Dog owners reminded to BYO bag
No bag? No excuses. That’s the message to dog owners in East Gippsland as they are put on notice to clean up after their dogs or face a maximum fine of $777.30. East Gippsland Shire Council Community Laws Coordinator Bill Petersen reminded dog owners they need to be prepared by carrying plastic bags with them when they take their pet for a walk so that they clean up after them. “Some owners may be unaware that it is an offence not to be carrying a bag or similar item to collect their dog’s droppings. If an owner isn’t carrying a bag, it’s a clear indication they have no intention of picking up after their dog.” The Shire’s warning period is now over, and owners found without a way to collect droppings face a fine." The Shire does have dog bag dispensers in popular walking areas throughout the region. However, these are a back-up for the times when owners may have forgotten a bag, rather than a substitute for bringing a bag from home.
Council supports events big or small
East Gippsland Shire Council’s event sponsorship program continues to develop and build the region’s calendar of events, showcasing the area as a great destination to visit and explore. The Shire Grants Program has a community events and festivals category, which aims to attract new events to East Gippsland. As well as providing immediate economic benefits such as accommodation bookings and hospitality services, they also provide activities for the local community to enjoy. Another funding program is the Regional and District Events Sponsorship (RADES).
In 2016-17 event funding will go towards East Gippsland Dragon Boat Regatta, Omeo High Country and RV Muster, Lakes Entrance Beach Netball Competition, Tour of East Gippsland, Paynesville Music Festival, and new events, Metung Village Green Cinema Nights and the Mountain Cattlemen’s Buchan Get Together.
If you are thinking about organising an event, visit the Shire’s website for a toolkit and templates to help you get started.
New instalment option for council rates
Ratepayers will now be able to split their rate payment over 10 months thanks to a new option offered by East Gippsland Shire Council. Paid in 10 even instalments, this option is only available by direct debit and replaces the eight instalment format.
Ratepayers should now have received their 2016-17 rates notices, which were recently issued by Council. Anyone wishing to pay by 10 instalments needs to register by early September as the first instalment is paid on 15 September. However, customers can join this program after it has begun if they pay the instalments that have already passed.
Other options to pay rates include quarterly instalments and paying in full on 15 February 2017. Customers do not need to sign up to quarterly instalments but payments need to be received by the due dates. If not received, they are considered part payments with the balance due by 15 February. “We can also set up individual payment arrangements for any customers who find the other options don’t suit their financial circumstances. Anyone who thinks they may have difficulty paying their rates is encouraged to contact us early as it allows payments to be spread out over a longer time and can avoid interest,” Mr Gaffney said. For more information on Council rates and payment options, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/rates or call 5153 9500.
Council celebrates community project
A vibrant piece of public art has been officially opened in Nicholson Street, overlooking the Aldi carpark. The mural takes inspiration from the history of the Gunai Kurnai people. It shows the journey of the Bogong moth and dingo making their way from the mountains to the sea, a journey also taken by the Gunai Kurnai people. The project, aimed at engaging young people and reducing graffiti in the town’s central business district, and seeks to create a future of mutual respect and harmony by strengthening partnerships and relationships with the Aboriginal community. The Shire partnered with Federation Training, Victoria Police, Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative, Local Aboriginal Network, and Aboriginal artists. The mural was created by young Aboriginal people enrolled in Federation Training’s Koorie VCAL program as well as Aboriginal youth who may have a history of graffiti vandalism, and at-risk youth. They were mentored by local artists. The project was funded by a Graffiti Prevention Grant of $18,282 from the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.
Council collaboration recognised
A new way to deliver information technology services to East Gippsland and Wellington shire councils has seen the two organisations recognised by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). Some members of Wellington Shire Council’s Information Communications and Technology team spend a portion of their time with the East Gippsland team as part of a shared services arrangement. The two teams work together on a wide range of projects to be rolled out across both shires. The arrangement is reducing both councils’ operating costs while increasing their capacities to respond quickly and capably.
Council wins innovation award
East Gippsland Shire Council has won an Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo Council Innovation Award. The Shire won the award for its development and roll-out of split waste and recycling trailers to address issues with providing waste services in our remote areas.
More details about this project were published in the Shire news update on this web site on 11 August 2016.
Victorian councils to update bushfire overlay maps
Planning scheme maps across the state are being updated to ensure maps of the Bushfire Management Overlays are consistent in their coverage of areas at bushfire risk. Planning schemes set out objectives for the use, development and protection of various land. Zones and overlays help determine the type of uses that can occur on a property. While all land falls within a zone, such as farming or residential, not all properties will have an overlay, and some will have more than one overlay.
Bushfire controls were first introduced into Victorian planning schemes after the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. Significant areas of the state are at risk from bushfire but are not included in the existing Bushfire Management Overlay. In East Gippsland this includes areas within a 150-metre buffer of forest-type vegetation at risk of ember attack and areas that are surrounded by bushfire risk land.
East Gippsland Shire Council CEO Gary Gaffney said that having the best possible bushfire mapping and ensuring a streamlined development process is Council’s focus. “Council is aware that there are people already in the process of applying for development approval or who are building and they should not be caught up in the new requirements,” Mr Gaffney said. "A process is also being developed to fast track planning approval where measures such as defendable space and dedicated firefighting water supply can be provided,” Mr Gaffney said. It is expected the new Bushfire Management Overlay maps and planning policy will introduced through a state-wide planning scheme amendment early next year. At this time the Victorian Government will also announce how property owners can ask for a review of the new controls over their land.
