St John's Rates battle gets political

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 31 Dec 08

Minister says council can waive fees on retirement residents

Written by PHILIP NOLAN.

THE battle over the city council’s move to impose annual rates on residents at St John’s Village has reached State Government level.

And the Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne, has backed away from the council stance that it has no option but to impose the rate under the existing legislation.

Mr Wynne, responding to representations by Ken Jasper (MLA, Murray Valley), has said council does have the discretion to waive or defer rates for "individuals or by class of ratepayers on the basis of financial hardship".

"I would suggest St John’s Retirement Village continue to discuss these rating issued with the council. The village may also wish to consider a challenge to any decision by the council rate the units through the judicial system," he said.

Mr Wynne said he understood council had received legal advice which had recommended that the residential units be rated, and that a recommendation to this effect would be put to new councillors in the near future.

Commenting on the minister’s response, Mr Jasper said it raised sufficient issues to support his own personal view that the rates should not be imposed on the 216 "independent living" units at the village.

"I have letters of concern from virtually every resident at the village, I have met with the chief executive officer and a representative of the residents, I have discussed the issue with the council’s chief executive officer and I have now raised it with the minister.

"The residents have never been charged rates in the past, and I don’t see why the council would want to change that now.

"St John’s Village has been a wonderful success story for Wangaratta. It has injected a lot of money into this community and has won acclaim right around the state.

"The council has said that it’s legal advice is that it has no choice under the Local Government Act but to impose the rate, but that does not come through in the minister’s letter to me.

"One thing that needs to be borne in mind in this discussion is that these residents do not actually own the land or buildings. It is actually a leasehold arrangement, and the current arrangement has been in place since the village was first opened way back in 1968."

St John’s Village chief executive officer, Joe Caruso, also stressed the point that the residents are only leaseholders, not owners, of their properties.

He said he hoped the new, and old, councillors, would make themselves fully aware of the whole situation before voting on any recommendation from council officers.

"I have had a visit from one of the new councillors wanting to find out more detail, and that was very encouraging," he said.

"We are happy to sit down and talk with any councillor, or council officer, to find the right solution.

"However, it is fair to say we have some very concerned elderly people, many of whom are pensioners, out here at the moment."

RCoW Showgrounds committee ‘Dysfunctional’

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 29 Dec 08

Chairman resigns, frustrated by division between user groups

Written by PHILIP NOLAN.

THE Rural City of Wangaratta’s plan to turn the showgrounds into an "elite" sporting facility has hit a hurdle with the resignation of the chairman of the ground’s management committee.

Graeme Taylor, who is also chief executive of the Wangaratta Sports Club, tendered his resignation last week, claiming the council-appointed committee of management had become "dysfunctional" due to ongoing division between the user groups.

He also cited the lack of consultation with the committee of management over the council’s plans for the ground as a major concern.

Mr Taylor said the time had come for a full review of the ground’s management structure.

"It may have been fine 20 years ago, but I don’t believe it is workable now," he said.

"The committee is not functioning as it was intended to.

"The council appointed this committee to run the showgrounds, but division among user group representatives has meant that it has been very difficult to make decisions.

"We have then had the situation of dissatisfied parties going direct to council, and this really undermines the committee of management."

There are 11 different user groups represented on the committee of management, plus two community members.

However, some members are involved with more than one individual group.

"I have been involved with the committee for around 20 years, and in the main, it has always been a pretty harmonious group," he said.

"However, I am now being put in the position of having to decide of conflicts of interest and points or order, and we just cannot make any decisions.

"That is not what committee was meant to be about.

"It is also difficult with the council talking about plans for an elite facility but us as a committee not having a great involvement in those plans.

"I would have thought we would have been the first body consulted.

"I understand and support the council’s plan for the facility, and if anything, that strengthens the view that a new model of ground management looks the way to go.

"I am hopeful that by bringing the issue to a head, it will be discussed in a constructive manner and we can find a new way to move forward."

The city council is keen to develop the showgrounds as the region’s top sports venue, with the aim of winning both the Ovens and Murray Football League grand final and also AFL pre-season competition matches on a regular basis.

However, one of the major issues to that for the upgrade to take place, the cycle track would have to be removed.

This has already prompted a strong reaction from cycle club officials and members, and the council has agreed to consult extensively about any planned relocation prior to further planning.

CFA finally recognises local firefighters killed

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 29 Dec 08

THE 10 brave firefighters who gave their lives in a bid to half a blazing inferno heading towards Tarrawingee way back in December, 1943, have finally won their due recognition.

At a special ceremony at the fire monument on the Great Alpine Road honoring the dead, the Country Fire Authority finally bestowed official recognition on the firefighters, two of whom were 14 year old boys.

