Fuel a budget woe for council

Written by Sally Evans and published 28 April 2006 in the Wangaratta Chronicle

SOARING petrol prices are expected to have a severe impact on the Rural City of Wangaratta as it launches into its council budget for 2006/07.

Mayor Don Joyce prepared for the worst after the cost of fuel topped nearly $1.45 a litre early yesterday. "The price of fuel will have an impact on a lot of things we do," he said.

"Particularly in road construction, where bitumen is a petroleum-based practice, and in any vehicular movement we may need. That concerns me a bit."

Council will begin preparation for its multi-million dollar budget next month for adoption in June. The document is set to determine capital works expenditure and residential rates for the next 12 months.

Cr Joyce remained tight-lipped about what rate rises could be in store for Wangaratta residents, with previous increases ranging from 4.5 to 8.25 per cent over the past three years.

He did, however, say council had high hopes of securing additional funds in the state government budget to be released on Tuesday, May 30. "We're hopeful that there will be a good amount of funding coming to rural Victoria and we are hoping we can get some of that," he said.

High on the agenda for council are funding applications to construct the performing arts centre, senior citizens building and a replacement for the former Barr Reserve pavilion, known as the glasshouse.

Previous attempts to gain state government support for all of these projects have been unsuccessful over the past few years.

Watchdog Comment:

This should also be of concern to all residents outside the urban area. The maintenance of gravel roads in the upper King Valley area has all but ceased in rcent months and with the autumn rains due, we can only hope that the high cost of fuel does not prevent the RCoW from carrying out the works normally carried out to provide safe travel through the winter months.

The other major fuel cost of rural areas is the collection of garbage. Will the contractor be expected to carry the increased cost or will the rural ratepayers have to foot the bill?

The mayor's comment that, "Particularly in road construction, where bitumen is a petroleum-based practice, and in any vehicular movement we may need. That concerns me a bit." is an ominous sign that municipalities will find it too expensive to extend the made road network any further into the rural areas if we accept the expert advice that high petrol prices are here to stay.

Are Wangaratta ratepayers being ripped off?

The Chronicle of 28 April 2006 reports:

$200k more to be poured into $3.7m library

... but Cr Scholtz cautions over rising cost, fearful of blowout risk.

Watchdog readers would have read The high cost of our free library published back on April 16 from information in the April council meeting agenda which dealt with the same cost blowout.

One of the key causes was that it was discovered that the existing ‘A’ block of the TAFE building had been subjected to a series of extensive structural renovations over the years; such renovations hidden by ceilings and other plasterwork. This has meant that the detailed structural design has needed to take into account and allow for structural strengthening of the existing building.

It was also discovered that all the existing electrical cabling and high percentages of the existing sewerage and stormwater drainage lines are in very poor condition and will need to be replaced as part of this project.

GoTafe came to this venture supplying the building together with $500k. The title of the building will remain with the TAFE College.

As the RCoW entered the agreement without prior knowledge of these structural defects, one of the following has taken place.

• The RcoW has not done a site evaluation nor inspected its records
• GoTafe has not done a site inspection nor inspected its records, or
• GoTafe has witheld the information

With long standing council planning and building permit protocols, neither the RCoW nor GoTafe can claim they did not know "that the existing ‘A’ block of the TAFE building had been subjected to a series of extensive structural renovations over the years; such renovations hidden by ceilings and other plasterwork." The documentation must be in the records.

Under these circumstances, the rectification of these structural defects should lay with GoTafe - not with the ratepayers of the Rural City of Wangaratta. At the very least, the extra $211,183 should be a shared expense.

New Zealand prime minister on peak oil

Published on 18 Apr 2006 by Scoop (NZ).
by Helen Clark

The Prime Minister's statement was made as she responded to questions from the NZ parliamentary press gallery. The audio is online at Scoop (NZ). The remarks on peak oil were made at about 10:15 minutes into the 16:29 minute video.

Q: ... the economic impact of oil prices is causing concern.

Prime Minister: I'm sure it's causing concern in every county because everyone is on the receiving end of the same phenomenon, which is oil price is very high because probably we're not too far short from peak production if we're not already there. That concentrates the mind on alternatives to oil.

I quoted before on what President Bush said in the State of the Union address in January: America must give over its addiction to oil.

We have to focus and borrow and adapt practices and ideas from elsewhere
on how to move to the post-oil economy because it isn't going to get cheaper in the long-term.

Q: [inaudible]

Prime Minister: Oh no, there's a lot of work going on. both in the national energy strategy, energy efficiency strategy. climate change strategy work that's been done.

There's a lot of thinking being appplied to it.

The prime minister's remarks were pointed out by Steve McKinlay of Powerless NZ in an article at the OilCrash website: NZ Prime Minister out of the closet on Peak Oil:

...This week Helen Clark, New Zealand’s Prime Minister joined a rapidly growing but exclusive club, the penny has obviously dropped – she openly admitted the real reasons behind high oil prices, “because we're probably not too far short of peak production, if we're not already there” [1].

This watershed statement, which incidentally went over the heads of most of the media turkeys in attendance, has enormous economic and social implications. Firstly it absolves Trevor Mallard (acting Minister of Energy) from having to regurgitate International Energy Agency nonsense that Peak Oil is at least 30 years away. “Not too far short of peak production, if not already there” surely can’t mean the same thing as 30 years away. The minister can now base policy in geological reality rather than the flawed economic “business as usual” fantasy that has cheap abundant oil production growing alongside the economy for all eternity.

But will he? Will she?

I can already hear the screams of the damned led by Peter Dunne, all the way down every double-laned highway in the country. By this very admission the Prime Minister puts the Government in a very sticky situation. If indeed we are already at peak oil multi-billion dollar roading projects are about as sensible as New Zealand developing it’s own uranium enrichment program. But New Zealand is obsessed with the “growth” dilemma. Economic growth necessarily depends on a cheap energy subsidy, to grow economically one needs to increase energy consumption. As the price of oil continues to creep upwards the spectre of oil-shock induced stagflation looms. The economy is already stagnant. Interest rates are relatively high and inflation is expected to run at over 3% this year. Expect the ride to become somewhat bumpy over the next couple of years.

In light of Prime Minister Helen Clarks peak oil admission the concept of growth must be re-evaluated.

...original article from The Energy Bulletin here

Reinstate fox tail bounty now - Jasper

The Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, today called for the immediate reinstatement of the highly successful fox tail bounty program.

Mr Jasper said the announcement by Victorian Agriculture Minister, Bob Cameron, of a $2500 cash prize ballot for shooters hunting foxes on private land, indicates a clear recognition by the Government that the current baiting program simply isn’t enough.

Instead of a one-off financial reward for a member of a shooting organisation, Victorian farmers need a coordinated eradication program, incorporating the reintroduction of the $10 fox tail bounty running simultaneously with other fox control methods, including 1080 baits, he said.

The Minister’s announcement makes it clear that baiting alone is simply not sufficient to effectively control this destructive feral pest and a concerted two-pronged attack is needed.

The fox tail bounty, dumped by the Government in 2003, was effective, with some 180,000 fox tails being handed in between July 2002 and August 2003.

Despite claims by the Minister and his Department that the bounty scheme was ineffective and did not focus fox control on priority locations, these tails represented 180,000 foxes which were not going to have the opportunity to attack Victorian lambs, chickens or native fauna and birdlife.

In representations to me, primary producers and fox hunters have indicated that large scale, group control programs incorporating baiting and a bounty, have a proven impact on fox numbers, Mr Jasper said.

Fox attacks on young lambs continue to have a devastating effect on lamb producers across Victoria, confirming the need for an aggressive control program. The bounty program is proven, simple and effective, he added.

Farmers need an effective fox control strategy, utilising a bounty scheme and a baiting program, using their tried and true baiting methods, to ensure their economic viability, instead of some ill-considered prize stunt, Mr Jasper concluded.

List: 54 local mobile speed camera sites

Victorian Police Minister Tim Holding released a list of the 2593 locations where mobile speed cameras are used, saying it would show speed cameras were fixed in areas where there was a high incidence of speeding and accidents recorded, and not in "sneaky" locations designed to catch motorists unawares.

The Watchdog has extracted the 54 locations in our area and when you look at it, particularly in Wangaratta where there are multiple sites in Phillipson Street, Murdoch Road, Cribbes Street, Sisely Avenue, Tone Road and Williams Road, it does appear to be rather "sneaky".

