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Apollo
Bay, what's happening in paradise!
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Edition
28-29 12/7/07 -
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 Music
Festival Community
News Landcare
Health
Letters |
Apollo
Bay Home | Great
Ocean Road Home |
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CORANGAMITE
CMA
GREAT OCEAN GREEN - CMA POSITION
The Great Ocean Green development in Apollo Bay
has generated a great deal of community debate.
As an authority involved in the discussion process,
Corangamite CMA's board has prepared a statement
to clarify our position on the development.
We provided a submission on the Great Ocean Green
development based on two factors.
The first is our statutory responsibility for floodplain
management, and the second is our general role as
caretaker of river health.
With respect to our fioodplain position:
We carried out extensive hydrological investigations
of the estuary and its catchment and spoke to organisations
involved in the Great Ocean Green project. We believe
that this development can proceed without harmful
impacts to the floodplain or increased flood risk
to the development or surrounding properties.
• Corangamite CMA's floodplain modelling included
a conservative approach to the impacts of climate
change and sea level rise (including storm surges)
on flood heights. The heights adopted are the maximum
range of heights as reported in recent Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (2007) estimates.
• Corangamite CMA's floodplain modelling analysed
all available data to produce a robust hydrological
model. This model was used to inform planning authorities
of flood levels and impacts to neighbouring properties.
• At the request of Great Ocean Green developers,
Corangamite CMA has provided advice on how to minimise
the impact of the development on river health, and
as appropriate, ways to improve the current condition
of the river and its estuary.
In a further benefit to river health, the developer
will be required to prepare an Environmental Management
Plan, which will address broader environment protection.
Corangamite CMA expects to be involved in this process.
Don Forsyth
Chief Executive Officer
Corangamite Catchment Management
Authority
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APOLLO BAY & OTWAY SHOW?
At our recent AGM some positions were filled
but missing are: Secretary, Vice President
and Chief Stewards for the Industrial Hall
and the horses. We also need more committee
members. We have enough money to start preparing
for another Show ($4000).
To run the 2008 Show we need these positions
filled. Our next meeting will be held at
the Uniting Church Hall on Wednesday July
18 2007 at 7.30pm
If you would like to enjoy the Show in 2008
please come along to the meeting and show
your support or this will be the last Show
meeting. Tony Webber
A CELEBRATION OF BIRTH
will be held on Saturday 14th July 2007
from 11. 00am to 1.00pm at Marrar Woorn
Please come all welcome to share information,
knowledge, support (Please also bring a
plate of food to share too!)
Enquiries: Phone Lyndi 5237 7903 An iniative
of Apollo Bay and Otways Homebirth support
group
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
APOLLO BAY NEWS SHEET INC
Monday 30 July 2007 at 5 pm
in the KRAMBRUK ROOM To be followed by our
ordinary meeting and dinner
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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' |
National Tree Day
National Tree Day has come around
again.
We will be working with the Apollo
Bay Kennett River
Public Reserve Committee of Management
and having
a number of sites available for tree
planting. Keep the
29th July free and keep an eye out
for further
information in Landtalk.
2007 Projects
The projects and funding
committee are processing the
current round of funding available
to Landcare
members. There are a small amount
of plants available
for planting prior to October. If
you have completed a
project over the years and would like
to top up or add
diversity into the project or have
wanted to do a project
and havent had the time, Now is the
time
Contact the Landcare office on 5237
- 6904.
Otway Fire District Fire Operations
Plan Field Meeting
Come along and discuss this year's
Fire Operations Plan for the Otway's,
talk about burns planned for the area
and how you can be involved. There
will two meetings held:
19th August 2007 5th August 2007
Delaney's Road (near Cnr Donahue's
& Great
Birregurra-Forrest Rd) Ocean Road
Barwon Downs Anglesea
Time: 11am
Time: 11am
These meetings will be run by the
Department of Sustainability and Environment,
Parks Victoria and CFA. Tea and Coffee
will be available. For further information
please call Jenny Shaw on (03) 5233
5564
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-1pm daily
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Valuation Survey
Council's valuers, Southern Cross Property
Services,
are currently surveying commercial property
owners
and farmers across the Shire.
