ethical paper pledge for yarra ranges

report from the round table - 27th april

At this week's council meeting I moved a motion for Yarra Ranges to support the Ethical Paper pledge.

The motion:

1. That the Shire of Yarra Ranges sign the Ethical Paper pledge;

2. That the Shire of Yarra Ranges sponsor the attached motion* for adoption at the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting on 26 May 2011.

*(note wording referred to in item 2 is: That the MAV "promote environmental and sustainable outcomes" as per its procurement policy by taking the following actions: a) signing the Ethical Paper Pledge; b) implementing the Ethical Paper Pledge in its purchasing and procurement practices; c) recommending that all MAV member Councils also sign and implement the Pledge.)

In speaking to the motion I spoke about the Shire's procurement policy, the financial impact on procurement and the ecological issues associated with logging our forests for pulp.

The motion is a public recognition of the position Yarra Ranges currently takes. We do not purchase copy paper with any native forest content (be it native forest from this country or overseas). By signing the pledge there would be no financial impact on our procurement as we don't buy these unsustainable products.

Our procurement policy is clearly defined in relation to Sustainable Procurement, it states "Council is committed to the principles of sustainable and environmental procurement when buying goods.....by giving consideration to: Minimising environmental impacts of the goods and services over their whole of life; Suppliers socially and evironmentally responsible practices".

I have been told by executives of Australian Paper that 19% of their paper pulp is sourced from native forests, native forests in the Central Highlands and in the Water Catchments in Yarra Ranges (among others too). So every sheet of Reflex paper contains 19% native forest. It doesn't have to be this way, plantation timber is available to fulfill the supply chain and would mean that our beautiful native forests wouldn't be destroyed to make paper.

Past Freedom of Information applications have revealed that up to 85% of logged native forest went to woodchip, that's too much of our forest being pulped, putting at risk biodiversity and water supply.

Vegetation clearing contributes to 19% of greenhouse gas emissions world wide. The Mountain Ash forests of the Central Highlands have been shown to be the most carbon dense in the world, and yet they are logged for paper pulp.

Logging of our native forests in the Central Highlands puts at risk threatened species like Victoria's faunal emblem, Leadbeater's Possum, now at critical levels with less than 1,000 left in the wild and no captive breeding programs. Species such as the Sooty Owl and Barred Galaxias are also at risk and impacted by logging operations in the Central Highlands.

Plantation timber is an option, there is enough plantation timber to completely substitute the native forest content of Australian Paper's Reflex.

This motion is about a commitment to ethical purchasing and ensuring that paper purchased does not contain native forest.

We still hear from the industry that logging is sustainable, but as the pressure of carbon management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, securing water supply grows greater every day it is hard to justify the ongoing clearfelling of our native forests for paper pulp.

Councillors supporting the motion:

Crs Samantha Dunn, Jeanette McRae, Len Cox, Tim Heenan, Terry Avery, Richard Higgins and Graham Warren.

Councillors against the motion:

Cr Chris Templer

Councillors absent:

Cr Noel Cliff

weed management underway in the dandenongs

After months of planning and coordination the Dandenong Ranges Urban Fringe Weed Management Initiative is underway.

The Urban Fringe Weed Management Initiative sees $1million of state government funding put towards weed management at three sites across the Dandenong Ranges. Council wil be matching that funding dollar for dollar for weed control and management on council land.

For the initiative to be successful over the long term weeds must be managed at a landscape scale. This requires the combined efforts of friends of and landcare groups, private landholders and public land managers. Weeds know no boundaries and don't mind who manages the land, that's why it's important to get all land managers on board.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges has the lead role in coordinating the project under the direction of the Project Working Group. The Group is made up of representatives of council, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, DSE and Vic Roads. Yarra Ranges will also play a key role in coordinating works with Landcare, Friends of Groups and private landowners to ensure combined efforts have the greatest impact on reducing weeds and improving biodiversity.

Works in the Dandenongs will be targetted in three specific areas. These areas were selected after considering quality of vegetation, weed threat, community support and uptake of community grants and incentives.