Assistant Police Commissioner (Traffic) Noel Ashby said publicising the location of speed cameras was an effective way of getting motorists to slow down. "Today's release is another step where we can engage the public in terms of driving down the road toll.", he said

Benalla
Bridge Street - between Charles Street and Arundel Street
Bridge Street West - between Clarke Street & Margaret Street
Hume Freeway - between 198 an 197 kilometre posts
Maginnes Street - between Ackerley Avenue and McIvor Street
Nunn Street - between Benalla Street and Mackellar Street

Bowser
Three Chain Road - between Plums Road and Haywood Road
Hume Highway - between Boorhamin Road and Bourke Road

Chiltern
Hume Highway - between 275 and 276 Km posts (Northbound)
Hume Highway - between 280 and 279 Km posts (Southbound)

East Wangaratta
Hume Freeway - Between Ovens Hwy Overpass and 239 KM post

King Valley
Whitfield Road - Between Cemetary Lane and 40 Km post

Laceby
Glenroawa-Myrtleford Road - Between Targoora-Laceby Road and Greta Road

Mansfield
Highett Street - between Ailsa Street and Hunter Street
Chenery Street - between Hunter Street and Ailsa Street
Malcolm Street - between The Parade and Rowe Street
Malcolm Street - between Apollo Street and Ultimo Street
Maroondar Highway - between Elvins Street and Links Road
Highton Lane - betweenStewart Street and Monkey Gukky Road
Mansfield-Woods Point Road - between Delatite Road and Pollard Road

Moyhu
Whitfield Road - 300 metres north of Bartley Street
Whitfield Road - between 23 and 34 KM posts
Whitfield Road - between Robustelles Lane and Hoults Lane
Byrne Street - between Robustelles Lane and Meadoe Creek Road

Tarrawingee
Great Alpine Road - between 11 and 12 km posts
Great Alpine Road - between Beechworth-Tarrawingee Road and River road

Tolmie
Mansfield-Whitfield Road - between Tatong-Tolmie Road and 80 kph speed sign
Mansfield-Whitfield Road - between Old Tolmie Road and Spring Creek Road

Wangaratta
Appin Street - between Garnet Avenue and Irwin Avenue
Cribbes Road - between Mitchell Avenue and Mather Street
Cribbes Road - between Greta Road and Orange Court
Christensen Lane - between Lindner Road and Wangandary Road
Edwards Street - between Swan Street and Phillipson Street
Esmond Street - between Appin Street and Hilandra Avenue
Great Alpine Road - between Yellow Creek Bridge and Detour Road
Greta Road - between Burke Street and White Street
Hume Highway - between Delloro Road and Gravel Pit Road
Mason Street - between Tone Road and Tavern Terrace
Murdoch Road - between Vincent Street and Phillips Street
Murdoch Road - between Caraselle Avenue and Billabong Drive
Oxley Flats road - between Taylors lane and Chandler Street
Park Lane - between College Street and Park Crescent
Phillipson Street - between Crammond Avenue and Muntz Street
Phillipson Street - between O'Leary Street and Garnet Avenue
Phillipson Street - between Taylor Street and Dunlop Street
Roger Street - between Crisp Street and Harper Street
Rowan Street - between Swan Street and Phillipson Street
Sisely Avenue - between Phillipson Street and Floyd Avenue
Sisely Avenue - between Bruck Court and Kerr Street
Steane Street - between Phillipson Street and Swan Street
Tone Road - between Stoey Street and Sisely Avenue
Tone Road - between Newman Street and Murrell Street
Williams Road - between Willow Drive and Worland Road
Williams Road -between Leishman Street and Appin Street
Wilson Road - between Thomas Street and Chandler Street

Go to the Victorian Department of Justice website where you can also download a copy of the locations of fixed red light speed cameras, and the number of deaths and injuries at these dangerous intersections. (PDF 82KB), the complete list of fixed camera locations (PDF 82KB) and the full list of mobile speed camera sites (PDF 167KB).

---

Hotspots exposed to public
BY NICK HIGGINS - Border Mail

VICTORIAN police yesterday revealed the locations of all fixed and “mobile” speed cameras around the state.

The list of locations showed there were 30 sites in Wodonga where mobile speed cameras could be set up and 27 in Wangaratta, along with 10 “time-over-distance” speed cameras on the Hume Freeway.

---

Important Age editorial on petrol supply

This editorial in the Sunday Age of 23rd April is required reading for everyone.

"If Australians and their leaders act now, this country can be ready when oil supplies become unaffordable or unreliable. Planning for the transition from an oil-dependent economy is one of the great challenges of this generation."

Access to Age articles is by free registration. If this editorial does not show, simply register. In the future, you will have automatic access to the Age articles..

---

Editorial published on 23 Apr 2006 by The Age (Australia)
Petrol prices signal the need to prepare for change

Governments can't do much about the oil price. Politicians and the public can do much more to modify policies and behaviour to prepare for a new era of energy use.

Australians who go out in their cars this weekend and fill up with petrol will shudder at the cost. They may even mutter that the Government must do something about the price. Perhaps, though, they should pause for a moment and look beyond the figures on the bowser to the insatiable demand for finite oil reserves that is driving up prices. They might then realise that cutting fuel taxes is a counterproductive solution; it encourages Australians' dependence on oil and thus their vulnerability when oil runs out or, probably well before then, becomes prohibitively expensive.

A year ago, Treasurer Peter Costello warned that petrol prices would stay above $1 a litre. Ah, those were the days: the price is testing record heights (for the cities) of $1.40. By last September, Prime Minister John Howard was warning the Government could do nothing about a short-term price spike. Seven months later, Mr Costello is talking about the risk of a third "oil shock", saying: "This has lasted longer than anyone expected." Mr Howard hopes prices will soon "recede a little bit". It is not just the Australian public, then, that seems to be struggling to come to grips with the fact that the future of oil prices that once seemed inconceivably high is upon us. Service Station Association chief executive officer Ron Bowden this week summed it up: "You're living in a fool's paradise if you think you're just weathering a storm and everything will go back to normal. Normal is high energy prices ... $2 a litre is quite possible."

Official forecasts have proved to very wrong, as the convener of the Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas, Bruce Robinson, told a Senate inquiry in Perth last week. In 2002, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) forecast an oil price of $US21 a barrel this year (it was $US18 at the end of 2001), not $US72. Its estimate of $US35 just a year ago was still out by 100 per cent. The problem, as with comparisons to the 1970s oil shocks, is that the parameters of supply and demand have changed profoundly. The Inquiry into Australia's Future Oil Supply and Alternative Transport Fuels has not attracted the attention it should, but anyone who reads the Hansard record of a thought-provoking discussion on April 11 would understand why old assumptions are unreliable. When even a Big Oil champion such as US President George Bush warns that his country must end its oil addiction, Australia should get the message. The old tyranny of distance grows along with fuel prices.

Demand, driven by China and India, is soaring, but production has been flat for 18 months. Producers are pumping at capacity, not cutting supply as they did in the '70s. Oil is being used up at four times the rate that new reserves are being found. The cheapest oil from the biggest, most accessible fields has driven global development - there has never been a cheaper, high-energy fuel - but the new sources are more inaccessible and costly to tap. ABARE still forecasts that in the next 25 years Australia will use 66 per cent more oil. Where will it come from and, more to the point, at what price?

The question of when oil production will peak (some analysts even say it has) is a highly uncertain one, but it can no longer be safely assumed that there is plenty more, at an affordable price. Australia must urgently assess the full extent of its oil vulnerability, across all industries and sectors. It must be more selective in its use of oil (for fuel and a vast range of products) and develop alternative, market-ready fuels. Some seemingly obvious answers, such as converting vast natural gas reserves into liquid fuel, may not be as cheap or last as long as expected once the world starts looking at this alternative. The US (which could use up Australia's gas in three years) and Europe have depleted much of their natural gas, and China is buying up Australian gas.

Then there is the aviation industry to consider. It has no ready alternative to jet fuel - where does that leave a nation girt by sea, its travellers, exports and imports, should oil prices also go sky-high? (Ships and trains at least can use biodiesel.) Biofuels are being widely advocated, but this is a supplementary resource. Our entire wheat crop could produce only enough fuel to match about 10 per cent of our oil use. The Senate inquiry has aired concerns about the diversion of resources should farmers get better returns from fuel production.

