National level mountain biking will return to the East Gippsland region in 2017 for the Mountain Bike Australia XCO National Series. Mount Taylor, near Bairnsdale, will host round five and six of the cross country (XCO) competition on February 11 and 12, 2017.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Marianne Pelz said the region’s environment lends itself to these type of events. “We are pleased to host this series and to be able to provide $15,000 to support the 2017 and 2018 races. Events like these build awareness of East Gippsland as a destination for adventure racing and have economic benefits, both through the event at the time, but also by return visits,” Cr Pelz said.
Taxi rank extended
East Gippsland Shire Council is extending the shelter at the taxi rank in Bairnsdale’s Nicholson Street. Funded through the Victorian Government, the new shelter (on the left) complements the existing shelter and will provide extra protection from the weather for taxi patrons. The project has been completed with feedback from taxi operators and members of the public. It is anticipated the works will be finished in mid-September.
Audit Committee Vacancy
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a new member for its independent Audit Committee.
Operating since 1995, the committee’s main role is to help Council fulfil its governance and oversight responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, internal control, risk management, ethical accountability and audits.
The Audit Committee is a formally appointed Committee of Council made up of seven members, four of which are external and completely independent of Council. The Mayor and two other Councillors make up the balance. Shire CEO Gary Gaffney said Council is looking for a new independent member to join the Committee for a three-year term beginning on 1 December 2016. “The appointment of independent members is consistent with the guidelines prepared by the Victorian Government which state that external members bring to the committee skills, knowledge and experience that may not otherwise be available from within the Council and a facility for checks and balances,” Mr Gaffney said. “The Committee meets at least five times a year, and to ensure it is well equipped to perform its role we’re always keen to hear from interested community members with knowledge and skills that align with its Terms of Reference. “Ideally applicants should have a strong financial background. Risk management and governance experience are also ideal but really, we’re happy to hear from anyone who believes they can bring skills to the table that will add value to the work of the committee,” Mr Gaffney said.
Audit Committee members are paid a fee to attend meetings and reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed. Nominations close Wednesday, September 21. For more information and nomination forms visit the Shire’s website, www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au or call 5153 9500.
Bored dogs bother East Gippsland
Dogs in East Gippsland seem to understand the old saying that the squeaky wheel gets all the oil, with excessive dog barking increasing this quarter across the municipality. Complaints to East Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Laws Unit about barking dogs have increased by 18 in the last quarter, with over 76 calls to Council.
Community Laws Coordinator Bill Petersen said in most cases owners and their frustrated neighbours can take a number of simple steps to address the animal’s nuisance behaviour. “When owners work long hours and infrequently walk their dogs during the week, dogs often become bored, lonely or frustrated,” Mr Petersen said. “A barking dog is generally a sign of a poorly or inappropriately cared for animal. Pet owners need to look at their behaviour, not their pet’s, when their dog is barking excessively. “Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and companionship. If you can’t walk your pet during the week, ask your kids or a friendly neighbour to walk your pet, or consider engaging the services of a professional walker.
Dogs in East Gippsland seem to understand the old saying that the squeaky wheel gets all the oil, with excessive dog barking increasing this quarter across the municipality. Complaints to East Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Laws Unit about barking dogs have increased by 18 in the last quarter, with over 76 calls to Council.
Community Laws Coordinator Bill Petersen said in most cases owners and their frustrated neighbours can take a number of simple steps to address the animal’s nuisance behaviour. “When owners work long hours and infrequently walk their dogs during the week, dogs often become bored, lonely or frustrated,” Mr Petersen said. “A barking dog is generally a sign of a poorly or inappropriately cared for animal. Pet owners need to look at their behaviour, not their pet’s, when their dog is barking excessively. “Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and companionship. If you can’t walk your pet during the week, ask your kids or a friendly neighbour to walk your pet, or consider engaging the services of a professional walker.
“Barking at night is often a result of a fearful or uncomfortable dog – so make sure you dog has a comfortable, safe and enclosed place to sleep.” Mr Petersen said obedience training can also help dogs stop barking, but if previous attempts have failed there are services available that will provide professional advice on preventing behavioural problems such as barking. If residents continually fail to take the right steps towards correcting their dogs behaviour, they can face escalating fines and ultimately legal action. Residents are encouraged to call Community Laws on 5153 9500 for a fact sheet on barking dogs and responsible pet ownership, or visit the
Chance for small businesses to have say on red tape
East Gippsland Shire Council is encouraging small businesses to provide feedback to a review on regulation impacting the sector. The Victorian Government is currently examining how regulation is impacting the state’s small businesses through the Small Business Regulation Review. Council recognises that red tape and regulation can significantly impact a business’ operations and growth and is raising awareness of the review. The review will include three sectors, with retail being the first sector to be reviewed.
You can get involved in any of the following ways:
1. Visit the website at: vic.gov.au/smallbizreview;
2. Email: smallbiz.review@ecodev.vic.gov.au;
3. Attend a roundtable in Melbourne or Traralgon – details available on the website;
4. Submit your reform ideas to the Red Tape Commissioner’s website at: dtf.vic.gov.au/redtaperubbishbin.
Submissions close September 30, 2016.
Don't contaminate recycling bin
Recycling as much as possible diverts waste from landfills, extending their life, and reduces the burden on the world’s resources. However, including non-recyclable items in your recycling can undo not only your good work, but that of other residents.
East Gippsland Shire Council has received some complaints of non-recyclable items being placed into recycling bins. Director Operations Chris Waites said this is called contamination and creates a number of issues. “Putting items that can’t be recycled into a recycling bin can lead to entire loads of recyclables being sent to landfill, and is a workplace health and safety issue for staff at the site where the different types of recyclables are sorted,” Mr Waites said.
Common contaminants include plastic bags, disposable nappies, food waste, clothing, pots and pans, crockery, broken toys, gas bottles and batteries.
“We’re reminding residents the six types of material that can be recycled are glass jars (no window, drinking or cooking glass), aluminium, steel, paper and cardboard and rigid plastics numbered one to seven. Plastic bags, even if marked with a recycling symbol, shouldn’t be placed in the recycling bin. For safety reasons, staff at the MRF will not open plastic bags in case of broken glass, syringes etc; anything in a plastic bag will go to landfill,” Mr Waites said.
Ensure your jars, bottles and cans are empty and contain no liquid or food, if possible, give them a quick rinse.
If you are unsure about how best to dispose of an item or to find out how you can reduce your waste at home, check Council’s website, www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/waste. You can also book a waste and recycling information session for your school, kindergarten or community group with Council’s waste education officer.
