NE input into Rural & Regional Tourism Report

Source: Sykes Media Report - 31.07.08

North East Victorians should be proud of their contribution towards a Rural & Regional Tourism Report tabled in Parliament yesterday, according to Nationals MP for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

The report which makes 39 important recommendations to the Government is the culmination of an inquiry launched in March 2007 by the Parliamentary Rural & Regional Committee (RRC) chaired by Nationals Upper House Member for Northern Region, Damian Drum.

Dr Sykes said, “The report generated a high level of interest across the state and included hearings in Bright and Mansfield during August 2007.

“I commend those who contributed to the process by making a submission and/or attending those public hearings.

Dr Sykes continued, “It was pleasing to see contributions by the following local tourism operators and community members reflected in some of the RRC’s 39 recommendations - Sandra Duell (Howqua Caravan Park), Michael Watson (Watsons Mountain Country Trail), Jane Starey (Avenel Maze), Wayne Phillips (Bright & District Chamber of Commerce past President) and Sandy McKenzie (Tourism Rivers and Ranges/Burnt Creek Landcare Member).

“Of particular interest were recommendations to:

• improve tourism signage throughout Victoria (recommendation 2);
• extend the current Star6 program of subsidised coach travel for both regional and Melbourne based students (recommendation 9);
• investigate the feasibility of extending the Transport Connections Project (recommendation 10);
• improve the existing network of rail trails and touring and walking tracks in regional Victoria (recommendation 14);
• review and aim to establish funding arrangements for rural and regional museums on an equitable footing with those located in Melbourne (recommendation 15);
• provide specialised counselling services for tourism operators affected by natural or environmental disasters (recommendation 22);
• provide additional funding for replacement/repair of damaged roads, tracks, signs and bridges following natural disasters, including utilising local knowledge in the recovery process (recommendation 23);
• provide funds in drought affected areas for cooperative marketing; offsetting negative media reports of natural disasters (recommendation 24); and
• extend drought related exceptional circumstances benefits to tourism operators whose businesses are directly reliant on water resources (recommendation 25);

Dr Sykes concluded, “I call on the Government to accept and implement the key recommendations of this report to protect and strengthen regional tourism in Victoria.

Full copies of the report can be obtained by contacting the Rural and Regional Committee on ph: 8682 2884 or 1300 787 202, fx: 8682 2858 or email: rrc@parliament.vic.gov.au or online at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/rrc/inquiries/tourism/tour_report.html.

City’s first adult sex shop gets go ahead

Published by Wangaratta Chronicle 30.07.08 ... archived 31.07.08

Written by JACQUIE SCHWIND.

WANGARATTA’S first adult sex shop was given the green light by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal yesterday.

Objectors concerned the Sandford Road store would have a negative effect on Wangaratta failed in their bid to stop the shop being developed by applicant Craig Patrick (right).

Earlier this month, the Wangaratta Citizens Against Pornography group spokesman, John Moore, said he was satisfied public awareness about potential dangers of the business had been raised.

He added, if approved, group members would monitor the shop to ensure it abided by restrictions placed on it.

Restrictions ordered include that no displayed goods, products or advertising material of a sexually explicit nature is visible from any nearby property, public road, thoroughfare or access way.

No one under the age of 18 is permitted to enter the store, no customer access is permitted to internet materials and no viewing booths are allowed to exist.

Aside from a warning sign stating those under 18 must not enter the premises, the only signage permitted is a 1.5m by 2m business identification sign, which must not include any sexually explicit images or materials.

The proposed name for the store is Adult Shop Australia, replacing the previously suggested name, Slap ‘n Tickle.

Self-defence claim

Published by Wangaratta Chronicle 30.07.08 ... archived 31.07.08

Whorouly murder accused faces court: police tell of fatal beating

A WHOROULY man and his co-accused, charged with the murder of another man in Wodonga on Sunday, are set to plead self-defence.

Solicitors for Ronald Dale Croxford, 36, of Whorouly, and Ricky Doubleday, 27, of Wodonga, indicated the pleas as both defendants appeared in Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday.

Neither applied for bail and both were remanded in custody for a commital mention in Wodonga in November.

Homicide detective Senior Constable Maurice Ryan briefly told the court of the police case against the pair.

He said Croxford, Doubleday, and 49-year-old husband and father, Billy Winter of Wodonga, were standing with two women outside the Birallee Tavern at about 1am.

Mr Winter produced a knife for an unknown reason, although police said he had not threatened anyone.