The question hovering over the inquiry is why has there not been more strategic planning to reduce the oil dependence that makes us so vulnerable? Politicians have not led the way in informing the public; they even offer subsidies that encourage reliance on petroleum fuels. The Howard Government has failed to deliver the policy certainty and strategies, including targets and tax incentives for innovation and large-scale investment in alternative fuels. State governments, Victoria's included, are backing huge road projects that keep commuters in cars and promote oil use. The car industry is also built around six-cylinder cars, rather than smaller, fuel-efficient models that motorists are realising are a smarter choice.

There is a convergence of many economic and environmental issues here. While some scenarios being put about may be alarmist, there are positives for Australia if it acts on the concerns driving this debate. Many practical solutions will benefit public and environmental health and enhance liveability through better urban planning. Motorists vote with their feet for public transport when petrol prices rise, and perhaps politicians might start to consider the votes of low-income, outer-suburbs residents who lack this option. An electricity-driven mass transport network is one of the most environmentally friendly uses of Victoria's vast coal reserves, particularly if cleaner generating technology is used.

Decisions about the best uses of the world's oil and alternative fuels, matched to local resources and needs, are becoming urgent. It is hard to say exactly how urgent, but can any Australian government claim to have all the bases covered? While there is no single, simple solution, one certainty stands out amid the complexity. Smarter use and conservation of a more balanced range of fuel sources is the best and cheapest way to avert an oil shock. Victorians already know how easy it can be in practice to conserve resources - we have big reductions in water use to prove it. If Australians and their leaders act now, this country can be ready when oil supplies become unaffordable or unreliable. Planning for the transition from an oil-dependent economy is one of the great challenges of this generation.

---

Similar editorial from Newsday , a quality newspaper from Long Island, NY.

---

(NAB) Volunteer Awards, 2006 - enter now

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, encourages volunteer groups in the Benalla Electorate to nominate for the recently opened National Australia Bank (NAB) Volunteer Awards, 2006.

Dr Sykes is confident local groups would have a good chance, “We certainly have some worthy contenders in the area and the recognition and prize money would make it well worth the effort!

“There is a pool of $364,000 worth of prize money. The State winner of each category will receive $7,000 to go towards continuing the group’s work and an additional $3,000 if they take out the National Award.

The Benalla SES was awarded the State and National title in 2005 in the emergency and safety category.

“The awards recognise and reward the tireless efforts of the many valuable volunteer groups that keep our community strong. We depend on a wide range of community groups for support, safety, education, sports and recreation, to name just a few… and these are the kinds of organisations that make me proud to be part of this region.

“To be eligible for a National Australia Bank Volunteer Award the nominated group must be able to demonstrate ‘best practice’ in managing their volunteers, have a not-for-profit status, have operated within the Australian community for the past 12 months, and provide a reference letter supporting the work of the volunteer group.”

There are seven award categories:

Arts and Culture – for organisations involved in artistic and cultural activities to promote community expression and/or development of their culture;

Community Service and Development – for organisations responding to community needs, relevant group activities could include advocacy, community awareness programs and services and development of community support structures;

Education and Youth Development – for groups involved in the education and training of all members of our community from childhood to old age;

Emergency and Safety – for service groups primarily focused on community safety, emergency situations and safety initiatives, this category also covers all forms of rescue, fire fighting, life-saving, emergency response and support services;

Environment and Wildlife – for organisations that contribute to the protection and preservation of Australia’s environment and heritage or promote and protect animal welfare;

Health and Wellbeing – for groups involved with attaining the highest possible level of health and wellbeing for all people; and

Tourism, Sport and Recreation – for community based groups and organisations involved in heritage, tourism, sport, fitness outdoor and community recreation.

“Nominations close Wednesday, 28 June 2006 and application booklets are available from my office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla, or they can be downloaded from www.national.com.au/community.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “It would be great to see local groups being recognised in this vitally important area… so have a go.”

King Valley End of Harvest Festival

The King Valley grape harvest is over and the vineyards are now preparing for the winter long pruning season.

However, before that happens, the whole district took time out to attend the End of Harvest Festival held on 23rd April at the Whitfield Primary School.

It was a big family day with hundreds of tourists and locals celebrating the end of harvest with gourmet food stalls, wine tastings and live music. There were also a variety of local prpduce and craft stalls to tempt the visitors.

A new feature of the 2006 festival was the Myrtleford Helicopter Joy Rides taking the locals up to visit their homes from the air. The joy rides were well utilised.

The King Valley Tourism Association did a wonderful job of decorating the festival with wine casks draped in grapes and decorated hay bales. (Click on the thumbnails for full screen photos)

New era for Victoria's freshwater anglers

The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, today opened floodgates to the refurbished fish rearing ponds at the Department of Primary Industries in Snobs Creek that will usher in a new era for Victoria's freshwater anglers.

He said the Bracks Government recognised that recreational fishing was a major social and economic contributor to provincial communities and a significant tourist drawcard.

"That's why we've committed an extra $3.2 million over the next four years to boost family friendly recreational fishing opportunities and tourism outcomes," Mr Cameron said.

"One part of the project will be the establishment of five ‘Premier Participation Waters' across the State where large two year old trout, around a kilogram in weight, will be stocked for anglers.

"Refurbishing these ponds provides Fisheries Victoria with the resources to confidently tackle the substantial task of growing these fish which will be up to 20 times the size of trout that are normally stocked."

Last year, the Bracks Government released 1.3 million fish – the highest ever level of stocking by a Victorian Government and 30 per cent above the average fish stocking levels of the previous government.

Today's event followed the Government's decision to bring the production of trout and salmon back ‘in house', reversing what had become an increasingly unpopular experiment implemented by the previous Kennett Government about ten ago.

"Recreational fishing contributes significantly to local economies throughout regional Victoria with an estimated value of more than $400 million across the state," Mr Cameron said.

Why are fuel prices so high?

On Friday, the price of a barrel of oil reached a record price of over $US75.00 - for crude oil to be delivered to the refineries in June. Latest predictions are above $1.50/litre.

The typical six cylinder family car consumes about 11 litres / 100km. That's the typical round trip for many rural residents visiting Wangaratta. That's now $16.50 to buy the groceries or $82.50/week to commute to work in Benalla or Wangaratta!

At what price will it affect your driving habits?

There are two theories being promoted about the high cost of fuel. First we have the troubles of the world we live in with Iraq, Iran, the effects of hurricanes and a myriad of man made and natural disasters. Second we have the oil depletion theory otherwise known as "Peak oil".

You can read about both theories here. No matter which you prefer to believe, the problen is definately not short term. High fuel prices are here to stay and we have to learn to live with them.





Oil breaks through record $75
Continued fears over Iran and Nigerian supplies, reports of gasoline shortage in the U.S. lead to 2 percent jump.
By Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.com staff writer
April 21, 2006: 4:26 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Oil smashed through record highs Friday, cruising past $75 a barrel on continued fears of a supply disruptions in Iran and Nigeria and reports of spot gas shortages on the U.S. East Coast.

U.S. oil for June delivery set a new trading high of $75.35 before easing to settle up $1.48 at 75.17 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, also a new closing record. The May contract expired Thursday at $71.95.

---

Easy does it with petrol prices
By Gwynne Dyer April 21, 2006
Welcome to the world of $US70-a-barrel oil. That's if there is no crisis in the Gulf over Iran's nuclear ambitions. If there is, then get ready for $U140 a barrel. Oil briefly breached the $US70 barrier eight months ago, but this time it is going up for good.

Oil shock: what's in store? ... By Richard Webb - Sunday Age - April 23, 2006
Petrol to hit $1.45 a litre ... By Peter Weekes - Sunday Age - April 23, 2006

---

Petrol prices tipped to soar
Last Update: Saturday, April 22, 2006. 3:44pm
Australian fuel prices are set to take another leap towards the $1.50 a litre mark, after the latest oil price record.

The price of oil on the New York market has for the first time reached $US75 a barrel, amid concerns about the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.

---

Cash Incentive For Hunting Foxes

Bob Cameron - Minister for Agriculture
Media Statement - 19 April 2006

Victorian shooters involved in fox hunting on private land will be eligible for a cash prize, Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron announced today.

Mr Cameron said the prize was part of a Bracks Government initiative to promote integrated pest animal control and would further support cooperation between hunters and farmers.

The prize was announced at the Avenel property of Colin Tingay and his wife Heather – who are both actively involved in local pest animal management issues.

The State Government has been working closely with Field and Game Australia (FGA) and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) (SSAA) to develop the concept.

"Any financial members of either FGA or SSAA (Victoria) who work with landholders to hunt foxes will be eligible to enter a ballot to win $2,500," Mr Cameron said.

