Lancefield, Wallan and Romsey had contrasting fortunes compared to their respective football teams at the weekend, with finals spots on the line.
Wallan struggled in a low-scoring contest against Woodend-Hesket, losing by six goals but remain fourth on the ladder behind the Hawks.
Romsey will look to chase down Wallan for fourth position, with its win against Diggers Rest at the weekend moving them to fifth and within touching distance to fourth.
The Tigers now only have one last opportunity to secure a win for the 2023 season, after going down to Riddell.
Macedon meanwhile mirrored the success of its senior footballers to secure a 74 to 49-goal win over the Rams.
Panthers’ men eliminated from finals
The sun has set on the 2023 Big V season for the division two Wallan Panthers men following a 38-point loss to Whittlesea Pacers in Saturday’s sold-out clash.
After a strong first quarter the Panthers couldn’t sustain momentum, going down 66 to 104.
Wallan’s starting lineup changed with Lincoln Stewart replacing Tom O’Connor’s usual place in the starting five to address game match ups and to start with a smaller line-up
Big V All-Star Five and MVP finalist Arcaim Lallemand went into the game with a broken fibula, limiting his playing ability.
Playing just over nine minutes, Lallemand fouled out and was unable to contribute his usual huge numbers.
Captain Keenan Gorski and key defender Tyler Best led Wallan’s scoring with 18 points apiece and were named in the Big V division two men starting five.
Best’s scoring efforts in the first quarter put the Panthers ahead despite turnovers and kept them competitive in their strongest quarter of the game as they trailed 20 to 24 heading into the second quarter.
Wallan head coach Tim Annett said the Panthers couldn’t maintain their first quarter effort.
“We had a really strong start in the first quarter. We got ourselves in the game at quarter time, which was one of our main objectives at the start but from there onwards we were just completely outplayed,” he said.
The Panthers struggled for the rest of the game with rebounds, often getting only one shot attempt in offensive plays with lack of offensive rebounds.
Whittlesea capitalised on their opportunities, rebounding well to have multiple scoring attempts.
The Pacers’ intense pressure forced seven Wallan turnovers in the second quarter.
“In the second quarter we couldn’t make any shots and they just got on a big run. We didn’t have a lot go our way but all in all we were just beaten by a better team,” Annett said.
“I think Tyler Best tried his heart out at both ends of the floor and gave everything he could.
“Everyone else competed to the best of their ability but we were probably just outclassed in the end.”
Whittlesea’s Gabe Evans, also an All Star Five and MVP contender, was a challenge for Wallan, scoring a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
“We knew that Gabe Evans was going to be very hard to stop. We went into it trying to stop Gabe and Patty Green,” Annett said.
“We did a really good job on Green, kept him to nine points, and with Gabe he probably got away from us a little bit but that’s just how the game was played.
“In transition he’s sort of hard to stop.”
The loss closes the curtain on Wallan’s season.
“Although we’re disappointed with the end result we still finished third. We feel like we’ve achieved something,” Annett said.
“It’s another step forward from what we had last year with a relatively new group.
“I think we had some standout performers during the year but all in all I think as a squad, everybody played their role and did their job. It was a really enjoyable group to be around.
“The guys are obviously a bit disappointed from the weekend but proud of themselves and what they’ve achieved as well.”
Along with Lallemand, Wallan guard Dominic Bruno is in contention for division two All Star Five and MVP.
Wallan women head to Big V grand final
The division two Wallan Panthers women clinched a grand final appearance with Saturday’s 11-point win over Blackburn Vikings.
It was a close contest with Wallan trailing by one point at the end of the first quarter, with a Viking layup on the buzzer putting them ahead.
Kylah Collins scored crucial baskets in the first quarter keeping the Panthers in it, including a three-pointer putting them ahead by three with a minute and a half to go.
The second quarter saw the Panthers have multiple shot attempts where they were unable to finish but despite scoring struggles, they were up by 10-points heading into halftime.
Blackburn’s Isabella Nolen came out firing in the third quarter as the game was back to within one point.
Nolen’s strong rebounding efforts finally gave the Vikings multiple shot attempts in offence, lacking earlier in the game, while her steals often resulted in a score or drawn foul.
However, Wallan remained composed.
A foul on Collins at the buzzer sent her to the free-throw line, making both and putting Wallan ahead by one.
The fourth quarter started with Wallan missing three shot attempts in the same play but despite offensive struggles, the side found its groove.
Collins had two steals and was drawing fouls, heading to the line where she was consistent as Wallan defeated Blackburn 65 to 54.
