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Apollo
Bay, what's happening in paradise!
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Edition
21-30 29/5/08 -
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 Music
Festival Community
News Landcare
Health
Letters |
Apollo
Bay Home | Great
Ocean Road Home |
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COUNCIL
ENDORSES FINAL DESIGNS
FOR GLOBAL CONNECTOR
Colac Otway Shire has endorsed the final designs
fo the Global Connector, including the joint use
library. The Mayor, Cr Chris Smith, said Council
was very pleased with the final designs and the
facilities would provide for a range of activities
and programs for the community. "The final
Global Connector plans take into account community
feedback and the many suggestions of
user groups, resulting in dedicated space for the
operations of a Toy Library, improved access and
meeting room configurations. Significant community
consultation has taken place over the past 18 months
regarding the development of the Global Connector.
More recently, finer details regarding the Global
Connector facility designs have been considered
by all the interested parties. "The final design
reflects specific items identified b proposed users
and members of the community and results in a multi-use
community facility that will offer the latest information
technology." "These modifications will
result in the facility being used to it maximum
potential by catering for as many different community
groups as possible." Over the coming months,
various community planning sessions will be held
to determine specific programs and services to be
provided in the Global Connector. "The Global
Connector is more than a joint use library, and
these sessions will show the community what's available
to them at this wonderful facility and allow them
to have input into the development of programs and
activities," Cr Smith said. The programs and
services to be provided at the Global Connector
will acknowledge services already provided within
the Shire and complement these appropriately. "The
new facility has the opportunity to offer services
not currently provided in the community, and support
those which are in high demand." "Key
community service providers, such as the library
post compulsory education sector, Neighbourhood
Renewal, early years education, senior citizen and
U3A will be called on to assist with the development
of specific programs for the centre." Importantly,
members of the community who are not linked with
such organisations will also be encouraged to have
input to the planning for the programs to be offered
at the Global Connector when it opens in 2010. The
final designs for the Global Connector will be presented
to the Department of Education and Early
Childhood Development for final endorsement.
May 27, 2008
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| LADIES...
When buying a ticket, I want change from
fifty. There's zilch I can buy for that
price that is nifty. I spend money wisely,
I want something back Hold on to your seats
folks, & cop this one Jack!! June 20'S
the date for the ladies to shine. The ultimate
GIRLS NIGHT OUT ... Mama time! Two-course
dinner at 6, goody bag then there's more
Krambruk Room, fine fashion, D.J on the
floor. The kinder needs money; you've got
it, let's go $38.00 for a dinner & show
Or if fashions your thing & you don't
feel like eating, Be there at 8 and we'll
provide seating!! The Raffles the draw card,
a surfboard from Hodgy, Great fashion from
Coast Cards, not one prize is dodgy. High
on Heels has the shoes, Sista Mermaid the
clothes, Moontide's divine treasures for
fingers or nose! Learn to surf, have a massage,
whilst sipping champagne, A nights sleep
at Captains, please say hi to Wayne! Kryal
Castle, the Lighthouse, Day Spa voucher,
Fresh Hair, I've run out of room, but there's
more prizes I swear!!!
"Good grief." You all shout, "This
raffle's so cool" I need to buy tickets,
lest he thought a fool. At $2 a pop, the
Christmas shopping is done.
And all because GirlS Night Out is for Mum.
The tickets are capped so don't wait a while,
Put the babysitters number back on the speed
dial.
High on Heels, Sista Mermaid has tickets
so RUN This Kinder fundraiser is going to
be fun!!.
ROTARY CLUB OF APOLLO BAY OTWAYS
PRESENTS
MID WINTER DINNER DANCE ON FRIDAY 27 JUNE
2008
AT 6.30PM FOR 7.00PM IN THE KRAMBRUK ROOM,
APOLLO BAY HOTEL
FEATURING THE NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED
"PAUL RETTIKE TRIO" HOT FOOD,
COOL JAZZ AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY.