"Both organisations are rolling out new accreditation for members who shoot on private land, which is in addition to membership and the rigorous firearm licensing laws.

"The State Government will also work with FGA and SSAA (Victoria) in identified areas to link landholders and hunters to achieve integrated fox control that incorporates shooting."

Last month Mr Cameron announced a $10,000 prize that will be awarded to a group of landholders judged to have implemented an effective integrated fox management program. Entries for both awards close on 29 September, 2006.

"These prizes will reward landholders for planning and undertaking integrated fox management programs and encourage closer relationships between farmers and members of the hunting organisations," he said.

Mr Cameron said the landholder and hunter prizes were also supported by a new 1080 Bait Hotline and six new 1080 bait trailers operated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

"The 1080 Bait Hotline – 1300 10 1080 – gives landholders a more efficient way to receive advice on the use of 1080 and the available bait products," he said.

"DPI also has the added flexibility of using the new trailers to transport larger amounts of bait to groups of landholders undertaking an organised baiting program."

Nomination forms for landholder groups undertaking integrated fox management are available on DPI's website http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au. Ballot entry details for members of FGA or SSAA will be available online from 1 May at http://www.fga.net.au and http://www.ssaavic.com.au.

Govt. helps you save on trips to Melbourne

With unleaded petrol now selling in Melbourne at $1.39, a round trip from Wangaratta to Melbourne is costing you more than $75.00 in fuel. This puts rail travel firmly on the agenda for the individual traveller.

The state government has made it even more attractive by offering better value on rail tickets. V/Line ticket holders to Melbourne will be able to travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses within the Metcard zone printed on their ticket at no extra cost from this weekend.

This is responsible pragmatic government. Every tank of fuel saved in travelling from the country to the city adds another tank of fuel to the commuter pool in Melbourne. However, it doesn't go far enough.

The issue was first raised by the Victorian Local Governance Association and reported in The Watchdog last week and was fully supported by the Vic Nationals.

As fuel prices continue to rise, let us hope that the state government will take the next step and make it economically feasable for families to travel by train.

You can read the media release here:

---

Over the fence - news and gossip

A LITTLE HUMOUR
A bear, a lion and a chicken meet.
The bear says "If I roar in the forest, the entire forest is shivering with fear"
The lion says "If I roar in the desert, the entire desert is afraid of me"
The chicken says "Big deal, I only have to cough and the entire planet sh*** itself"

---

YOU CAN SEE THE SIGN NOW

Back in March, the Watchdog reported on the lack of visibility of the directional sign at the southern end of Cook's gap Road in Edi Upper.

A week before Easter, the area was cleaned up by the RCoW. The young trees have been removed and the grass has been slashed to make the sign fully visible. Compare this photo with the one in the original article

---

WHITFIELD CFA GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL

Each year, Jamie and Sue Newton get behind the Good Friday Appeal for the Childrens Hospital. Sue runs the raffle and Jamie gives the local kids their annual ride on the fire truck calling on landholders for donations to the appeal.

Unfortunately, the rain prevented the kids riding the fire truck, so Sue put them in her car and followed the fire truck manned by Jamie, David Westmacott and Mick Liprino.

In spite of the rain, their efforts raised a record $1430 around the Whitfield township. The CFA thanks the community for their donations and Jamie and Sue Newton for their ongoing devotion to the Children's hospital annual appeal.

---

ANOTHER EASTER HAS COME AND GONE

Easter is the premier tourism time for the King and Ovens Rivers townships with campers spread throughour the district.

On the Tuesday before Easter, the RCoW was contacted about the presentation we offer these campers at public campsites - particularly around the Edi bridge area - with grass that should be cut to welcome them.

The phonecall was diverted to DSE in Wangaratta who advised they do not look after the area - that is a job for the Whitfield depot. The Whitfield depot advised that they have no jurisdiction as the land title is with various departments including Vic Roads. The call then went to Wodonga where the caller was advised that little could be done. However, if one of the locals cut the grass, nobody would complain ... despair and frustration!

The phone call must have had some affect as the grass had been cut by the end of the week. The campers extend their thanks to whoever cut the grass to make the area safet for their children.

---

CLASSIC CAR RALLY PASSES THROUGH WHITFIELD

Forty nine classic cars on a two day rally, stopped at a checkpoint in Whitfield on Sunday morning. Promoted by "Rally Sport" the rally is a two day event.

Check point officer Jeff Whitten said, "About two thirds of cars from NSW, one from Queensland with the remainder from Victoria. They are classics from the 1960's through the 1980's".

On Saturday they left Wangaratta and travelled through the Upper Murray area and Talangatta returning to Wangaratta for an overnight stay. On Sunday they came through Whitfield, on to Mansfield returning to Wangaratta via Swanpool and Tatong.

---

HARVEST FESTIVAL HAY BALE

A few weeks ago, we showed the tired looking hay bale with the embedded cyclist. I am sad to say, he is no more! However, the at the King Valley Harvest Festival held on 23rd April, a series of harvest bales were unveiled.

This one, at the front gate of the Whitfield School shows a scarecrow looking after the harvest.

It looks like Whitfield may have a new tradition on its hands with the creation of decorative hay bales. The Watchdog front page now sports this image of the new creation. (Click image for full screen photo)

---

The brave new world of high fuel prices

The price of a barrel of oil reached a record price of over $US72.00. According to Fuel Watch, unleaded petrol is selling in Melbourne at $1.39.

The typical six cylinder family car consumes about 11 litres / 100km. That's the typical round trip for many rural residents visiting Wangaratta. That's $15.30 to buy the groceries!

At what price will it affect your driving habits?

Whilst crude oil prices remain above $70 / barrel, the watchdog will present you with world-wide articles and information about our future in a world of ever-increasing fuel costs.

---

Global oil prices continue rising
ABC Goulburn Murray | Tuesday, 18 April 2006. 12:49 (AEDT))
Global oil prices continue to climb to record heights as Australia's grain growers prepare for this year's planting season.

Last night New York benchmark crude oil closed at more than $US70 a barrel for the first time in 23 years of trading. – full story...

---

Govt leaves Australian economy exposed on high oil prices
The Greens media release
The federal government has left Australia exposed to a serious economic shock over the cost of oil, Australian Greens energy spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said today.

"Treasurer Peter Costello has expressed surprise at how long oil prices have remained high and says continuing high oil prices could cause economic problems for Australia," Senator Milne said in Hobart.

"But the signs have been evident for all to see. At an international level, for every 2.3 barrels of oil used, only one barrel is discovered while Australia's domestic oil supplies are falling and no new major oil fields have been discovered in the past 20 years. – full story...

---

Petrol to stay high, warns PM
April 20, 2006 - 11:31AM
Prime Minister John Howard says he expects oil prices to only "recede a little bit" in the near future.

Crude oil prices have jumped past $US72 a barrel today, sending fears that consumers, already paying record prices, will have to pay more at the bowser. - read article ...

---

MPs in 'back pocket' of giants
Lachlan Heywood and Leigh Lalonde
Brisbane Courier Mail - April 21, 2006
MAVERICK Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce has accused Howard Government ministers of being "greased up" by big oil companies.

In an extraordinary attack on his Coalition colleagues, Senator Joyce yesterday said certain MPs were in the "back pocket" of the oil giants, but refused to name who they were. - read article ...

---

Time's right for fuel alternatives: Costello
The Age - April 20, 2006
Alternative fuel makers should take advantage of current record high oil prices and start experimenting and producing new forms of energy, Treasurer Peter Costello says.

Mr Costello's comments follow a call from Victoria's peak motoring organisation for Australia to break its dependence on imported oil. - read article ...

---

PM rules out petrol tax cuts
The Age - April 21, 2006 - 11:57AM
Prime Minister John Howard has ruled out altering petrol taxes, despite predictions the pump price will cross the $1.40 mark.

Mr Howard said the government did not receive any additional excise from higher petrol prices, while the states' gain from GST on petrol could be offset by decreased consumer spending. - read article ...

---

What's on around Wangaratta

This summary is extracted from the RCoW E-Newsletter "Cultural Capers". If you would like to subscribe please email m.mcgann@wangaratta.vic.gov.au indicating your request. For event details, Click here to be transferred to the RCoW web page.

