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Apollo
Bay, what's happening in paradise!
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Edition
31-30 7/8/08 -
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 Music
Festival Community
News Landcare
Health
Letters |
Apollo
Bay Home | Great
Ocean Road Home |
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Climate Action in the Otways
Apollo Bay, Vic, 4th August, 2008 - School students
and their parents will be demonstrating their concern
about climate change by forming a human sign at
the Apollo Bay School on 20th of August. The sign
will be designed by the students. The event will
be part of a co-ordinated sequence of human signs
across Victoria. A plane has been donated by Victor
Bongiorno of Otway Aviation. The emissions of the
plane will be off set by local tree planting
The sign will be co-ordinated by the recently formed
Otway Ranges Climate Action Group to be known as
ORCA. ORCA intends to hold a public forum on Friday
evening 17th of October 2008 for the Otway community
to identify practical local actions that will address
the risks of damaging climate change. Assoc. Professor
John Sherwood of Deakin University will speak on
the impact of climate change on the Otways. According
to the Garnaut Climate Change Review's Draft Report,
we are likely to face severe and costly impacts
on our prosperity and enjoyment of life, unless
we engage in strong and early actions. ORCA is Co-Chaired
by Matt Armstrong, who has studied with Al Gore,
and Simon Pockley, a renewable energy student. For
further information-Website: http://orcaction.org
Email: simonpocklev@gmail.com Voice: 0418575525
Friends of Otway National Park
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING When: Wednesday 13th August
@ 6pm Where: Cafe Nautigals
Come along for dinner and help us celebrate our
25th anniversary!
EVENTS CALENDAR
9 August Local Artists Exhibition King Parrot Gallery,
Tuxion Rd, Apollo Bay 10am-1pm
13 August Friends of Otway National Park AGM 6pm
at Cafe Nautigals
13 August Preschool/School Readiness Session Preschool
5.30pm-6.30pm
15-17 August International Lighthouse Weekend Cape
Otway Lightstation Ph: 5237 9240
16 August Netball End of Season Ball Mechanics Hall
$20 BYO food & Drink
31 August Apollo Bay Youth Club AGM Youth Club 3pm
7 September Boys Arvo Out Captains at The Bay 12
noon
25 October Opera in the Otways Melba Gully, Lavers
Hill 1-6pm
OTWAY FORUM
Next meeting
Sunday 10th August
at 3.00pm Marra Woorn, Pengilley Avenue
ALL WELCOME www.forum.apollobay.org.au
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Apollo Bay Community
Garden
Over the last couple of weeks, there's been
plenty of action in the garden. Garden beds
have been constructed and filled, trees have
been pruned, the hedge has been weeded and
mulched, weeds have been slashed, the ground
has been prepared for fruit tree planting
and enthusiasm has hit fever pitch yet again.
(Spring must nearly be in the air!) Special
thanks go to Matt and Marion Armstrong &
Liz O'Carroll for the huge amount of hours
put into organising and working in the garden.
Thanks also to Dave Hannah for the work done
with his nifty Bobcat, to the Noseda family
for their deliveries of mulch, to the wonderful
band of parents- Suze Me Bride, Cate Thomas,
Di Earl, Margaret Findlay, Jeanine McKenzie,
Denise Thompson and Craig McKenzie who worked
at the working bee and to Hansons Petroleum
for their generous donation of fuel for our
mower and slasher, to Steve Telford for the
saw dust for our paths and to Lidgerwood Seeds
for their donation of clover seeds. The Otway
Agroforestry Network & Southern Otway
Landcare Network are appreciated for their
support. Thank you also to Dave Nelson, grade
5 and 6 students and Chris in yr 11 for their
hard work and continued enthusiasm in the
garden. Watch this space for further progress
reports! Ingrid Band, Gr. 5 Apollo Bay P12
College
Gary has managed to get hold of some underwater
video of
Marengo Marine Sanctuary which will be set
up for viewing.
We'll also be reviewing what we've been doing
for the past year and talk about what is still
to be done. Bring along suggestions for
activities for the coming year.
Please let Pip know ASAP if you can come
for catering purposes. Newcomers welcome.
For further details ring Judi on 5237 6318
or Pip on 5237 7335
APOLLO BAY YOUTH CLUB A.G.M.