Winning two out of three games meant Wallan didn’t have to play in a Sunday decider.
Wallan head coach Carey Papanicolaou said it was a terrific game to get to the grand final.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game because they’ve been a pretty good side all year,” he said.
“It was good to just get over the line in the fourth quarter.
“When it got close we just stayed composed and played the way we’ve been playing the last couple of weeks. Full credit to the girls efforts. They saw the game through.”
Affirming her place as a Big V All Star Five and MVP finalist, Collins had a double-double, with 30 points and 18 rebounds.
Papanicolaou said the win was a team effort.
“The players just did what they had to do and filled their roles,” he said.
“A couple of the girls who came off the bench didn’t really get a lot of minutes but the roles they played were really important to the team.”
Wallan’s Olivia Dalmau was also named an All-Star Five and MVP finalist, while Papanicolaou is nominated for Big V division two Coach of the Year.
“It feels pretty good. You know when you get noticed your team is winning,” Papanicolaou said.
“We’ve been working hard all year and I’ve mainly been trying to get the win. If anything happens after that then it’s a good honour, but our priority is to win the grand final.”
Crowd support has been a motivator for the side this season.
“We really appreciate the support we’ve had at home games. That sort of helps the girls get over the line,” Papanicolaou said.
“I’m sure the whole team really appreciates the crowd so I’d like to thank them for the support all season. We’ve got one more game to go.”
Wallan face top-of-the-ladder Gippsland United at Gippsland’s home court on Saturday.
Gippsland won two of the three times the sides faced each other.
Broadford Roos finals bound: Outer East Football Netball League
Broadford will field five out of six teams in the Outer East Football Netball League division two finals this weekend.
In a coup for Broadford, the club will host the preliminary final on August 26.
The league announced the finals venues last week, with the semi-finals at Woori Yallock and Yarra Junction on Saturday, and the grand final to be at Yarra Glen on September 2.
The Roos’ reserves team snuck into fourth place after a big win over Yarra Junction on Saturday.
A 38-point win means for the first time in eight years Broadford’s reserves will play finals.
The Roos will take on Alexandra in the semi-final on Saturday, with the exact venue still being determined yesterday.
In netball, all four Broadford teams will contest finals.
The Roos A Grade side, in second spot on the ladder, has a challenge ahead of them as it takes on the dominant Warburton-Millgrove in this weekend’s semi-final.
The A Grade team, missing star goal attack Kate Berger, comes of a 48-all draw against Yarra Junction on Saturday.
Captain Ally Black and goal-shooter Renee Sari led from the front for the Roos.
Broadford B Grade come off a 46-22 win against Yarra Junction on Saturday, and end the season on top of the ladder after losing just once this season. The Roos will also play Warburton-Millgrove on Saturday.
The Roos’ C Grade team ended its season in fourth place after a convincing 34-15 win on Saturday and face a tough semi-final against Powelltown.
Broadford under 17s will also take on Powelltown in its semi-final, coming off a 20-16 win over Yarra Junction.
Broadford’s senior footballers went down 72-140 against Yarra Junction on Saturday to end their season in fifth place.
Members vote to move leagues
Club members voted at a special general meeting on Thursday night to formally apply to enter Kyabram District Football Netball League, KDFNL, next season.
A total of 74 financial members voted on the motion ‘that Broadford Football Netball Club should apply to enter the KDFNL for season 2024’.
Seventy-one members voted ‘yes’ and three voted ‘no’.
BFNC president Bonnie Welch addressed the meeting to outline the reasons why the club needed to leave the Outer East league to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Outer East league is currently reviewing its competition structure, with recommendations released last week that the league change to two divisions – which would require Broadford to travel further to clubs based east of Melbourne.
There was strong feedback from the playing group to move on from the Outer East league.
Ms Welch outlined why the KDFNL was the best fit for BFNC, providing a country-based football and netball league consisting of 14 clubs across senior and junior competitions, with all clubs located less than 1.5 hours from Broadford.
The KDFNL falls under the AFL Goulburn Murray governance, which aligns with Broadford’s junior club who plays in the Seymour District Junior Football League that also falls in the AFL Goulburn Murray catchment.
After a formal application is made to the KDFNL, the league’s executive must give their clubs two weeks’ notice of a special general meeting where club delegates and league executive members vote on accepting Broadford’s nomination. The date for the meeting is yet to be determined.
BFNC requires 70 per cent of the votes for the application to be successful, and to play in the KDFNL next season.