Croxford allegedly became aggressive and he and Doubleday punched Mr Winter in the face.

Mr Winter attempted to leave but the defendants each grabbed a wooden garden stake and beat him.

Mr Winter died at the scene and the defendants were arrested a short time later.

Speaking outside the court, Croxford’s defence solicitor, Mario Vaccaro, said his client feels for the family, and is very distressed over the whole tragedy, noting that Croxford’s family was also suffering.

Wangaratta solicitor, Kerry Clancy, representing Doubleday, said his client’s family was "heartened by the fact there is a defence, a potential self-defence".

Top cop slams opposition’s crack at crime

Published by Wangaratta Chronicle 30.07.08 ... archived 31.07.08

Written by Jacquie Schwind.

OPPOSITION insinuations Wangaratta is suffering from a robbery crime rise and Wangaratta residents are being denied police justice on crimes committed have been slammed by Wangaratta police inspector, Wayne Rotherham.

Yesterday, two media releases from the Liberal and National parties claimed ‘Robbery and Weapons Offences Up in Wangaratta’ and ‘Wangaratta Residents Denied Justice as Clearance Rates Plummet’.

Issued by opposition leader Ted Baillieu, the releases provided what the opposition said was a leaked copy of the Victoria Police annual crime statistics report for 2007-2008, extracted from Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) data, produced by Victoria Police.

Mr Baillieu said police Region 4, which includes Wangaratta and the Alpine area, had the largest increase in robberies of any police region in the state with 31.8 per cent, suggesting a new trend in violent economic crime.

The opposition-provided statistics also put Region 4’s abductions/kidnaps up 35.6 per cent and weapons/explosives offences up 14.6 per cent.

But Mr Baillieu said Region 4’s clearance rates for property damage, residential burglary, theft and rape had fallen by 7 per cent, 6.5 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

Insp Rotherham said he could not comment in relation to the unofficial Region 4 statistics but came out strongly against the Wangaratta allegations.

"I am extremely disappointed by the claims being made in respect to the Wangaratta area," Insp Rotherham said.

"I believe they are being inaccurately portrayed and my disappointment is that there should be greater analysis done to determine the true picture which is far from what is being currently reported."

Insp Rotherham said the current Council of Australian Government (COAG) survey results in regard to perceptions of safety in Wangaratta were running at 97 per cent satisfaction.

"However, I feel referring to data which is unofficial and inaccurate unfairly impacts on people’s perception.

"The people of Wangaratta deserve better than this type of reporting.

"They should get their facts right before going to the press on this matter.

"It would be more advisable for them to get to the source for a true picture rather than this ridiculous campaign."

Insp Rotherham said as far as robbery went in the Wangaratta police service area, there was one robbery in the 2006-2007 year and two robberies in 2007-2008.

"In a 24 month period, the Wangaratta police service area which includes Alpine experienced three robberies and one offender was charged for two of these.

"It certainly doesn’t depict a serious robbery problem in this area."

Mr Baillieu said the statistics it had obtained showed the State Government had failed to protect Victorians from violent crime and had not put enough police on the streets.

"Exactly one year ago, John Brumby finally acknowledged record violence as a problem - touting legislation and a safe streets taskforce to reduce violence - but these numbers confirm the strategy has been a failure," Mr Baillieu said.

"These record levels of violent crime, rising property crimes and plummeting clearance rates are a direct result of the Premier’s stubborn refusal to increase the number of police officers across the state."

Full review on Wangaratta CBD exit

Published by Wangaratta Chronicle 30.07.08 ... archived 31.07.08

Council probes new northern arterial road to ease traffic

Written by PHILIP NOLAN.

THE Rural City of Wangaratta is to undertake a full review of the possibility of a new northern end arterial road to relieve city centre congestion.

Council officers are currrently preparing a brief on what would be a multi million dollar project and it will be considered at full council within the next two months.

City mayor Roberto Paino confirmed that work had begun on a preliminary investigation into the plan, which was first put forward over four years ago.

It involves the continuation of Evans Street in front of the Wangaratta Showgrounds across the Ovens River, through the North Wangaratta flood plain and around the rear of Painters Island Caravan Park.

The new road would then meet up with Bickerton Street and Parfitt Road at the Great Alpine Road intersection.

And the original plan also allows for the re-birth of a vehicular traffic bridge across the river at Ovens St near the Sydney Hotel.

Cr Paino said the plan could not progress until it has been considered by the full council.