Sunday 31 August at 3pm
at the Youth Club Hall Moore Street, Apollo
Bay
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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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Finish Up
Plant Out at Skenes Creek Sunday 10th
August 10am -1 pm
While National Tree Day saw 1886 trees
planted at the site we still have
800 plants to go to finish the first
stage of restoration of the Skenes
Creek tributary. We will be having
" another planting day this Sunday
10th of August 10am - lpm; meet Skenes
Creek Picnic Ground for transport
to the .planting site. If you can
spare a few hours on Sunday 10th of
Aug we would love you to come along
particularly if you were unable to
make it on National Tree Day. When:
Sunday 10* Aug, 10am-lpm
Where: Skenes Creek Picnic area, transport
to site provided. Bring: Gloves, gumboots,
Wet/Sunny weather gear. Morning tea
provided.
Have Your Say about Planning
Burns
Have your say about fire planning
in Victoria - your suggestions can
help shape the Fire Operation Plan
for your district. Each year you are
invited to examine the Draft Fire
Operations Plans (available on the
DSE website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au
under "Fire and Other Emergencies,
or call DSE on 136 186) and to provide
DSE with your comments and suggestions.
You can suggest changes to proposed
burns, suggest new burns and comment
on other proposed fire operations
activities such as slashing, track
and bridge works. The 2008 consultation
period for Draft Fire Operations Plans
will open from 1 August to 29 August
2008.
How to Comment:
• download and complete the
feedback sheet from: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310Q24B628/0/CBF3
AE6C19CBB80ECA25 749800 lF2ACA/$File/FOPs+Fe
edback+form+2008.pdf and fax to DSE
- 03 5332 5050
• • email your suggestions
to fire.plan@dse.vic.gov.au
• attend a district community
meeting about the Fire Operations
plans (details on DSE website)
• call the Department of Sustainability
& Environment Customer Service
Centre on 136 186
• or you can make comments to,
or raise any concerns with, your local
DSE local Fire Management Officer
at your district DSE office
If you have aspirations to make a
contribution to improving habitat
and conservation in our area, talk
to Landcare!
Anna O'Brien, Kristen Lees, Dianne
Inglis
(PH) 5237 6904 69-71 Nelson St Apollo
Bay. Office hours 9am-lpm daily
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A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN APOLLO BAY HARBOUR
PRECINCT
Colac Otway Shire is offering community members
a new opportunity to be involved in the development
of a concept plan for redevelopment of the
Apollo Bay Harbour precinct. The Mayor, Cr
Chris Smith, said the Council would involve
the Apollo Bay community and other stakeholders
in an 'Enquiry by Design'. "Enquiry by
Design is a short and intensive, highly inte-grative
and transparent design process, which will
encourage participants to work together on
the design for the harbour precinct, a vision
that is worthy of their support," Cr
Smith said.
"The Enquiry by Design team will engage
with and learn from the community, to update
and deepen everyone's understanding of all
factors affecting the Harbour Precinct's future."
"We all know how important the redevelopment
of the Harbour is, this is a great opportunity
to contribute to the design".
"The redevelopment of Apollo Bay Harbour
has been a priority of Council and the Community
over many years. Whenever consulted, the people
of Apollo Bay have told us that the Harbour
Redevelopment will shape the future of Apollo
Bay. We are committed to making sure the final
designs are exciting for the community and
positive for Apollo Bay's economy," Cr
Smith said.
Council's Manager Economic Development, Mike
Barrow, said the growth in tourism numbers
and the change from a primarily fishing-based
local economy to a tourism-based economy has
increased the pressure on the harbour precinct.
"There is a need to increase the capacity
of the harbour for commercial and recreational
boating uses, and a need to expand the township
infrastructure to enable visitors to stay
longer in Apollo Bay and spend their tourism
dollars in the township and the Otways,"
Mr Barrow said.
"There is a need to protect the unique
character of Apollo Bay and the harbour precinct
and for the redevelopment to optimise the
community's benefit." The Enquiry by
Design will take place at Apollo Bay Youth
Club from Thursday September 18 to Monday
September 22. For more information, please
contact Mike Barrow, Manager Economic Development
at the Colac Otway Shire on 5232 9450, or
mike.barrowOjcolacotway.vic.qov.au.To find
out more about the Enquiry by Design process,
visit www.ecologicallysustainabledesign.com
ADOPTION OF 2008/2009 BUDGET
At the Special Council meeting held on Wednesday
July 30 2008 Council adopted the 2008/2009
Budget. Copies of the 2008/2009 Budget are
available for inspection at Customer Service
Centres at 2-6 Rae Street Colac and 69 Nelson
Street Apollo Bay or via the website.