TICKETS S28.00 PERSON INCLUDING
2 COURSE DINNER, DRINKS AT BAR PRICE
BOOKING ESSENTIAL PHONE MIEKE OR JOHN 5237
1030
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apollobay.com
would like to acknowledge
with thanks the content supplied by
the APOLLO BAY NEWS SHEET.
If you would like to have an article
or advertisement printed in the
Apollo Bay News Sheet please email
it to ApolloNS@bigpond.net.au
by
5PM on Tuesday (printed weekly) |
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Southern Otway Landcare
Network 'Landtalk' |
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First Links
Between
Drought and Climate Change
The first links have been made between
climate change and the drought afflicting
south-eastern Australia. A team of
scientists says it now has firm signals
that link a band of atmospheric high
pressure, known as the Sub-Tropical
Ridge, with climate sequences that
block rain-bearing lows moving into
the south-east. The Sub-Tropical Ridge,
which sits roughly on a line running
through Adelaide and Canberra, lies
between the southern regions that
receive winter-dominant rainfall,
and the summer-dominant north. Bureau
of Meterology scientist Dr Bertrand
Timbal when the ridge's pressure intensifies,
rain-bearing lows are prevented from
moving through south-east Australia.
The intensity of the Sub-Tropical
Ridge last peaked in the 1940s, coinciding
with the driest decade on record in
the south-east of Australia. It has
been steadily intensifying again since
the 1970s. "In itself, that increase
can account for approximately 70 per
cent of the observed rainfall decline
in southern Australia from March to
July," Dr Timbal said. But there
is no certainty that this time the
ridge's intensity will fall and allow
a 1950s-styie recovery. Dr Timbal
said when the ridge's intensity and
global temperatures were mapped together
on a broad running average, "the
two curves look like they are dancing
together". He adds that the research
has yet to work out how global temperatures
are driving the ridge, but that the
implications of a link between the
two are worrying. At this stage, Dr
Timbal said, there is not the evidence
to link the more recent summer rainfall
north of the Sub-Tropical Ridge to
on-going global warming as there is
for the winter rainfall decline in
the south.
MATTHEW C A WOOD
Estuaries Unmasked: Estuary
Watch Night Seminar Series
Interested in learning more about
estuaries, how tlfiey
work and the fish that live in them?
Come along to the
first of a series of Estuary Night
Seminars.
Guest Speakers: David Tiller Estuary
Structure ;and
Function, Tom Ryan , Native Fish of
the Coranganiite
Region. When: Thursday, May 29th 6-8pm,
Where: Anglesea Community Centre,
5 Me Millan
Anglesea. Light Supper & Refreshments
provided.
RSVP essential 0429192589 If you have
aspirations to make a contribution
to improving habitat and conservation
in our area, talk to Landcare! Anna
O'Brien, Greg John, Kristen Lees,
Dianne Inglis (PH) 5237 6904 69-71
Nelson St. Apollo Bay. Office hours
9am—lpm daily
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MINISTER APPROVES
COUNCIL'S
PRESERVATION OF THE PAST
The Minister for Planning has approved Stage
1 Council's Heritage Overlay Amendment which
includes recommendations from the Coiac
Otway Heritage Study 2003.
This Amendment will provide protection of
heritage places and provides controls over
250 individual places that are significant
to the cultural history of Coiac Otway.
"There are several significant properties
within our Shire and it is important that
they are preserved for their current aesthetic
value and for future generations to recognise
their importance to the regions history,"
Coiac Otway Shire Mayor Chris Smith said.
"The approval of Stage 1 of the Amendment
does not mean that these sites with a Heritage
Overlay cannot be to developed, but it identifies
those sites thai contribute to the rich
and diverse cultural heritage of the Shire
and requires that a planning permit be obtained
so that any redevelopment of a site is sympathetic
to its heritage significance," Cr Smith
said. "There is often a misconception
that a Heritage Overlay is an impediment
to development occurring however this is
not the case in most situations." "The
permit requirement simply allows consideration
c heritage issues in the design of new developments
and as to whether a building should be demolished."