The survey is sent out every second year
as part of
preparations for property revaluations which
will next
take place in 2008.
General Manager Corporate and Community
Services,
Colin Hayman said the questionnaire requested
information on a range of property related
matters
including rental received from the property
and
outgoings such as water rates and insurance
costs.
"The survey is a requirement of the
Valuation Best
Practice Guidelines prescribed by the Valuer
General
which forms the basis of Council's contract
with
Southern Cross Property Services,"
Mr Hayman said.
"Surveying people for this purpose
is normal practice
for Councils that adhere to the Valuation
Best Practice
Guidelines."
Mr Hayman said in the past, the questionnaire
was
only sent to owners of commercial properties.
"This year it was decided to send a
questionnaire to
farmers as well, in an effort to obtain
more accurate
data in relation to farming properties,"
Mr Hayman
said.
"This was considered necessary as a
lot of the data
we have is out of date.
"We also received a higher number of
valuation
objections from farmers last year."
Mr Hayman said farmers where asked about
land
area, arable land available for use, buildings
on site,
source of water supply, whether any of the
land is
tenanted, leasing arrangements and outgoing
costs.
"All these factors have a bearing on
what the valuation
will be," Mr Hayman said.
"Whilst the provision of this information
is a legislative
requirement, Council certainly wouldn't
prosecute
anyone who felt uncomfortable completing
the survey.
"However, there are benefits to participating
including
a more accurate valuation of their property
at the next
scheduled municipal revaluation."
For further information on the survey contact
the
Shire's Property and Rates Department on
52329400.
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Marrar Woorn
Community Bushwalking Group
Dinmont to Gellibrand along Beechy Rail
Trail
When: Wednesday
18 July
Where:
Meet at Marrar Woorn Community House,
Pengilley Ave, Apollo Bay at 8.45am
for 9.00am
departure in Community bus
Grading:
Easy to medium, 14km, approx 3.5 to
4 hours
Please bring:
Own lunch, snacks, water, rain jacket,
hat.
Please wear: Comfortable walking attire
Cost: $8.50
Please pay and register at Otway Health.
Bookings are essential as numbers are
limited. Newcomers are welcome. Come
and Enjoy
Community
information Sessions
- Draft Rural Land Strategy
Community information sessions will
be held in Colac
and Gellibrand to provide information
to the community
on the Draft Rural Land Strategy.
Purpose - The Community Information
Sessions will
allow interested community members to
drop in at their
convenience and view information on
the strategy,
speak to consultants and Council staff
and record their
feedback in writing.
Colac - COPACC
Tuesday, July 17 between 4pm to 8pm
Gellibrand - Gellibrand Hall
Wednesday, July 18 between 4pm to 8pm
Tracey Slatter
Chief Executive Officer
Permaculture News
"Earth Care, People Care, Fair
Share"
Pruning Day - 14th of July with Martin
Holland
1pm to 4pm @ Sam & Glenys' place
up Barham river
rd. OCPG members event, if you wish
to join,
membership forms will be available on
the day.
Please bring a plate of food, wet weather
gear &
sturdy shoes.
Grafting Day -August 4th 1pm to 4pm
@ABYC
Next OCPG meeting - July 29th 1pm ©Webber's
Ph: Tony 5237 6926 or Vanessa 5237 7717
for
further details.
Looking for a solution to Climate Change?