What's on around Wangaratta

- Créche & Burn (Professional Live Theatre) 22 April 2006.
- 3 A3s Exhibition (Textile Art Exhibition) 8 - 23 April 2006.
- The Gathering (Art Exhibition) 1 - 30 April 2006.
- 2006 Wangaratta Theatre Season Subscription Packages (Live Theatre
Package) 2006.
- But That's Another Story (Heritage Exhibition + Short Films) 13 April - 6
May 2006.
- Beechworth Drum Circle (Music Activity) Thursday Evenings.
- Exhibition Coffee Morning (Floor Talk and Morning Tea) 28 April 2006.
- Geoff Power Classic Jazz (Live Jazz) 28 April 2006.
- Dorothy the Dinosaur Dance Party (Live Children's Concert) 29 April 2006.
- Xavier Rudd Live (Live Music) 29 April 2006.
- Windmill Baby (Live Professional Theatre) 29 April - 5 May 2006.
- Workshop on Bookbinding (Workshop) 29 & 30 April 2006.
- Travelling Film Festival (International Film Festival) 5 - 7 May 2006.
- Margret Roadknight (Live Music) 5 May 2006.
- Margret Roadknight (Workshop) 6 May 2006.
- Wednesday Night Live @ the Northo (Live Music) 6 May & 10 June 2006.
- Masterclass Dinner Series (Fine Dining) 16 May - 5 September 2006.
- Marshall McGuire & Riley Lee (Live Music) 19 May 2006.
- Cathedral Music (Live Music Series) 19 May - 17 December 2006.
- Artists Residency Opportunity (Artist Opportunity) June 2006.
- William & Winifred Bownes Photography Prize (Art Award) Entries Close 2
June 2006.

A great idea - poorly implemented

You may have seen the current affairs program promoting the new federal government National Toilet Map that is on the internet. It is presented by the Department of Health and Ageing and is billed as a project of the National Continence Management Strategy. Sounds like a good idea? Think again!



To test the system, check out your own area. Take a look at the Rural City of Wangaratta and you will find that there are about fourteen toilets in the CBD including the one demolished to make way for Woolworths.

Whilst many McDonalds toilets are listed, the Benalla and Wangaratta ones are missing.

Get out of the CBD and search around the rural areas. You will find there are no public toilets in Oxley, Whitfield, Cheshunt, Edi, Edi Upper and other towns although the facilities are certainly there.

Whilst the RCoW has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into these rural facilities in recent years, it seems that they have not been consulted or have not advised the government of the falilities available.

If the RCoW representation is typical of the National Public Toilet Map, then it is a waste of time and certainly of little help to the estimated 3.8 million Australians who are affected by incontinence.

New snapshop of Regional Victoria

Long lives, beautiful country, safe and content communities, and healthy economies – a new report released by the Planning Minister, Rob Hulls, reveals many reasons why regional Victoria is the place to be.

“This snapshot shows that regional Victorians are more likely to volunteer, feel valued and safe, and take an active role in their communities than their city counterparts,” said Mr Hulls.

Regional Matters. An Atlas of Regional Victoria 2005 has been developed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

It features maps, charts and commentary on trends using information gathered from various sources, including each State Government department. The result is a comprehensive overview of important social, economic, demographic, environmental and recreational changes.

“This type of information is invaluable to Victoria’s policy and decision makers as we can clearly see which areas we are excelling in and which areas need more work,” Mr Hulls said.

“The diverse perspectives on various regional issues allow the Bracks Government to concentrate on the things that matter the most to regional Victoria.”

The first edition of the Regional Atlas, released in 2002, was used in policy development to ensure that funds were allocated to the areas and sectors most in need, as well as helping to inform strategic planning, research and communication.

“This whole-of-government approach ensures that regional Victoria continues to benefit from the best, most informed decisions regarding their communities.”

The 2005 edition is organised around eight themes: changing populations; community wellbeing; servicing communities; industry and skills; land and people; water in a dry land; coastal development, and energy choices. Statewide, it shows:

• Young single men outnumber young single women in many regional areas. This has led to responses such as the Beaut Blokes program which aims to attract young single women from the city to rural areas in western Victoria.
• Some regional centres such as Swan Hill and Colac are actively seeking overseas migrants to fill skills needs, while Warrnambool has also laid out the welcome mat to increase its cultural diversity.
• The regional Victorian economy has become more diversified over the past decade in agriculture, manufacturing and service industries.
• Specialised industry clusters have developed, such as surf manufacturing in Torquay, marine industry in Paynesville, and aviation in the Latrobe Valley.
• While health indicators such as life expectancy are lower compared to Melbourne, quality of life indicators are higher, such as feeling valued, feeling safe and liking the community.
• Residents in regional Victoria are more engaged with their community than their city counterparts, with more country people participating in decision-making boards, attending community events and parental involvement in schools.
• Rates of volunteering are high in regional Victoria, especially in community, welfare and sporting activities. Volunteer emergency management organisations such as CFA and SES also depend greatly on volunteers in regional areas.

To obtain a copy of the Regional Atlas 2005 visit the website: www.dse.vic.gov.au/regionalmatters

Higher temperatures, more floods and less snow

The Rural City of Wangaratta has been invited to join other councils in the region as part of the North East Greenhouse Alliance (NEGHA) with the objective of reducing greenhouse gases locally.

The impact of the enhanced greenhouse effect and warming in the north east has been modelled and the following trends are expected:
• an increase in average temperature leading to increased evaporation and an overall decrease in the quantity of available water;
• more intense storm events producing more frequent storm consequences such as flooding;
• more frequent and intense flood events;
• a reduction in the number of frost events per year; and
• a reduction in snow cover.

These climate changes will impact on such things as the type of crops that are suitable for the region, increased risk of extinction of native animals and plants, liveability of the area, emergency management, alpine tourism and a range of other issues

The NEGHA has been established to provide a framework for local councils to work together on greenhouse abatement projects such as carbon sinks, community energy efficiency, street lighting efficiency, agricultural adaptation, renewable energies and bio-fuels. As such the NEGHA intends to expand its network to engage other key stakeholders in the region to deliver collaborative projects.

This may be a controversial mix of abatement projects - carbon sinks and agricultural adaptation in particular. Carbon sinks have been seen as a trade off under the Kyoto Protocol to offset governments and industry not cutting emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels whilst our cattle farmers will have a devil of a time reducing their cattle's methane emissions. Click on the CSIRO methane map above to see the extent of the problem ... CSIRO article here

Climate change associated with the enhanced greenhouse effect is well known to the community but its impacts will become a more pressing issue with time. There is the potential for impacts on agricultural, tourism and other industries as well as on the lifestyle of the general community - and they all appear to be negative.

The Victorian Greenhouse Strategy supports greenhouse abatement activities led by local communities. The NEGHA has been recently established and currently comprises Wodonga City Council, Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire, Moira Shire, Towong Shire and the North East Catchment Management Authority.

Funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment through the Regional Partnerships Program, NEGHA is hosted by Wodonga City Council and employs a regional coordinator.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is expected to accept the invitation at the April council meeting.

The high cost of our free library

Free Library to cost an extra $211,183 ... and then some!

At its September 2005 meeting, the RCoW council voted to enter into contractual arrangements for the construction of a joint community and Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE library at Docker Street, Wangaratta for a lump sum price of $3,500,000 (inclusive of GST).

The funding for the joint library was spelled out in a letter dated 30/11/05 from the then CEO of the RCoW, Justin Hanney, as follows, "The joint community/TAFE facility has an anticipated $180,000 of community raised funds towards the total budget. Two grants of $660,000 and $250,000 have been received from the state government and $500,000 from the federal government. GoTAFE are committing the building and a further $500,000 whilst the Rural City of Wangaratta has committed $1,400,000".

At the April 2006 meeting, council is to vote on a revised lump sum price of $3,711,183.00 (inclusive of GST). That is an increase of $211,183.

It was discovered that the existing ‘A’ block of the TAFE building had been subjected to a series of extensive structural renovations over the years; such renovations hidden by ceilings and other plasterwork. This has meant that the detailed structural design has needed to take into account and allow for structural strengthening of the existing building.

It was also discovered that all the existing electrical cabling and high percentages of the existing sewerage and stormwater drainage lines are in very poor condition and will need to be replaced as part of this project.

It is anticipated that there will also be an increase in operating costs when the facility is opened. To date there has been no announcement about who will pay the operating costs.

In the planning permit for the construction, the RCow has included a requirement to provide for 28 carparking bays, the cost of which is not allowed for in the total funding commitments of the funding bodies.

The RCoW council meeting business papers offers no explanation where any of these extra funds are coming from.