"It is fair to say that it will be put for consideration for council in the near future, and we will see where it goes from there," he said.

Cr Paino declined to offer a personal view of the proposal until it has gone before a council meeting.

However, the new chairman of Business Wangaratta, Anthony Newman, said that he felt the proposal contained a "deal of merit".

"I am not too sure what re-opening the end of Ovens Street would achieve, but certainly the idea of relieving congestion and getting heavy traffic such as trucks out of the city centre has appeal.

"I am sure Business Wangaratta would be very keen to take a close look at whatever is being proposed.

"There is no doubt that another bridge crossing is essential if we want the city to continue to grow," he said.

One of the major concerns with the proposed new road would be that its full length will be across a flood plain, and according to the North East Catchment Management Authority, this would require extensive investigation.

NECMA’s flood plain manager, Roel Von’tsteen, said the plan had been raised several years ago but had not been looked at in any official capacity.

"Obviously the impact that it might have on the flood plain would need to be assessed. There would have to be a thorough environmental impact statement prepared," he said.

Precious water lost as Lake William Hovell overflows

Published in Herald-Sun 23/07/08 ... archived 29/07/08

IT'S a sight to behold in a state where water is scarce.

Lake William Hovell, in the King Valley in northern Victoria, is full and thousands of megalitres of precious water is flowing over the dam wall.

But the water is not wasted. Eventually it will provide some benefit to people as far away as Adelaide, after running its course along the King River Valley, into the Ovens at Wangaratta then into the Murray for the long haul to South Australia.

But local farmer and deputy chairman of the King River Water Service, Malcolm Carson, wants the dam wall raised by a couple of metres, and another hydro power station put in to supplement the existing small hydro generator.

"It's a little dam with a huge catchment behind it," he said.

"Two metres added to the dam wall would double the capacity of Lake William Hovell, and a hydro would provide clean green power for nothing.

"There's 60km of reliable catchment running into this dam, and the inflows never stopped during the drought."

Mr Carson said Goulburn Murray Water's research shows only 2 per cent of water that falls into the catchment is actually captured, and filling an expanded dam would take no time at all.

"The State Government already owns all the land which would be covered," he said.

"They need to bite the bullet and do something."

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New information for home buyers and retirees

Source: - Bill Sykes Media Release - 23 July 2008

Two new booklets have been put out by the Australian Bankers’ Association as a service to members of the community.

The Planning for Home Ownership publication looks at the range of issues associated with buying a home, including how to decide on the property you want, how much you can afford, how to finance your purchase, and what is the right time to buy.

The process of both buying and selling will be covered, with advice on how to get the most out of your home once you have bought it.

Understanding retirement is another big issue facing Australians.

Life expectancy has increased dramatically; for example, a 55 year-old man today has a life expectancy of around 26.7 years, giving a total life expectancy of 81.7 years. A 55 year-old woman today has a life expectancy of around 30.4 years, giving a total life expectancy of 85.4 years.
That means there is a longer period in later life that needs to be funded, after a person finishes working.

The Planning for Retirement publication provides advice and information about what to expect and how to plan for it.

As the booklet says: “Like it or not, money is just as important in retirement as it is during your working life - perhaps even more so, as you no longer derive a regular income from employment. The good news is that by planning ahead, you can ensure that you are well placed financially to have the lifestyle you want and enjoy the final stage of your life.”

They are available direct from Bill Sykes office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla or by telephoning 5762 2100, or on line at The Australian Bankers Association website.

Dogs Tarra-fying

Source: - Wangaratta Chronicle - 28 July 2008

Five straight 100-point plus wins leaves Bulldogs in box seat for flag

Written by SCOTT ANDERSON.

TARRAWINGEE’S 187-point demolition of King Valley on Saturday left few Ovens and King Football League fans in doubt over the Bulldogs’ premiership credentials.

Just a week after the Roos defied their bottom of the ladder standing to knock off Milawa, the Bulldogs were quick to snuff out any chance of a second boilover, punishing King Valley with 7.5 to 0.1 in the first term.

Despite King Valley’s best efforts, the traffic continued to be somewhat one way thereafter, with Tarrawingee piling on 10 goals to three in the second quarter.

With Brendan Sessions struggling, Rory O’Keefe moved to full forward with an immediate impact, and midfielders Brad Miller and Adam Clark were dominant.

Tarrawingee coach Mick Wilson was surprised his side was so far ahead, with the Roos continuing to battle.

"We were playing pretty well, but in the second quarter King Valley kept up with us for inside 50s," he said.

