Woodend to Riddells Creek connection underway

-

September 15, 2020

Woodend to Riddells Creek connection underway

MACEDON Ranges Shire residents are one step closer to experiencing a shared trail connecting Woodend to Riddells Creek, after councillors agreed to endorse the project at its August meeting.

Councillors read a report to update them on the project, including funding agreement status, and financial, social and environmental implications for their consideration.

The shared trail will connect Woodend to Riddells Creek, passing through Macedon and New Gisborne.

Construction on the project is expected to begin midway through September and continue until at least June 2022.

Council hopes the trails will encourage people to walk, run, and cycle in a safe environment, while also having access to different townships.

Council director of assets and operations Shane Walden said the project was created in response to the community’s desire for safe walking and cycling opportunities.

“The Macedon Ranges Shared Trails Feasibility Studies project formed part of this action and considered a number of opportunities for shared trails throughout the Macedon Ranges and on to Daylesford – council’s border at Tylden,” he said.

“The studies explored and made recommendations for the development of enjoyable and safe shared-use trail links between major towns in the region, designed to encourage cycling, walking and running for people across a range of abilities.”

The plans for the trail were considered the community in 2019, and feedback was used to guide the final direction and outcome of the trail.

“Public exhibition of the draft studies in 2019 provided overwhelming support for the development of shared trails in the Macedon Ranges, with all feedback received being assessed and used to guide the final studies,” Mr Walden said.

“Broad consultation with community group stakeholders, land owners and managers, authorities and the Macedon Ranges community was a key component in developing the studies and council would like to thank all involved for their interest and input.

“Council resolved, at its meeting on August 28, 2019, to endorse both studies and to commence advocacy and funding efforts for the staged implementation and development of the trails.

Mr Walden said council was informed in May it would receive $8.75 million from the State Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works Package to build the $9.75 million Woodend to Riddells Creek part of the trail, with council contributing more than $1 million to cover the remaining costs.

“The trails will contribute strongly to community spirit and wellbeing by being fun, enjoyable and safe and well used by visitors and locals of all ages and popular with children,” he said.

“It will be designed to encourage shared, low volume cycling, walking and running across a range of abilities and suitable for all bike types. It is for recreation, tourism and commuting by users of all ages and ability.

“As an experience the trail will link to events, schools, businesses and local food and produce and can be undertaken as a short ride or as an overnight riding experience staying at accommodation within the Macedon Ranges.

“It is designed as a step on, step off opportunity as opposed to being solely a travel from point A to point B trail.”

Broadford umpire makes it to the top

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

By Jackson Russell

Broadford’s Justin Barnes has reached the pinnacle of Australian netball umpiring, receiving his All-Australia badge.

The badge allows Barnes to umpire netball at Super Netball and international test netball.

Barnes worked his way through Netball Australia’s High Performance Umpire Pathway after being talent identified while umpiring in the Parkville Netball Association.

Beginning his umpiring career at 15 years old at Broadford, Barnes also coached the Broadford Football Netball Club’s A Grade netball side for several years.

Barnes has worked his way through Netball Australia’s accreditation system, which includes four tiers of badges from C to AA (All-Australia).

Throughout his journey, Barnes progressed through the Victorian Netball League, national junior championships, Australian Netball League grand final and international tournaments in Hong Kong and Malaysia, before getting a shot in the big league Suncorp Super Netball.

Barnes said receiving the All-Australia badge was a rollercoaster of emotions after umpiring at the elite level for five years.

“It was mixed emotions because it’s a lot of hard work, a lot of international and domestic travel to reach that award,” he said.

118730824 1819510628202867 1011796855031239151 o — Justin Barnes, right, pictured with Nathan Begley. Both received their All-Australia umpiring badges earlier this month.

Barnes said the criteria to receive the badge was the toughest test of his umpiring career.

“You’re coached and mentored through Suncorp Super Netball during the first round and you have to be umpiring at a consistent level at all times with minimal errors before you get through to the testing stage where they put you in front of a panel of experts. You can’t even get one wrong,” he said.

“It’s taken five years within the High Performance Umpire Program to get to that standard.”
Barnes said he was thankful for the support he had received from the Broadford community.

“Family, friends and the club have been very supportive and it’s a big acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work that was put into my umpiring from 2007 to 2020,” he said.

