recovery centres - latest hours

Residents are advised as of 5.00pm Friday 27 February the Healesville Recovery Centre will be closed.

The Recovery Centre at Yarra Glen Memorial Hall, Cnr Anzac Ave and Bell St Yarra Glen MEL REF 274 K1, will remain active until further notice.

Yarra Glen Recovery Centre opening hours:
Monday - Friday - 10.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday 28, 10.00am - 2.00pm

Staff will be available to help support and assist residents with claims to access emergency assistance grants and other personal support. Provision has also been made to house livestock and domestic animals at the centre. The shire has also made arrangements to house horses at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve, entry from Maroondah Highway Lilydale.

etc, a new chair

The Eastern Transport Coalition is a group of 7 Eastern metropolitan municipalities who advocate for improvements to our public transport services, for the past two years I have been the Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor representative on the group.

Earlier this year elections were held for a new chairperson of the ETC and I was very humbled to be elected unopposed to the position.

Our current public transport system forces people in the East to use their cars, this is an expensive transport option, generates greenhouse gas emissions, creates congestion and does nothing to address the issue of peak oil.

The outgoing chairperson, Cr Mick Van De Vreede, has done an excellent job representing the interests of the ETC and leaves big shoes to fill.

The mission of the ETC is to advocate for accessible and integrated sustainable transport in the eastern region of Melbourne to improve liveability and reduce car dependency.

The lack of fast and frequent public transport in the East results in much greater levels of car dependency. The lack of frequency and span of hours of public transport makes its use unfriendly and inconvenient. The ETC aims to have a better transport system which has improved bus services, more rail, effective coordination and more people using it.

In the East 71% of people travel to work by car, only 15% of people use public transport to get to work. More than 70% of people in the East use public transport once a month OR less. We need to see dramatic improvements to our public transport system to achieve greater transport equity in the East.

Ultimately what we need across Melbourne is an integrated transport system that provides sustainable transport into the future.

There are many opportunities to improve public transport in the East and when it’s all said and done it all comes down to a commitment from government to deliver improvements in service and infrastructure and that’s what I’ll be advocating for.

If you'd like to know more about the ETC visit www.etc.org.au.

report from the roundtable – 24 Feb

My regular update on the council meeting, this week:

Report from delegates:
I attended the Blue Dandenongs Young Filmmakers Festival held in Belgrave on the weekend, for the first time ever the event was sold out, it’s a great event which has been supported by the Shire since its inception.

Me with newly elected President of the VLGA, Cr Rose Iser of Moonee Valley City Council.

I reported back to council that I have been elected as Chairperson of the Eastern Transport Coalition, Chairperson of the Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation and Treasurer of the Victorian Local Governance Association. I am very much looking forward to these roles in the local government sector.

I visited the relief centre set up in Lilydale and what struck me was the shire staff there from a myriad of areas such as statutory planning, IT, social planning, economic development, recreation, rangers, all working together to assist our community. It is a tremendous effort, our staff are going well beyond the call of duty and are to be congratulated for their efforts.

I also spoke about the rapid set up of the Ferntree Gully Relief Centre in response to the fires in the Dandenongs, I thank the staff for their efforts in dealing with the 350 people who had registered at the centre.

Planning application for construction of bridge on the Warburton Rail Trail:
At this meeting council had to consider an application from VicRoads to build a bridge over the Maroondah Highway in Lilydale to rejoin the Warburton Rail Trail. The site is very constrained and construction would mean the removal of 34 trees.

I was supportive of the application. I thought that VicRoads had done as much as they possibly could to limit the removal of vegetation and were to be commended for it.

If we are genuine about walkability and cyclability, getting people active, this application must be supported. It has been shown time and time again that if people are given the option to walk they will walk, the public health benefits are enormous.

Having well connected shared trails throughout the shire increases the liveability of our area and has major positive benefits all round. I’m pleased to say that council voted unanimously for the bridge construction to go ahead.

Late items: Green Waste Disposal part 1
Last week at our council forum (a private meeting of council) I raised the issue of free green waste disposal across the shire to enable residents to get rid of the increased amounts of fire fuel. I was disappointed when the majority of my colleagues did not support the idea of free green waste disposal but compromised with a $10 per cubic metre charge.