Permaculture is the solution Coming
up in August (11th to 24th) will be
the first ever full Permaculture Design
Certificate Course (PDC) to be held
in the Otways. This is a full time 2
week course, that forms the basis of
permaculture learning. Included are
workshops on:
• An introduction
to permaculture (Aug 11th & 12th)
• Soil & composting (Aug 13th)
• Water & aquaculture (Aug
14th) with Nick Romanowski
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Diversity Day (Aug 15th) - bushfoods
& fungi with Kris Reinertsen. Trees,
plant diversity & forest ecology
with Ken Forrester. Field trip to the
Webber's and Otway Herbs
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Whole farm planning day (Aug 16th)
• ESD building & the home
economy (Aug 17th)
• Sustainable
communities (Aug 20th & 21st)
• School & community garden
day (Aug 22nd) @ AB P-12 College
These specialist workshops can be undertaken
separately and address the requirements
for certain APT (accredited permaculture
training) units. Bookings are essential,
as numbers are limited. John Champagne
will be the main tutor for the course,
with specialist guests such as Nick
Romanowski (aquaculture) and Phil Gall
(Architect & Permaculture Designer)
Contact: Fern Rainbow ph: 0425 710 380
permaculture(a)apollobav.org.au for
more detail & information |
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Warm Winter Words 14
koorie konnexions Sunday 5th august 2pm
at
THE KRAMBRUK ROOM, APOLLO
BAY HOTEL
*Anouk Ride * Diane De Vere *Bruce
Pascoe * Heather Le Griffon Diane de Vere
was principal of Papunya School in Alice
Springs for 9 years and achieved the award-winning
book The Papunya School Book of Country
and History. It reflects the multiliterary,
culturally inclusive mapping strategy that
Diane espouses and which has become a model
for Koorie education, by Michael Mifsud
will accompany Diane, assisting her with
the presentation - Hear with your ears and
see with your eyes- there's a story to tell
Diane has worked at the cutting edge of
education reform & Indigenous education
for over 30 years. In the last 16 years,
she's worked in a diverse range of settings,
at the interface of government & community
politics, confronting the complex issues
surrounding Indigenous education across
Australia. Michael Mifsud, currently teaches
English as a Second Language & Indigenous
Studies to migrant & refugee children,
youth & adults. He has been inspired
by the mapping strategy's power to bridge
cultural gaps, its potential as an inclusive
mode of communication & as an organizational
tool in both education & community-based
cultural partnership projects. Diane &
Michael have worked together for the past
2 years designing, refining & developing
these mapping tools & strategies with
the primary purpose of re-engaging disadvantaged
youth, through a process of multidisciplinary
story telling. They will present & model
a collage of examples of personal &
community stories, which use this way of
mapping to create tapestries of learning,
sharing, enlightenment & liberation.
188th OTWAY FORUM 8th JULY 2007
Abolition of Wards
The Victorian Electoral Commission's primary
report into the structure of the council
and shire recommends seven councillors elected
from an unsubdivided municipality. The VEC's
report is open for public comment until
26th
July. Submitters will be able to speak to
VEC report at public meeting on July 30th.
The Forum sent a letter of support for
restructuring of shire. Public Exhibition
of Draft Rural Land
Strategy The public is encouraged to obtain
draft report
from council office. Community Information
Session to be held at COPACC on Tuesday
July 17, 4pm-6pm Written submissions should
be lodged no later than Monday, August 6th
Some key changes are: Areas of highly capable
agricultural land are identified in Otways.
The Rural Activity Zone no longer recommended.
Area of proposed Rural Activity Zone in
Apollo Bay hinterland further refined (Note
page 62). No change recommended to the schedule
to the Farming Zone in terms of minimum
lot size subdivision and minimum lot size
for which a planning permit is not required
for a dwelling. Areas of farmland of strategic
significance
have been identified where a permit for
timber production is required. Harbour Plan
Passed at council 6:1 vote. Councillor Hart
voted against. It is possible that if the
plan had not been adopted the state govt.
would take control of harbour management.
We would welcome verification of this possibility.
The site of an aboriginal well has not been
identified and is seen as an important factor
affecting harbour development. Roads, Footpaths
etc. 30 Moore Street goes up at angle of
45 degrees. Also cracked. Branches still
hanging over footpath. Martin Street - road
has sunk
Telford Street - potholes Telford Access
- road needs patching Barham River Road
between Martin's Cnr. And Day's place needs
widening due to continuous
problems with potholes. Pascoe Street cnr.
Thompson Street -potholes
Tony Webber
Convenor
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APOLLO
BAY COMMUNITY NEWS |
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APOLLO
BAY
CHURCH
SERVICES |
St.
