Apollo Bay, what's happening in paradise!

APOLLO BAY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Did you know that 3 in 10 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer? Don't you think that's a huge number, but more importantly will you be in the lucky seven or will you, someone in your family or your friend be one of the three?
As many of you know this town has lost some really fantastic people to this horrible disease, and unless we try to do something about it, sadly more could lose their fight.
That's why we have put in a team of 12 in "RELAY FOR LIFE". It will be held in Colac on the 24th of February and it's a team event to raise funds for cancer research, it goes for 18 hours walking or running around a circuit in a relay style. We have entered as TEAM BIG RUSS" in memory of Russell Day who sadly lost his battle with cancer on the 10th of November last year. This is where we need your help, we need to raise as much money as we can, any amount will do. By doing this we hope to maybe prevent another family from going through the same pain and anguish that we have. If you would like to make a donation you can go and see the girls at the Commonwealth Bank, place it in the donation boxes found around town or contact Deb on 0438 050 154 or Scott on 0419 539 780. Thank you for your time and hopefully together we can help to win this fight against cancer.

COLLECT-A-CAPS - LAST CALL
Could anyone with Collect-A-Caps for the Youth Club
please leave them at the Post Office or call Lorraine
on 0408 059 978 or Joyce on 0417 530 874 to collect
them, or drop them in the milk crate at the door at 12
Pengilley Avenue, Apollo Bay, by Friday if possible
as they need to be in Colac by this Monday 12
February at 9.30 am. Last chance to make FREE
MONEY for our Club.
KRAFT SURVEYS
Every one with samples could you please test your
samples and fill out surveys as soon as possible.
Don't forget you earn the Youth Club $20.00 per
survey.
Please drop your completed surveys off in the milk
crate at my front door or call Joyce 0417 530 874 for
a pick up.
Thanks to all those who assisted in both fundraisers.
Joyce Biddle, on behalf A.B.Y.C.

Apollo Bay & District
Community Bank Steering Committee
Join our Comittee
The campaign for a Community Bank® branch for Apollo Bay & District is in full swing after the Christmas and New Year break.
"We have already received over $475,700 in indicative pledges of support from over 211 locals. This has been a fantastic response from the community, and we are confident we can reach our minimum target of $650,000 - but only if this 'last lap' of the pledge campaign achieves the needed response", said Chairman Lance Matthews.
"As a committee we have been working hard over the last 4 months to bring community banking to Apollo Bay. However, commitment from the local community itself is even more important. We need the support of the entire community - which includes clubs, societies and schools as well as traders and residents - to achieve the goal of creating a locally-owned bank," said Mr Matthews.
Mr Matthews also encouraged locals to transfer their banking to Bendigo Bank. "Opening an account at any branch of Bendigo Bank and stating that you are supporting the Apollo Bay campaign will ensure your account is transferred to the local branch when it opens. This will help to ensure we have business on our books from the minute we open the doors," he said.
Eddie Rennick, who operates the local Post Office in Apollo Bay encouraged locals to use the local Bendigo Bank agency in the post office for everyday deposits and withdrawals.
The Steering Committee are now looking for dedicated and enthusiastic local people to join the volunteer committee.
"We are seeking locals from Apollo Bay and the surrounding Otway Ranges areas who have been involved in other volunteer community groups and can bring their relevant experiences to our committee". "We would really like to see traders and professional people with experience in accounting, book keeping, legal or financial sales areas. This would compliment the skills and experience we already have within the committee", he said.
For further information regarding the campaign, or to register your interest in joining the Steering Committee please contact Lance Matthews on 0419 391 150

SOME COMMENTS ON WHAT IS HAPPENING
• The Apollo Bay Structure Plan that should be addressing long-term issues and a strategy for the future is inadequate. The document ignores the Council's own guidelines in the 2000 Apollo Bay Structure Plan, in the Neighbourhood Character Study and the Parking Precinct Study.
• Consider the traffic/parking problems in Apollo Bay. How will it cater for twice the local population and all the casual visitors? The Council's 2001 Parking Plan has never been implemented.
• GROWTH v DEMAND. Expert evidence presented by Urban Enterprise Pty Ltd to the C29 Panel stated that there is "at least 10 years supply" of land available without any further subdivision. Look how many units/house/blocks are for sale now.
• The Great Ocean Road Regional Strategy 2004 states that much of the GOR between Skenes Creek and Marengo is located in a coastal hazard zone. The AB Structure Plan does not address the issue of finding an alternative route for the GOR.
• CLIMATE CHANGE is with us. What are its effects going to be on the Bay in 20 years time? What is its effect going to be on the G.O.R.?
• Barwon Water cannot supply sufficient water to meet existing users needs let alone the additional 600 households proposed. Until the water supply is assured the current projects should not proceed.
• The Western Coastal Board (WCB), a statutory authority set up by government to implement the Victorian Coastal Strategy, has indicated in regard to the GOG project that,
- It does not consider the Great Ocean Green Project to be sustainable,
- The project does not comply with the government policy on coastal development,
- The project makes no allowance for the relocation of the Great Ocean Road due to impending changes to the coastline between Apollo Bay and Marengo.
- Is contrary to the government's policy that all development in coastal area must consider the likely impact of climate change.
• The WBC argues that opportunities for development in Apollo Bay "should be directed by a sound and strategic consideration of relevant social, economic and environmental issues".
• COS should only permit high-density housing lots (300 square meters) in the central area of the Apollo Bay township.
• The COS Harbour Precinct Masterplan is contrary to the stated government policy for the use of foreshore land.
TELL THE COUNCIL AND THE STATE GOVERNMENT THAT YOU WANT SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT IN APOLLO BAY Prepared by Sustainable Development group