Any person requiring further information concerning
the budget should contact Brett Exelby, Manager
Finance and Customer Services on 5232 9459.
Tracey Slatter Chief Executive Officer www.colacotway.vic.gov.au
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NO FINANCIAL WINDFALL
FOR COUNCIL WITH RISING PROPERTY VALUES IN
COLAC OTWAY
Colac Otway Shire has supported the Municipal
Association of Victoria (MAV) in dispelling
the myth that Council's will experience a
windfall in rates funds due to rising property
values.
The Mayor, Cr Chris Smith, said there was
a mistaken belief that rising property values
allow councils to collect more in rates. "Property
values determine the amount each owner pays
in rates, but the budget determines the overall
rate revenue required." "In preparing
the budget, Council has re-valued all properties
in the Shire in accordance with its statutory
obligations."
"The revaluation
has meant an overall increase in property
values across the shire of 11.9%. As a result
Council has elected to reduce the rate in
the dollar for all rating categories, so minimising
the impact of the increasing property values.
Some in the region will be paying less in
council rates, depending on the new value
of their property in relation to other properties
in the Shire."
The 2008-09 Valuation and Rates Notices will
be sent out to property owners in mid-August.
The notice details the new valuations for
the property and the rates levied for the
2008-09 financial year. People wishing to
object to their valuation have two months
in which to do so. Objection forms can be
downloaded from the Council's website, www.colacotwav.vic.qov.au.
REMINDER TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON ROAD CLOSURE
GUIDELINES FOR GREAT OCEAN RD
Colac Otway Shire is reminding residents to
have their say on the draft guidelines for
the closure of the Great Ocean Road between
Anglesea and Apollo Bay. The Mayor, Cr Chris
Smith said draft guidelines for approving
community events that close the Great Ocean
Road have been developed by VicRoads in conjunction
with Colac Otway Shire, as well as Surf Coast
Shire and the Victoria Police. "The guidelines
have been developed to help minimise any disruption
during major events, while taking into consideration
the variety of issues that may have an impact
on the local community and those visiting
the area," Cr Smith said.
The guidelines specifically address any proposed
closure of the Great Ocean Road between Anglesea
and Apollo Bay.
Members of the community can make written
submissions and have their say on the proposed
guidelines. To obtain a copy of the draft
guidelines, or for more information, please
contact Ron Hinkley on 5225 2558 or email
ronald.hinklev@roads.vic.qov.au All written
submissions must be received at VicRoads Geelong
office no later than Monday 11 August 2008
by mail to: VicRoads 180 Fyans Street Geelong
or email ronald.hinklev@roads.vic.qov.au.
A community engagement meeting will be held
to progress this issue on Wednesday 20th August
at 7pm at the Wye River Surf Life Saving Club.
Please RSVP to Ron Hinkley at Vic Roads by
15th August 2008. |
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COUNCIL ADOPTS 2008/09
BUDGET
Community priorities are the focus of the
Colac Otway Shire's 2008/09 Budget, approved
by Council at a Special Council Meeting yesterday.
The Mayor, Cr Chris Smith, said the Colac
Otway Shire 2008/09 Budget has the opportunity
to shape the future direction of our Shire.
"As the fourth and final budget for this
term of Council, we have continued to strengthen
our financial position and maintain or improve
on the services that we provide to the community,"
Cr Smith said. "Through continued debt
reduction, increased spending on infrastructure
renewal, modest operating surplus and investing
wisely in the future needs of our community,
this Council along with the community's support
has put us in a much stronger position to-move
forward into the future."
"Parallel to these advances Council has
been advocating strongly to improve the issue
of cost shifting and to reduce the taxation
burden on our ratepayers." "The
2008/09 Budget features- a number a redevelopment
projects, structure plans and a commitment
to high quality service delivery in all areas."