Aidans Anglican
8.00am & 10.00am
Rev John Grace
5237 6615
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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sunday@five
Christian Fellowship Contemporary Worship
5pm Sunday 15th July
Modern songs, Local musicians, relaxed atmosphere.
St.Aidan's Church HalL 23 Nelson Street.
Apollo Bay.
Enq: 52376615
Thank you Joyce
and Joan
On behalf of all the line-dancing ladies,
I would like very much to thank our two
teachers Joyce Walters and Joan Bilston.
They have made our Wednesday afternoons
something to look forward to and enjoy
each week. To have been taught a new waltz
choreographed by Joan was one of the most
wonderful experiences. This waltz was
so beautiful and smooth Jean Ash suggested
it would have made a lovely debutante
waltz. We all had our favourite dances,
some liked the fast ones, but my favourites
were the waltzes. So thank you Joyce and
Joan, it was much appreciated
Jo Leorke
Fri 20 July AGM Apollo
Bay Arts Council Shannon's Gallery
Wed 25 July AGM Otway
Health Auxiliary Otway Health Activities
Room
Sat 28 July Berts Boogie
Cabaret Night Youth Club Hall
Sun 29 July AGM Apollo
Bay Music Festival Social Room, Apollo
Bay Football Club
Mon 30 July AGM Apollo
Bay News Sheet Krambruk Room
Sun 5 Aug Warm Winter
Words Krambruk Room
Fri-Mon 23-26 Nov 75th
Anniversary of the Opening of the Great
Ocean Road
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SENIOR
CITIZENS
Friday 13 July Bingo 1.45pm
Saturday 14 July Carpet bowls 2pm
Monday 16 July Carpet bowls 2pm
Tuesday 17 July Carpet bowls 2pm
Friday 20 July Bingo 1.45pm
To all who might be interested in coming
to Senior Citizens, Monday, Tuesday and
Saturday who are over 55 years you don't
have to play bowls but can have a chat,
play cards, have a cuppa. Also 2nd and 3rd
Fridays Bingo
Subs are now due $3
Committee Meeting is now on Monday 23 July
1pm
CWA
Next meeting will be Friday 27 July 1.30pm
Friendship afternoon
Friday 20 July 1.30pm at Marrar
Woorn
DON'T BARGAIN YOUR REFUND RIGHTS
DURING SALES
The Place To Be
Many shoppers are not aware of their rights
when making purchases at sales. The notion
that sale items are non-refundable is a
myth.
Stores were obliged to offer consumers a
choice between a refund, repair, exchange
or credit in cases where:
- the products purchased are faulty;
- they are significantly different to those
shown or described to consumers; or
- the products are not doing what they're
supposed to.
While many reputable stores act in good
faith with their refunds policies, shoppers
still have to be aware of unfair practices
by some retailers. Under Victoria's Fair
Trading Act it is illegal for stores to
display 'no refund on sale items' signs
or to print the same message on sales receipts.
Consumers should choose carefully when they
buy as stores are not obliged to provide
refunds if the buyer has simply changed
their mind. It is also a very good idea
to hold onto receipts as stores will generally
not give refunds if proof of purchase is
not provided.
Consumers can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria
for advice on refund rights and credit and
debt issues on 1800 803 800 or www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Regional Offices:
Geelong - 65 Gheringhap St 5224 8072
Warrnambool - 192 Liebig St 5560 5273 |
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OTWAY
HEALTH NEWS |
Apollo Bay Cancer Support
If you are personally affected by cancer, or are
a support person for someone with cancer, Otway
Health can provide both practical and emotional
support. The cancer support service is available
to:
• Help you access information regarding cancer
related issues.
• Provide an opportunity to discuss cancer
and clarify any questions you may have.
• Provide strategies to help you cope and
understand your emotions.
• Give support, encouragement and hope.
• Provide advice for family and friends. For
further information please contact Customer Services
on (03) 5237 8500 and leave your contact details
for the Community Health Nurse.
BreastScreen Victoria and the Blood Bank
Breast screening remains the most effective form
of early detection so why not join us on our trip
to BreastScreen Victoria and reduce your risk of
becoming a breast cancer statistic.