In the next six months work will continue on council managed land (reserves and roadsides) and develop a community engagement plan. If you'd like to know more you can email the shire at enviroadmin@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

samantha in the press - environment

Weed cash not enough for hills
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
27 Apr 2011

meet jane clifton at belgrave library

Actress, Comedienne, musician and author Jane Clifton is coming to Belgrave Library. With her third book to be published in May 2011, Jane will share the books she loves, her reflections on the writing process and some of the experiences that have shaped her fascinating life.

This event will be a wonderfully engaging lunch.


When: 12:30pm, Thursday 28th April
Where: Belgrave Library
Cost: $10 (includes lunch)
Bookings essential: 9754 7266 or online.

knox transit link?

A study completed by the Public Transport Users Association has revealed what long suffering commuters have known for some time, gaping holes and huge wait times on the Knox Transit Link, the shuttle bus service that links Knox City with the tram service at Vermont South.

Given that Knox City is a major activity centre it is critical that public transport services provide good linkages so people can travel via public transport rather than jump in the car. The PTUA Study shows that commuters are generally left waiting at least 15 minutes for connecting services.

The bus service is supposed to make up for the service that should have been provided by the promised extension to the Vermont South tram service. But what happens on the ground leaves commuters stranded waiting for buses to connect to trams or waiting for trams to connect to buses. This lack of connectivity is yet another barrier to people using public transport, hopefully the new Coalition government will start to provide public transport that people want to use.

And what of the people travelling to Knox City from Belgrave, well if you're travelling from Belgrave you'll need to take either the train, then a bus, or two buses. But if you're travelling from beyond Belgrave then add another bus to your trip. Is it any wonder that the people in the Dandenong Ranges are completely car dependent.

Let's hope we see a real commitment from the Coalition government to make public transport a priority. I hope that the implementation of a Public Transport Authority will see a level of coordination that will at least fix the connectivity problems commuters face on a daily basis.

As chairperson of the Eastern Transport Coalition I will continue to advocate for better public transport on behalf of our communities, we deserve nothing less.

Thanks to the PTUA for their study information.

samantha in the press - public transport

Train Services Fail to Deliver
Leader Newspapers
by Tim Michell and Laura Armitage
19 April 2011

samantha in the press - local laws

Homeless help
Mail Newspapers
by Russell Bennett
19 April 2011

Camping Ban
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
19 April 2011

samantha in the press - planning

Not McWelcome
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
19 April 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Bobcats 'rip forest'
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Cameron Lucadou-Wells
19 April 2011

Bush bash slammed
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
19 April 2011

$4m weeds strike
Mail Newspapers
by Russell Bennett
19 April 2011

yarra ranges submits to vicforest timber release plan

Yarra Ranges Council recently met with representatives of VicForests to talk about their current Timber Release Plan. As a result of talks Yarra Ranges prepared a submission to VicForests.

Council has a number of general concerns but some of our more specific concerns include:
Logging in Water Catchments - Council does not support any logging in closed or open water catchments, back in November 2007, I moved a motion to oppose logging in water catchments which was supported unanimously. There are 86 coupes proposed for water catchments in the current timber release plan.
Impact of Logging on Tourism, Local Economy and Environment - In June 2010 Cr McRae moved a motion calling for the immediate halt of logging on the Bicentennial Trail and Mt St Leonards due to significant adverse impacts on the local economy, tourism features and the environment. Council continues to be concerned about the siting of coupes in sensitive tourism areas and coupes that impact on the significant landscapes of the shire, our vistas are very important and need to be protected. It is council's view that at least 11 proposed coupes will impact on prominent tourism areas.
Quality of Ecological Assessments - council continues to be concerned about the level of ecological assessment of logging coupes. Council believes, given the ecological significance and sensitivity of many flora and fauna in Yarra Ranges, that comprehensive ecological assessments are required for each coupe prior to approval by a someone who has suitable and specific ecological qualifications.
Post Logging Ecological Assessments - council believes that there is little or no data on the cumulative ecological effect of logging on our forests and that as a matter of course assessments should be conducted 6 months after a regeneration burn to assess the cumulative effect on biodiversity and regeneration success.
Retention of Habitat Trees - council believes the logging industry should apply the same standard to the identification of habitat trees that applies in the state government's Native Vegetation Management Framework. That way habitat trees would be identified using the sound science that underpins the NVMF rather than use a subjective in the field assessment of what constitutes a habitat tree.
Protection of Threatened Species Habitat - The extent of the 2009 bushfires had significant impact on the habitat of threatened species, particularly Leadbeater's Possum. Council wants assurances that no new coupes will be granted that have the potential to destroy Special Protection Zone forest or any areas of Leadbeaters Possums' Permanent Reserve System or other areas previously set aside to conserve and secure forest biodiversity. There are currently 21 proposed coupes adjacent to SPZ or LPPRS forest.
Regeneration of Logged Coupes - Council is concerned about the rate of regeneration of logged coupes. It is abundantly clear from recent reports that regeneration rates fall well below what is required and there is a growing backlog of logged coupes requiring regeneration. Council does not support the approval of any new coupes in the region until VicForests can clearly demonstrate their capacity, budget and commitment to address the backlog of regeneration.

