samantha in the press - planning

Mac attack surge in Tecoma
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
31 August 2011

Just to confirm the meeting on 8 September, will be a drop in information session, you are welcome to drop in anytime between 5pm and 7pm.

samantha in the press - green wedge

Yarra Ranges' green light bid
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro/Kimberley Seedy
31 August 2011

monbulk pool - keep in touch

Monbulk Pool will soon be undergoing a well overdue, major refurbishment.

In 2010 council approved the planning permit to allow for the redevelopment of this well loved community facility.

The redeveloped pool will include:
Refurbished 25mt pool
New Learn to Swim and Leisure pool with beach entry
New Male and Female change rooms
New pool storage and family change room
New plant room
New foyer, administration area and kiosk
New outdoor deck area
Refurbishment of the existing gym and childcare area

To keep community members informed about the construction, the Monbulk Aquatic Centre manager has created a facebook page, so you can keep in touch with the latest news on the redevelopment.

If you'd like to stay in touch with our favourite local pool click here (you'll need a facebook account for this one).

samantha in the press - democracy

Taking one more shot at glass ceiling
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Natalie Kotsios
30 August 2011

samantha in the press - planning

Opponents marshal their forces
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
29 August 2011

awesome ornithorynkids on again

This Saturday sees the return of Awesome Ornithorynkids at Belgrave Lake Park.

A great opportunity to learn about the platypus who live in our very own Monbulk Creek.

In it's third year, it's a family friendly event, free and fun for everyone. The Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group are event organisers and have a passion for spreading environmental education.

It will be a great day out, I look forward to seeing you down there.

Details:
When: Saturday 3rd September 12pm to 3pm
Where: Belgrave Lake Park
Cost: FREE

sylvia creek injunction

The issue of logging in the Sylvia Creek region of the Toolangi State Forest has gained a lot of media attention since in commenced in July. Prior to the logging operations I joined with community members and my colleagues to tour the forest.

For the last 6 weeks community members have continued to disrupt logging operations with tree sits, lock on's and walk in's in attempts to stop the logging in the area. So far there's been around 14 arrests.

Thanks to Don Butcher for this image.

Earlier this month Toolangi locals and environment groups held a meeting to talk about the logging in the region.

The meeting was very well attended with 120 people coming from near and far to talk about the issue at the CJ Dennis hall in Toolangi.

I was there with my colleagues from Yarra Ranges, Crs McRae and Heenan. Cr Sally Abbot Smith from the Murrindindi Shire council was also there as well as Greg Barber MLC, Greens Spokesperson for the Environment.

There was lively and animated conversation as some members of the logging industry were there, but it was always respectful and it was clear that community members would like to see a solution that looks after the industry workers.

Cr Sally Abbot Smith described meeting organiser, Steve Meacher, as a Toolangi Living Legend to which he received a standing ovation.

Thanks to Don Butcher for this image.
Much community action has been at the frontline of the public safety zone. Here concerned community line up against the 'line' as a show of protest.

Thanks to Don Butcher for this image.
There's been a lot of media interest in the story, with camera crews and mainstream media often visiting Toolangi.

In latest events, local environment group, MyEnvironment, filed a writ in the Supreme Court last week, declaring the logging illegal and seeking an injunction and halt to logging.

The group successfully gained a short term injunction that will see a halt to logging till at least the 19th September. At this time the case for a longer injunction will be tested in court.

If you'd like to see the ABC 7:30 coverage of the story click here.

Or to read local newspaper coverage by Natalie Kotsios in the Yarra Ranges Weekly click here.

Back in June last year, the Shire of Yarra Ranges resolved to call for an immediate halt to logging and any future proposed logging on the Bicentennial Trail and Mt St Leonards, Toolangi due to the significant adverse impact on the local economy, tourism features and the environment.

Not only have we seen more logging in the region but the flow on effect means more damage to our environment, our local economy and the beauty and attraction of our area for tourists.

It will take a lot of resources for this volunteer environment group to take this case to court, if you'd like to support MyEnvironment and their fight for our forests then you can donate here.

tecoma mcdonalds - information session

An information session on the McDonalds Tecoma application will be held at the Monbulk Hub on Thursday 8th September from 5pm to 7pm.

The session will allow community members to view the plans and ask questions about the application.

Planners and Traffic Engineers from McDonalds will be there to answer questions on the application. Shire officers including a Planner, Urban Designer and Traffic Engineer will also be on hand to answer questions you may have.