While the biggest moment of his career was umpiring the gold medal match at an international tournament in Kuala Lumpur in 2018, Barnes said the pressure of being in Super Netball’s Brisbane hub was enormous.

“It’s been challenging in the hub, you’ve got two games a week then your own physical training and your own full-time job on top of that,” he said.

“It’s very demanding living in a hub for three months but it’s very rewarding receiving that AA badge.

“[The hardest thing is] the intensity and ensuring your decision making is accurate as this is an elite sport and this is their job. One decision can turn a game within two seconds.”

Council appoint acting CEO

Council

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has appointed director of corporate and community John Hausler as its acting chief executive after Margot Stork’s resignation.

Mr Hausler has been a director at council since 2017 and has a record of success in leading corporate and community services.

Prior to joining council, Mr Hausler served in South Australia in the same role with the District Council of Loxton Waikerie.

Mr Hausler said he would focus on leading council through the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.

“As acting chief executive officer, I will be focused on leading the organisation through the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, continuing to embed the recent organisational restructure, and helping the organisation to prepare for the upcoming council elections and new incoming council,” he said.

“As per the council resolution, I began as acting chief executive officer after council’s resolution was passed, at which time Ms Stork concluded her employment with council.

“Arrangements regarding my substantive role while I am acting chief executive officer are still being determined.

“Like other members of executive, I have prior experience acting in the [chief executive] role and have done so previously when the [chief executive] has been on leave.”

The meeting of Mr Hausler’s appointment was livestreamed last week, where councillors thanked Ms Stork for her work in council and wished her the best in her future endeavours.

The council announced the resignation of Ms Stork on August 31. No reason was given for her resignation.

Sports precinct concept design released

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

MACEDON Ranges Shire Council has released a concept design for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Complex in New Gisborne and is inviting community feedback.

The concept design was released through an online webinar late last month where council officers gave an update on the project and representatives from design consultant City Collective talked through the design.

The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct came from the amalgamation of two separate projects, the New Gisborne Sports Fields project and Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub in 2018.

The headlining feature of the project is a six-court indoor stadium featuring a show court.

The concept design includes two ovals for football and cricket, one made of natural grass used primarily for competition and another of synthetic grass for practice and potential matches or tournaments, both encircled by tracks for running and cycling and featuring grassed spectator areas.

Also included in the concept design are eight tennis courts, two multi-use courts for netball or tennis, and two new pavilions adjoining the ovals and tennis courts respectively.

The existing netball courts and pavilion will remain, along with the existing car park, which will be extended to 175 spaces.

Design consultant City Collective has experience working on similar projects including Craigieburn Sport Stadium and Surrounds, St Kilda Football Club’s RSEA Park Redevelopment in Moorabbin and Netball SA Community Precinct.

The concept design can be viewed on council’s website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay, where submissions can be made until 12pm on September 22.

The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct will be spread across two sites in Gisborne, on the corner of Barringo and Hamilton roads, including the existing Macedon Ranges Regional Netball Complex.

With the entire project estimated to cost $41.4 million to complete and just over half – $21.7 million – already committed by council, the State Government and AFL Victoria, the project will be completed in stages while additional funding is sought.

The committed funding is expected to allow completion of the design and first stage of construction.

Before her resignation, former chief executive Margot Stork said the sports precinct – council’s largest ever building project – would cater for a range of sports and recreational pursuits, while also attracting regional-level competition.

“The concept is being refined based on the previous feasibility studies, and guided by feedback from primary user groups, state sport associations and the Macedon Ranges community,” she said.

“Although in-person forums and public meetings are not possible at this time, council is committed to delivering this important project with vital community input.”

Residential estate approved

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

By Jackson Russell

A NEW residential estate in Seymour has been given the green light by Mitchell Shire councillors, with changes to rectify traffic and safety concerns.

The proposed application sought approval for a two-stage, 69-lot development with lots ranging from 400 to 550 square metres.

But north ward councillor Fiona Stevens moved an alternate motion that made several changes to the planning permit on Tarcombe Road.

Changes included an increased minimum lot size to 650 square metres with at least half the lots needing to achieve an average size of 800 square metres.