No More Excuses
Check out this space each week for handy hints and
useful information on keeping active.
'It's boring.'
Take the boredom out of cooking and make healthy
eating fun. Cook up a storm with your friends, flat
mate/partner or kids. If you are bored with the
types of activities you do then it's time to make
a change, try something new, get active with a friend
or simply change the way you get about
'I'm not overweight so I don't need to be
active.'
Eating well and being active isn't just about losing
weight. Living a healthy, active lifestyle can help
decrease your chances of developing a whole range
of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease
and some types of cancer. Being active can also
help to improve your general wellbeing and mental
health. |
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Walk the
Talk
A light 3km walk will be followed by an information
session presented by Dr Denise Ruth. The session
will cover risk factors and early detection of
Type 2 diabetes.
Did you know that one Australian is diagnosed
with diabetes every seven minutes? As Australia's
fastest growing chronic disease, Type 2 diabetes
accounts for more than 85% of all cases of diabetes
and is in the top 10 causes of death in this country.
Now for the good news... you can reduce your risk
of developing this chronic disease by up to 60%
just by living a healthy lifestyle. To learn more
about preventing diabetes come and join in the
Walk and Talk.
All welcome, simply call Customer Service to register.
Venue: Meet at the Marrar Woorn
Community Centre, Pengilley Avenue, for the round
trip walk. The information session will be held
in Marrar Woorn following the walk.
Date: Tuesday 17 July 2007
Time: The walk starts at 9am followed
by the information session at 10am.
2008 Taste of the Bay Dinner
The Taste of the Bay Dinner is a major event on
Otway Health's annual fundraising calendar and
provides an opportunity for locals and part-time
residents to get together to sample some of the
best wine and produce the region has to offer.
If you would like to be included on the invitation
list for the 2008 Taste of the Bay Dinner and
have not previously received an invitation please
register your details with Sara Beeching, Organisational
Development Officer, on (03) 5237 8500.
Have you donated blood recently?
If not you may be eligible to make a
donation on our next trip to the Red Cross Blood
Bank. To find out more about giving blood visit
the Red Cross website www.donateblood.com.au.
Otway Health will once again be organizing a trip
to the Red Cross Blood Bank and BreastScreen Victoria,
both located in Geelong. Dates have yet to be
set but if you are interested in visiting either
of these services please register with Customer
Services now. |
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Letters
to the Editor
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Dear Editor
No obligation to answer farm questions. Recently
farmers were sent an intrusive questionnaire on
Colac Otway Shire letterhead demanding answers under
threat of prosecution if answers aren't provided.
In a media release dated 5/7/2007 Council has backed
down on the prosecution threat. What Council forgot
to inform farmers is that the Valuation of Land
Act only requires these sorts of questionnaires
to be completed when "reasonably necessary".
Those key words "reasonably necessary"
have been left out from correspondence on this matter.
No wonder. Council's Valuers have been able to value
farms and other rural land for many years without
having to resort to these sorts of intrusive questions.
It is only "reasonably necessary" for
these questions to be asked if a property owner
disputes a valuation. Only a small minority of farmers
would ever need to answer these questions. The threat
of prosecution has been dropped because such prosecutions
would be unlikely to succeed. In addition, the Council
has failed to inform farmers that the answers given
in the questionnaire may be used by the Council's
rate department to justify a change in the farmer's
rate category. If farmers lose their classification
as a "farm" then their rates will increase
further. Colac Otway Shire Council has been pursuing
a multi-pronged attack on farmers. High rate rises,
a rural land strategy that claims that 64% of farms
are unviable, and farmers have only a short time
to comment on this proposal And now an intrusive
questionnaire that may be used by Council's rate
department to justify a re-classification of farms
to a higher rate category. Why won't Councillors,
particularly the farmers on Council stand up for
farmers against this Council mistreatment? Rod Spence,
Chairman CORRA
Editor
Last Saturday afternoon it was cold, wet and windy
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Apollo Bay inwinter. Down on the Wild Dog, a small
group assembled behind the estuary to plant Austral
Willows in the mud. They hoped that these indigenous
trees would eventually shade out some of the weeds
that had taken over. The project was a small step
on the much larger journey of restoring the health
of the Wild Dog and the catchments of the other
Southern Otway streams Afterwards, snug around a
warm fire, the conversation turned to how little
was known about the flora and fauna of the Southern
Otways and how much deep knowledge was being lost
as the forestry workers and farmers departed. This
small group was part of one of the many Landcare
Groups actively engaged in learning more about their
surroundings and caring for them. One of the best
ways that you can recognise and support the contribution
of these volunteers who quietly and tenaciously
work away on our behalf, often unseen, and usually
unacknowledged, is to join them. There are many
ways that you can contribute.