"They were unlucky to miss a few shots, and we had a number of different players chipping in up forward, so that made a difference.

"Rory O’Keefe went from centre half back to help out in the forward line, and he got a few."

Already leading by 91 points at halftime, the Bulldogs refused to take it easy on their opponents after the break, with Sessions lifting to combine spectacularly with Tim Wood in attack to keep the scoreboard ticking over at a frenetic rate.

Tarrawingee added an impressive 11.5 in the third quarter to not only blast King Valley right out of the contest, but also send shudders down the spines of a number of the Bulldogs’ potential rivals come the finals.

"Sessions started to get his hands on a few, and Wood was another to play an important role," Wilson said.

"We like to have a good number of players who can go down forward just to make it less predictable.

"Wood has carried a number of injuries throughout the year, and he’s starting to come good.

"He’s a player who has had that experience at senior level in the Ovens and Murray, and we’re expecting him to get better as we head into the finals."

Some of the heat drifted from the match as Tarrawingee cruised through the final period to record a massive 34.20 (224) to 5.7 (37) win.

Sessions finished with nine goals, taking his season tally to 111, with 60 of those coming from the past seven matches.

Sessions now requires a further 22 goals over the Bulldogs’ three remaining home and away matches to overtake former Moyhu spearhead Shane Moore’s record tally of 132 set during the 2005 season.

Moore had a quiet finals series that year, and ended with 137, which is the overall record for goals kicked by one player in a year.

Sessions once again enjoyed plenty of back up on Saturday, with Wood adding seven goals of his own after starting on the bench, and O’Keefe booting five in a best on ground display.

Tarrawingee has now won 15 matches in a row - a club record - and its past five by more than 100 points each - a feat no other team has achieved in the history of Ovens and King football.

Milawa won four in a row by over 100 points on its way to winning the 1985 flag - yet another good omen for the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Milawa posted a big win over second-placed Whorouly at the Norm Minns Oval on Saturday, setting the scene for a highly anticipated contest when the Demons host the Bulldogs in five days time.

Moyhu beefs up firefighting

Source: - Wangaratta Chronicle - 28 July 2008

Community effort reaps tanker, slip-on

Written by JACQUIE SCHWIND.

A COMMUNITY fundraising feat reached its final accomplishment on Sunday when the Moyhu and District Fire Brigades Group was officially presented with its new slip-on.

Also presented was the Moyhu brigade’s new 3.4C tanker with crew cab, replacing its 1989 model.

Group officer, Ron Moorhead, described meeting the required $18,333 contribution for the $70,000 slip-on as "an absolutely fantastic community effort", especially in light of the district not being flush with spare cash.

"We’ve had a couple of bad years here with drought and different things but they rallied around and came up with the money," Mr Moorhead said.

Fundraising included written approaches to district landholders, winery operators, major business, government departments and organisations.

Four of the largest sponsors were the Victorian Farmers Federation with $5000, Dal Zotto Wines in excess of $2000 and Brown Brothers and VicRoads with $2000 apiece.

And, when the group found itself still $5000 short in May, Mr Moorhead said a Wangaratta Chronicle article, relaying the need, elicited a great response with cheques and offers of assistance.

Among the final deal sealers was Moyhu Hotel’s fundraising afternoon, featuring local musicians who donated their time.

Mr Moorhead said the slip-on substantially lifted the group’s capability to reach a fire in its crucial, early stage.

"We think it’s a major step forward for the group.

"Because it’s small, it’s going to get us into bush where lightning strikes have occurred.

"It’s equipped with chainsaws and safety gear so we can cut our way into where it’s struck and deal with it."

One of the numerous people involved in the fundraising efforts was Moyhu Fire Brigade member, Claire Griffiths, who said the slip-on’s value to the community would be quickly proven.

Sykes calls for Sports Awards nominations

Source: - Bill Sykes Media Release - 23 July 2008

There is a great opportunity to recognise those people who have made a contribution to North East Victoria’s sporting community through the Sport and Recreation Victoria Awards 2008, according to Benalla MP, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes today urged North East Victorians to consider nominating a person from their local area for one of the categories in the awards which are now open.

“North East Victoria has a strong sporting culture and I am sure we all know of someone who has made a major contribution to the local community. It would be marvellous to see one or more of these awards presented to someone from North East Victoria,” Dr Sykes said.

Nominations have to be in by 22 August 2008. The awards carry cash prizes totalling $50,000 spread across ten different categories.