This increase comes just one month after council agreed to a major increase in the contractual price of the Joined-up Government Centre.

RCoW Council Meeting Agenda: April 2006

The Rural City of Wangaratta March Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 18th April at the Council Chambers.

Following are the agenda items raised by the administrative beauracracy together with their recommendations for our elected Councillors to discuss and vote upon.

Agenda items of note are the councils response to the C26 planning scheme amendment, the letting of the Library construction contract and the Fees and Charges review. It is interesting to see the anti-flouride lobby group tableing their petition this month. It will sit on the table for a month when council will discuss any action at the May meeting - just one month before fluoride is planned to be introduced to Wangaratta's water.

The council's response to the C26 planning scheme amendment would indicate that new development concepts in the RCoW have to go on the back-burner until this mess is sorted out.

With the need to carry out any necessary additional investigations and further work to get ministerial approval for Part 1 of the amendment, carrying out a Land Capability Assessment in Waldara, and waiting on the state government to get reticulated water and sewage in Milawa, Oxley and Glenrowan, new development may be halted for a year or more.

It is recommended that you download the full discussion agenda paper and attachments (pdf) from the RCoW website by clicking the RCoW logo above.

---

8.1.1.1 RECEPTION OF PETITION – SPEED CHRISTENSEN LANE, WANGARATTA
Recommendation:
That the petition regarding the speed limit and lighting along Christensen Lane, Wangaratta be received and that a report on the matter be presented to the 16 May 2006 meeting of the Council.

8.1.1.2 RECEPTION OF PETITION – FLUORIDATION OF WATER IN WANGARATTA
Recommendation:
That the petition regarding fluoridation of Wangaratta's water supply be received and that a report on the matter be presented to the 16 May 2006 meeting of the Council.

10.2.1.1 APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Recommendation:
1. That Council appoint Mr Douglas Sharp to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Wangaratta Rural City Council effective from 24 April 2006 on a performance based contract of employment for a fixed term of three (3) years, with an option to extend the employment contract for a further period of two (2) years by mutual agreement.
2. That the Contract of Employment between Council and Mr Douglas Sharp be signed and sealed by Council at the appropriate stage of the meeting.

10.2.2.1 PUBLIC HOLIDAY - MELBOURNE CUP: 7 NOVEMBER 2006
Recommendation:
1. That the public submissions on the proposed Melbourne Cup Day public holiday be received.
2. That Council declare a full day public holiday on Tuesday, 7 November 2006, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act 1993.
3. That public notification be given in the local media and the Government Gazette on the Council’s declaration of a full day public holiday on Tuesday, 7 November 2006.
4. That notification be given to local banks, building societies, Australia Post, Wangaratta Turf Club, local parliamentarians and the Business Wangaratta on the action taken by Council in this matter.

10.2.2.2 2006/2007 FEES AND CHARGES REVIEW
Recommendation:
That subject to further review, the proposed fees and charges for 2006/2007 as outlined in this report be adopted by Council, effective from 1 July 2006 (unless otherwise stated in the report).

10.2.3.1 COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATIONS:
Recommendations:
That Council:
1. Submit an application for funding for works at the Peechelba Bushland Reserve to the Small Towns Development Program
2. Allocate a sum of $4750 from its Rural Towns Development Program to the Peechelba Bushland Reserve Committee as a funding contribution to this application.
3. That a grant of $500 be made to offset the cost of hire of the Town Hall for the Jennifer Bromley Fundraising Appeal concert.

10.2.4.1 CONTRACT NO. C0506/010 - SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF TIPPING TRUCK
Recommendation:
1. That the tender received from Twin City Truck Centre for Contract C0506/010, being for the supply and delivery of an Isuzu GIGA 385CXZ fitted with a Nelmac tipping body of $162,818. (incl GST) be accepted by Council.
2. That the quote from Twin City Truck Centre of $35,000 (incl GST) for the trade-in (Hino GH Super Eagle tipping truck) be accepted.
3. That Contract C0506/010 be signed and sealed by Council when available.

10.2.5.1 CULTURAL SERVICES REPORT FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006
Recommendation:
For Councillor information.

10.2.6.2 TWO LOT RESUBDIVISION - 1 MEGAN COURT and 15 FIRBANK DRIVE WALDARA
Recommendation:
That application 05-042 for a two lot resubdivision of land at lot 3 and lot 4 PS 316388 Parish of Wangaratta, 1 Megan Court and 15 Firbank Drive, Wangaratta, be approved and a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit issued subject to the (specified) conditions:

10.2.6.3 PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION NO. 05/315 – 3 LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION – LOT PS, 140 OLD HUME HIGHWAY, GLENWROWAN
Recommendations:
That Planning Permit Application No. 05-314 for the 3 lot subdivision of C.A. 5 Section 41 Township of Glenrowan being 140 Old Glenrowan Road be approved and that a Notice of Decision to Issue a Permit be issued subject to the (specified) conditions:

10.2.6.4 CONSTRUCTION OF A CHILDCARE CENTRE
Recommendation:
That application 05-305 for the use and development of a 65 place child care centre at Lots 158, 159 and 162 PS530516G, Collyn-Dale Drive and Peacock Place, Wangaratta, be approved and that a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit be issued subject to the (specified) conditions:

10.2.6.5 PART 2 AMENDMENT C26 PANEL REPORT – REVIEW OF THE WANGARATTA PLANNING SCHEME
Recommendation:
That Council resolve the following:
1. Generally agree to the minor changes to the Part 1 Amendment C26 documentation as recommended by the Part 2 Panel. Endorse continued liaison with the DSE to resolve these outstanding matters and undertake modification to the Part 1 Amendment C26 documentation as may be necessary to achieve this.
2. Continue to work closely with the DSE regional office, including carrying out any necessary additional investigations and further work as may be required, with a view to the following:
a. Continue to progress Part 1 of Amendment C26 to obtain Ministerial approval as soon as possible.
b. Retaining some Residential 1 Zone land in west Wangaratta, particularly to the west of Christensen’s Lane, ideally with a minimum 15 year supply beyond the current, existing Residential 1 Zone land supply in this area (including land in Part 1 Amendment C26).
c. Carrying out a Land Capability Assessment to enable retention of the proposed Low Density Residential Zone with 1 hectare minimum rezonings in Waldara.
d. Continue to progress the rezonings in Milawa, Oxley and Glenrowan and the preparation of Structure Plans for the Development Plan Overlay in light of the recent funding announcements for reticulated sewer/water.
3. Council resolve to agree with the Part 2 Amendment C26 Panel with regard to the following matters:
a. No changes to the amendment with regard to submissions that requested a different zone be applied to that exhibited or a change to the existing zone (Submitters 2.1, 2.3 to 2.16, 5.1, 5.4, 5.8 to 5.12, 5.18 and 5.21).
b. Confirm Council’s agreement to undertake an Agricultural Land Study as soon as possible and a Rural Residential Study subsequent to this.
c. Adopt the Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 2 (VPO2) as revised by the Panel.
d. Abandon the following elements of Part 2 Amendment C26:
i. Proposed additional Industrial 1 Zone land in the North Wangaratta Industrial Estate.
ii. Proposed Rural Living Zone between Milawa and Oxley townships.
4. Report back to Council once the further work outlined above is progressed and outcomes known. This may include abandonment of the proposed rezonings in Milawa, Oxley and Glenrowan.

10.2.6.6 DRAFT SIGNAGE POLICY FOR WANGARATTA INDOOR SPORTS & AQUATIC CENTRE
Recommendation:
That the advertising signage policy applicable to the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre be endorsed by Council.

10.2.6.7 NORTH EAST GREENHOUSE ALLIANCE
Recommendation:
That Council join the North East Greenhouse Alliance as a member and authorise the Chief Executive Officer to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of Council when it is finalised by the Alliance.

10.2.6.8 CONTRACT 0506/023 JOINT LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT
Recommendation:
1. That Contract C0405/023 agreement with Southwell Constructions Pty Ltd, Wangaratta for the final detailed design and undertaking to construct the proposed joint Community and Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE library at Docker Street, Wangaratta for a revised lump sum price of $3,711,183.00 (inclusive of GST) be accepted.
2. That the contract documents for Contract C0405/023 be signed and sealed at the appropriate stage of the meeting.

10.2.6.9 VICTORIAN LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY ACCORD
Recommendation:
That the Wangaratta Rural City Council participate in the Victorian Sustainability Accord by signing a standard Accord resolution.

