50km/h - vicroads say no, will pallas say yes?

I have decided to take up the challenge of getting some consistency around speed limits in our townships. This issue has come about after significant ongoing community concern about speed limits and pedestrian safety in Selby and Kallista.

Currently Selby and Kallista have 60km/h speed limits, this is too fast for these townships. When I investigated the issue further it seemed that a number of townships throughout the shire have the same issues.

After being completely frustrated with responses from Vic Roads I moved a motion that council write directly to the Minister for Roads and Ports, The Hon Tim Pallas MLA to see if we could finally get some support for lower speed limits.

"Many of our arterial roads, which are the responsibility of VicRoads, have been constructed to rural standards and have not kept pace with development and increasing traffic volumes. These increased traffic volumes and associated speeds present significant risks to children and adults crossing roads to access bus stops, shops and community facilities, particularly in township areas.

Our community often experiences seemingly perplexing responses to requests for lower speed limits, refused by VicRoads on the basis of providing preference for through traffic over local community safety needs. In the mind of the community, these decisions do not often correlate with recent government initiatives for improving community safety such as the reduction of the built-up urban speed limit to 50 km/h, school speed zones of 40 km/h and metropolitan strip shopping centres speed zones of 40 km/h.

The Shire has previously received support from VicRoads for the installation of 50 km/h speed zones on arterial roads through the townships of Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale, Monbulk, Olinda, Seville, Yarra Junction, Warburton and Wesburn.

These speed limit reductions have been greatly welcomed by the local communities, however upon further application to VicRoads for similar reductions on arterial roads through other townships across the municipality the Shire has received a response that no further reductions will occur until a review of metropolitan strip shopping centre in town centre speed limits has been completed. These requests for further reductions date back to May 2003."

This photo of Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Selby was taken on a Tuesday at midday. This is not a quiet little rural lane, I would like to see how someone from VicRoads negotiates crossing the road with young children in tow. Do we have to wait for a fatality before we see some change, I hope not.

This is a very important community safety issue, many members of the community have asked numerous times for the speed limits to be reduced, but all to no avail. I hope the Minister will support our request and we will see a consistent, sensible and safe approach to speed limits throughout our townships.

train travellers have their say

Today was the day that the ETC targeted commuters across the Eastern suburbs to find out how they feel about public transport services.

It was a great response from commuters on the Belgrave Line very early this morning. Me and two officers from the Shire fronted on the railway platform with our trusty clipboards, armed with surveys, to find out how people feel about their train services and public transport generally.

Resoundingly a huge majority of respondents indicated that buses do not connect well with train services and it goes without saying that more services on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines were high on the list of wants.

The public transport survey was undertaken by the Eastern Transport Coalition who will use the data to inform their advocacy campaign. Surveys were taken across the Eastern suburbs with the seven ETC councils pinpointing key commuter hotspots. If you'd like to have your say by completing a survey visit http://www.etc.org.au/.

public transport - what do you think?

Tomorrow morning (29/4) I'll be up bright and early to greet commuters at the Belgrave Railway Station.
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As part of the Eastern Transport Coalition's (ETC) campaign to improve public transport in the East I will be surveying commuters asking their thoughts about our existing train and bus services.

The ETC is a group of 7 Eastern metropolitan municipalities who advocate for improvements to our public transport services, I'm the Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor representative for the group. If you'd like to know more about the ETC visit www.etc.org.au.

If you're interested in participating in the survey you can visit ETC's website, otherwise I'll happily post, email or fax you a survey form, just email me at s.dunn@yarraranges.vic.gov.au .

from the round table 22/04

A bit late with this week's report from the council meeting, but it's been a very busy time.

The Belgrave South CFA planning application
There has been a lot of scuttlebut about an application from the Belgrave South CFA to extend their fire station. For some reason the brigade seemed to think the application was in jeopardy.

As it turned out the application came before council at this week's meeting. It was an ideal opportunity to set the record straight......

"The application was never in jeopardy, it was only ever in jeopardy if my fellow councillors did not support the application before council (as it turned out there was unanimous support for the application).

It was reported that council were over the top about one tree, this tree, a magnificent specimen is in fact 1.7 metres dbh (diameter breast height - a measure commonly used by arborists). It's worth getting protective about a tree that size, there's not many of them about.