"It is important that land owners are
aware of these changes as they could have
an impact on a proposed demolition or new
development which previously didn't need
a planning permit, but now does," Cr
Smith said. Stage 1 has included individual
sites within the Heritage Overlay. Areas
and designated streets which have been recommended
for precinct protection have been adopted
by Council as Stage 2 of the Amendment,
which was submitted separately to the Minister
and is still going through the approval
process. These precinct based provisions
currently have no statutory effect.
The second stage of the Amendment will also
introduce detailed guidelines to assist
in the assessment of planning permit applications
within these precincts. Enquiries can be
made by calling the Town Planning Unit on
5232 9412.
Apollo Bay Club Network Meeting Grants,
Funding and Submission Writing
This Club Network meeting will follow upon
the
strategic planning workshops from March
12 and
explore the different strategies for fundraising,
current
community grants, and the techniques used
for
successful grant submission writing.
7pm to 9.30pm
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Keane's Real Estate
63 Great Ocean Rd
Apollo Bay
Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 28 by calling
David Barnes on 5224 9934 or email
davidb(a)leisurenetworks.orq
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Apollo Bay Historical
Society News. NAME YOUR PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Thanks to the generosity of the community
and the hard
work of Joan Martin the society has a collection
of more
than 8000 photographs relating to the families
and the
history of Apollo Bay. The arrival of digital
cameras has
made photography much cheaper and easier and
we all
take many more photos. But the photographs
are not of
much historical value to anyone else, even
to your
family, unless the 4W's are provided. Each
photograph
should have written on the back using a 2B
or 4B pencil
the following information.
WHEN The year month and day. If the photo
relates to
an event such as a flood or sunrise etc, it
also helps to
have the time of day.
WHERE The location of the photo, the town,
the place,
the address, etc. Sometimes the picture tells
the story.
WHO The names of the people in the photo.
Name from
left to right.
WHAT The name of the team or group of people.
The
name of the building, place, etc.
If you are like me you only print a few digital
pictures
and leave the rest on your computer or a disc.
Each
photo has an image number assigned by the
camera.
MS Windows allow you to use file names of
50
characters. If you rename the photos using
the 4W's you
can sort and find pictures with ease. Assigning
a name
in the following order will automatically
sort your pictures
by date. Retain the original image number
by typing the
new information in front of the existing number.
WHEN Use year month day format - 20080526
WHERE One or two words to give the location.
WHO The name or initials of each person in
the photo
WHAT The name of the object, building, boat,
etc.
The file name will look like this - 20080526
Marengo
beach - Alejandro + Elena Image 00034.jpg
If you have more than one picture of the same
thing you
can copy the 4W info and paste it in front
of the next
image number.
If you use the 4W system it will make it much
easier to
find your photos and you will be thanked by
you children
and the society.
OPEN DAY - 21st September 2008.
The society would appreciate the help of the
Apollo Bay
sports clubs, both past and present in preparing
the
special exhibition on Sports in Apollo Bay.
To allow us
to prepare the exhibition could clubs who
intend
providing information please supply it by
end of July.
Please contact the Sec. Ruth Hedrick (5237
6302) or
Pres. Barbara Leorke (5237 6792 or Ted Stuckey
(5237
7410) or bring it along to the museum.
Ted Stuckey
ABP12C Parents & Friends Group
Tuesday this week at Otway Health Age Care,
a young group of music students entertained
the elderly. A Big thanks to Mary Fitzgerald
for giving her time for our children and providing
the hour of entertainment for the aged. The
students engaged the audience, with piano
playing, group singing and solo's, Mary sang
one of my favourite and lovely songs, "Totally
Devoted to you" from the musical Grease.
A group of children from the school go to
this facility once a month.
The Parents & Friends Group AGM is upon
us and so are the vacant positions of President,
Secretary and Treasurer. The current committee
has done an awesome job; and some have been
in the position for 3 years. Time for a change,
think about taking on this important role,
the positions are for one year. The group
is the social and fundraising arm of the school.