Contact us on 0418 575 525 and find out more
Simon Pockley,
Chair Southern Otway Landcare Network
Editor
As we listened to the Choir of Hard Knocks and reflected
on what community involvement can achieve, we sent
an email to the secretary of the ABMF suggesting
that the committee consider inviting and accommodating
this choir to perform at the 2008 event. This would
go some way to restoring our faith in what could
be a harmonious and inclusive community. The secretary
responded positively and said it would be up to
the Music Director and selectors to make the decision.
Ken and Lilly Makings
Dear Editor
Can Apollo Bay handle any more growth?
As local workers who rent, we are forced to take
whatever we can get or leave. The number and quality
of permanent rentals here is sad. With 337 holiday
rentals and only 6 permanent rental, which are unsuitable
for various reasons, what choice is left? How many
quality homes sit empty for months on end awaiting
the investor, owner or cashed-ready holidayer. If
Apollo Bay is a tourist hot spot and you can't afford
to buy, stay a summer and longer who will be there
to work and support the various businesses? Don't
forget to turn off the lights off when you
leave.
Craig and Deb
Editor
Scary. At 86 years old I fondly imagined that I
have bee scared enough times to make me immune,
seems it is not so! At 4.30am I was rudely awakened
by the most blood-curdling sound I hope I will never
hear again. 3 cats (1 outside and 2 inside) were
alll yowling, highest pitched enough to waken the
dead. Real scary. Recovering a little and furiously
banging on the window finally got rid of the intruder.
Settling my two, whose back fur and tails were about
3 times the usual thickness, they went back to sleep.
Not so me. I hope that the intruder was a cat or
maybe a fox or some other animal. Perish the thought.
Joan McAllister
Editor
My sister Beryl Mannington has asked me to extend
her "thankyous" for all the cards and
visits she has received from Apollo Bay since being
in Grace McKellar and later in Birdsie Wing 6 at
Geelong Hospital. As of tomorrow she will be in
a nursing home as Geelong Oncology can do no more
for her. They have given her speech therapy and
physiotherapy. Speech therapy worked and now she
can hold a conversation but she has lost the use
of her legs and one arm. The physiotherapy has done
nothing to her arm or legs. She can no longer walk.
She will have no more chemotherapy as her body is
too weak to take it. She had a CT scan on her brain
on Friday but results are not delivered as yet.
Anyone wishing to visit or write, the address is
: Beryl Mannington "Ronnoco" 355-357 Wilsons
Rd StAlbans Park 3219
Thankyou to everyone Vicki Leorke |
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Dear Editor,
it is unfortunate for our wonderful community
music festival that the same old people continue
to write such lies about it. The festival has been
a great product for the past 15 years, most of us
love it, support it and want it to continue with
whomever wants to look after it in the years to
come. There is no need for a political smear campaign.
Mr Gross's comments along with David Capon's and
Rob Wilmot's from the previous week are complete
fiction; from the 200 apparently Melbourne based
members controlling our community event right down
to the bizarre statement announcing a $50K loss.
It is irresponsible of them to write such incorrect
unintelligent and personal propaganda.
The Festival over the past 3 years has been a huge
success in every way. A Helppman nominee for two
years running alongside Byron Bay Blues Festival
and we have a nice little bank account of approx.