"These projects include the Alvie Recreation
Reserve redevelopment, design and implementation
of the Apollo Bay Transfer Station and Birregurra
and Forrest township structure plans, to position
them for future growth challenges," Cr
Smith said. "Also featured is a rural
living strategy for the Shire, election expenses,
continued rehabilitation of landfills to EPA
standards and contribution to community facilities
at the Education, Recreation and Community
Precinct." This has been achieved within
the parameters of:
• Reducing government financial assistance
grants;
• Increases in the level of overall
rate income;
• Careful monitoring of operating costs
of service delivery;
Increased demands and expectations by the
community and other levels of government.
Council received four submissions directly
related to items in the Draft Budget, including
one verbal submission, considered at a Special
Council Meeting held on Tuesday 15 July.
"The submissions related to a number
of issues, including pet registration, the
rating process and revenue from State and
Federal Government grants," Cr Smith
said.
"Each issue was addressed by Council
officers and considered by Council."
"The final budget document included some
variations following consideration of submissions
and questions."
A small wording change has been made to clarify
some perceived internal discrepancies within
the Budget document."
"It is important to note that no material
changes have been made and the document essentially
remains the same." "In relation
to suggestions that Council has a rating strategy
to increase the farm differential rate by
more than 10 percent,
I would like to reiterate that despite consultant
advice to increase farm rate to 90 percent
of residential rates, Council firmly resolved
to maintain the farm rate in the dollar at
79 percent of residential rates." "Our
farm rates are lower than the average for
like-sized rural Councils." |
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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)
DONUT NIGHT
5.00-6.30pm this Friday @ Youth Club More
details contact Marni (youth leader) 52
371 202 or 0406351838
REVOLUTION youth Synergy Christian Church:
REVOLUTION ALLSTARS (yr6-8) this Friday
night @ Uniting Church Hall 8-9.30pm
REVOLUTION 360'S (year 9-12 girls) this
Saturday night @ 26 Noel St 7.30-9.30pm
More details contact Marni (youth leader)
52371 202 or 0406351838
COMMUNITY MEDITATION
Tuesday 7pm to 8pm Marrar Woorn
Gold coin donation Enquiries 0408 377 244
VALE DON WALTERS
Yvonne, Sophie and James and families thank
Dr Onari, nurses and staff, the Child Care
Centre and all at Otway Health. Dr. Jim,
Sr Margaret, Betty, Colin and Francie, Akiko
and Cate Thomas and our Apollo Bay friends
for your kindness and care. Thanks also
to Dr Maitham Mathlum and all at the Andrew
Love Cancer Centre in Geelong. A Memorial
Trust Fund for the terminally ill has been
set up at the Apollo Bay Community
Bank in Don's name.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Fri 8 August Bingo 1.45pm
Sat 9 August Carpet Bowls 2.00pm
Mon 11 August Carpet Bowls 2.00pm
Tues 12Aug Carpet B owls 2.00pm
Robbie James
Passed away suddenly on Saturday 2 August
in the Alice Springs Hospital. Loved partner
of Colleen Stevens, Step-father to Bre &
Rene, Father-in-law to Dwayne & Kristy.
Grandfather to Cate, Ronin, Emily, Morgan
& Bella. Brother-in-law to Sue &
Peter. Son-in-law to Emily. Rest in peace
Robbie.
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| Preschool
News Preschool/School Information Session
Wednesday 13 August @ The Preschool from
5.30-6.30pm
Any queries please contact Kate on 5237
6494. 2009 Enrolments Open Date: Monday
25th September Preschool Group & Rostered
Playgroup **Children need to turn four years
of age by the 30th April for the Preschool
group and three for the Rostered Playgroup.
(Please keep in mind that children in Victoria
do not need to attend Preschool until they
are six years of age!)
Enrolment forms can be picked up from the
Preschool after 1 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
or Friday between 9am and 1pm. Please contact
Pip Cuming, our Enrolment Officer, if you
have any queries, Tues and Friday mornings.
PETER JAMES KENNEDY
"KENNA" 12-5-01
WALTER ADRIAN KENNEDY
18-5-04
DA VID JOHN KENNEDY
"Daffy" 8-8-07
We that are left, miss you all so much.
Marg, Brian, Janice
The Apollo Bay News would like to thank
Marj Kennedy for her kind donation.