We have seen the results of having this group
for the school, our children have benefited;
we have had an exciting time giving and supporting
the education of all our children. Nominate
a new committee member:
I nominate ......................................
For the
position of........................................
Signed............................................
Drop off at the school office by Friday the
13th June
2008.
When is the meeting?
The 16th of June will be our official AGM.
The
venue this year will be at the Bottom Pub
in the
Kambrook room. We are having the event
catered, come along to support and meet the
past
and present committee, Contact Suzie or Sheryl
Ph: 52376 029
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COUNCIL COMMITS TO
G21 AND ENDORSES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Colac Otway Shire Council has endorsed Memorandum
of Understanding with G21 for a further four
years, indicating that support from member
groups would be of continued benefit to the
region. G21 is a regional body covering municipalities
and key agencies in the region covering the
Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong,
Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire and
Surf Coast Shire. CEO Tracey Slatter said
she believed G21 had developed a track record
of tackling projects that have direct relevance
and benefit to the Shire. "There are
many high priority projects being supporte
and profiled with Government by G21 which
are directly relevant to Colac Otway Shire,"
Ms Slatter said. "These include the Princes
Highway West campaign, Apollo Bay Harbour,
regional trails, climate change, and skills."
"Increasingly, Government is expected
to look to G21's priorities in considering
the priorities of individual Councils - being
a part of G21 helps priorities of Colac Otway
Shire be understood within a regional context
she said. "G21 aims to promote the sustainable
growth of the region and it provides a vehicle
to support collaborative effort between agencies
on projects to
achieve better outcomes than is possible with
agencies acting independently," Ms Slatter
said. Ms Slatter will represent Council on
the new G2 board of directors following endorsement
Councillors. "A key criteria for determining
our representative or the board was continuity
over the term of Council Mayor, Cr Smith said.
"We also believe Tracey has strong knowledge
of the issues and priorities relevant to Colac
Otway and with advocate strongly for the benefit
of the Shire on o behalf."
May 27, 2008
NEW SEASONAL OPERATING HOURS AT BLUEWATER
FITNESS
Bluewater Fitness Centre will trial new seasonal
operating hours from June 1 in response to
community feedback.
Bluewater Fitness Centre Manager, Scott Preston,
said the new operating hours reflected the
lower use
levels in the cooler months. The trialled
seasonal operating hours, commencing
June 1 are:
Winter (April 1 to October 31)
Monday to Thursday: 6am - 8.30pm
Friday: 6am - 7pm
Saturday/Sunday: 8am - 4pm
Public Holidays: 10am - 7pm
Summer (November 1 to March 31)
Monday to Thursday: 6am - 8.30pm
Friday: 6am - 7pm
Saturday/Sunday: 8am -6pm
Public Holidays: 10am - 7pm
These new hours will be trialled for the coming
winte
season to determine community impact and feedback
Big Thanks to Cape Otway Lightstation
for the fantastic hospitality you
showed us last Monday, The children all enjoyed
rolling on the green grassy slopes &the
banquet you layed on for us. We are very appreciative
to Denise Paul & staff for your generosity.
Our next raffle has also been drawn &
we would like to
congratulate all winners. Is prize - Kylie
Alexander 2nd prize - Faye Rampall 3rd prize
- Trindi & Jesse Suratman Thanks again
to all our prize givers; COPAC for the 4 tickets
to Possum Magic . To Rita Livesey for the
intricately crotcheted baby rug and Apollo
Bay Hotel for the bottle of wine. To Sandy
Feet Cafe & Paradise bookshop for selling
our raffle tickets & to all those who
bought tickets to support our playgroup. Reminder
to all families we are on a midterm break
& will resume again on Monl6th June. If
you are visiting us for the first time, please
come to one session at no
charge.
Please call Lyndi 5237
7903 or Nicola 5237 7749
for more information,
or please just come along |
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APOLLO
BAY COMMUNITY NEWS |
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APOLLO
BAY
CHURCH
SERVICES |
St.