• Amateur’s Achievement Award, recognising an outstanding achievement by an amateur sporting club or team.
• 'Go for your life' Community Participation Award, which recognises initiatives that encourage people to participate in sport and active recreation.
• Sport and Recreation Education Award, for outstanding achievement in education initiatives in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings.
• Community Event Award, for outstanding development and management of an event that has been of direct benefit to the local or wider community.
• Research Award, for significant research of value to the industry.
• Young Person in Sport Award, for outstanding contribution by a young person.
• Community Facility Design Award, recognises new or refurbished sport and recreation facilities with a focus on excellence in planning and design and a demonstrated impact on participation.
• Club and Organisational Management Award, recognises innovative and effective management practices, strategic planning and inclusive participation management.
• Volunteer Involvement Award, recognises the contribution made by a volunteer to the industry as a whole or to a specific industry sector.
• Minister’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognises outstanding achievements or contributions by a person, organisation or partnership in any field related to sport and recreation in Victoria.

The 2008 Sport and Recreation Awards are open to private, public or community sector organisations or individuals in Victoria. Nominations will be accepted from organisations or individuals contributing to or involved with the sport, fitness, outdoor and community recreation sectors.

Dr Sykes concluded, “Participation in an active lifestyle assists our health and well being and the 2008 Sport and Recreation Awards provide an opportunity for unsung sporting heroes in their community to be rewarded”.

More information and nomination forms are available via website www.sport.vic.gov.au.

Probationary drivers can't go green yet

Source: - Bill Sykes Media Release - 25 July 2008

Second year probationary drivers in North East Victoria will have to join the queue with other drivers around the State waiting for green ‘P’ plates suitable for external display, according to Nationals MP, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said, “Local VicRoads staff confirmed that due to an enormous demand there was a delay in manufacture of the green P plates and that it could be some weeks before a suitable external version of the P plates were available from Auto shops and Vic Roads service centres.

“New licensing system regulations that came into force on 1 July 2008 require the new green P plates to be conspicuously displayed. According to constituents contacting my office, this is an issue for cars with tinted windows.

“The mother of a second year probationary driver contacted me recently concerned with their inability to purchase suitable green P plates to affix to the exterior of the family car (with tinted windows) or the rear of the farm ute.

“Probationary drivers are also concerned with being fined for displaying P plates not easily seen due to tinted windows”, he said.

“Sgt Darren Wittingslow of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit, confirmed that failure to display P plates correctly was an offence but indicated there would be a period of leniency until the supply issue of the new green P plates was resolved.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “I commend VicPolice for their approach to this issue and urge all young drivers to comply with all aspects of the new probationary driver licensing arrangements and to drive safely”.

River redgum forest report released

Source: Liberal National Coalition Media Release - 25 July 2008

Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said today that little has changed between the draft to the final report of VEAC's River Red Gum Forests Investigation.

Mr Walsh said the report confirms that rural industries and jobs would be lost under the recommendations.

He said it was clear that VEAC’s final recommendations had been designed to support Labor’s stated policy of creating new river red gum national parks in northern Victoria.

“Despite an overwhelming negative response at VEAC’s public hearings by communities throughout northern Victoria, today’s recommendations differ only marginally from those in the draft report,” Mr Walsh said.

“This report is clearly designed to pave the way for Labor to fulfil its policy of locking up river red gum forests.

“Under this report, jobs will be lost throughout the north of the state as the area available for timber harvesting, grazing and duck hunting is slashed.

“Worryingly, VEAC has revised downwards the expected number of job losses and the economic cost to northern Victoria of slashing timber harvesting, duck hunting and traditional grazing activities.

“It would appear that VEAC has deliberately revised its figures to downplay the likely job losses and impacts on communities.

“The fact that country views have not been heeded is a huge blow to the communities and all those who put their heart and soul into making submissions to the VEAC inquiry,” Mr Walsh said.

Mathew Kiely injured in football match

Source: The Chronicle 25/07/08 ... archived 27/07/08

Shocking injury set to sideline Kiely for at least 18 months

Written by SCOTT ANDERSON.

KING Valley footballer Matt Kiely should be celebrating his 23rd birthday today.

Instead he will be resting at home, with the aid of painkillers, after suffering a shocking injury last weekend.

The Roos’ biggest win of the season was soured when the star midfielder was carried from the ground with a badly broken arm just minutes before his side recorded a stunning 33-point win over Milawa.