There have been many
Who have passed away of late
To those Who have been close to them I say
My sorrow is as deep as yours today V. Stahn
UPPER BARHAM RIVER COMMUNITY FIRE
GUARD GROUP
Group 1 to Group 7
The telephone tree listing is about to be
updated. Would anyone who appears on it,
please advise me of any amendments as soon
as possible. Additional fire guard information
is sent out from time to time by email.
Anyone wishing to receive this, please advise
me of their email address. Valerie Stahn
5237 6888
Colac Community Road Safety Council
Meeting Notice—Friday 29th
August. 1200 hrs
Apollo Bay Fire Station, Pascoe Street Residents
interested in road safety in the Apollo
Bay area, or with any concerns, are most
welcome to attend. Bob Mason Ph: 5237 6797
on behalf of Roadsafe Colac
Apollo Bay Informal Fishing Group
next meeting will be held on Thursday August
7th, 2008 at
10.30am at the Apollo Bay Shire conference
room, Nelson Street, Apollo Bay. All welcome.
Coordinator Andrew Orchard
SENIORS AGM
The AGM will be held on Monday 16 August
at 1pm. Nomination forms for positions as
office beaters are available. Please contact
Jeanette on 5237 6268
Apollo Bay R.S.L. Women's Aux
Next Meeting will be Tuesday 26 August at
10.30am
C. Mustafa, Publicity Officer
C.W.A.
Next meeting will be on Friday 29 August
at 1.30pm. Friendship afternoon Friday 15
August at 1.30pm
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OTWAY
HEALTH NEWS |
Otway Health
Board Members
As reported a few weeks ago, the new Otway Health
Board has been elected; as such we will be telling
you a little about two board members each issue.
This week we have Peter and Eddie.
Peter Haaan - 2nd Vice President
Peter worked as an industrial
chemist for C.U.B for 7 years before obtaining his
individual Estate Agents license. Peter's experience
comes from working as an Estate Agent for ten (10)
years in the Eastern Districts of Melbourne and
owning and managing his own import / wholesale business
for 17 years. Peter was a member of the Steering
Committee Community Bank; he is a volunteer of the
Apollo Bay News Sheet, Otway Health Driver and a
member of the Apollo Bay Fishing Group. Peter came
onto the Otway Health Board in July
2007 and was appointed 2nd Vice President for the
2008 / 2009 Board Year, is the Chairperson of the
Finance Committee and member of the Capital Works
and Board Selection Panel Committees.
Eddie Rennick—Board Member
Eddie immigrated to Australia twenty years ago and
commenced work at Xerox as a Technician. At the
conclusion of his term at Xerox, Eddie was State
Service Manager in NSW. From Xerox, Eddie purchased
a Cartridge World franchise, which he ran until
returning to Victoria. Upon his return, Eddie worked
in the Silvan Post Office before coming to settle
in Apollo Bay to operate the Apollo Bay Post Office.
Eddie was a voluntary member for the Office of Corrections
in 1983 to 1984. In addition, he was a Foster Parent
from 1988 to 2001. Eddie believes that if living
in a community, it is important to give back to
that community, as a result of this belief; Eddie
became a Board member at Otway Health in 2004.
Thank you to Les Noseda Les Noseda
attended his last Otway Health Board Meeting in
June 2008 after a long record service to the Board.
The President, Andrew Jephcott officially thanked
Les Noseda on behalf of the Board, for these past
26 years of service to the Apollo Bay and District
Memorial Hospital and Otway Health and presented
Les with a gift and flowers. Les thanked the Board
and wished them all the best for future.
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| Child
Care
Child Care has casual vacancies on Mon / Thur
/ Fri for Under 3's & permanent places available
Tue-Fri for Over 3's.
Transport Forum
A reminder that on Monday 18th August at 3pm forum
will be held in Marrar Woorn to discuss transport
issues in and around Apollo Bay, Lavers Hill and
beyond. Trina Ebeling, from the Colac Otway Shire,
is coming down to hear the community's thoughts
on current transport, and work with Otway Health
and the community to find solutions. Contact Kat
on 52378500 for further information
Bushwalking Monday 18 August
Old Beechey Rail Trail from Dinmont to Gellibrand.
This relatively easy work should take between
3 to 4 hours departing Marrar Woorn at 9am and
returning at approximately 3:30pm. Please wear
comfortable clothing and shoes and bring water.