Times were tough in December of 1943 at Tarrawingee.

It was war time and it was a drought year, and there were shortages of manpower, fuel and equipment to tackle any fires.

The big blaze had started near Bowser, and had almost been halted at Reedy Creek near Londrigan.

However, blustery conditions again turned the flames into an inferno and it took off towards Tarrawingee.

The local fire unit confronted the blaze and attempted to turn it around, but tragically, their truck became stuck in a drain and the firefighters were trapped.

By the time the fire was contained, 10 brave people were dead and a further 20 hospitalised.

This occurred at a time prior to the formation of the CFA, with the local community banding together to tackle fires, often using only beaters and sometimes branches.

Although a monument was built by the local community near the site where the tragedy unfolded, the disaster has never been officially recognised by the CFA.

Constant campaigning by families of the deceased firefighters finally paid off last week when the recognition was announced by CFA deputy chief officer, Greg Esnouf, on the 65th anniversary of the event.

Nationals success for CHS legislation

Source: Bill Sykes Media Release - 12.12.08

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed legislation passed through both houses in State Parliament early this month to resolve the current crisis affecting Community Health Services (CHS) across the state.

Mr Sykes stated, “The Nationals have been on the front foot with this issue since it first came to our attention early this year. I’ve worked with rural community health services to lobby the Government and apply media pressure to get action from the Brumby Government.”

A move by the ATO in March 2008 to remove tax concession entitlements for CHS’s put the on going delivery of vital health care services at risk, jeopardising staffing levels and the provision of specialised programs. Over 37 community health centres have had to operate throughout the year uncertain of their future.

The Brumby Government was first made aware of this issue in 2005.

The new legislation will remove the state government’s control of board appointments and reinstate the charitable tax status of community health centres statewide thereby solving the problem.

“I am pleased with the outcome of this issue,” Bill Sykes said, “however inaction for over 2 years by the Brumby Government caused this issue to get near crisis point. This should never have happened and I applaud the ongoing delivery of services by CHS despite these additional pressures.”

“We may have won this battle,” Bill Sykes said, “but much more needs to be done to address the many inequities in the Brumby Labor Government’s policies which results in country Victorians being denied access to health services taken for granted in Melbourne.”

Review of patient transport assistance scheme

Source: Bill Sykes Media Release - 12.12.08

The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) provides a vital service for country Victorians needing to travel long distances to seek specialist medical and dental services. National Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has called on the Brumby Government to undertake a review of the scheme in light of on going criticisms from the Benalla electorate.

Currently the scheme reimburses users at the rate of 17 cents per kilometre and overnight accommodation at $35 per night. The eligibility criteria sets a minimum of 100 kilometres travelled one way to receive treatment or an average weekly travel of 500 kilometres per week for a minimum of five consecutive weeks. Families who rely on the scheme find allowances fall well short of meeting costs.

“VPTAS is as essential service however members of the electorate continue to raise their concerns in relation to short falls with the scheme,” Bill Sykes said. “I spoke to one resident recently who fell short of the 100 kilometre minimum by 2 kilometres and therefore did not receive any assistance with travel costs. I have rasied this matter with the Minister for health but he was not prepared to change the guidelines.”

VPTAS was revised in October 2007, increasing travel rates from 14 to 17 cents and accommodation from $30 to $35. Despite these improvements there is still a need to ensure fair eligibility criteria for country Victorians.

“Country Victorians who seek assistance through VPTAS are already experiencing undue stress having to care for loved ones with disabilities or severe illness. It is important VPTAS provides an essential service without impacting in a negative way on people’s lives,” Bill Sykes said.

Does their word rate?

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 12.12.08

Elderly St John’s residents wait to see if new council can be trusted

Written by SALLY EVANS.

THE big winners from the Rural City of Wangaratta council elections last month may be the elderly residents living at St John’s Terrace.

Most members of the new council have previously indicated their support for the 216 independent living units remaining exempt from individual property rates.

It follows a "preliminary investigation" launched by council into the existing arrangement, introduced in 1968, in a bid to be “fair to all” in assessing the council rates.

Speaking out strongly against the move were councillors Rozi Parisotto and Lauren O’Neill, while Cr Doug McPhie believed council should honor agreements made with existing residents.

"As these units become available to new owners, then perhaps the new owners should pay rates and any new units be treated the same," he said.

Both Crs Anthony Griffiths and mayor Ron Webb said the issue needed further investigation, but Cr Griffiths was reluctant to introduce a new toll on elderly residents.

"In this economic climate where many of our older citizens are struggling, I would be very hesitant to impose any additional financial burden on them," he said.