$80,000 net profit for a rainy day. Our goal has
been to produce a quality sustainable community
music festival, which we have achieved. We have
spent over $35000 on youth workshops and demos and
over $25000 on community parades and all local acts
get a chance to play at the festival. Over $5Million
has come into the local economy on the weekend,
9 local community members have been employed to
run the event and $45,000 has been given back to
worthy community groups and increasing the playground
equipment on the foreshore. We remain without a
doubt a successful community event.
One very important factor regarding the control
of the Apollo Bay Music Festival is.... Of the 350
festival members: 210 live in Apollo Bay, 64 live
in Geelong, 14 live in Colac, 62 live in Melbourne,
Cobden, and other areas. Quite clearly the vast
majority of members live in Apollo Bay and the 33
people who voted for a voluntary committee are a
very large minority of the Association (7% in fact).
The festival is a positive creative forum for us
all to collaborate with on. So, thank you to all
those members and the community who appreciate this
and remain focused.
Larelle Fitt, President, Apollo Bay Music Festival
Dear Editor
Why don't you start printing the newssheet on toilet
paper so at least we put it to good use.
Liz Carr
The fundamental premise that the views expressed
in the Letters to the Editor are those of this News
Sheet, it's editors and staff is completely FALSE.
The purpose of accepting Letters to the Editor is
to facilitate an exchange of ideas and provide a
forum for public debat
Dear Editor
I am disgusted at the revival of the criticism of
the current music festival committee. It reminds
me of those hooligans at the footy yelling out abuse
to the professional footballers that they are dogs
and should get off the field! They are the best
we have, they dedicate their lives to the cause
and that fat bearded couch potato yelling abuse
is certainly in no condition to even get to training
let alone win three years of premierships.
Have these critics conveniently forgotten that the
previous committee walked off the field and refused
to play? Do they seriously think that the community
would have preferred no music festival for the past
3 years? Would they be gunning so hard if the bank
balance was zero? I don't think so.
Andrew Hill
26-28 Great Ocean Road, Marengo
Dear Editor
The following segments are taken from an article
in the
Victorian Golf Magazine written Brendan Moloney:-
"After 81 years on its beautiful seaside setting,
Apollo Bay Golf Club is facing eviction, an uncertain
future and possible extinction. The club was told
six years ago that its lease of 10 hectares on the
foreshore would not be renewed after 2016. It was
sad news, not just for the members, many of whom
were born in Apollo Bay and have played the course
all their lives, but for the many visitors who look
forward to their game on the nine hole layout. After
a lot of soul searching and debate the club decided
to spend $1 million to buy a 97acre farm at the
back of the town and build an 18 hole course. From
this point it should have been plain sailing but
bureaucracy intervened and commonsense went out
the window. The people making - or not making -
these decisions should consider the justice of what
they are doing and include someone who understands
golf among the consultants who are using up tax
and ratepayers' money with their feasibility study.
It could be explained to them that the club has
been paying the lease for 81 years and currently
provides sport, enjoyment and social activities
for 450 members. It attracts tourist to the town
who, combined with the members, play a total of
35,000 rounds a year. It is maintained entirely
by one full-time superintendent, paid by the club,
and two working bees a month by members. The purchase
of the new land indicated the club's acceptance
that an era will end in 2016 and the blow has been
made even crueller by the uncertainty of the new
course plans. Club secretary for the past seven
years, Val Higman, does not believe the authorities
have thought through the ramifications of losing
a golf club. People may be interested to know that
Peter Thompson, Arnold Palmer, Trent Jones Jun.
and Greg Norman have built fine courses on swamps
in Queensland, causing the value of the land - and
the council rate revenue to skyrocket." At
present we continue to wait for an answer from the
Panel, also the Colac Otway Shire. This process
has taken considerable time, but my thanks and appreciation
goes to my very hard working committee, who have
devoted their time, to hopefully securing a golf
course for the town and surrounding area, for a
very long time to come. We look forward to a positive
outcome, for where would the town be without this
facility. Would the keen supporters of this project
be the only ones to care? Carolyn Webster ABGC President
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