LATEST NEWS -

Dan postpones Melbourne restrictions update but opens more of regional Victoria facilities

As we know, today 6 new cases have been identified in our northern suburbs, meaning there have so far been 39 cases spread across 11 households. Concerningly, while these cases have locations in common it is not yet clear how they link together. It means we may still have transmission happening where we can’t see it. The local community, working alongside our public health team, are doing everything they can to stop this spread. In the last 24 hours, over 3,000 Victorians from our northern suburbs did a profoundly powerful thing and got tested. With thousands of tests comes thousands of results.

Nationals include resigned member on membership list supplied to Electoral Commission

The Victorian Electoral Commission is currently checking the membership of the Nationals Party Victoria Branch.

As part of the checking process the VEC wrote to the people named as members of the Victorian Nationals Party asking that they confirm their membership. This was to help determine if the party had enough members to remain eligible for registration as a political party.

Pest animal contractors are tackling foxes using 1080 baits and soft-jaw traps.

There is little doubt that foxes and rabbits are two of Australia’s worst invasive pests. Foxes cause livestock and economic losses for farmers and are a major threat to native species. Rabbits detrimentally impact landscapes and biodiversity through causing soil erosion, overgrazing vegetation and competing with other animals for food. In South Gippsland, the natural coastal and agricultural landscapes along the Bunurong coast are experiencing these adverse impacts.

Victorians Urged To Prepare For Fire Season

Victorians are being urged to prepare for the upcoming summer fire season, with Fire Action Week starting today-October 19th. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville launched the week of action alongside Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp, Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block, CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook and Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer Trevor Dess.

Planning Exemptions Smooth The Way For Outdoor Dining

The Victorian Government is ensuring Melbourne’s hospitality sector can make a smooth transition to outdoor dining by streamlining planning approvals.

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced that existing pubs, restaurants, cafes and other food and drink venues can use existing outdoor spaces, as well as nearby parks and public land to accommodate and serve patrons without the need for a planning permit.

The exemptions, to be made under planning amendment VC139 and published in the government gazette later today, will allow venues to capitalise on open spaces including streets, footpaths and carparks to add to venue capacity while restrictions reduce the number of patrons allowed for indoor dining.

Final explanation for FOI numbers reported

Council contacted this newspaper unhappy about a claim made regarding the number of FOI complaints lodged at Council as seen in the Council Annual Report in each of the two years 2018/19 and 2019/20. The table in the Annual Report says 20 and 27 but Council insists that the figures are 11 and 27, not 20 and 27.

In a shattering week on Victorian roads, seven lives have been lost since 14 October.

With restrictions easing and two upcoming long weekends, Victoria Police are urging the community to drive safely as the dangers on our roads begin to creep back in. Police are today launching Operation Saturn, a two-and-a-half-week road policing operation that runs from Thursday 22 October to Sunday 8 November 2020. The state-wide operation will aim to prevent further trauma on our roads caused by dangerous driving in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The Bird & The Wolf …

As you follow the stately, meandering Tarwin River south, you arrive in the picturesque town of Tarwin Lower. If you allow yourself the time to stroll along the shopping strip, the delicious, teasing scent of award winning Little Rebel roasted coffee will lead you straight to the popular ‘The Bird & The Wolf’ coffee shop.

South Gippsland Council not planning to reopen Council meetings in November

With the relaxing of covid19 restrictions in November when 40 people are allowed in a dining establishment Council was asked when it planned to reopen its monthly live in person Council meetings. Usual numbers at a Council meeting would be around 10 maximum unless there was a contentious topic on the agenda.

A Council spokesperson said, “We are planning for a live-streamed Meeting in November and continuing to evaluate the situation on a month-by-month basis.”

Farms versus nature: how do we decide what to protect?

Australian farmers take pride in their efficient and productive farming systems, competing in the global economy and without many of the large subsidies given to their counterparts in Europe and North America. There are many agricultural success stories in Australia – such as reducing soil erosion through conservation tillage – but major environmental problems have also emerged.

One of Those Crazy Days-Camilla Hullick

As always, I bumped into lovely, familiar faces in town and struck up a jovial conversation with an endearing, retired farmer I hadn’t seen in a long while (social distancing rule applied of course). He too was buying fuel and we enjoyed a good, old yarn, laughing and teasing as I proceeded to fill my diesel container with ‘unleaded petrol’!

A Welcomed Family Legacy

It’s been over five years since the Schreurs uprooted themselves and their successful vegetable farm from the outskirts of Melbourne to Middle Tarwin, converting over 1000 acres of lush, former dairy and cattle land. The soil, climate and access to water sealed the deal. “We managed to find a location with a lot of water and a lot of water catchment area,” Adam Schreur explained.