Aidans Anglican
9.00am
Rev Tim Cohen
5237 6615
Also
at 5pm 1st & 3rd sundays
Uniting Church
9.30am
Rev
Kevin Cranwell 5232 1360
Sunday School every 2nd & 4th Sundays
Star of the Sea Catholic
10.30am
Fr Gerry Prunty
5237 6782
Apollo Bay Assembly
of God
6.00pm
Ps Peter Smith
5237
766 |
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Infuse junior
youth Synergy Christian Church(
grade 3-5)- Special Event: 'BananaRama'
Night - lots of fun games and activities
involving you guessed it Bananas! 5.00-6.30pm
this Friday May 30th @ Youth Club. More
details contact Marni Briffa (youth leader)
52 371 202 or 0406351838 . Please note this
is the last Infuse for 2 weeks. Next Infuse
June 20th
'Winter Party'
REVOLUTION youth Synergy
Christian Church: REVOLUTION UNITED (yr6-12)
TRIBAL CHALLENGES! 8-9.30pm this Friday
May 30th @ Uniting Church Hall. More details
contact Marni Briffa (youth leader) 52371
202 or 0406351838. Please note this is the
last Rev for 2 weeks. Next REV UNITED June
20th
ROTARY CLUB OF APOLLO BAY OTWAYS
Rotary Bowel scans are still available at
the Apollo Bay Pharmacy until the 31 May
2008. For those that have already purchased
one could you please return them to the
bin in the pharmacy as soon as possible.
Those that are returned late will not be
able to be processed as Rotary only has
the use of the laboratory and courier for
a limited time.
PATCHWORK QUILTING
The next Patchwork Quilting meeting will
be held on
Tuesday, the 3rd of June at 1:30 pm at Marrar
Woorn,
Pengilley Ave, Apollo Bay.
Bring something to share or work on.
New members welcome.
Note: Next night meeting will be at 7:30pm
on the
Monday, the 16th of June at Val Cameron
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| TRY
THE TEST at TRIVIA
NEXT FRIDAY 30th May
St Aidans Anglican Hall 7pm for 7.30 start
Bring a friend, come and meet a friend,
but don't miss the fun!
Bring drinks & snacks Tea/coffee available
Only $7
Apollo Bay Informal Fishing Group
next meeting will be held on Thursday the
5th of June, 2008 at 10.30 am at the Apollo
Bay Shire conference room, Nelson Street,
Apollo Bay. All welcome. Coordinator Andrew
ORCHARD.
Apollo Bay General Practice Women's
Health Clinic
We are pleased to announce the appointment
of
Michelle Fillmore as our new Women's Health
Nurse
Michelle will be offering a comprehensive
service
including Pap Smears, Breast Examinations,
Ante-Natal Care & Lactation Advice.
The Clinic will be running fortnightly on
Tuesday afternoons. Starting the 3rd of
June
For appointments please telephone: 5237
6844
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to our precious
baby girl
Lataiyah Bella Star.
A lot of love, kisses and hugs.
Nanny, Poppy, Aunty Tarn & Aunty Vena______
Happy Birthdays to Doug Fisher,
Ann Harwood.
Jenny Orr and
Special 40th birthday wishes to Donna Fisk
XXX
Happy birthday Oz
Rock! YOU'RE MVITED!!
Oz rock turns fifty this year and we're
celebrating;
On the evening on June 12 & 13, Apollo
Bay P-12 College presents a theatrical and
musical journey through five decades of
Australian cultural icons and home made
rock to be unleashed at the Mechanics Hall.
We've got Friday on our mind, so tell all
the
boys in town! There's no time for games,
just come along with your friends &
family
for a few drinks at the bar and a laugh.
Tickets available from the school. Prices
: Adult $10, Kid $5, Family of 4 $20
Prepare to ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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OTWAY
HEALTH NEWS |
Can't see vour
toes anymore?
If you're not pregnant, and you've 'lost your toes'
when you look down, you're at much higher risk of
heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
- just to name a few chronic diseases you are at
risk of.
It seems too simple, but the measurement around
your waist indicates more about your risk of chronic
disease than weight. This is because when fat sits
on your belly, it's also stored around your blood
vessels and organs - forcing them to work harder
to keep you going.