10.3.1.1 WANGARATTA SHOWGROUNDS SPECIAL COMMITTEE
Recommendation:
1. That the resignation of Mr Laurie Johnston from the Wangaratta Showgrounds Special Committee be received and that Mr Johnstone be thanked for his contribution to the Committee.
2. That Council appoint Mr Graeme Gregory representing the Wangaratta Umpires Board Inc as a member of the Wangaratta Showgrounds Special Committee for the term ending 30 June, 2006.

Fire restrictions to end next Tuesday

Fortuneately, it has been another fire season without life threatening bushfires in our area. With the DSE burnoffs scheduled above Cheshunt in the near future, we stand a better chance of avoiding major incidents over the next few years.

Anyone planning a burnoff should advise their local CFA so that (a) they do not get called out to a false alarm, and (b) they will be prepared if you lose control of your burnoff.

Historic agreement to ease cost shifting burden on councils

Intergovernmental agreement on cost shifting

An historic intergovernmental agreement (IGA), signed in Canberra today, will help ease the cost shifting burden carried by Australia's 700 councils.

Representatives form the three spheres of government - federal, local and state - met in Canberra today as the Local Government and Planning Ministers Council and agreed to the IGA. President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, signed the agreement on behalf of local government.

"This is an historic agreement that has the potential to make a real difference to every council in Australia," Cr Bell said.

"Cost shifting by state and federal governments has been estimated by ALGA to have a negative impact on councils of between $500m and $1.1bn each and every year.

"The IGA was a key recommendation of the bipartisan, Rates and Taxes: A fair share for responsible local government report, tabled in Federal Parliament in November 2003. It found that there 'was no doubt that local government has, over a number of years, been on the wrong end of cost shifting'.

"I congratulate the Federal Minister for Local Government, Jim Lloyd, for providing his leadership on this issue and applaud all state and territory ministers for working together to get an agreement that was acceptable to all parties.

"The IGA provides a framework to improve the way the three spheres of government relate to each other to achieve the best possible outcomes for communities. The focus is on the way services or functions are transferred by federal and state governments to local government.

Key features include:

• guiding principles covering future arrangements between the three spheres of government for the delivery of services and functions by local government
  
• a framework for further, bilateral and trilateral agreements to be developed covering the delivery of specific services and functions
  
• review and compliance provisions

"The provision for the development of further bilateral or trilateral agreements to cover the transfer of specific responsibilities is of critical importance.

"These agreements will need to have clear outcomes, clearly defined roles and responsibilities of each sphere of government, clear financial mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation processes and dispute resolution mechanisms.

"We now hope that - when future services and functions are negotiated, agreed and transferred to local government - councils won't be short-changed and left out-of-pocket.

"In short, the IGA gives us a high level agreement that will help ensure local government and local communities receive fair treatment.

"The impact of cost shifting has varied from council to council. Cost shifting can take many forms. It might be the transfer of a state or federal asset to councils, such as a regional airport, regional roads or sea walls. Or it might take the form of regulatory functions, previously undertaken by a state which is transferred to local government.

"Sometimes the responsibility is transferred with funding attached. But the funding is often inadequate or short-lived, leaving local government significantly out of pocket. At the end of the day, it's the community that pays.

"The IGA on cost shifting opens a new, more optimistic chapter in intergovernmental relations. It addresses one of the key concerns of local government. The major concern - fair funding arrangements - remains to be addressed," Cr Bell said.

For further information on the IGA see the ALGA website.
Contacts
Cr Paul Bell AM, ALGA President 0418 791 596
Rohan Greenland, Director, Public Affairs 0412 859 434 or 02 6122 9434

Subsidised regional transport options

Here's an idea with a lot of merit.

More than 200 Victorian Local Governance Association delegates met in Bendigo on the weekend and supported a motion to call on the Bracks Government to implement the half-price fares.

With the cost of petrol approaching record highs, the cost of taking the family car to Melbourne is becoming prohibitive. For the individual, taking the train has now become a real option.

As fuel prices continue to rise, there will be fewer trips made unless the car has enough passengers to make it economically viable.

Unless the State government subsidises train/coach travel for country people, we are at risk of becoming more remote from our families and friends in other places. It is also in the government's interest to conserve fuel spent in private travel when there is an alternative in public transport.



The Nationals delegates from throughout Victoria fully supported the proposal in an effort to boost regional tourism and increase patronage on public transport.

“The cost of public transport in regional areas is a barrier for local families,” Bill Sykes said. It is great to see the grassroots members from throughout country Victoria supporting this initiative."

“Unfortunately, the current ticket prices make it prohibitive for a family to travel from our region to Melbourne. It’s cheaper to get in the family car, than pay the full fare.”

“The half-price fares would also apply to city travellers visiting our region which would make it more attractive for Melburnians to take a break in country Victoria.”

The push for half-price tickets follows the success of the $10 fare deal for Commonwealth Games travel.

---

Transport - Time for a statewide transport rethink
VLGA Media Release 10 April
The Commonwealth Games have demonstrated beyond any doubt that positive change is possible for public transport, if there is the political will to get things done, according to the VLGA...

VLGA Leading Edge Forum, 6 April - Presenters' PowerPoint slides Attached file: Click here for Cr Johnson's presentation ("Nolink") Attached file: Click here for John Sanderson's presentation (Bass Coast Transport Connections) Attached file: Click here for Cr Mears' presentation (Surfcoast Pathways) Website: Click here for Trevor Budge's presentation (quick view) Website: Click here for Trevor Budge's whole presentation (3MB - long download) Website: Click here for Transport Connections page on DHS website

The beauracracy of collecting firewood

Last week, I posted an article about collecting firewood and the difficulties involved in getting a collection permit. In that article I promised to keep you informed of my progress. Read on ...

COLLECTING FIREWOOD ... continued from last issue

Stephen Deed phoned me back last Friday late in the afternoon and we discussed the problem I have been having in legally locating firewood in the Whitfield collection area.

He advised that, under the circumstances, it was O.K. to collect storm fallen timbers on the way into the forest and that he would visit the area next week to install temporary signs to that effect.

He also advised that DSE was arranging wood collection depots in many areas but this idea had not yet reached the upper King Valley.

With the RCoW limb removal program, following the legal process would not work. Upon establishing that the council was removing limbs, one has to drive to Wangaratta to get a written permit from council and then drive to Beechworth or Myrtleford to get it signed by DSE. This would take half a day from areas such as Whitfield and by the time you returned, the wood would already be gone to illegal firewood collectors.

Stephen assured me that DSE understood the problems of remote communities and that they were working towards a practical resolution. He noted that small communities such as Tallangaatta and Whitfield do not present an environmental threat in local wood collection. I put it him that residents in remote areas should be able to obtain a season ticket to collect storm felled timbers in their areas.

After the phonecall he emailed the two maps shown here to make it easier to locate the Whitfield firewood collection area. Click on the images for full screen sized maps.

As it stands, whilst it is far too difficult to follow the current firewoof collection regulations, most people will continue to collect their requirements outside the law.

What's on around Wangaratta

This summary is extracted from the RCoW E-Newsletter "Cultural Capers". If you would like to subscribe please email m.mcgann@wangaratta.vic.gov.au indicating your request. For event details, Click here to be transferred to the RCoW web page.

What's on around Wangaratta

- Hotel Sorrento (Live Professional Theatre) 8 April 2006.
- David Waters Sculpture Workshop (Art Workshop) 14 April 2006.
- North East Victoria Sculpture Event (Art Festival) 13 - 17 April 2006.
- The Gathering (Art Exhibition) 1 - 30 April 2006.
- 2006 Wangaratta Theatre Season Subscription Packages (Live Theatre
Package) 2006.
- But That's Another Story (Heritage Exhibition + Short Films) 13 April - 6
May 2006.
- Beechworth Drum Circle (Music Activity) Thursday Evenings.
- Art Lecture with Clive Murray-White (Art Lecture) 15 April 2006.
- Public Art Forum (Forum + Discussion) 15 April 2006.
- Grooves in the Park (Live Music) 15 & 16 April 2006.
- Veg Out & When Objects Dream (Art Workshops in the Park) 14 - 16 April
2006.
- Exhibition Coffee Morning (Floor Talk and Morning Tea) 28 April 2006.
- Creche & Burn (Professional Live Theatre) 22 April 2006.
- Dorothy the Dinosaur Dance Party (Live Children's Concert) 29 April 2006.
- Xavier Rudd Live (Live Music) 29 April 2006.
- Workshop on Bookbinding (Workshop) 29 & 30 April 2006.
- Travelling Film Festival (International Film Festival) 5 - 7 May 2006.
- Margret Roadknight (Live Music) 5 May 2006.
- Margret Roadknight (Workshop) 6 May 2006.