Lots along the access road from Tarcombe Road will be reoriented to front an internal road, and the access road will also be widened, have no parking and increased tree planting.

An internal road will also be reorientated to create a small reserve along the eastern boundary to retain standing trees.

Cr Stevens said the traffic flow into Tarcombe Road and high density of the development were her main concerns.

“There are already problems with the narrowing of this road to the extent the locals are parking up on their nature strips,” she said.

“When they do park legally on the sides of the road, a bus has trouble getting through. Putting more pressure onto Tarcombe Road is a major concern with this development.

“This development as it currently stands is problematic, it compounds problems on Tarcombe Road, and it’s not consistent with what the community are asking through their structure plan.

“If we don’t give due consideration and respect to the structure plan, what’s the point in asking the community if we’re going to undermine it and allow substantially higher density than what’s expected by our community?”

North ward councillor Rhonda Sanderson said there was no shortage of affordable housing in Seymour.

“It’s not the sort of area where we want to encourage affordable housing,” she said.

“The estimated lot yield for this site is 44 lots, not 69 and around all the other estates are doing decent sized blocks. No one’s doing anything like this.

“I’m very supportive of further residential development in Seymour but I have concerns regarding the density of this development.”

Calls for fuel reduction and community involvement

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

Calls for fuel reduction and community involvement

By Jackson Russell

Tooborac farmer Bill Chisholm has called on the state and federal governments to step up fire prevention and management measures in a submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

Mr Chisholm, a current Mitchell Shire councillor and former mayor, made the submission personally. He has been a CFA member for nearly half a decade and chaired the Mitchell Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee for eight years.

Mr Chisholm said there were three main reasons for the unprecedented fire season experienced in Australia last summer – climate change, fuel loads and a lack of ‘genuine community involvement’.

“From what I understand, fuel loads have been steadily increasing over many years. This applies particularly for government-controlled areas,” he said.

“My direct concerns relate to roadside fuel management and fuel management by government departments and agencies within and around towns.

“Of particular concern is vegetation management on the rural-urban interface of our towns, be they large, medium or small.”

Mr Chisholm said Mitchell Shire Council already carried out fuel reduction works on land that was the responsibility of Regional Roads Victoria and had allocated an additional $55,000 to carry out extra work at two town entrances.

“A private individual can be issued with a $1680 fine for not managing their fire fuel loads while they can have nearly two-metre high grass or other vegetation next door on government-controlled land with no action taken,” he said.

According to Mr Chisholm, there is a lack of community involvement at both an administration and decision-making level of emergency management, and at an operational level.

“To achieve the best results in a firefight, all sectors of communities and government need to be involved and work for the common good,” he said.

“From my experience, it appears that many in the emergency management sector would like to see the formation of organisations that are comprised solely of professional experts and members of various government departments at the exclusion of genuine community voices and possible unpalatable ideas.”

Operationally, Mr Chisholm said Victoria had lost much of the surge capacity it once had in the event of large fires where most of the community was involved.

“Currently, our council graders and water tankers and staff are excluded from the fire ground, lip service is paid to private firefighting units, and there are many other resources that could be encouraged to become involved in a genuine emergency situation,” he said.

The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements published its interim observations late last month and a series of draft propositions earlier this month as it enters the final stages of the inquiry.

The 40-page draft propositions document features several measures prepared by counsel assisting in the Royal Commission and may inform the Royal Commission findings and recommendations, including some that address Mr Chisholm’s concerns.

Some of the first propositions suggest greater support for local government from State Government through a greater understanding of local government capability and a review of resource sharing arrangements.

The documents and more information are available at naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au.

Community determined to stay connected

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

By Steph McNicol

THE pandemic has brought out Mitchell residents’ creative ways of staying connected without contact, including a free library in Kilmore and a spoon village in Broadford.

In late August, Kilmore resident and home daycare owner Renae Dargan decided to set up a free library exchange in her front yard, where she invited people to take books and bring some of their own to exchange.

Ms Dargan posted her idea to several community Facebook pages, and in a short time it had plenty of support, and the library many visits.

“The inspiration for the street library originally came from a fellow family daycare educator who had put one in. I did some research and looked into it and thought it was such a great idea; it sparked the desire to then put my own street library in,” Ms Dargan said.