The risk is highest for men if their waist circumference
is over 100cm, and for women, 90cm. If your waist
is over 90cm as a man or 80cm as a woman, you are
still at higher risk. This risk is multiplied if
you are older, or have other risk factors such as
high blood pressure or low physical activity levels.
So if your toes are disappearing, and you'd like
some support to bring them back, Otway Health have
a number of programs designed to help you, including
the new Life! program. . For more information contact
Kat Cust on 52378500
Free Cancer DVD
The Cancer Council Victoria is offering a free DVD
to all Victorian residents. The DVD has been produced
to assist caregivers, families as well as patients
themselves, who have been thrown into the whirlpool
of dealing with cancer. To obtain a copy contact
reception on 52378500 or pass by and pick one up
from reception in person (while stocks last). For
more information on cancer call the cancer helpline
on 131120.
Community Yoga at Marrar Woorn
There will be no yoga on 2,9,16 of June, however
it will resume as normal on Monday 23 June.
Situations Vacant Part Time Human
Resources Coordinator
We are still welcoming applications for this role,
to obtain a position description visit our website
at www.otwayhealth.com.au or call Joanna
Redmond on 5237 8500
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| World
Harmony Run
A relay race of 18000 kilometers through 2000
cities is stopping off at Apollo Bay! The World
Harmony Run is a global relay that seeks to promote
international friendship and understanding. As
a symbol of harmony, runners carry a flaming torch,
passing it from hand to hand travelling through
over 100 nations around the globe. The World Harmony
Run does not seek to raise money or highlight
any political cause, but simply strives to create
goodwill among peoples of all nations. On the
30th May at lpm Otway Health will be hosting a
lunch for the runners at Marrar Woorn; everyone
is invited, just bring along your own lunch and
meet the runners,
listen to the local choir and see the torch presented!
Don't forget what's coming up!
Following on from last week's notices do not forget
we have a Healthy Eating Supermarket tour (at
the FoodWorks supermarket, 10 am on Tuesday the
24th June) and cooking demonstration straight
afterwards at 11am at Marrar Woorn.
And on Tuesday 24th June at 6pm (the same day)
there is a comedy night with a worthwhile message
at the Bowls Club. A short comedy entitled The
Six Degrees of Diabetes' by award winning Australian
playwright Alan Hopgood. $5 entry.
And a reminder that on Friday 30 May between 2pm
&. 3pm you can bring your mobile phone to
Marrar Woorn and a group of year 9 students will
assist you in understanding how it works.
And finally for a gold coin donation there are
Meditation classes on Tuesday's at Marrar Woorn
between 7pm & 8pm
So get involved! If you have a class or an activity
that you would like to see run or think you could
run a class yourself then give us a call and let's
get things started, there are so many skilled
people in our community and we have the facilities
to make it happen. To discuss this or to enquire
about any course or activity call us on 52378500
and speak to Karen or Chani.
Part Time Child Care Worker Traineeship
Study for a qualification in child care whilst
being
paid to work in our Child Care Centre. If you
would
like a career in this challenging and rewarding
field,
contact Marie Sinclair on 5237 8500 or visit our
website at www.otwayhealth.com.au
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Letters
to the Editor
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Dear Editor
A big thank you to everybody. May I take this opportunity
to thank all you wonderful people here in Apollo
Bay for all your visits flowers, phone calls, and
good wishes. So very many to mention names but you
and I know who you are. These things went a great
way to helping my recovery although I cried a lot
more happy tears. (I know I am an old sook.)
I must mention my old pal Shirley who looked after
my little black boys and my house for three weeks.
Bless you Shirl.
As far as the hospital is concerned I couldn't have
been in a more comfortable place with the whole
staff so kind, helpful and understanding. Even spoiling
me by wheeling me to the piano three times. I must
not forget those beautiful folk from the COPAC Theater
even forgiving me for being horribly and embarrassingly
sick in their foyer. They sent flowers and wishes
for a speedy recovery. All in all I feel I am a
lucky person to have so many dear friends.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. (It is
still a good one). Joan McAllister Dear Editor
I find it amazing how structures are pulled down
faster than they are erected.