Fuel loads across the Dandenongs are high, not necessarily from poor management, a week of over 40 degree temperatures topped off by the weather conditions of Black Saturday have seen much vegetation die off and the Dandenongs have become a tinderbox.

We need to facilitate the offloading of all this fire fuel and free access to green waste disposal at our tips and transfer stations is a good solution which I hope residents take advantage of. 35,000 people live across the Dandenong Ranges and it is important to do as much as we can to assist residents with managing their green waste through this fire season.

My colleagues had a change of heart with a majority of councillors supporting the waiving of the fees for green waste disposal at tips and transfer stations (up to the 15th March, 2009).

Late items: Green Waste Disposal part 2
As a follow on from one of our public submitters, concerned about the management of green waste in the Dandenongs I moved the following motion:

Resolved on the motion of Crs Dunn and Cliff
That Council:
1. Investigate:
(a) The provision of a weekly green waste bin service over the fire danger period.
(b) Alternate ways for residents to dispose of fire fuel loads.
2. Review the success of the current bundled green waste collection.

I’m pleased to say council supported the motion and I look forward to the results of further investigations. We need to look at new ways to manage our green waste, this summer has shown that current services aren’t appropriate for extreme weather conditions and I suspect we will experience more extreme weather in the future as a result of global warming.

resound bushfire appeal for instruments

The Music Council of Australia "Resound" program, in partnership with the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, is organising donations of musical instruments to musicians of all ages and ability who have lost instruments in the recent Victorian bushfires. They have received many offers of instruments but want to make sure that real need is met with good quality instruments, suited to the musicians who will be using them.

To fill the need satisfactorily, an application form has been set up for those needing their musical instrument/s replaced. The form is only accessible through the email link below. Whether the lost instrument was a $30 uke or a violin worth thousands, we know how important it is to get people playing again quickly, so this is an appeal designed to match ALL needs, great and small.

If you have lost a musical instrument due to the fires, please click on the link http://www.mca.org.au/resoundbushfireappeal to fill out the form.

If you know of someone who has been affected in this way, please forward this information to them so that they can access the form.

All applications will be considered and it’s intended to start replacing instruments as soon as possible.

If you have a spare instrument kicking around gathering dust, perhaps it’s time to donate it to this most worthy cause.

emergency fire relief centre for the dandenongs

In response to the fire today (23/02) in the Dandenong Ranges the Shire has set up three relief centres for residents who have decided to self evacuate. They are located at:

 Kilsyth Basketball Stadium, Pinks Reserve, Liverpool Road, Kilsyth (MelRef 51 G8) - STOP PRESS THIS CENTRE NO LONGER IN USE AS OF 10PM 23/02 DUE TO LACK OF DEMAND

 Knox Regional Netball Centre, in conjunction with the City of Knox, entry via Kevin Ave off Burwood Highway (MelRef 73 J4) THIS CENTRE STILL IN OPERATION

 Cardinia Cultural Centre, in conjunction with Cardinia Shire, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (MelRef 215 H5) STOP PRESS THIS CENTRE NO LONGER IN USE AS OF 12PM 23/02 DUE TO LACK OF DEMAND

A relief centre was opened last night for residents in the Upper Yarra corridor (Warburton, Wesburn, Millgrove, etc) at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve, Main St, Lilydale, (MelRef 38 E5) until further notice.

I visited there today, at that stage over 250 residents had registered at the centre, many armed with tents to camp out overnight. Although the centre was very busy, with residents making contact with DHS, Red Cross and Vic Police, evacuated teenagers were taking advantage of the Lilydale Pool next door with young children enjoying the jumping castle.

I cannot speak highly enough of the effort put in by the Shire’s staff. At the centre were staff from Social Planning, Statutory Planning, IT and a myriad of other areas all helping out to assist our community, it is an effort way beyond the call of duty and very much appreciated.

celebrate international women’s day with fernanda borges in belgrave

Ms Fernanda Borges, a leading East Timorese politician and the only female party leader in the national parliament, will be visiting Australia as part of International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations. I am pleased to be able to support Ms Borges visit to Yarra Ranges where she will speak at the screening of the documentary film Heru Ini Lafu: Weaving Life at the Earthly Pleasures Café in Belgrave on the 3rd March.

IWD celebrates the achievements of women, and provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made. It is also a day to think about the challenges ahead on the path to equality.