The rural city’s remaining councillors, Lisa McInerney and Roberto Paino, indicated they were in favor of rating the units in the same way as other homes.

"Rates subsidise not only garbage and roads, but infrastructure and community development and activities," Cr McInerney said.

Cr Paino pointed out that many other Wangaratta pensioners were paying rates.

"Council is legally obliged to rate all properties except those which are exempted under the Local Government Act," he said.

"This ensures a fair and equitable result for all ratepayers."

The findings of the preliminary investigation are expected to be discussed at a future meeting of council.

Deadline looms for water inquiry submissions

Source: Bill Sykes Media Release - 10 Dec 08

Locals in the Benalla Electorate are being encouraged to come forward and raise any concerns they have about the Brumby Government’s major water infrastructure projects.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said public submissions close on 19 December for the Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry into benefits and costs relating to the north-south pipeline, the Wonthaggi desalination plant and the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure.

“The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has joined with the minor parties to give community members the opportunity to have their say about water projects which directly affect the Benalla electorate,” Bill Sykes said.

“Landowners, farmers, businesses and consumers in the Benalla Electorate should come forward before 19 December and make their views known.

“Following submissions, the community will be able to have their say directly in the New Year at a series of hearings across the state held by the Standing Committee on Finance & Public Administration,” he said.

Dr Sykes said for too long the Victorian Labor Government had burdened water companies with inflated taxes and levies, while doubling water bills for consumers.

“Labor has failed to plan for Victoria’s water needs and refuses to consider commonsense solutions such as extra water storages, stormwater harvesting and using recycled water for industry.

“Now we see the Premier arrogantly ignore a detailed CSIRO study highlighting a dramatic decline in available water in northern Victoria which underlines the dangerous folly of Labor piping this valuable resource away from country communities to the city,” Dr Sykes said.

“At the same time Labor has pushed ahead with plans to build a desalination plant on ecologically sensitive land in Gippsland that is subject to flooding.”

Dr Sykes said the Upper House Parliamentary Inquiry provided a voice for Victorians who were unhappy with the Brumby Government’s mismanagement of water projects.

“The inquiry will gather evidence from public hearings across the state, with the Standing Committee given the authority to question Members of Parliament, Ministers and departmental staff,” Dr Sykes concluded.

Despite a tight time frame, Bill Sykes, encourages country Victorians not to ignore this issue and act immediately to submit applications.

Further information is available HERE

Dam it: stop the flooding

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 10 Dec 08

Liberals say Big Buffalo push is not dead in the water

Written by STEVEN BURKE .

EXPANSION of Lake Buffalo could protect Wangaratta from future flooding, according to shadow minister for climate change, environment and water, Greg Hunt.

Mr Hunt visited Lake Buffalo with Sophie Mirabella (MHR, Indi) yesterday, and the pair are adamant the issue of expanding the 23,340 megalitre storage facility is far from dead in the water.

Previous representations from Mrs Mirabella and Ken Jasper (MLA, Murray Valley), along with a petition with more than 4000 signatures calling for the dam’s expansion, have fallen on deaf ears with the State Government.

But Mr Hunt said the government had an obligation to investigate what effect an expanded dam would have on protecting Wangaratta from floods.

All the city’s domestic water is supplied from Lake Buffalo, via release into the Ovens River.

"There needs to be an update on a feasibility study for flood mitigation around Myrtleford and towns downstream of Lake Buffalo," Mr Hunt said.

"That work hasn’t been dusted off for the best part of two decades.

"An increased overflow capacity would provide the dual advantage of helping to manage floods better and protect all the towns downstream of the lake, while also allowing more water to be stored in times of high rainfall for the bad times."

While supportive of the dam’s expansion, Mr Hunt said the environment needed to be the first priority.

"The first thing is, we need to absolutely guarantee and protect the flows of the Ovens River," he said.

Mrs Mirabella said she would continue to lobby the government.

"Commonsense has to prevail eventually," she said.

"Sometimes you just have to keep on fighting and persevering before there is a break in the clouds."

Lake Nillahcootie Flood Study report

Source: Bill Sykes Media Release - 10 Dec 08

The Lake Nillahcootie Flood Study report released yesterday confirms what local people have always maintained, that is, that Lake Nillahcootie significantly reduces the flood impacts on Benalla according to Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla.

Dr Sykes said, “The Lake Nillahcootie Flood Study report was commissioned as a result of on going community concerns about potentially increased flood risks to Benalla as a result of Lake Mokoan being decommissioned.

“I take my hat off to the Benalla & District Flood Awareness Group whose dogged persistence forced the Brumby Government to revisit unsubstantiated claims that Nillahcootie had a minimal role in reducing flood risk to Benalla.”