News and Update links from the media

New three-year fishing licence to save anglers money ... Vic Govt Media Release

Victoria’s recreational fishers will be able to purchase a three-year Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) from this weekend, the Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, announced today.

---

Victoria to go it alone at the next games ...
Vic Govt Media Release (EDITOR: I can't believe he said that!)

The Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Justin Madden, today announced that Victoria was considering pulling out of the Australian team and competing as a separate State at the next Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Mr Madden said Victoria was sick and tired of carrying the rest of the nation to sporting glory.

---

Labor out of touch on rabbit control ... Liberal Media Release

The Bracks Government has shown yet again that it knows nothing about country Victoria, with its decision to remove the right of landholders to choose their method of rabbit control.

---

Rural Ambulance Victoria: administration ... Full Hansard Text

Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) -- I again -- and with regret -- grieve for country Victorians in relation to the operations and administration of Rural Ambulance Victoria (RAV). In doing so I pay tribute to the paramedics who form this essential service and do wonderful work on behalf of country Victorians. But the fact is that the operations and the administration of RAV are in disarray and need to be the subject of an extensive investigation in the nature of that which I called for on 8 February when I first spoke about these matters, and with regard to which the government has at least now constructively turned its attention to, although it has not done so to nearly a sufficient degree.

---

IMFMP Initial Discussion Paper

A Draft Position Paper is currently being prepared taking into consideration the Feedback received. It is anticipated the Draft Position Paper on the Integrated Municipal Fire Management Planning Framework will be released for consultation on at the end of April 2006.

35 Briefings on the Draft Position Paper will be held around the State in May. The briefings are open to all the stakeholders in fire management planning and the community. For a briefing near you, please see the list of Dates and Venues. The meetings will also be advertised in local newspapers. The most local meeting will be held in Benalla on Tuesday 9 May at 2.00 pm in the DSE, Syndicate Room 1, 89 Sydney Road.

---

Wangaratta Schools merger gets green light ... Vic Govt Media Release

Wangaratta High School and Ovens College will merge next year after final approval by the Education and Training Minister, Lynne Kosky. Ms Kosky said she had approved the merger following strong support from the two local school councils and the wider community.

---

Fuel reduction burning a key priority ... Vic Govt Media Release

In 2004, the Government provided an additional $168 million in funding to boost Victoria’s country fire fighting services over the next four years. Crucially, this funding will also mean extra staff and equipment are in place for fuel reduction burning.

---

'Tail Tag Free' cattle trading starts in Victoria ... Vic Govt Media Release

“The introduction of ‘tail tag free’ trading is the final step in Victoria’s introduction of the NLIS and the Victorian cattle industry can be justifiably proud of its achievements,” Mr Cameron said.

---

ABC Goulburn Murray | Local News | Story
Anti water fluoridation campaigners to use cancer link research
Friday, 7 April 2006. 14:09 (AEDT)Friday, 7 April 2006.

Wangaratta's anti water fluoridation campaigners will use new research to fight the chemical being added to their water supply. Protester Norm Ryan says he has new US research linking the chemical to cancer.

He plans to take it to the Victorian Government to stop the chemical being added to Wodonga and Wangaratta's supplies. "It has now become journalised, that means that study that was done over in the States is now verified and through Harvard University that fluoride causes cancer," he said.

King Valley fruit fly eradication underway

The following letter affects all households/properties in the newly declared exclusion zone around Edi Upper where the Queensland Fruit Fly was identified a couple of weeks ago. At that time, the Watchdog posted an article on 23 March 2006 titled Queensland Fruit Fly found at Edi.

The eradication of fruit covers everything except grapes, breadfruit, coffee berry, eggplant and monstera.

It does includes blueberries, kiwi fruit, strawberries, prickly pear, lemons and oranges which all fruit abundently in the King Valley area. (I'd like to see prickly pear contained in a plastic bag!) I wonder how the RCoW will react to excess bags of fruit to be collected by the garbage collection!

---

Department of Primary Industries
31 March 2006 Private Bag,15 Knoxfield,
VIC 3180

Dear Householder

We are currently in the process of eradicating a Queensland fruit fly outbreak in your town. It is critical that this outbreak is eradicated quickly as the pest can cause serious crop losses if left unchecked. This would have ver> serious consequences for commercial growers in the area and would also make it much more difficult to grow crops such as peaches, citrus and tomatoes in backyards.

A key part of our efforts to eradicate this outbreak is the use of baits that attract and kill fruit flies. The bail contains a lure plus an insecticide (malathion). We understand that some people may have a valid reason for noi wanting to allow baiting on their property. However, if baiting or alternative preventative methods are nol performed in a backyard, then there is a very serious risk that any fruit fly host plants (eg. fruit trees, tomatoes, capsicums) will become infested. This will then undermine what we are doing in the rest of town to eradicate the outbreak.

To prevent this happening I am therefore writing to seek your co-operation to immediately harvest all fruit, tomatoes and capsicums growing on plants in your backyard and place them in an intact plastic bag. Once the fruit and susceptible vegetables have been placed into plastic bag(s), tie the top securely and leave the bag in a sunny position for at least 3 days. During this time, the bag will heat up and any fruit fly larvae in the fruit will be killed. After this period, the bag should be kept sealed and can then be placed in normal rubbish disposal facilities.

Please do not take any fresh fruit (including tomatoes and capsicums) away from your property. It is important for residents to note that it is an offence to remove fresh fruit (including tomatoes and capsicums) from within a declared suspension zone (which your town is at present) and transport that fruit or vegetable within a declared fruit fly outbreak suspension zone.

Harvesting the susceptible crops will also leave any flies that may be in the area, with no where to lay their eggs, which will also considerably help to control the outbreak.

We are seeking your help to do this now, as it is essential that we prevent any fruit flies from surviving ovei winter to carry over the outbreak to next spring. One of our staff will visit you over the next two weeks to ensure that all of the susceptible crops have been disposed of. If you would like any assistance on this or have any questions on the contents of this letter, please contact our toll free number 1800 119 498 (only from a land-line phone) and a Departmental officer will arrange a time to come and assist you.

I must emphasise that it is extremely important that these susceptible crops are removed and properly disposed of. We very much appreciate the assistance that you and the other residents of your town have given us to date. However, I must point out, that in the event that a resident chooses to ignore this request, that under out statutory powers we have the authority to order that this is done at your cost.

Yours faithfully
P J SHARKEY, Manager, Plant Standards. Victoria

---

Aussie Biofuels take a giant leap

In the last 24 hours, there have been four bio-fuel news reports on the ABC. That's too much of a coincidence so I have been googling around trying to find out more. First, here are links to the ABC stories:

Last Update: Friday, March 31, 2006. 1:01pm (AEDT)
More incentives needed to biofuel take-up
A sustainable energy expert says there are not enough incentives for country people to start using biofuels.

Last Update: Friday, March 31, 2006. 1:01pm (AEDT)
Global Ethanol targets majority stake in US producer
A Brisbane-based company will take up a 60 per cent stake in the United States' biggest farmer-owned ethanol producer.

Last Update: Friday, March 31, 2006. 5:18pm (AEDT)
BP plans wheat-based ethanol factory
Australia's first wheat-based ethanol plant is set to be built south of Perth, and could be helping to fuel West Australian cars by 2008.

Last Update: Saturday, April 1, 2006. 12:36pm (AEDT)
Wheat growers to supply ethanol plant
Western Australian wheat growers will soon be sending their produce to the country's first wheat-based ethanol plant.

Global Ethanol Holdings is a new Brisbane based company that has invested $80 million in an American Ethanol plant still under construction.

Little is known about Global Ethanol. Director Timothy McMahon yesterday referred questions to fellow director Trevor Bourne, who is in the US. Its major shareholders are companies associated with Mr Bourne. ...(Courier Mail)

The company, under Global Ethanol's leadership, is also pursuing the construction of a 100 million gallon ethanol plant at Illinois. ...(The Age)

Now, that's not the typical investment strategy of a newly formed Australian company. My guess is that BP are involved in there somewhere and there is nothing wrong with that. It certainly brings the realisation that petroleum fuels have a limited lifespan and that bio-fuels are the planned alternative.