I don't know where the applicant got their information, but it was incorrect. I had been out on site to discuss the issues, I have had numerous internal meetings and discussions regarding the application.

It is very hard not to take offence to the suggestion that the application was in jeopardy - it never was."

I can understand the local media on the hunt for a story with tension and conflict, but there was never anything in this story. It's a poor show when local media tries to 'stir the pot' by creating tension that doesn't exist. Truth in media is very important, we expect that truth will be upheld, and that rumour and innuendo are treated as just that, not legitimate news.

Despite local media and misinformation in the community, a compromise position was readily accepted by all. Unfortunately 2 significant trees did have to go, but the other significant tree will be protected in perpetuity and the Belgrave South CFA will have a brand spanking new extension.

I would say a very good result for the environment and the community.

yarra ranges deliver message on logging

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Yesterday the people of Warburton presented the Premier with a recycled cardboard forest with messages from across the Yarra Ranges community concerned about logging of Melbourne's water catchments.

The people went to Parliament to highlight the plight of Melbourne's water catchments.

The forest 'grew' on the steps of Parliament and a 30 metre scroll was unfurled with even more messages to the Premier urging him to stop the logging of our catchments.

"Dear Mr Brumby, Our community wants logging in water catchments to stop, this is the will of the people. Cr Samantha Dunn, Shire of Yarra Ranges."

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There is no doubt the momentum on this issue is growing. The people of Melbourne need to know their catchments are being compromised by logging activities. I congratulate the Warburton community for bringing their message to the city.

Water is precious, we cannot afford to further compromise supply by logging our catchments.

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Me and Colleen Hartland (Greens MLC for the Western Metropolitan region) enjoying the forest scene on the steps of Parliament. "

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Today in Parliament, Greg Barber (Greens MLC for the Northern Metropolitan Region), applauded the seven councils who oppose logging in catchments "I commend those municipalities that have joined together to oppose logging in Melbourne’s mountain forest water catchments, led by Cr Samantha Dunn of the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Seven councils have joined this push — the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Bayside City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Moreland City Council, Port Phillip City Council, Yarra City Council and Knox City Council — representing 800 000 Melburnians."

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To read the full statement on hansard visit http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/downloadhansard/pdf/Council/Feb-Jun%202008/Council%20Feb-Jun%202008%20Daily%2015%20April%202008.pdf

forest comes to parliament 15th April

Yarra Ranges community plants forest on parliament steps

Yarra Ranges residents and children will deliver a bleak warning to the Brumby government about logging in water catchments on Tuesday by ‘planting’ a five metre forest on the steps of State Parliament.

The forest, made from recycled paper and leaves measuring five metres in width and standing up to three metres high, has been constructed by Yarra Ranges community members concerned about logging in catchment areas and will be planted on the steps of Parliament House at 11am on Tuesday the 15th April.

The action has been planned to highlight the plight of Melbourne’s water catchment areas.

Trees are essential to the health of our water catchments and help increase water flow to catchments. As we watch the effects of climate change and severe drought conditions on our environment, we want the Brumby government to know the Yarra Ranges community is not happy about logging in our catchment areas.

Our message is simple – logging in our water catchments puts Melbourne’s water supply at risk. We want Mr Brumby to listen to our concerns and take action to ensure our forests and water supply are protected now.

The recycled paper forest was a collaboration of hundreds of community members from both the Yarra Ranges region and other parts of the state.

The recycled paper forest will leave by truck from the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton on Tuesday, 15 April at 9am before arriving at State Parliament at 11am. I look forward to seeing all concerned on the steps of Parliament.

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Me and Cr Monika Keane with the recycled forest at the Mad Hatter's Tree Party in Warburton (March, 2008).

the trouble with the pipeline....

In February Council resolved to oppose the pipeline until claimed water savings could be demonstrated, we are yet to see details of these savings.

In March Council resolved that our submission to the PIA seek a construction zone easement limited to 10 metres.