There are a number of other issues too, including movement of logging trucks at night and on Sundays (through tourist towns), landscape fragmentation and habitat connectivity, value of timber products (which in the main are low grade woodchips, not high grade timber veneers) and monitoring and reporting of forest management. It's a complex issue which continues to impact on the Shire in many ways.

Our forests are more important than ever, in combating climate change as carbon sinks, protecting water supply for greater Melbourne as well as biodiversity, it's important to protect and conserve what's left.

selbyfest a hit

Congratulations to organisers of Selbyfest. It was a great community festival with something for everyone. From the fantastic rocket launches, through to the fabulous fashion parade, everyone was catered for. The organising committee have put in many hours of hard work, and it showed.

Many groups were represented on the day including the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association, Sea Shepherd, No Room for Racism, TVAG and the Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group. Supported by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the Belgrave Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) Selbyfest was a wonderfully organised event, featuring a plethora of local musicians, it was wonderful to share that great sense of community and see Selby Community House feature as a central point of the festival.

Well done to Julian, Leanne and everyone involved, you did a great job and I hope there are many more Selbyfests to come.

samantha in the press - public transport

Fare game
Greater Dandenong Weekly
15 April 2011

sustainable ideas and food fest - wesburn

Yarra Valley ECOSS (located in the heart of the little yarra valley in Wesburn) are running a Sustainable Ideas and Food Fest. .............................................................. The day includes ....................................................................... Inspiration - sustainable food and ideas market Skills Sharing - practical sustainable food workshops Engage - sustainable food/changing climate forum ........................................................................................................................................................................ Be part of the Sustainable Food Future. .......................................................................................................................................................... Where: ECOSS, 711 Old Warburton Road, Wesburn ............................................................ When: 30th April from 9am to 5pm ................................................... ................................. More info: yarravalleyecoss@gmail.com Web: www.ecoss.org.au

local ire from fuel break works

report from the roundtable - 12 apr

At this week's council meeting I raised a late item to raise the issue of fuel break works in the Southern Dandenong Ranges as part of the Melbourne Bushfire Protection Program.

Recent works along the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park (Nation Rd, Selby) and Zig Zag Road in Belgrave South have raised the ire of many locals. There has been significant environmental degradation which will lead to enormous ongoing weed management, restoration and native vegetation offset costs into the future.

After urgent talks with local environment groups and Parks Victoria onsite at Zig Zag Road I thought it was important to highlight the issue and concerns to not only the Minister for Environment and our local MPs, but to the CEO of Parks Victoria as well.

There is no doubt that the community and environmental groups are in support of the aims of the program, that is to reduce fire fuel and maintain fire breaks across the ranges, however the manner in which this work has been conducted has been far from ideal with enormous damage to significant understorey vegetation, habitat trees and vulnerable species.