This year also marks ten years since the people of East Timor voted for independence in a historic ballot. Fernanda Borges will speak about the critical role played by women in the struggle for independence, as well in cultural regeneration and national development. She will call for justice for the crimes against humanity perpetrated against the people of East Timor.

Heru Ini Lafu is a meditative and unique film that journeys into rural communities to show a side of East Timorese life that is rarely seen on the Australian screen. The film highlights women's contributions to the independence struggle and celebrates their critical role in cultural regeneration and national development. Most importantly, the film reveals the beauty of East Timorese culture and details the creative processes of traditional Tais weaving. It also demonstrates the positive role played by Australian community groups in women's empowerment and the fight against poverty.

I am proud to be supporting Ms Borges visit to Yarra Ranges and invite you to join with me to hear a wonderful woman, see a thought provoking film and enjoy a delicious organic lunch. Tickets cost $25 ($20 conc), if you would like to make a booking please call Earthly Pleasures Café on 9752 6744.

lilydale relief centre open for upper yarra communities

LILYDALE RELIEF CENTRE
OPEN AT 6PM TONIGHT

Residents in the Upper Yarra Valley area, including townships east of Warburton, are advised that a relief centre will be opened at the Lilydale Recreation Reserve, Main Street, Lilydale, Melways Ref 38 E5 from 6pm tonight (22/02) until further notice.

Residents seeking accommodation for domestic animals can take them to the Victorian Animal Aid Trust, Killara Road Coldstream. Horses can be accommodated at Lilydale Recreation Reserve, entry from Maroondah Hwy Lilydale.

Whilst it was the National Day of Mourning today, fires still threaten communities in the Yarra Ranges. If you have decided to self evacuate you can go to the relief centre in Lilydale.

national day of mourning

latest hours for relief centres

Healesville Recovery Centre
Healesville Memorial Hall
Main Street
Healesville

Yarra Glen Recovery Centre
Yarra Glen Memorial Hall
Cnr Anzac Ave and Bell St
Yarra Glen

Healesville and Yarra Glen recovery centres are open:
Monday–Friday 10am to 5pm
Saturday–Sunday 10am to 2pm

Over 2,571 people have registered for assistance at the two relief centres since February 7th. At the moment a large number of shire staff from the building services, public health and local laws teams are out on site assisting residents in the fire affected areas. The staff have put in a tremendous effort to assist residents through this tragic time.

green light for green waste

I attended a Pray Evening Community Gathering for bushfire victims on Monday night, an ecumenical service provided by local churches from across the Yarra Valley and Lilydale. It is important that the community takes the time to come together and reflect on this terrible tragedy.

Over 400 people attended the Pray Evening Community Gathering at the Lilydale Showgrounds.

It was only the night before a fire took hold in Sherbrooke Forest, many in our community deciding to leave the mountain. At the time of this fire I was in Warburton attending a community meeting about fire activity in their region. I was relieved to learn the resources committed to fighting the fire in the Dandenongs were extensive and thanks to the amazing efforts of the CFA only 3.5 hectares of forest were burnt.

I have been very concerned about the levels of stockpiled green waste in the Dandenong Ranges, much of it due to the recent extreme weather conditions.

As a response to the immediate need for residents of the Dandenong Ranges to offload stockpiled green waste I raised the issue with council at a meeting last night. It was agreed to offer half price green waste disposal at tip and transfer sites across the Shire.

Details of the green waste disposal are:
 The greenwaste disposal charge will be $10/cubic metre for Wesburn, Healesville and Lysterfield (it's usually $35/cubic metre at Lysterfield) - and $42/tonne at Coldstream.
 Staff at all of the transfer stations including Lysterfield will require residents to provide ID (whilst there is a load limit on individual visits there is no limit on the number of visits).
 These arrangements will be in place for 3 weeks starting Saturday 21 February, concluding Sunday 15 March.

I hope that residents will take up the offer to ease some of the angst in the community about the levels of fire fuel in the Dandenongs.

bushfire benefit – belgrave heights

A bushfire benefit has been organised for this Friday, 20th February to raise funds for bushfire victims, live dance music is being provided courtesy of Grumpy Dog.