All things going well the application will be heard by council on the 27th September, however this may be subject to change depending on the many variables that apply as part of the planning application process (for example a referral body may not return information in a timely manner).

The Monbulk Hub is located on the corner of Main and Moores Rd in Monbulk (next to the Primary School).

TVAG are also holding a public meeting on Sunday 11th September, click here for details.

I will be attending both meetings and will be inviting my councillor colleagues to come along if they're able.

yarra ranges submits to inquiry

Yarra Ranges Council recently submitted to the Federal Inquiry into Australia's Biodiversity in a Changing Climate.

The submission raised a number of different points starting with the community's vision (Vision 2020) for our natural environment. In their vision our community recognises the need to protect and enhance natural assets, ensure development does not occur at the expense of the natural environment, embrace the concept of resource conservation and value ecological sustainability.

We're a very significant shire when it comes to biodiversity. Home to three of Victoria's state emblems, the Leadbeater's Possum, the Helmeted Honeyeater and the Common Heath. Our shire contains 51% of the upper reaches of the Yarra River catchment and 10% of the Dandenong Creek catchment, providing valuable water supplies and ecological services to not only the shire but more broadly to Melbourne too.

Much of the forest in Yarra Ranges is a wet forest ecosystem, found to be the most carbon rich forests in the world. There needs to be a far greater recognition in the role of protecting and improving existing ecosystems in carbon sequestration as a priority over revegetation efforts.

In terms of local impacts on biodiversity from climate change we know Yarra Ranges will experience:
- increased risk of bushfire and more intense fires
- increased spread, prevalence and emergence of environmental and agricultural weeds
- increase in the number of intense storms and storm surges
- increased landslip and waterway erosion
- overall decrease in rainfall and reduced reliability of water sources to maintain ecosystems in waterways
- decrease in soil health
- decrease in biodiversity, in particular rare, vulnerable and threatened plant and animal species and species with specialised habitat requirements
- changes to suitable agricultural crops
- changes to indigenous vegetation.

Climate change will put additional pressure on biodiversity at a time when our ecosystems are already under considerable duress. It's pleasing to see that the federal government is conducting this inquiry and I hope that the outcomes will lead to greater protection and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystems.

samantha in the press - libraries

Status quo on eastern library funds
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Michelle McCullough
23 August 2011

Yarra Ranges teens rewrite the book
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
23 August 2011

sharing sustainable stories

Yarra Valley ECOSS, with support from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Sustainability Victoria and Warburton Pantry is holding Sharing Sustainable & Affordable Building/Design Stories.

As part of Sustainable House Day (11 Sep), ECOSS will hold the forum at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton.

You will be able to pick up some great tips and lessons learnt form local sustainable home builders and designers. What a great way to learn from local Living Sustainably champions.

This year is the 10th Anniversary of Sustainable House day and Warburton Pantry will add to the occasion by providing delicious Yarra Valley wine and cheese.

Bookings essential on yvecossevents@gmail.com, cost $10 per person, click here for more info.

the comfort of water

It was wonderful to attend the Warburton launch of The Comfort of Water - a river pilgrimage, by local author, Maya Ward, held at Yarra Valley Showcase.

Pictured left to right: Keith Sarah - proprietor of Yarra Valley Showcase, Maya Ward - author and Cr Samantha Dunn - Lyster Ward, Shire of Yarra Ranges.

The book is a true story of Maya's journey along the Yarra River from the sea right through to the source of Melbourne's most loved river.

Maya was joined by 3 friends on the journey and it was inspiring to hear some of her tales of the people she met along the way.

Maya made special mention of the Shire of Yarra Ranges and thanked us for the support to her project in assisting to contact landowners along the river front.

Maya's book not only tells of her own journey but weaves in the ecological and cultural history of the river. It is a beautiful and fascinating read and a great celebration of our river.

samantha in the press - libraries

Yarra Ranges fears devil in the detail in library funds
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
22 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - libraries

Yarra Ranges fears devil in the detail in library funds
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
22 August 2011

living more sustainably at home

Want to live more sustainably at home?

Then Yarra Ranges' new website might be your answer. The Sustainability at Home site gives practical advice in a range of ways.

You can find out about Living Greener, reducing your environmental impact and living more sustainably with information on current government programs and financial support.

There's a Renovator's Guide, which takes you through your home reno's step by step including the what to look out for.

The Home Buyer's Guide provides information on choosing your new home including the questions you should ask.