In Selby the ground was scalped to bare earth and although a 20 metre fuel break width was a specific condition of the works, in most places the width is 35 metres and in some places the break is over 45 metres wide. These works caused significant destruction of high quality remnant ground flora vegetation and added substantially to the spread of several invasive weeds. The scalping of earth has resulted in erosion that is undermining tree roots and the soil compaction has lead to increased runoff and associated erosion and reduced the ability for in ground infiltration of surface water.

After the work at Nation Road, local Friends of Group members, who work tirelessly enhancing our natural environment spending countless hours weeding and planting, spoke to Parks Victoria to get agreement on a more sensitive approach to works at the Zig Zag Road site in Belgrave South. However the on the grounds work were yet another example of environmental degradation and showed a lack of understanding of the environmental values of the site.

Of particular note on the Zig Zag Road site was the substantial investment of volunteer hours into the site, the Friends of Group had invested over 200 hours of their time and effort pulling weeds and enhancing habitat and the natural environment. The site in Belgrave South is particularly special, it is home to Caladenia Oenochila (Wine-lipped Spider Orchid), which occurs in very few places in Yarra Ranges and is vulnerable in Victoria due to its continued depletion. Volunteers are right to be upset about the works and question why they bothered putting in the effort to see it destroyed.

As I've said earlier in this post, everyone supports the aims of the fuel break works, but there are far better ways to achieve the same outcome without the significant environmental damage.

Environmentalists and community groups are now gravely concerned for the next lot of fuel break works planned for the Black Hill Crown Land Corridor Link in Selby, it's an important piece of land, it provides a vital wildlife corridor to link habitat and fauna across the ranges.

The motion called for:

-Assurances that future ecological assessments of fuel break sites are undertaken onsite on not via a desktop survey, the data currently being used is out of date and doesn't represent what's on the ground.

- That sites identified with high quality values and/or vulnerable species be appropriately managed to ensure fuel break and reduction works are undertaken sensitively to achieve the aims of the program, maximise biodiversity outcomes and minimise impacts.

- Consideration of the implementation of a Code of Practice and appropriate training of contractors.

- Details of management and restoration plans for sites already damaged as well as location of offsets for all the native vegetation that has been removed so far.

Specifically in relation to the Southern Dandenong Ranges the motion called for:

- Suspension of any futher work pending detailed onsite ecological assessment of the Black Hill Crown Land Corridor Link.

- Commitment to collaborate with locals who have the on the ground knowledge of these vast tracts of land and come to agreement and understanding around the extent and method of works, particularly at the Black Hill site.

- A commitment to a minimum three year funding for weed management and rehabilitation of sites affected by major soil disturbance as part of the recent Melbourne Bushfire Protection Program works.

I'm pleased to say that councillors voted unanimously to support the motion.

local law passes

report from the roundtable - 12 apr

At this week's council meeting council had to consider the making of a local law to deal with a number of issues. This was the second time the local law was before us, back in January when the local law was first tabled, it raised the ire of groups and agencies who represent and help homeless people (see blog). The key issue at the time was the criminalisation of homelessness.

Although the local law covers off on a number of different matters, the issue which had the most attention was the part of the local law aimed at dealing with campers at Lillydale Lake and other parks around Yarra Ranges.

I moved the motion to make the local law. With that motion I also moved that an amendment be made to the Guidelines for Assessment, which is the document that provides guidance for staff on the interpretation and implementation of the law.

Since January, shire officers have been in contact with PILCH and other agencies around the wording of the local law and the Guidelines for Assessment. Councillors wanted to ensure that we picked up on concerns raised by advocates of homeless persons.

I noted in the draft that it failed to pick up an issue raised by both PILCH and the Salvation Army around our officers, should they indentify a person as homeless, the need to contact a relevant community agency to notify the agency of the existence and location of that homeless person (with their consent, of course). I thought it was important to include this in the Guidelines, it provides that bridge between council and homeless persons and connects people with help. In the event that a homeless person doesn't want assistance our local laws officers will provide them with a Homelessness Contact Card.

The Shire's local laws team have already been briefed by local agency, Anchor, so they will be better prepared should they indentify a homeless person when administering the local law. It's important to council that homelessness is dealt with in a sensitive manner, with respect and dignity and that homeless people are not disadvantaged by the local law.