VCAT Judge rules Windy Farm will not become a Wind Farm

Synergy Wind Pty Ltd applied to the Minister for Planning for permission under the Wellington Planning Scheme to use and develop what has been described as the Alberton Wind Farm in Wellington Shire. The Wind Farm is characterised as a wind energy facility under the Wellington Planning Scheme.

Correction to earlier article on FOI Costs at Council

This paper was contacted by a Council spokesperson over issues they had with an article written on the FOI costs at Council. They raised three matters.

Letter to the Editor-Why Wind Farm Developers Love Community Division.

I keep reading that communities will be more accepting of wind farm developments if developers simply take the time to properly engage

with local people. Wrong! The last thing developers’ want is closer scrutiny of their proposals. They orchestrate and thrive on community division, and are smug in their knowledge that they can ram their proposals through the planning process.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper-This week’s deliveries

This Week’s Deliveries.

Leongatha/Korumburra-MONDAY-TUESDAY

Mirboo North and Dumbalk-MONDAY (morning)

Foster-TUESDAY (afternoon)

Meeniyan IGA, Poowong PO, Loch Petrol Station, Nyora General Store-TUESDAY (afternoon)

Covid19 Rules Relaxation Timelines

There’s been plenty said about how challenging 2020 has been. And it’s true. This year has asked more of us – taken more from us – than any year, ever. But 2020 has also proven, without doubt, the incredible courage of Victorians. We have found it in ourselves to stay the course. And as a state – millions strong – we are defeating this virus. Other places around the world have not been so successful.

Victorian Dairy Farmers Prove Cream Rises To The Top

The Victorian Government’s annual economic snapshot of dairy farms has revealed a lift in average performance across the state. Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes released the 14th Dairy Farm Monitor Project (DFMP) which shows a challenging first six months of 2019-20 were followed by favourable conditions in the second half of the year to lift average performance across Victoria’s dairy regions.

Fresh Police appeal – obscene act in Foster 2013

Detectives from the Latrobe Family Violence Investigation Unit are making a fresh appeal for public assistance following an incident in Foster seven years ago.

Petitioners call on South Gippsland Shire Council to declare a Climate Emergency

More than 2,000 people have signed a petition to South Gippsland Shire Council to immediately declare a climate emergency. The petition, to be presented to Council at its October 21st public presentation meeting, was organised by Prom Area Climate Action (PACA) and carries 2,031 signatures. It says dangerous climate change is happening now and is accelerating and that this demands action at a pace far beyond business and politics as usual.

Mirboo North Pool delayed by 6-8 weeks. Expected to open mid-February 2021

While the contractor has made significant inroads into the project, at this stage it is anticipated that the pool will open approximately 6-8 weeks later than planned. While originally slated for a December re-opening, the pool is now expected to be open by mid-February 2021.

Call out for retired teachers to tutor in classroom

More than 4,100 tutors will be deployed across Victorian schools in 2021 to ensure no student is left behind in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The $250 million package is the single biggest boost to individual learning support in Victoria’s history, and will make sure any student who may have fallen behind or become disengaged gets the help they deserve.

Call for mountain bike tourism for South Gippsland Shire

The South Gippsland Action Group wish to make the case for the Shire to actually engage with Parks Victoria and the Mountain Bike riders to develop tracks within our Parks, State Forests and Reserves to develop a series of facilities that will encourage this tourism.

Victims Free to Share their Story without Court Permission

The Victorian Government has listened and taken urgent action to ensure victim-survivors of sexual assault can share their stories. Attorney-General Jill Hennessy today announced amendments to the Judicial Proceedings Reports Act to empower victim-survivors to tell their stories – without having to seek court permission.

Preparing Ground For Victoria’s Plantation Timber Future

The Victorian Government is supporting a sustainable future for Victoria’s forestry industry with formal expressions of interest opening for investors and plantation developers to expand the state’s plantation timber supply. The Gippsland Plantations Investment Program will significantly grow Victoria’s timber stocks by providing incentives for new industrial-scale plantings as part of the Government’s record $110 million investment in plantation timber.

state of emergency and the state of disaster extended from Oct 11th to Nov 8th

Close contacts to be made to quarantine.
Increased penalties for breaches by businesses and people. Testing refusers to be in quarantine for 24 days.

Delivering Food Relief For Local Communities

The Victorian Government is strengthening food relief services across the state ensuring healthy food reaches Victorians in need.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today launched the Government’s new $5 million Community Food Relief Fund – supporting local community organisations supplying food to Victorians in need.

Double fatality at Korumburra

Two people have died following a serious crash in Korumburra this afternoon.

Officers have been told a car was stationary waiting to turn right, on the South Gippsland Highway about 3.30pm when it was hit from behind by another vehicle.