Global Warming Cool It is a practical guide to actions you can take to reduce energy, costs and greenhouse gas emissions in older established homes.

Whilst ResourceSmart is a website designed to provide solutions, ideas and advice on how and where to recycle things, information on rebates for energy and water saving devices as well as tools to help you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.

There's a plethora of information to help you live more sustainably, it's well worth a surf.

samantha in the press - early years

Childcare rally backed in Yarra Ranges
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Natalie Kotsios
19 Aug 2011

poetry writing competition underway

Eastern Regional Libraries National Poetry Writing Competion is underway again.

The competition is a great way for writers to put pen to paper and submit their work for an award.

Prizes will be awarded for:
Adult $1,000
Local Award $500 - for residents of Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah
Teenage $300 - 13 to 18 years
Junior $200 - 9 to 12 years

This year's judge is Alicia Sometimes, Australian writer, poet, broadcaster and musician. Her radio show on 3RRR is Aural Text (and don't forget to subscribe to 3RRR as it's their annual radiothon). She's a poetry and science nut and is dedicated to taking poetry to fascinating places.

It's a great opportunity for budding and experienced writers alike. If you'd like to find out conditions of entry or download an entry form click here.

Entries close Friday 30 September, 2011.

samantha in the press - libraries

Library service for Monbulk
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
17 Aug 2011

glenda wise does literary lunch

Visitors to Belgrave Library are in for a treat at the library's next Literary Lunch. Local artist and illustrator Glenda Wise will talk about growing up in Upwey and her influences. Glenda was an enthusiastic artist which saw her join the Sherbrooke Arts Society at age 13 to begin her unique journey.

In 2008 she illustrated Mike Kelly's book, The Royal Kingdom of Fairy Green, with four books already published, there's another three to follow.

Glenda appears as part of Children's Week celebrations, what could be more fitting?

Cost is $10 per head and bookings are essential. Call the library on 9754 7266 or click here.

samantha in the press - roads

Councillor says Belgrave roundabout will improve safety
Leader Newspapers
by Staff Writer
16 Aug 2011

'Wheel of death'
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
16 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Toolangi protest: shire dismisses query about councillors
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Natalie Kotsios
16 Aug 2011

Do you support Yarra Ranges councillors speaking at protests?
Leader Newspapers
by Alex Munro
16 Aug 2011

Plea for trees
Mail Newspapers
by Kath Gannaway
16 Aug 2011

and the winner is....

What a great couple of weeks it's been for the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum.

For a museum that's only been open a short time (since May), it's racked up an impressive array of popular and industry awards.

The museum took out the Keep Australia Beautiful Cultural Heritage Award.

This was followed by the Museums Australia (Victoria) Award for Medium Museums.

To top it off the museum won the Herald Sun People's Choice Award for Best Museum Experience Prize.

That's a terrific start, what a credit to the staff who look after the museum and organise the exhibitions. If you'd like to visit the museum click here for more details.

samantha in the press - governance

Stonnington Mayor: Call for people’s vote
Melbourne Weekly
by Nicole Haddow
15 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Anti-logging rally at Cement Creek
Leader Newspapers
by Staff Writer
15 Aug 2011

picnic at cement

Today saw local environment group, Warburton Environment, organise the Biggest Picnic Ever in the Forest, up near Cement Creek in the forests behind Warburton.

I joined with 150 community members to learn about the proposed logging of the Cement Creek area.

Many people spoke on the day about various subjects, some on the values of the forest, the endangered species that live in the forests and to highlight just how very special these forests are.

Thanks to Michael Nardella for this image.
I spoke about the history of Yarra Ranges opposing logging in water catchments which came about due to proposed logging in 2007. As a response to local concerns I moved a motion which saw The Shire of Yarra Ranges oppose logging in our water catchments and 14 other councils join with us in opposing logging in water catchments.

Greg Barber MLC, Greens Environment spokesperson was there, talking about Leadbeater's Possums and the immense value of our forests as terrestrial carbon stores.









Steve Meacher, committed community campaigner for the Toolangi forests, spoke about the campaign in Toolangi and the enormous effort of community to highlight the issues of logging this forest.

These areas are part of Melbourne's Water Catchments, integral to the supply of clean, fresh water to Melbourne. We can't enter but it seems the logging industry can.

Bernie Mace, was there too, Bernie has been instrumental in the Toolangi Forests campaign. Bernie has been studying the forests for many years and his knowledge of the forest and the creatures who inhabit it is extensive.