Councillors supported the motion unanimously.

samantha in the press - local laws

Council bans Lillydale Lake campers Leader Newspapers by Kimberley Seedy 13 Apr 2011

samantha in the press - wildlife

New set up for the birds in Kallista Leader newspapers by Kimberley Seedy 13 Apr 2011

the sod turns at sherbrooke

What a terrific day to celebrate the power of community. Today saw the official marking of the first stage of construction of Sherbrooke Children's Centre with a 'turning of the sod'. ...Great things can be achieved when the three tiers of government work together. From left to right: Laura Smyth - Federal member for La Trobe, James Merlino - State member for Monbulk, Cr Samantha Dunn, Cr Terry Avery and Cr Noel Cliff, joined by some keen little helpers. .................................................................................................... In a great leap forward from a time 6 years ago when the centre was mooted for closure, the centre is now being rebuilt into a state of the art Family and Children's Centre incorporating a long day care centre, preschool, maternal child health centre, community space and the refurbished Upwey Hall. ........................................................................................................................................ The closure of Sherbrooke Children's Centre was the reason I first ran for council in 2005, up to that stage, me along with other angry parents had campaigned for 2 years to keep the dearly loved and excellent quality Sherbrooke Children's Centre open. ...................................................................................................................................... It's terrific to look back and see how far the centre and this project has come. ....................................................................................................... It is with a sense of personal pride I turn this first sod, knowing that when the centre is built many more children across the Dandenongs will have even better access to the best quality long day care on the mountain. .................................................................................................................................... If you'd like to read about the history of Sherbrooke Children's Centre and the fight to keep it open, click here, here, and here.

do you plant here often?

Speed planting, the newest form of speed dating has hit Birdsland.

Landcare for Singles is the latest way to do your bit for the environment and perhaps meet that special person over a tube of eucalypt or a trowel.

Two planting days are being held at Birdsland with an after party at Burrinja where you might just meet your match.

Details are:

Planting Day 1 - being held to celebrate Special Volunteer Week

Saturday 14 May at Birdsland

11am to 1pm

followed by lunch

Planting Day 2

Saturday 18 May at Birdsland

11am to 1pm

followed by lunch

After Party

11 June from 7pm onwards

Burrinja Cafe

If you'd like to know more check out Landcare for Singles on facebook.

Registration is essential on the Shire's website.

selbyfest nearly here

Be sure to pencil Selbyfest into your diary for Saturday 16th April. The event kicks off at 11am and concludes at 11pm - there's something for everyone at Selbyfest.

Community members have been working hard on a day of celebration with a focus on music, arts and environment.

There will be food and festival market stalls, sustainable lifestyle in all forms - workshop, stalls and talks, childrens workshop, music - performance, workshops and demonstrations.

On dusk there will be a sundown parade followed by a night of great entertainment featuring Heath Cullen, David Ross MacDonald and the Jed Rowe Band - 4 great hours of music for only$10 per head.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges is proud to be supporting Selbyfest.

lost and found: the rediscovery of leadbeaters

In an earlier blog entry I talked about the terrific celebration held at Melbourne Museum to recognise the 50th anniversary of the rediscovery of Victoria's state faunal emblem, the Leadbeaters Possum. ......................................................... Sera Blair - President and Pam Miskin - member of Friends of Leadbeaters Possum, joined the celebration of the rediscovery at the Melbourne Museum. ........................................................................................................ Featured on the day was Eric Wilkinson, who rediscovered Leadbeaters Possum all those years ago. Part of the proceedings included a wonderful video featuring Eric, telling the story of the rediscovery. ............................................................................................................. Its well worth a view, click here to watch Lost and Found: the rediscovery of Leadbeaters Possum.

broadband survey - we want to know what you think

The Shire of Yarra Ranges, as part of our economic development strategy, is conducting the Yarra Ranges Broadband Economy Survey.