Kiely, who was named best on ground in the match, was injured when he landed heavily after being tackled in the dying stages of the final term.

At first it was thought he had dislocated his right shoulder, but after being taken to hospital in Wangaratta, x-rays revealed shocking damage to Kiely’s humerus and shoulder joint.

"I’m not sure exactly what happened, but it snapped the end off my shoulder - the ball at the top of my arm," he said.

"I think I half got slung to the ground, and I don’t know if I just landed badly or someone fell on top of me or what.

"I got taken into the rooms, but they knew it was really bad - I was in a fair bit of agony, and they rushed me to hospital as quick as they could.

"When they did the x-rays there was a lot of damage."

Surgeons operated on Kiely’s shoulder and arm on Saturday night, inserting a metal plate and pins to rejoin the fractured bone.

He was scheduled to leave hospital on Tuesday, until further x-rays revealed bone fragments and damage that had previously gone unseen.

The surgeons were called back in for a secondary operation, leaving him hospitalised until yesterday afternoon.

Kiely, who has a three-month-old daughter, now faces at least 18 months out of football, and a significant period of rehabilitation before he will be able to resume work as a fencer.

"They have to leave the plate and pins in there for about a year, then we’ll just have to wait and see after that.

"I won’t be able to play football next year, and whether or not I can play the following year just depends how well it all heals," he said.

Whitfield community wish list

njtvcPublished by The Chroniclel - 23/07/2008. Archived 23/07/08

A CHILDREN’S playground, community centre and riverside walkway top the wish list for residents of Whitfield.

A meeting of about 45 community members was held at the Swinburne Pavilion on Sunday to discuss the future direction of the King Valley town.

Out of the landmark gathering came a list of 10 priorities, with a volunteer assigned to pursue each one.

Wendy Wilson from the Whitfield Recreation Reserve Committee of Management said there was strong support to establish a children’s playground for public use.

"There is a playground at the school but some parents don’t feel comfortable using it outside of school hours," she said.

"It was also suggested that the recreation reserve would be a good place to put it for families who go to watch the football on the weekends."

An upgrade of the Swinburne Pavilion and development of a communitycentre were also backed by the group, and follows a $23,000 State Government grant for the project in February.

The reserve committee was awarded the funding to undertake a feasibility study into a new community complex to provide a meeting place for the local community, as well as child care, kindergarten and health care services.

Ms Wilson said the meeting felt there was a need for other options in the town, including a place to hold events such as a winery expo.

Other actions identified by the group included:

• walkway along the King River;

• drainage/stormwater infrastructure;

• youth activities; and

• a sealed road between Whitfield and Myrrhee.

Ms Wilson said the meeting overall was a success, and provided community members with "some positive direction".

"People walked away feeling as though we have somewhere to go next and that there is a chance that we can achieve these things," she said.

A second community meeting is being organised for Sunday, August 10.

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Comment:
Go to King Valley Watchdog article Whitfeld’s hidden agenda for comments

Irrigator bills likely to soar

Published by Border Mail - 23/07/2008. Archived 23/07/08

IRRIGATORS in the Ovens and King valleys are facing a tenfold increase in what they pay for water.

The massive price rise will be partly used to offset the almost $20 million worth of work to be spent to shore up Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell dam walls from floods.

Discussions within Goulburn-Murray Water say the cost to supply a megalitre of water in the system could increase to $60 in the next five years.

Last summer water licence holders on the rivers paid between $5 and $6 a megalitre.

The authority’s strategy and stakeholder manager Garry Smith said that was well below the true cost of supplying its customers.

“It actually cost the water authority about $28 a megalitre to supply that water,” he said.

“If the price was to go to $60 or more, that would seem a substantial increase, but it is off an extremely low base, at the moment it is less than a cent a tonne delivered to the farm boundary.

“The price rise isn’t directly linked to the dam wall works but it was an opportunity to review our pricing.”

Goulburn-Murray Water plans to spend $8 million at Lake William Hovell and $11 million at Lake Buffalo.

Mr Smith said there was no present threat to those near the dam walls.

“The works are about the safety of the storage — particular issues include earthquake stability, some of the operational equipment but mainly flood capacity and embankment stability,” he said.

“It is also about a new understanding of extreme flood risks, well above what has been seen in those valleys.”

There would be no changes to pricing in this financial year.

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Comment:
And so the price should rise tenfold. Last year, I heard of local vineyards buying in extra water at $1000 a megalitre. In these days of water shortage, it is immoral for the water authority to sell water below cost