The support to stop logging our native forests continues to grow, to have 150 community members in this remote location is a testament to their commitment.

sherbrooke family and children's centre update

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of a site visit of the Sherbrooke Family and Children's Centre. Despite the rainy weather the construction is going well and keeping to timelines.

These timber columns are a wonderful part of the design (yes they are from a sustainable source and not native forest) and will support the roofline of the walkway between the various pavilions housing the kinder and long day care children.

It's a wonderful thing to stand amongst the construction site and see a political dream fast becoming a reality.

This project is very dear to my heart, the mooted closure of Sherbrooke Children's Centre in 2004 was the reason I ran for council. Since then I have been a keen advocate for children and long day care in the Dandenong Ranges. Click here for some of the background.

I've long wondered what the view is on the other side of the these windows, locals driving along Burwood Highway will be familiar with them from the front, but from the inside they provide a view, no matter how big or small.

The building has been designed on passive ecological sustainability design principles, this pipework is for the hydronic heating in the 'baby's room'.

samantha in the press - public transport

Ringwood station named state's second worst - again
Leader Newspapers
by Angus Livingston
12 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - libraries

Eastern libraries get a reprieve
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
9 Aug 2011

Books back in the black
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
9 Aug 2011

Funding for libraries to be restored
Leader Newspapers
9 Aug 2011

the patch primary has the winning formula

Congratulations to Patch Primary School teacher, Michelle Rayner. Michelle has been awarded a Victorian Science and Mathematics Education Excellence Award 2011 by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

The award recognises and celebrates outstanding partnerships that support Science and Maths education in government schools. The award is an acknowledge of the effort Michelle goes to engage with community groups, the University of Melbourne's School of Land and Environment and the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Michelle's energy, passion and vision has guided the school and it's students in the development of their eco-garden, environmental education centre and school wetlands.

The partnerships Michelle has fostered reveal to the students the many and varied applications for Science and Maths well beyond the classroom. Her work also supports greater engagement and achievement of the students in Science and Maths.

Well done Michelle and the students of The Patch Primary School.

library funding returned and review on the cards

Late last week the Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell, announced funding of $6.5million for Victorian libraries.

It was in response to the government's decision to withdraw funding from our libraries, which was unannounced in July (see blog). The government initially blamed the ALP for the shortfall, given the budget was handed down by the Liberal/National coalition, this is difficult to understand.

The Minister's latest announcement is a step in the right direction, it's good to see the government has taken action to return funding to libraries. It is also good to see the government has committed to a longer term review of libraries, their services and their funding.

The detailed information and funding agreements are still to come and we all know the devil is always in the detail but it seems so far:

The good news:
~ Funding was reinstated to last year's level to libraries across the state.
~ There will be a comprehensive review of library services and funding arrangements, this will be an opportunity to highlight the continuing unsustainable funding model for our libraries, state government only contributes 19% funding to our libraries and their contribution goes down every year regardless of whether it's a Labor or Liberal/National coalition government, this funding inequity needs urgent redress and hopefully the review will provide a mechanism to make this happen.

The bad news:
~ Yarra Ranges indexed library funding has not been reinstated for this year meaning our budget still has a shortfall, although the extent of the shortfall isn't known as yet. Only when we receive the details will we know what's really on the table and what we'll lose for this year (11/12).

big picnic for cement creek

Yarra Ranges environment group Warburton Environment are organising a forest picnic to highlight logging that is about to commence in Cement Creek.

Cement Creek, part of Melbourne's water catchment is due to be logged as part of VicForests 2011 Timber Release Plan.

Cement Creek contains some beautiful high conservation forest, habitat to Victoria's endanged faunal emblem, the Leadbeater's Possum, it's destruction for woodchips is a travesty.

It was the potential logging of Armstrong and Cement Creek in 2007 that motivated me to move a motion that the Shire of Yarra Ranges council oppose logging in Melbourne's water catchments. Fourteen other councils followed suit and also opposed logging of Melbourne's water catchments.

Cement Creek had a reprieve in 2008, with local member at the time, Tammy Lobato, announcing there'd be no logging during 2008/09, but as I said at the time it was a hollow victory with no permanent protection of Cement Creek.

Organisers of the Biggest Picnic Ever want to highlight the immediate threat to our forests from clearfell logging for paper and pulp. There'll be guided tours and guest speakers to talk about the values of our forests.