When: Friday 20th February 7.30pm
Where: Belgrave Heights Progress Hall
Colby Dve, Belgrave Heights
(Melway 84 F3)
Cost: Adults $20, Children under 12 $2

Bring: Something to Eat & Drink & Glasses

seven days on…

Community Meeting in Warburton
Sunday 15 Feb at 6pm
Mechanics Hall
Warburton Hwy, Warburton
MEL REF 290 B4

I attended the community meeting in Powelltown last Wednesday. The hall was packed with over 200 community members eager for information about the fires in the Bunyip region. The DSE were able to provide an update, whilst the CFA spoke about what residents need to consider if confronted by bushfire under the CFA policy of leave early or stay and defend. These agencies are doing a tremendous job keeping our community informed.

Last night I was up in Healesville at a community meeting there, around 200 locals were there including a contingent of local traders concerned about the ongoing viability of their businesses.

Still the fires burn in Yarra Ranges and our community is living with the stress of the impact they have. I have been to many community meetings where the enormity of this disaster is still being revealed.

The bushfires have been devastating in our region, as they have across Victoria. The response to this tragedy has been overwhelming. Help is coming from all sectors of the community, from other municipalities, from aid agencies, from the church community, from emergency services, from government agencies, from banks and insurers, from residents and businesses, local and afar. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and am very grateful for the many direct offers of assistance I have received from across the community.

From all sectors across Australia there has been a massive effort to fundraise for victims of the bushfire. Already there have been many local bushfire fundraising efforts, the most recent one today in Belgrave, where Bill the Butcher donated the all proceeds of his Saturday morning sausage sizzle to bushfire victims ($2,285).

The Kallista Tearooms threw open their doors last Wednesday. I, along with hundreds of locals, packed the tearooms keen to help with fundraising efforts, many donating much more than the cost of their meal. Kallista Tearooms, using donations of food from local traders and labour donated for free were able to donate all money raised to the bushfire appeal, a hefty $10,500.

Selby Primary School held a gold coin free dress day, where the students raised $3,400. People’s willingness to help out has been inspirational and the funds will greatly assist those people in need.

My heartfelt thanks go to all who have assisted, your support is very much appreciated.

In response to the emergency the shire has formed a recovery committee to coordinate the long-term process of community recovery, including assistance with access to emergency relief grants, counselling, material aid and other personal support services.

Among a range of actions to support people affected by the bushfire council is:

· Waiving rates for the 2008/09 rates period on houses that have been destroyed by the fires. In addition any money already paid as instalments for the 2008/09 rates period will be refunded to affected residents.

· Providing access to special payment arrangements for ratepayers who have lost other buildings or infrastructure on their properties or sources of income from those properties, including crops or stock, or who have become unemployed because of the impact of the fires.

· Providing free of charge to owners and their insurers copies of construction plans of any property affected by the bushfires to help support the rebuilding process. (Records are available dating back to the mid 1960s.)

· Providing a fast track planning permit process for fire-affected properties with fees being waived.

· Assisting residents with supplies for livestock. Residents requiring hay, stock feed, fencing, stock water troughs and temporary agistments can phone 9294 6125. Donations of these supplies can also be made by phoning this number. Owners of livestock can also access hay at the Healesville and Yarra Glen Relief Centres.

· Residents requiring temporary accommodation for domestic pets can take them to the Victorian Animal Aid Trust in Killara Road, Coldstream.

· Assisting in clearing and making local roads safe to help restore services, infrastructure and access into affected areas.

· Providing property assessments for residents whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by the bushfires, including inspections of water tanks and septic tanks. Staff from the shire’s building department will also conduct inspections of land to assess hazards and safety issues. Residents who are able to return to their properties can organise an inspection by phoning 9294 6133 or 9294 6415.

· Offering asbestos kits, which include disposable overalls, P2 masks, gloves, strong garbage bags and sealing tape. The kits are available for residents whose homes may have contained asbestos. Kits can be collected from the Healesville and Yarra Glen Relief Centres and the shire’s Lilydale Community Link.

community meeting - powelltown................ relief - healesville and yarra glen

Community meeting - Powelltown
A community meeting will be held in Powelltown tonight (Wednesday February 11) at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held at Powelltown Community Hall, Blake Street, Powelltown. Representatives from the CFA, Victoria Police, the Shire of Yarra Ranges, and DSE will be in attendance.