“I purchased a kit online and so the journey began. I run a family daycare from my home and wanted not only something that would benefit the local community but the families that attend daycare each week.

“The library was put in three weeks ago and already it has been very popular. The motto behind the street library is ‘take a book, give a book, share a book’.

“People can come and just take a book or two they like, they can also leave a book if they have some to leave. I want the community to feel like it is as much their free library as it is mine, and to get involved with it.”

The library is located at 7 Northview Road, Kilmore, and is easily accessible to anyone.

119008236 118867159943024 8773290735370321897 o — Renae Dargan has set up a free library for people to visit and exchange books, at 7 Northview Road, Kilmore.

“I think keeping the community connected is so very important, more so now than ever before; so many people within the community are possibly feeling isolated due to restrictions of COVID-19,” Ms Dargan said.

“However, being able to go for a walk, getting some fresh air and maybe stopping by for a book or two on their travels may just be the thing to lift someone’s spirits and brighten their day.

“The street library will continue to run well after restrictions are lifted, the street library will remain accessible to the community for the young and old and everyone in between.”

Ms Dargan urged people to be fair to others and considerate when taking any items that had been left at the library – crayons, small toys or colouring books.

For more information, visit Daycare Street Library on Facebook.

Broadford resident Jess Frost said her two children had loved adding their creations to the spoon village in Broadford, behind the skate park.

“They loved making them and decorating them. Then they had even more fun being able to take them for a walk and finding spoonville and looking at the spoons that were there and adding ours in too,” she said.

“Being stuck at home isn’t much fun for the kids and the community at the moment, but being able to have a bit of fun and get involved with the kids without getting altogether as one group is such great idea.”

Visit the Spoonville – Broadford 3658 Facebook page for more information.

Students improve school grounds

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

Wallan Environment Group and Wallan Primary School students planted more than 400 native plants to improve the school’s natural environment during a planting day last week.

Students from the school’s on-site care and supervision program during remote learning participated in the planting day along with teachers and principal Ann Stevens.

Ms Stevens said the students had a terrific time and were proud of their efforts.

The 410 total plants were comprised of 17 different local plant species including shrubs, grasses, and ground cover plants and were planted in a mulched area along the pathway to the school’s oval.

Once established, the plants will enhance biodiversity at the school and help beautify its grounds, while the mulch will help with moisture retention, weed control and encourage worm activity.

The newly planted area builds on an adjoining area of native vegetation that was planted at the school more than 10 years ago, which is now well established.

The planting project at the school was funded through a State Government Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant.

Wallan Environment Group members John Robinson and Claudia James worked with teacher Robyn Richards to plan the project and draft the grant application.

Mr Robinson also assisted at the planting day by digging the holes for planting with a motorised auger.

The grant also funded a grade three excursion to La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary late last year, where the students explored how established habitats functioned and the connection between habitat, biodiversity and their own backyards.

Swooping into spring

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

By Jackson Russell

Now the sun has started to come out swooping season has begun in earnest, with magpies spotted swooping pedestrians and cyclists across the region.

Native birds swoop humans, and often dogs, to defend their young for six to eight weeks from when they hatch until they leave the nest.

Known hotspots for swooping magpies include Gavan Street in Broadford, Boronia Avenue and Darraweit Road in Wallan, and Main Street in Romsey.

Romsey resident Natasha Boucher and her two sons had a run-in with an especially aggressive magpie while riding their bikes along Main Street.

Arthur, 6, fell off his bicycle after his cheek was cut, then Alfred, 4, had three holes pecked through his t-shirt.

Ms Boucher said many Romsey residents were aware of several families of magpies that lived along Main Street and were careful to avoid them at this time of year, but were still attacked from the other side of the road.

“We knew of the one across the street so we crossed on the other side trying to avoid it, not knowing that it would come over the bridge to the Indian restaurant,” she said.

“The boys rode their bikes up ahead of me and it didn’t just swoop, it hovered and continued to peck them.”

“It cut Arthur’s face and it’s still a big scab today and it went right through Alfie’s shirt and he’s got a bruise on the back of his neck. This one can go for an ear or an eye where it can really do some damage.”

While Ms Boucher and her sons live only a few houses from the town centre, the especially aggressive magpie has forced them to take the long way around.