I watched in astonishment (and disappointment) on
Monday (26/5) as the perspex outside George's takeaway
was removed.
It was an absolute pleasure to be able to sit at
those table, eat my lunch and enjoy both a coffee
and the sunshine, without having the wind blow everything
off the table. The protection this gave from our
easterly winds was, by me and many many others,
greatly appreciated.
I fail to understand why something that benefits
both locals and tourists alike can have so much
objection raised against it that the owner of this
popular business is forced to remove it. All I can
say is WHAT A SHAME
Maryanne Boyle
The Editor
That time of year is here again when our swimming
pool is of no use, yet loads of people are driving
back and forth to Colac to use their "indoor"
pool and facilities. Wouldn't it be great if these
people could save time and money by having access
to a pool that could be used all year round in Apollo
Bay? People of all ages in the bay would greatly
benefit from swimming clubs; rehabilitation classes,
local learn to swim programs and for some of us
who would love to keep fit during the months the
pool is not open. Anyone know of any plans, if any?
Sean Permezel. |
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To Editor
DEMOCRACY IS UNDER ATTACK
Once again whoever said, "The Law is an Ass"
has been vindicated. Justice Kaye's ruling on Winkypop
V Hobson Bay Council determined that a person in
loca government who has the power to make a decision
and who appears to have prejudged a proposal, is
deemed to have denied the proponent "natural
justice". A councillor is deemed to have prejudged
a proposal if they have voiced their opposition
to a proposal and therefore cannot vote on the matter
in council. In fact Justice Kaye's ruling makes
every councillor in loca government, who expresses
an unfavourable opinion on any planning proposal,
ineligible to vote on that matter. Councillors are
elected on the basis of their stated policies. Cr
Wilmink was elected because she stated her position
in regard to a council amendment. Justice Kaye's
ruling ignores the fact that the councillor may
have arrived at their position after a carefully
study of the facts. The ruling while supporting
the rights of the applicant denies the electors
their right to a voice in council on the specific
planning issues. In his report on the "Conflicts
of Interest in Local Government" (March 2008),
the Victorian Ombudsman has interpreted "interests"
in very broad terms. He states that a councillor
has "an interest" if they have a pecuniary
interest, if they or their family stand to benefit,
if an organisation (such as a sports club) of which
they are member stands to benefit and that they
should not vote on any such matter. He has recommended
changes to the Act to clarify the interpretation
of a councillor's "interest" in the Local
Government Act. While I do not disagree with the
learned gentlemen's interpretations of the law I
cannot see how electors can be represented if their
councillor is barred from voting. Electors choose
a council representative on the basis of their policy
and what they stand for. It is hard enough to find
good people to stand for council without them having
to pretend that they have no interests other than
being a councillor.
How can democracy possible work if candidates are
not permitted to express their views or to be active
members of organisations in the community? Our politicians
are not inhibited in this manner. They can speak
out against any proposal outside the house without
loosing the right to vote. There was nothing to
stop Mr Kennett from being No 1-ticket holder of
the Hawthorn Football Club. Why are our councillors
not entitled to the same conditions? I think that
democracy is under attack when our elected representative
cannot vote on matters that they were elected to
pursue. I think we should seek to have the Local
Government Act amended to ensure that councillors
can state their views on issues without being accused
of denying a proponent "natural justice"
and be allowed to vote on matters related to the
community organisations to which they belong. If
you wish to obtain more information on these matters
www.hunthunt.com PageSvs'DocView.aspx?DocuiTient[D=95
8 (Winkypop Pty. Ltd. v
Hobsons Bay City Council [2007] VSC 468) and
http://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/
Ted Stuckev
Dear Editor
Just wondering if any reader recorded Monday's brilliant
Denton interview with Tania Major, Young Australian
of the Year, which I might borrow to copy please.
Allen Hokin
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