The panel hearings are currently underway as part of the process in response to the Project Impact Statement (PIA) released for the North South (Sugarloaf Interconnector) Pipeline. I have so many concerns in relation to this project it's difficult to know where to start. I attended the Shire presentation to the hearing at Yering on 8th April where the following matters were highlighted as significant, outstanding and unresolved issues:

1. The PIA relies very heavily on further detailed reports to finalise the works, this makes it very difficult to respond adequately and curtails the ability of the Shire (or the community) to respond comprehensively to the project
2. The further reports alluded to have not been completed so cannot be commented on by either the shire or the community
3. There is a need for an independent audit group to be established to oversee the implementation of the project
4. There is a need for a comprehensive communication strategy; to date communication about the project has been a major shortfall
5. Construction and final easements are massive, currently construction easements are anticipated to be 30mts with final easements being 15mts
6. It is still not clear whether the project will apply for planning permits through the shire or the minister will amend the planning scheme to exempt the project from planning scheme requirements
7. Loss of significant stands of vegetation, both in forested areas (Toolangi State Forest) and on roadside reserves
8. Fragmentation of habitat and impact on many threatened species
9. Loss of food and shelter for fauna and disturbance of breeding habits
10. Loss of canopy and understorey connections for fauna
11. Irreplaceable loss of large and medium old trees
12. Significant levels of construction traffic, noise and dust
13. Little consideration to compensating the broader community for impacts which go beyond direct compensation to affected landowners
14. Lack of detail with regard to proposed crossing methods for the 187 waterway crossings
15. Lack of assessment of all waterways, the 144 waterways that have been assessed have only been via roadside inspection and there has been no consideration that assessments have been undertaken during a period of extended drought
16. Energy required to pump water - this should be renewable energy
17. The sustainability assessment gives far too much weighting to economic impacts (at 60%), the weighting should be equally distributed between environment, social and economic impacts
18. Shire roads will deteriorate with construction traffic movements, estimated at 40,000 over the life of the project without including minor traffic movements estimated at around 10,000 traffic movements
19. There has been little effective communication and liaison between the Alliance (project managers) and the Shire, this needs significant improvement
20. Where will the excess fill be dumped?
21. Will the roads and roadside assets (drains, signs and bus shelters) be reinstated after the project?
22. Will dust suppression be applied to unmade roads, temporary access roads, stockpiles and disturbed areas?
23. How adequately will traffic be managed during construction?
24. Will the project operate 7 days a week?
25. Will the pipeline be at a depth to allow for future council underground drainage?
26. The impact on tourism will be great, currently tourism brings in around $330 million to the region, how will the community be compensated for both short and long term impacts?
27. The value of agricultural production in this region (wine industry) is currently valued at $235mil per annum, 30% of this production is within 5 kilometers of the planned pipeline route

This list is by no means exhaustive, there are many matters of concern, this list highlights some of the local concerns. It does not begin to address alternate sources of water for Melbourne or the broader issues in relation to water security for Victoria.

When our Minister for Tourism claims there will no effect on tourism, he is wrong. Should this project go ahead, I hope the Minister takes the time to visit affected communities, brings his wallet and makes up for the shortfall that will happen as a consequence of this project.

report from the round table 8/4

Thought I'd start a new regular entry in my blog about council meetings, this week I'm going to focus on a section of our meetings called reports from delegates (this is a section where councillors report back on their activities for the last two weeks), read on to find out more....

SELBY CFA - 2nd April

I had the great pleasure of presiding over the elections at the Selby CFA AGM. This year saw the longstanding Captain of the brigade, Neville Oldham, retire. Neville was Captain for 14 years, a record at Selby CFA. The strength and cohesiveness of the brigade is a great credit to his leadership over the years.

It was great to see two women contesting the position of Captain, Sandra Jenkins won on the night, my congratulations to Sandra, I look forward to working with Sandra in the future.

MAV SEAG - 3rd April

Also known as the Municipal Association of Victoria Strategic Environment Advisory Group. I attended a meeting of this group whose role it is to discuss a range of issues in relation to local government and the environment.

Of particular note was a presentation by Associate Professor Brian Finlayson who presented detailed information on the impact of logging in Melbourne's water catchments. The information confirmed Yarra Ranges stance to opppose logging in our catchments. There is no doubt that logging effects water yield - dramatically.

