Apollo Bay, what's happening in paradise!

Editorial comment:
On the back page of this News Sheet I have included the map given to submitters to the Colac Otway Planning Scheme. Amendment C29 , Great Ocean Green Development Panel hearing on the last day of the hearing, 16th April 2007. I have highlighted the 1-100 year flood extent, and added a few words of explanation, as the original map was in colour and A3 size. It may interest you.
I have also included on page 21 the Submission by Barwon Water, also given on nearly the last day of the hearing. I believe it's time that Barwon Water explained where they will store enough water for Apollo Bays future - with or without the Great Ocean Green Development!
Carol Wilmink - this weeks editor.

Community Garden Meeting
Interested members of the community are invited to an exciting meeting, to discuss and view possible garden designs. Interested gardeners are welcome to contribute their thoughts, ideas and designs on the night. When: Wednesday August 8th
Where: Apollo Bay P-12 College Room:T2
Time: 7.00pm For more info.
contact Ingrid Band on 52376483

APOLLO BAY SAILING CLUB INC.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Friday 10th August, 2007 at 7.30pm, Krambruk Room, Apollo Bay Hotel All members and interested people are encouraged to attend. Come early and share a meal with us.

OTWAY FORUM
Next meeting, Sunday 12th August at 3pm,
Marrar Woorn, Pengilley Avenue. All welcome

Free Workforce Planning Program for Small Business
Ever had trouble retaining your best employees, recruiting
appropriately trained people or are you worried that a portion
of your workforce is reaching retirement age?
These are all workforce planning issues which take up time
for all businesses, no matter whether they are small, medium
or large.
Colac Otway Shire is encouraging businesses to take up the
Victorian Government's My Business, My People initiative
which is designed to provide practical workforce planning
support for businesses with five to 100 employees.
The Government has allocated $10.6 million over four years
to the project which is divided into three main components:
• A free on-site workforce planning diagnostic where a business consultant attends the workplace
• An action plan on how the business can be improved through workforce planning
• A program to develop management capabilities where up to 50% subsidies are available for the development of management skills, training needs and developing the capabilities of owners and managers
Manager Economic Development, Mike Barrrow said depending on the size, businesses could save around $5000 on the initial part of the program. "The only investment from businesses is time for the consultant to conduct the workforce planning diagnostic, go through the action plan with the business owner or manager, and outline the components of the subsidies and how they can be accessed," Mr Barrow said. Mr Barrow said businesses with less than five employees could still get support by accessing a toolkit of core workforce planning resources from the Business Victoria website. "This toolkit includes recruitment guidelines, information on how to advertise vacancies, templates for job descriptions, training and development plans and workforce planning templates."
For more information visit: www.business.vic.qov.au/mybusinessmvpeople
August is National Desexing Month
August is National Desexing Month and Colac Otway Shire's Local Laws unit is urging cat and dog owners to get their pets desexed so that unnecessary euthanasia of unwanted cats and dogs can stop.
It is estimated more than 200,000 healthy cats and dogs are put down every year in Australia because they don't have homes - this equates to 547 animals a day. With the Shire's new Municipal Pound in operation Colac Otway Shire aims to re-house as many suitable dogs and cats as possible but euthanasia rates are still high with an average of eight cats and dogs put down each week. Local Laws officer John Postma said it was very distressing to see so many animals put to sleep. "Desexing will result in immediate and long-term benefits by not only reducing the overpopulation of homeless animals but by improving the well-being of your pet through reduced risks of cancer, aggression and the desire to mate which can lead to injury from fighting and death on roads. "It's well-known that having a pet reduces stress and makes our lives more enjoyable but if your cat or dog is not used for breeding purposes then its beneficial for you to have it desexed, preferably at the earliest opportunity as this helps control early and unwanted litters and reduces recovery
time."
Mr Postma said owners of desexed domestic animals were eligible for a reduction in their compulsory registration fees. For further information on desexing your pet please contact your local vet.

Community Bank® to Proceed
The Steering Committee of the Apollo Bay Community Bank® resolved last Thursday night to take the necessary steps towards the opening of our own Branch of the Bendigo Bank in Apollo Bay.
The positive results obtained from the recent feasibility study, which was strongly supported by 366 individuals, businesses and organizations in the town, justified the decision made by the Steering Committee.
Steering Committee Chairman Mr Allen Hokin said the results were most encouraging, the figures indicating that a strong case can be presented to Bendigo Bank for the establishment of a bank branch. This enabled the Committeee to make the next move to the preparation of a business plan which the committee is confident will prove the viability of the project
There is an advertisement in this NewsSheet promoting an information evening when staff members of Bendigo Bank will present a comprehensive account of the range of services and products which will be available from the local branch.