Hours changed at Relief Centres
Healesville Recovery Centre
Healesville Memorial Hall
Main Street Healesville
Yarra Glen Recovery Centre
Yarra Glen Memorial Hall
Cnr Anzac Ave and Bell St
Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen and Healesville Relief Centres will now close overnight due to a lack of demand for accommodation at the centres. They will operate daily between 8am and 8pm as Recovery Centres.

Shire of Yarra Ranges Local Laws department will continue to make grass hay available from both relief centres for owners of livestock.

emergency relief – yarra ranges

Healesville Emergency Relief Centre
Healesville Memorial Hall
Main Street Healesville
MEL REF 270 C12
Open 24 hours

Yarra Glen Emergency Relief Centre
Yarra Glen Memorial Hall
Cnr Anzac Ave and Bell St
Yarra Glen
MEL REF 274 K1
Open between 8am and 10pm

Today I spent the day at the Emergency Relief Centre at Healesville, a community meeting was called so the DSE, CFA and Victoria Police could update the community on fire activity in the region. The Shire was there to advise people in need of the assistance available at Healesville and Yarra Glen.

The Salvation Army advised that material aid including clothing, toiletries and food was available at the Healesville High School Gym, which is open between 9am and 8pm. Signs will be erected so non locals can find the High School. For basic relief after hours, community members can go to the Healesville Memorial Hall.

Donations to the Shire’s Emergency Relief Centres has been overwhelming and centres are holding large amounts of food and clothing – if you would like to donate these type of items please hold off for a little while, we have too much to manage now. Cash is needed urgently and if you are in a position to donate please call Red Cross on 1800 811 700.

If you need accommodation please make sure you register at one of our Emergency Relief centres. Centrelink and the DHS are based at Healesville and Yarra Glen and are available to process emergency assistance grants.

If you are trying to locate missing loved ones please contact Red Cross State Inquiry Centre on 1800 727 077.

Counselling is available at the Emergency Relief Centres in Healesville and Yarra Glen and local agencies are also offering their services for free, you can contact them on:
Anglicare (Counselling/Debriefing) - 9735 4188 ask for Duty Officer
Yarra Valley Community Health - 1300 130 381
Ranges Community Health - 9739 4577 Lilydale or 9754 8963 ask for Intake Worker.

Many, many people have offered to volunteer to help, in response the Shire has set up a register to coordinate the many people who’d like to help. If you can assist with accommodation, counselling, food, trade services or can offer any other assistance please register by clicking this link or or call 1300 368 333.

yarra glen - emergency relief

Yarra Glen Emergency Relief Centre
Yarra Glen Memorial Hall
Cnr Anzac Ave and Bell St
Yarra Glen

Today I attended a CFA community meeting at Yarra Glen. Around 600 local residents attended, the crowds so large they spilled out in front of the hall. It was a very emotional meeting. Many people in the local community have lost family, friends, houses, pets, livestock and businesses and to see the pain and devastation was harrowing.

Drew, a local volunteer with the CFA, lept spontaneously to the stage and spoke of his experience fighting fires over the last two days. His story was heartfelt and heartbreaking.

With tearful eyes and a breaking voice he spoke of saving other peoples homes while watching his own home go up in flames, he spoke about how very stretched the CFA were and how they were doing their utmost to protect people and property. He apologised for not doing more.

"Drew, you and all of our volunteer fire fighters are heroes. Words cannot express how thankful we all are for your efforts. "

Drew’s key message to community was please be patient, there’s a lot of people working on the ground and it’s the time to pull together as a community to get through this terrible time.

Drew left the stage to a resounding applaud and many pats on the back, the community outwardly showing its respect and thanks for the CFA and its volunteers.

In response to the desperate need in the local communities that surround Yarra Glen the Shire have set up and Emergency Relief Centre at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall that is in operation as of this afternoon. Council support services will be available as well as DHS and RedCross services.

Yarra Glen Emergency Relief Centre
Yarra Glen Memorial Hall,
Cnr Anzac Ave and Bell St
Yarra Glen

cfa community meeting - yarra glen

A community meeting will held on Monday February 9 in Yarra Glen at 10:30am at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall, Cnr Bell St and Anzac Ave, Yarra Glen (MEL Ref 274 K1).

Myself along with representatives from the Shire, CFA, Police and DSE will be in attendance.