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VLGA Forum - 3rd April

Also known as the Victorian Local Government Association. I attended a forum focussing on logging in Melbourne's water catchments. This issue is really gaining traction in the local government sector - read my last blog entry for more info on this one.

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Leader Newspaper Public Transport Forum - 7th April

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I attended a forum for a campaign Leader Newspaper is running to improve public transport in the Upper Yarra corridor.

Many of the issues faced by the Upper Yarra community are very similar to those in the Dandenong Ranges who do not live close to Belgrave station. It is very clear what our community needs is a well connected and frequent public transport service, this is critical to address social isolation, climate change and peak oil. Lets hope those in power are listening.

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North South Pipeline Hearings - 8th April

The panel hearings are currently underway in Yering (Yarra Valley) in relation to the Project Impact Statement (PIA) for the North South (Sugarloaf Interconnector) Pipeline. There are so many concerns in relation to this project it's difficult to know where to start (I've done a separate blog entry with more info). I attended the Shire presentation on Tuesday 8th April where the staff did a great job detailing our concerns.

logging forum - money into thin air?

Last week (03/04/08) I attended a VLGA Forum on logging in Melbourne's water catchments. It was a very interesting forum with speakers from the Melbourne Water Catchment Network, the DSE, former Surf Coast councillor Julie Hansen and VAFI.

The Brighton Town Hall was packed to the rafters and it was clear from the feeling in the room that overwhelmingly the majority support Yarra Range's position opposing logging in water catchments. We saw even more compelling data explaining in very clear terms how the economics of logging Melbourne's water catchments versus water yield just doesn't stack up.

The DSE and VAFI say we need more research. Melbourne's Water Catchments have had substantial research over many years, probably more than any other, we don't need any more research. The research clearly shows that logging has a detrimental impact on quality and quantity of water.

It was great to see some fellow Greens at the forum, it goes without saying this is an area that the Greens are very interested in. It was great to see the VLGA involved in the issue, water is a critical issue now and will be more so into the future.

I look forward to continuing the fight to stop logging in Melbourne's catchments. It is senseless in so many ways.

Logging our catchments;
reduces water yield
reduces water quality
makes our catchments more prone to bushfire
destroys valuable carbon stores
contributes to greenhouse gas emissions
destroys precious biodiversity

What can you do? Write to your local state MP, the Premier, the Minister for Water. Write to your local council asking them to oppose logging in Melbourne's water catchments. It is important that your government hear you and writing to them is the best way to have your voice heard.













From left to right: David Ellis (Warrandyte-Manningham branch), Sue Pennicuik MLC - Southern Metropolitan Region, me, Cr Samantha Dunn - Shire of Yarra Ranges, Robert Stephen (Dandenong Ranges branch) and Peter Halcomb (Warrandyte-Manningham branch).

oxfam fundraiser cancelled

Unfortunately the wild weather on Wednesday saw a tree branch fall on Selby Community House so the Oxfam fundraiser on Sunday 6th April has had to be cancelled. Don't let that stop you giving to a worthy appeal!

Visit http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/melbourne/ to donate now!

logging in catchments - 7 councils oppose

It was great to hear that the sixth council has joined with Yarra Ranges to oppose logging in Melbourne's water catchments. The momentum on this issue grows as more people become aware of the impact of logging on water yield, let alone biodiversity, carbon sequestration and climate change.

We all recognise that it is poor water policy to continue to log in Melbourne's precious water catchments. The seven councils who have passed resolutions opposing logging in catchments represent over 800,000 Melburnians.

The Melbourne Water Catchment Network have designed a map that allows users to click on local government areas in Melbourne and easily read the no logging motions passed by councils. I encourage you to have a look by visiting http://melbournecatchments.org/.

Here I am at the Mad Hatter's Tree Party in Warburton (a community event) writing our family's message on the "scroll from the heart", to be presented to the Premier, John Brumby.

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"Dear Mr Brumby, the earth is an amazing provider, she provides us with everything we need to survive. Our forests provide us with air, water and precious biodiversity. These ecological services are provided for free and we couldn't survive without them. Continuing to log our forests puts our very survival at risk. Our forests are precious places and must be conserved and expanded. Please stop logging our native forests now, our children's children will thank you."