Cost $8 - Please book on 5237 8500.
Calling Op Shop Kings and Queens
Looking for a bargain? This is the tour for you.
Head off to Torquay with Janice at the wheel to
commence this coastal tour of Op Shops winding
back to Apollo Bay . Departs Marrar
Woorn at 8am Wednesday 13 August to return at
approximately 5:30pm. Cost $12.
Vocal Nosh
Enjoy-an afternoon with Belinda McArdle, a very
experienced, dynamic choir leader from Acabellas
Singing in Geelong. Come along for a sing and
afternoon tea. If you think you may be interested
give us a call on 5237 8500. Its on Saturday 30
August lpm to 5pm at the Catholic Hall. 420 for
non choir members.
Get Fit for Summer
If you would like to attend a combination of Bar
Class, Tai Chi and Fit Ball why not consider our
Move It! cards. They provide a flexible approach
to getting fit whilst allowing attendance to the
classes that fit in with your timetable. Purchase
from reception for $60 which entitles the holder
to 6 classes of their choice, Conc:$36.
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Letters
to the Editor
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Dear Editor,
As with every budget, the Colac Otway Shire 2008/09
Budget has the opportunity to shape the future direction
of our Shire.
As the fourth and final budget for this term of
Council, we have continued to strengthen our financial
position and maintain or improve on the services
that we provide to the community.
Through continued debt reduction, increased spending
on infrastructure renewal, modest operating surplus
and investing wisely in the future needs of our
community, this Council along with the community's
support has put us in a much stronger position to
move forward into the future.
Parallel to these advances Council has been advocating
strongly to improve the issue of cost shifting and
to reduce the taxation burden on our ratepayers.
In response to a question raised we have taken extra
time to consider and clarify some potentially ambiguous
wording of a very small section of the report. A
small change has been made to deal with some perceived
internal discrepancies within the budget document.
It is important to note that no material changes
have been made and the document essentially remains
the same. There is no million-dollar black hole.
No rates notices have been incorrectly issued. I
was somewhat disappointed by what I believe to be
overly zealous media reports on this matter. In
relation to suggestions that Council has a rating
strategy to increase the farm differential rate
by more than 10 percent, I would like to reiterate
that despite consultant advice to increase farm
rate to 90 percent of residential rates, Council
firmly resolved to maintain the farm rate in the
dollar at 79 percent of residential rates. Our farm
rates are lower than the average for like-sized
rural Councils.
I would especially like to commend the efforts of
the officers and Councillors in producing a budget
that is very responsible and will advance our community
into ' the future. Yours sincerely, Cr Chris Smith
Mayor, Colac Otway Shire |
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Dear Editor,
All our friend and neighbors, we tend to take them
for granted, as we do even our relatives. So, whenever
you get the chance, tell them that they do matter
to you. However you feel about them, tell them.
Tell them how you value their advice, how you love
to see them, have a chat, even if only to discuss
what the weather is all about. Give a friendly wave.
It only takes a little effort.
It is important, because if for some reason they
should not be there any more, you would feel sad
and miss them. So, if they must go, at least they
will know you cared and they mattered to you. Valerie
Stahn, Apollo Bay
Dear Editor,
SEALING AND WIDENING OF THE BARHAM RIVER ROAD (UPDATE)
The Manager, Asset Development, Colac Otway, Julie
Jagot has responded to our report on the site visit
by officials and road users. She has thanked us
for our efforts in detailing the problems with the
Barham River Road. The situation with capital works
funding in 2008/09 has not changed from the advice
received several months ago, however, the urgency
for temporary improvements is being acknowledged.
Quoting from her letter:
"No funding is currently available to seal
this section of the road in the 2008/09 Budget.
However, Council does recognize the importance of
the Barham River Road on a local and regional basis
and will continue to seek funding in order to construct
the gravel section of this road." Until such
time as funding does become available, however,
some improvements can be made to the road. Council
officers will now consider your comments as input
into the scoping of future capital works projects."
There is the old saying that the squeaking wheel
gets the grease, and it surely applies to this matter.
May we suggest to all road users who signed the
petition to contact Councilor Carol Wilmink and
urge her to "keep the pot boiling". In
a few months time we are having Council elections
- another opportunity for us "to make the wheel
squeak louder".
Valerie Stahn, Apollo Bay
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