Warburton, essentially a tourist town, relies on its natural assets to support its tourism industry. Those forests also support a wealth of biodiversity, assist in water supply, provide clean air and have enormous value as a carbon store - these forests are the most carbon dense in the world.

When: Sunday 14 August - 11:30am to 2:00pm

Where: Meet at Mechanica in Warburton for carpooling at 11:30. The picnic will be at the coupes approximately 10 kms from the Rainforest Gully Walk (on Donna Buang Rd) along the Acheron Way.
What to bring: a picnic, boots and a jacket

A map is available on request as well as any other info, email keith@warburtonenvironment.org.au.

ecotourism for our forests - now that's a good idea

Parks Victoria has selected Australian Zipline Canopy Tours as the preferred provider of a Guided Canopy Tour in the Toolangi State Forest. A zipline tour is a 'tree top' experience, visitors traverse the forest via ziplines (flying fox style) whilst enjoying the beauty of our forests and learning about the local environment.

Parks Victoria is looking for feedback from the community on the proposed Guided Canopy Tour. There will be an information session tonight at the Forest Discovery Centre in Toolangi (drop in anytime between 5:30pm to 7:30pm).

What a positive idea for the forests in Toolangi, nature based tourism is a great way to expand the local economy, and Toolangi is well placed being so close to Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Although the tourists might find the logging coupes a little offputing.

This map shows the general location of the proposed zipline course (the blue ellipse), the other areas marked by dotted lines on the map are logging coupes currently being logged in the Sylvia Creek region of the Toolangi Forest (click here for background info).

The drop in session will allow interested community members to discuss the proposal with the operator, Parks Victoria and the DSE.

If you can't make it to the session, don't despair, you can also provide feedback via the Parks Victoria website here.

Closing date for feedback is 2 September 2011.

fernlea house turns 10

It was wonderful to gather with friends at Fernlea House - and the occasion? Their 10 year celebration.

Here I am pictured with the driving force behind Fernlea House, Jan Lancaster. It's Jan's passion and vision that's seen Fernlea House become a reality. Along with a dedicated volunteer base and committed staff, Fernlea fills an important need for those providing care for and those with a life limiting illness.

It's been a challenging journey for Fernlea House over the years. Because the house is dedicated to providing a social model of palliative care, it doesn't fit the usual criteria for funding.

Many a time in their history they've been near closure but have always managed a last minute reprieve.

There's no better way to celebrate a birthday than with cake, staff joined with committee members past and present to cut the cake.

As part of the 10 year celebration Fernlea House are coordinating Living, Laughing, Loving - an address book to celebrate their landmark anniversary.

To promote the work of Fernlea House, and as a fundraising venture, Living, Laughing, Loving is being developed. It will include the history of Fernlea and the stories of the people who have been part of this amazing first 10 year journey.

Living, Laughing, Loving will sell for $35 and it's hoped it will be ready for Christmas. You can also contribute to Living, Laughing, Loving by advance ordering or purchasing a page where you can provide a paragraph, photo and quotation about yourself or a loved one or what Fernlea House means to you.

If you'd like to know more about Living, Laughing, Loving click here.

occasional child care cuts

report from the roundtable - 26 jul 2011

At last week's council meeting I had submitted a motion regarding the withdrawal of funding for the Take a Break Occassional Child Care.

The motion called for a report so council could understand the implications for families and providers of the service (usually community houses) in the Yarra Ranges and also consider the most effective advocacy actions.

There's currently over 400 families affected in Yarra Ranges and 5 providers across the municipality being Belgrave South Community House, Japara House, Chirnside Park Neighbourhood House, Upper Yarra Community House and Monbulk Neighbourhood Playgroup. Occasional Child Care provides such an important service to family I felt is was very important that councillors were aware of the impact.

At a recent meeting with one of our local MPs there was a commitment made to reinstate the state funding if the federal government also reinstated their component of the funding (axed in last budget). It's time for both tiers of government to come together and reinstate this important funding rather than point the finger of blame at each other.

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

There's a facebook campaign running on this issue, if you're interested in finding out more click here.

samantha in the press - early years

Mums count costs of Take a Break cuts
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Natalie Kotsios
2 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - tourism

Plan rolled out for Toolangi forest canopy tour
Yarra Ranges Weekly
2 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - libraries

Library battle's one for the books
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Melissa Cunningham
2 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - environment

Query put on councillor trio at logging protest
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
2 August 2011