Apollo Bay Community Bank® branch.
Some Community Bank Statistics
Number of Community Bank Branches - 200 Number of Branch Staff - 941 (full/part time) Number of Directors - 1329 Number of Shareholders -51,026 Distributions to Community Projects - $7.1 mil Dividends paid to shareholders - $5.25 million
Apollo Bay Community Bank® Project
Products & Services INFORMATION EVENING
Bowling Club 7.30pm Monday 20th August
For all those members of the community who indicated the intention to bring their business to the proposed
Community Bank® branch.
Officers of the Bendigo Bank will present a
comprehensive picture of the complete range of the
services that will be available from the proposed

75th. Anniversary of the Opening of the
Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay
23d. to 26h. November, 2007 Apollo Bay
The question of how to fund the construction of the Great Ocean Road was a serious business. Hendy remarked: "the whole coastline would be systematically canvassed for donations of cash and land... ". This, coupled with loans and grants from government departments and the promise of 200 men, necessitated the formation of the Great Ocean Road Trust, which would provide the umbrella from which this project could be co-ordinated.
In July 1918 it was decided that the first section of road that would be built would be from Lome to Cape Patton (18 miles). One month after commencing, the Surveyor, Warrant Officer Hassett, submitted his first report from the Wongarra Survey Camp. He had pegged 2 miles to the Grey River and had run a high grade over the Mutton Fish to the Kennett, but heavy scrub and poor tools had slowed down the work, and one of his men had left. Within the next month the Cook, Hampson, had also left, "whilst the rest of the Party were at our work and thereby escaped making the final payment of which he was indebted to the Mess ..." It was another month before another Cook, Scully, would arrive.
With a little reflection it is easy to imagine the incredible pioneering spirit this endeavour would demand of all concerned. The Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, with the support of community groups in Apollo Bay and the Colac Otway Shire, is planning and hosting a celebration to acknowledge the insight and achievements of many in the creation of the Great Ocean Road. The initial itinerary includes a Grand Parade, Family Fun & Games on the Foreshore, BBQ, and lots, lots more.
If your interest has been tweaked and you would like to be part of this, or for further information -
please contact 0417526070.

Budget Address at the
Ordinary Council Meeting 25th July, 2007 Colac Otway Shire
I note that last financial year Council advertised the rates revenue increase as 9.5% but the true and correct revenue increase was actually 13.3% plus an additional 1.5% of supplementary rates, making a total of nearly 15%.
That was more than 5 times the national CPI of 2.8%. This Council must learn to live within it's means.
I ask, why does Council deceive it's ratepayers with
false and misleading advertising ?, On page 56 of last
years budget document it clearly shows the real
increase of 13.3%. This year the Council is again deceiving it's ratepayers by advertising a 5.5% increase with a so called "environmental levy" of 2.4% equalling 7.9%.
This is not correct the real increase is 10.6% plus 1.5%
for supplementary rates. I also draw Mr. Mayors attention to section 162 of the local Government Act (1989) that does not provide for a double charging or taxing for waste collection and disposal. I note that recent council media releases have suggested an "environment levy" of 2.4%. This is a prohibited charge or activity by a council, as it indicates a second charge for the same service. This is illegal. A recent legal challenge by Colac Otway Residents and Ratepayers Association (CORRA) saw the Colac Otway Shire back down from a 4.5% proposed levy.
As I have already stated, the Councils media has now suggested a rate rise of 7.9%, this is not true, turn to page 46 of this years budget document. It clearly shows a revenue increase of 10.6% plus and additional 1.5% supplementary rates totalling about 12.1% rise for the year.
Again this is about 5 times the National CPI of 2.4%. Mr. Mayor again I repeat this Council must live within its means.
This Council is playing a game of deception on it's ratepayers. This is a 27% rate revenue rise in two years. The Weekly Times recently printed a report noting that Colac Otway Shire was recorded charging the highest rates of 10 similar Shires. Don't believe the Council spin doctors propaganda. Therefore, for two consecutive years, I will not be supporting Council's budget. I will be voting against such an unfair and unjustifiable rate rise against our ratepayers. Cr. Stuart Hart.

Country Areas Program Funding at Apollo Bay P-12 College
You may have heard on the radio or read in the town News Sheet that we obtained funding from this source. CAP funding is a Commonwealth Government targeted program that provides supplementary funding to assist schools in more isolated rural areas. The main objective is to contribute to the enhancement of student outcomes in rural areas. We obtain CAP funding and it is factored in to our budget at the start of the year. The amount reported in the media was not additional to the CAP funding that wehave already received this year. Our CAP funding is used to supplement travel costs for students and teachers participating in professional development and excursions. Liz Hanger (Acting Principal)