High speed broadband and connectivity are vital community amenities and fundamental to drive business innovation. The Shire of Yarra Ranges sees high speed broadband infrastructure that offers better than the current market offering for connectivity as an integral part of future economic and community development.

The study will determine how a broadband economy, through improved information and communications technology infrastructure and its use, will impact economic development and levels of community innovation in the Yarra Ranges.

This survey and study will also provide important information as part of the development of the Shire's forthcoming Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.

I encourage you to have your say. You can complete the survey online or print out hard copies to complete. You can find out more by clicking here.

samantha in the press - planning

Do you want a McDonalds in Tecoma? Leader Newspapers by Kimberley Seedy 6 April 2011 . ................................................................................................................... Readers might wonder why I haven't expressed a view about McDonalds in this article (or anywhere for that matter). Given there might be an application before council, Councillors must give a fair and open hearing to both objectors and applicant. To make a judgement before considering all matters is considered to be an "apprehension of bias". Councillors must come to the table with an impartial mind, to be even handed and not have a predetermined fixed view on an application.

celebrating leadbeaters rediscovery

It was wonderful to attend the celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the rediscovery of Victoria's faunal emblem, the Leadbeaters Possum. The celebration, held at the Melbourne Museum, recognised the enormous achievements of Eric Wilkinson, who rediscovered this tiny mammal on the 3rd April, 50 years ago. It was great to hear Eric recount his story of the sighting of the Leadbeaters Possum in the Mountain Ash forests near Marysville. .................................................................................................................. Pictured left to right: Eric Wilkinson - at the time (1961) an amateur naturalist who rediscovered Leadbeaters Possum, Cr Samantha Dunn - Shire of Yarra Ranges, we are very privileged to be home to this very special possum and Sera Blair - President of Friends of Leadbeaters Possum, Sera set up the group to try to ensure the ongoing survival of Leadbeaters Possum. ................................................................................... Leadbeaters Possum is critically endangered with less than 1,000 left in the wild and is facing extinction. It is endemic to Victoria and for habitat relies on at least 150 year old Mountain Ash, Shining Gum or Alpine Ash. Logging continues to be a key threat to this arboreal mammal and Eric isn't so sure we'll be celebrating the 100 year anniversary for the survival of this species. .............................................................. ................................ The continued logging of Mountain Ash forests in the Central Highlands will have an enormous effect on the ongoing survival of this species. Without a well connected canopy, possums cannot move throughout the forest and with the continuing loss of habitat trees to logging the possums have nowhere to live. ........................................................................................................ Melbourne Museum are hosting an exhibition "Leadbeaters Possum - our state emblem under fire" to celebrate this tiny mammal's survival and give people the opportunity to learn about efforts underway to ensure its survival. The exhibition is on till 27 April 2011.

parks victoria what went wrong?

I was called to an urgent meeting today of local community members, angry about the latest clearing works undertaken by Parks Victoria along ZigZag Road in Belgrave South.It's an area that is environmentally sensitive and contains endangered orchids.

After the works on Nation Road, Selby which wreaked havoc on the local environment, community members, friends of & landcare groups and local ecologists met with Parks Victoria personnel to talk about an agreed method of fuel reduction. Parks Victoria committed to do future work sensitively and without heavy equipment.

Unfortunately the reality of what happened was a long way from what was agreed. Heavy equipment has reduced the vegetation to bare dirt and compacted soil, creating enormous opportunities for weeds to overtake what was once a good quality patch of vegetation. Habitat trees were cut down, senseless in terms of bushfire prevention, frustrating locals who work hard to ensure they remain to provide homes for our hollow dependant fauna.

Volunteers have spent countless hours improving the environment in this area and were devastated to see their good work cleared to dirt and I share their frustration.

It takes at least 120 years for a tree to develop hollows like this one, the loss of habitat trees has a huge impact on our hollow dependant fauna.

It was a shocking site, habitat trees like the one cut down wont be readily replaced, good quality vegetation, renowned for its orchids scraped back to bare dirt. After assurances by Parks Victoria that equipment like this wont be used in the future, it's very disappointing to see clear evidence of caterpillar tracks across the landscape.