Dr Sykes continued, “I also congratulate Rob Swan from Cardno Lawson Treloar for some excellent work – albeit that I may not agree with all of the report’s conclusions.

“The key findings of the report are that

• even when full, Lake Nillahcootie significantly reduces (by 300-700) the number of houses flooded in Benalla in ‘1 in 100 year floods’ such as the October 1993 flood.

• when Lake Nillahcootie is 75% full there is a further 25% reduction in the number of houses flooded, that is, another 273.

“However, the report shows that in wet years it is difficult to lower Lake Nillahcootie, even when it was operated in conjunction with Lake Mokoan as originally proposed.

“It is critical that the Brumby Government supports a review of all options for lowering Lake Nillahcootie to 75% full in wet seasons as well as reviewing all other options for minimising the flood risk to Benalla and downstream.”

“At the same time, existing flood mitigation works involving clearing of vegetation and putting culverts under the railway embankment in Benalla must proceed immediately.

Dr Sykes concluded, “The Nillahcootie Flood Study report addresses one major local concern associated with the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan. It is now time for the Government to address the other major concern of providing security of water to irrigators who currently depend on Lake Mokoan.”

Webb's joy at winning mayoral poll

Source: Border Mail - 4 Dec 08

AN emotional Ron Webb was last night elected Wangaratta mayor.

In an open show of hands, Cr Webb won four votes to three against incumbent Roberto Paino.

There were three nominations for the top job, with Cr Rozi Parisotto again denied her wish to be mayor after gaining her vote and that of Cr Lauren O’Neill.

She was then denied her chance after losing a Tattslotto style draw against Cr Webb, which is how a tie is split under Wangaratta Council rules.

Cr Webb was backed by Cr Anthony Griffiths and his own vote, while Cr Paino had his own vote and those of Cr Lisa McInerney and Cr Doug McPhie.

With Cr Parisotto eliminated her vote then went to Cr Webb as did the vote of Cr O’Neill.

Cr Webb, who was visibly shaken when elected, said it was a great honour to reach the top job.

“I believe it is a new team, four new councillors, and I believe and that’s why I stood for it and it needs a new type of leadership,” he said.

“I believe I can give that leadership in relationship to team unity, open communication and allow each of the new candidates to develop fully to their potential and contribute to the city of Wangaratta.”

Cr Webb acknowledged the challenges in front of him including the drought, but believes the fresh faces on the council will provide the enthusiasm required.

“We have a lot of retired people in Wangaratta and the current world economic crisis is going to impact heavily on a lot of those people, who are relying on that type of income from their allocated pensions,” he said.

“There will be some water and sewerage projects in our outlying areas and I’m thinking of the Milawas, Tarrawingees and Glenrowans, and that’s in conjunction with North East water and that will depend on their budgeting and finances.”

Ron Webb - Wangaratta's new mayor

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle 4 Dec 08

Ron outpolls councillors Paino, Parisotto for rural city’s top job

Written by SALLY EVANS.

RON Webb won a three-way battle last night to become the Rural City of Wangaratta’s new mayor.

Cr Webb, who was the sixth councillor elected at the weekend, nudged out former mayor, Roberto Paino, and long-standing councillor, Rozi Parisotto, to snare the top job.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Cr Webb said he was looking forward to leading the new team of councillors over the coming 12 months.

"I am deeply honored and just so proud to accept this esteemed position within our community," he said.

"I look forward to the many opportunities and engagements which I will attend with dignity and a professional manner."

Cr Webb’s rise to the top followed a tight tussle between the rural city’s three returned councillors.

The first show of hands saw Cr Lauren O’Neill back Cr Parisotto for mayor, Cr Anthony Griffiths in support of Cr Webb, and Crs Lisa McInerney and Doug McPhie in favor of Cr Paino staying in the role.

The names of Crs Parisotto and Webb, with the lowest number of votes, were placed into a barrel drawn by council’s chief executive officer, Doug Sharp.

The result saw Cr Parisotto eliminated from the race and Cr Webb pitted against his close colleague, Cr Paino.

A four to three vote decided the election, with Cr Webb supported by Crs Parisotto, Griffiths and O’Neill, and Cr Paino by Crs McInerney and McPhie.

Following the meeting, Cr Paino denied he was disappointed by the result.

"I put myself forward for the job a few times, I’ve been selected twice and it’s always a privilege," he said.

"However, being a councillor is not about being the mayor, it’s much more important than that.

"It’s a privilege to be the team leader, but it’s not what you stand for.

"You stand because you want to serve the community."