The Shire will provide advice about emergency relief services available to residents affected by the fires.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who have suffered through this terrible tragedy.

emergency relief in healesville

Today I attended two community meetings called by the CFA, the first in Healesville, the second in Yarra Junction. Representatives from the Shire, CFA, Police, DSE and DHS were there, along with approximately 500 community members at each meeting. The meeting were held in response to the fires through the Yarra Valley and the Upper Yarra regions of the Shire.

An Emergency Relief Centre has been set up at the Healesville Memorial Hall for those people who have evacuated their homes or need assistance. It will remain open until further notice, last night around 80 people stayed at the hall.

The Shire is meeting with the DHS and local agencies to coordinate services for community members who are affected. Services include counselling, accommodation, bedding, food, assistance with Centrelink services and financial support. The Healesville Emergency Relief Centre will provide a one stop service and provide advice and relief for those who have suffered.

Hot showers are available at the Healesville pool and the Healesville RSL and towels, soap and toothbrushes will be available. Cold showers are available at Queens Park.

Animal Aid in Coldstream have opened their doors to deal with animals in distress and the Lilydale Showgrounds are available for community members who want to store their horses/horse floats, cattle/cattle trucks, etc.

There is a team at the Healesville Emergency Relief Centre to provide emergency assistance including grants through the DHS. If you are in need please go the Healesville Memorial Hall Emergency Relief Centre where the team will be able to help you.

Healesville Emergency Relief Centre
Healesville Memorial Hall
Main Street Healesville
MEL REF 270 C12

My thanks go out to all those volunteers who have contributed their time towards dealing with this emergency. They are doing a terrific job and their efforts are very much appreciated.

library learnings

I had a great day today visiting various libraries across Melbourne and in Yarra Ranges to see first hand the potential of libraries for our communities. I’m one of the Yarra Ranges councillor representatives on the Eastern Regional Library (ERL) Board, a role I share with the Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Len Cox.

Libraries have changed a great deal since I was a girl and they are becoming vibrant community spaces full of activity and learning. It was a very inspiring trip. To round off the day I had the great pleasure of launching a new collection “Creative Arts” at the Belgrave Library. The collection of art books has been specifically chosen with the local community in mind and funded from the ERL new book stock budget.

One thing that struck me today was that the successful libraries were those that mirrored the needs and wants of their communities. This is exactly what this new collection of art books does. We have a community with a rich history in artist endeavours of many persuasions. The collection specialises in a great diversity of art books and many people were enthusiastically gathering up many titles, keen to borrow on the night.

I encourage you to have a look at the new titles which have a dedicated Creative Arts space in the Belgrave Library, I’m sure you’ll be inspired.

monbulk pool takes shape

Today I attended a meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the Monbulk Aquatic Centre (MAC). It’s a very exciting redevelopment and one that has a great level of support and enthusiasm from the community.

Up for discussion were the various elements that will make up the redevelopment. Some of the key drivers include the installation of a program pool, an upgrade of the change rooms, expansion of the gym and development of community/social space in the facility.

I was at the pool last Friday (on that 45 degree day!) for the Fun Family Friday, where the pool was packed with families enjoying the water and escaping the heat. It is a very well supported facility and its redevelopment will see the pool go from strength to strength.

If you would like to input into this exciting redevelopment please contact me on s.dunn@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 9752 6869. I’d be pleased to hear your contributions.

new slant on plants

The Shire of Yarra Ranges is releasing three fantastic online publications on local plants of the Shire.

Yarra Ranges Local Plant Directory
This is a great resource featuring fact sheets for more than 900 species of plants occurring in the Shire. The fact sheets are easy to read with lots of useful information and photos of most plants to allow for species identification. The directory makes it very easy to select the right plant for your garden and contains useful links to plant communities across the Shire.
Click here.

Yarra Ranges Plant Communities Directory
If you want to know what used to grow in your area or what still does grow in your area, this is the directory for you. It contains descriptions of the vegetation communities in the shire and includes a list of plants which occurred in that region as well as a list of generally available plants.
Click here.

Street Tree Directory
A handy directory of fact sheets on reliable trees for streetscape and landscape planting. Information in this directory includes likelihood of damage to drains and impact on overhead cables, it even includes advice on which trees may hold up to strong winds better.
Click here.