Another Landslip to Add to South Gippsland’s List

Ned Land was driving along the Main South Road towards the Ranceby Road this morning when he came upon this new landslip. SES Korumburra and South Gippsland Council have both been notified. Council recently approved contracts for repairing 4 major landslips from 2019 which were over 12 months old and another 3 smaller ones developed since that date. Total appears to be 9 and it is to be hoped that Council could fix this one a little quicker than 12 months-time.

Mirboo North Pool Fund Raising Success.

The Mirboo North Pool Committee and the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation are pleased to announce that they have met the $1M community fundraising target with the $100,000 Challenge Fund from the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation having been matched in total last month.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Meeniyan IGA Supermarket

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Meeniyan IGA Supermarket.
Issue 5 is in store now.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Loch petrol station

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Loch Petrol Station.
Issue 5 is in store now.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Poowong Post Office.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Poowong Post Office.
Issue 5 is in store now.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Nyora General Store.

South Gippsland Voices Newspaper is now available fortnightly from the Nyora General Store.
Issue 5 is in store now.

The Merging of Two Worlds …

The covid-19 pandemic is horrendous on so many levels, however the creativity which is transpiring and rising from the ashes is commendably astounding. One of the innovate ideas presently emerging at full speed is Pages For Wisdom.

Chelsea Dynan, from Gembrook, is a psychologist and an experienced palliative care counsellor. Presently on maternity leave after giving birth to a gorgeous, second child, Chelsea has been reflecting and writing about her meaningful work. “I found myself pondering over the fragility of our aged care community and how one person can have such a substantial impact on another,” she claims.

Council Annual Report Falsely Claims Target Achieved on two Major Initiatives

Possibly the most important major initiative in the 2017-2021 Council Plan was the development and implementation of the shared services program. This program promised savings in the order of $2-3 Million per year for South Gippsland Council which would have allowed a rate reduction for ratepayers of 7% if passed on in full through the rates notice.

Cultured Meat is Closer Than We Think.

The world is in the grips of a food-tech revolution. One of the most compelling new developments is cultured meat, also known as clean, cell-based or slaughter-free meat. It’s grown from stem cells taken from a live animal without the need for slaughter.

My Favourite Straight Forward Carrot Cake

My repertoire of cakes is minimal. I or should I say she who must be obeyed outsourced main courses predominantly to me. This one is fantastic and I have shared it with many friends. It is equally simple and appealing and rewarding. One of my male friends now uses it with is very young granddaughter as an exercise in cooking. (About $6 2020 or 50c a slice) Time about 20 minute to prepare.

From adenoviruses to RNA: the pros and cons of different COVID vaccine technologies

Council’s Cost Claims on FOI Not Adding Up from Finance Department

On page 25 in the adopted Council budget (June 2020), notes say ” 2. An additional Freedom of Information (FOI) officer has been included as well as increasing hours for current FOI staff to manage a significant increase in FOI requests. Increase of $133,000.”

A report at the time quoted Council’s Acting Director Corporate and Community Services, Tracey Costello as saying the budget for addressing FOI requests by ratepayers had now reached a staggering $190,000 per annum.

Mr Clifford Hayes (Member for Southern Metropolitan) Asks Minister to Release South Gippsland Councillor Submissions

Question: To ask the Minister for Local Government: In relation to the former Minister for Local Government, the Hon Adem Somyurek’s correspondence to the South Gippsland Shire Council of 2 April 2019, which stated “I will make the monitor report and any Council or Councillor responses public once any submissions from the Council have been duly considered”

President Trump and First Lady Catch Covid-Now in Quarantine

One of President Trumps closets advisors, Ms Hope hicks, tested positive for covid yesterday forcing the President and First Lady to get tested. Both tests came back positive, so the President and First Lady have now entered 14-day quarantine.

Breaking News Travel Bubble with New Zealand Agreed

New Zealanders can travel freely to NT and NSW if they have been in New Zealand for 14 days and do not come from any hotspot zones.

States can participate if they follow the commonwealth hot spot definitions.

No quarantine if they come from non-hotspot areas.

Australian Govt will support “green lanes” at borders to collect information from New Zealanders when they arrive to allow contact tracing if needed.

Victorian Forestry Plan or No Plan?

The Victorian Government has developed the Victorian Forestry Plan to assist the industry as it manages its gradual transition away from native forest harvesting to a plantation-based timber supply.

The plan shown here contains detail about how to financially compensate those in the industry who desire or must depart the industry as timber production reduces. Nothing is mentioned in this report about where the replacement timber will come from to replace the currently acquired native sawlogs.

Administrators Inefficient in producing the Efficiency report 9 months late.

An annual initiative of the Council Plan 2017-2021 was to ‘identify efficiency measures that Council has achieved since the introduction of the Victorian Rate Capping System and present a report to Council by 30 December 2019.’