Since last year, M Boucher has been teaching her children about why magpies swoop and they have started to feed a family outside their home hoping it would prevent further attacks.

“We’re making an effort every day in front of our house to feed the birds so they’re okay,” she said.

“I threw out a couple scraps and told the boys to talk to them but once spring hits and they get swooped, they won’t be riding out front again, we’ll have to get in the car and go somewhere.”

Some Mitchell Shire residents have avoided being swooped by befriending their neighbourhood magpies, feeding them mince and other things.

Some of the magpies have even brought their new babies to visit their friends.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning senior wildlife management officer Amanda Ashton said swooping occurs every year during breeding season and was largely a defensive manoeuvre.

“For some species, including magpies, this is carried out primarily by males; swooping birds account for less than 10 per cent of the population,” she said.

“Being swooped by a territorial bird is no fun, but this is just normal bird behaviour. The best way to avoid being swooped is to avoid the area all together, though this isn’t always possible.

“If you do end up in an area where there is a swooping bird, try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly through the area without running.”

Magpies and other native birds are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975. Under the Act, it is an offence to kill, take, control or harm wildlife in Victoria.

Mitchell Shire housing market bucks trend

The North Central Review

-

September 15, 2020

0

Mitchell Shire housing market bucks trend

By Jackson Russell

Despite lockdown keeping Melburnians at home, Mitchell Shire real estate agencies have posted record numbers of sales but have noticed a shortage of listings.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria last week slammed the State Government for keeping ‘the property market shut down for an uncertain period’.

Hess Real Estate director Peter Hess said interest was much higher in Mitchell Shire than in Melbourne.

“This month, there’s been enormous interest and people have realised there’s less impact out here,” he said.

“The last 10 days have been busy, we’ve sold a few houses and probably now the major issue is getting more houses to sell.

“The general comment from people is they want to get out of Melbourne and get away from more lockdowns if they can. They’re tired of stage three or stage four.

“It’s going against the trend, it’s an interesting trend that the industry is going well but if you’re in metro Melbourne, it’s as dead as a doornail. It’s much quieter down there for sure.”

Mr Hess said buyers were placing deposits based on Zoom inspections or getting nearby friends to view the property.

Barry Plant Mitchell Shire had a record number of sales in August, beating its previous record by 25 per cent.

Director Simon Best said the agency had been working on solutions for its Melbourne buyers, with virtual tours and FaceTime calls, and had sold two properties based on virtual tours.

“We have sold two properties to buyers from Melbourne sight unseen based on a virtual tour, but in most cases there’s been a local buyer who’s able to make a strong offer on the basis they’ve physically inspected it so we have been able to cater for a range of circumstances,” he said.

“It proved the local market is still strong and shows that local buyers are as valuable to the local market as those from Melbourne.”

However, Mr Best said he had not heard of buyers moving to regional Victoria to avoid Melbourne’s lockdown.

“I think it’s just the normal reasons for people coming out like affordability and lifestyle advantages in Mitchell Shire,” he said.

“Nearly exclusively all the blocks we sold were to first home buyers and that’s largely due to the government grant.

“Stock levels are down because vendors have a perception that no one’s going to look at the house but we had a record month last month, and we’re up to five or six sales this month and properties are selling because there’s limited property on the market with more buyers relative to availability.”

REIV chief executive Gil King said the metropolitan real estate market received a ‘double whammy’ with the State Government banning private inspections and extending the rental moratorium by six months.

“The continuation of the ban on inspections means that people who desperately need to buy or lease a property will have to make that decision sight unseen,” he said.

“While [extending the rental moratorium] was not unexpected, landlords have virtually no relief while tenants get substantial support.

“With many reduced rental agreements due for renegotiation this month, the REIV is advising its members to refuse to negotiate rent reductions, forcing every request into the dispute system, a system that has already failed to cope with the caseload.”

Mr King said the REIV called on the government to allow one-on-one private appointment inspections of property so people could physically see the property before they committed to a huge investment.

“The delay in allowing private inspections means many people will be unable to make the move they so desperately have to make or commit to a property without seeing it first. That is unacceptable,” he said.

“It is the government’s responsibility to protect tenants and yet they have abdicated this responsibility and pushed it onto private citizens and created a system that does not work.”