Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Free, but your spare coins help cover costs.
Since the last edition you have donated $114.45 in the collection boxes plus an anonymous donation of $100. Thank you very much.
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER No. 371 JULY 2020
Signs of Recovery in the bush fire areas of our far east
Some wonderful places to visit on our coast line. We will get through this!
Page 2 -Yarragon Community Newsletter JULY 2020
The Yarragon Community
Newsletter is
produced monthly
by community
volunteers.
Editors: Jen Lowe,
Christine Whiley, Inge Mitchell. Printer R.M.I. Print, —Warragul
Pick up your copy, make
donations, or leave items for
inclusion in next month's
newsletter, at:
Post Office
Foodworks
Yarragon Pharmacy
Fozie Gobble
Contact us: Yarragon Community Newsletter
PO Box 209, Yarragon 3823
Email: [email protected]
Phone : 0428 218 111
Items for inclusion may be
emailed, or placed in any of the
donation boxes. Please include
your name & phone number.
Subscribe to receive the
e-newsletter version (in colour) by
emailing your name & email address
Advertising space is available &
limited. Please organise advertising with
the editor, details above.
The remarks or views expressed in
this publication are not necessarily
the views of the Editor, Committee of
Management, or any volunteer
involved in the production of this
newsletter. Although every effort is
taken in the compilation and printing
of this newsletter, no responsibility
is taken for any errors that may
occur. © 2020 Yarragon
Community Newsletter.
N E X T D E A D L I N E :
F o r A u g u s t 2 0 2 0 2 6 J u l y
1 2 n o o n
Business Card $15
1/4 page or banner $40
1/2 page $60
Full page $75
What You Will Find in this Issue: Page Former school site 2
YDCA report, 3
Seeking Community Feedback on revised Community Local Law 4
Yarragon Bowling Club, Yarragon Lions Club, 5
Puzzles 6
Walhalla Goldfields Railway back up and Puffing 7
Incidents in the Early Days of Yarragon, George Murray 8
Yarragon Fire Brigade, Environment Protection Authority Vic. 9
Advertisements from local businesses 10 Rainfall Record 11
Your events Wrap up 12
Baw Baw Shire Council has now finalised the purchase of the former Primary School site in Rollo Street for Community use.
JULY 2020 Yarragon Community Newsletter- Page 3
President’s Report Roy Lindsay
Just when we thought it was safe to hold a Monthly Meeting …. a last minute hitch cropped up and the CFA Meeting Room wasn’t available due to Government Covid-19 restrictions. Alternative accommodation was arranged, but the short notice caused us to postpone the June meeting. Similarly, our Annual General Meeting - tentatively arranged for July - has been deferred due to the tightening of Covid-19 restrictions. Unless restrictions are eased before September it may be necessary to hold our AGM on Zoom, or similar. Meanwhile, in the last week of June, good news was forthcoming from Baw Baw Shire Council, who advised that the purchase of the former Yarragon Primary School for ‘Community Use’ had been finalised. In line with Council requirements, a working group has been formed to work with the relevant Council Project Manager to look at possible uses for the land. It should be noted that as part of the successful YDCA proposal it was envisaged the land would be parkland, with the potential for further improvements as they may eventuate. Our sincere thanks go out to Baw Baw Shire Councillors and Staff for their assistance and support in achieving this outcome for the Yarragon Community. Further good news was forthcoming with our application for Council Sponsorship of a “Yarragon – Past, Present & Future expo” being approved. Although we have tentatively considered the possibility of this expo being held in late September, the date will be subject to Covid-19 restrictions. Baw Baw Shire Council recently released their draft “RV Strategy Plan” and we have put our hand up for Yarragon to be included in discussions about potential locations for a short-stay facility in the area. Council also released their draft Annual Budget 2020/2021 for public comment, and it is intended that as part of this consultation YDCA will submit a request to have the Yarragon Walking Trail completed at the southern end of Loch Street between McIntyre and Blackshaw Roads. It is unclear why this (approximately 400 metre) ‘missing link’ of the 5 kilometre trail was not built – one version is that a landowner did not want the track built on their ‘nature strip’, but as there are four or five properties fronting this unmade part of the trail this explanation doesn’t seem quite right. The walking track has always been well-used - particularly just now as ‘Covid Exercise’ - and it would be beneficial to have it completed. On the subject of the Service Station proposed to be located on the Princes Highway site adjoining Hazeldean Road, the formal advertising period has now finished and the matter is with Council Planners with their eventual recommendation to be presented for consideration by Councillors at a Council Meeting expected to be held in 4 – 6 weeks’ time. At that meeting Community presentations will be made, and it is hoped that an easing of Covid-19 restrictions will allow Community members to address Councillors in person, rather than in writing.
Page 4 -Yarragon Community Newsletter JULY 2020
Published on 11 June 2020
An amended draft Community Local Law with proposed changes and improvements has been prepared and community feedback now being sought to ensure it aligns with community expectations.
Originally adopted in 2016, the Community Local Law is a requirement under the Local Government Act to guide Council’s compliance, regulatory and enforcement activities for car parking, property amenity, animal management and building/construction sites – among many others – for a 10 year period (until 2026).
To ensure that Local Law is meeting current expectations and requirements, Council is conducting a review of its current Community Local Law with the purpose of:
• Ensuring the Local Law remains consistent with its objectives,
• Amending existing Clauses to ensure clarity and enforceability,
• Insertion of additional Clauses to address emerging issues, and
• Removal of Clauses that are ambiguous, in conflict with State legislation or no longer relevant.
This review is intended to amend and improve identified areas within the existing Community Local Law but is not a full review or re-write.
Proposed changes and improvements
Proposed changes and improvements in the amended draft Community Local Law include:
• Open air burning: Restrictions to be based on Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) rather than property zone types.
• Increased vegetation protection: Increased protection for trees identified on the Significant Tree Register and increased penalties for offences.
• Unsightly properties/noxious weeds: Amended to provide a clearer definition of unsightly, provide consistency in grass length allowances, and provide
allowances for grass and weeds used as fodder.
• Noise and construction related issues: Removed the Buildings and Works Code of Practice from the Local Law; inserted new Clauses to simplify requirements in relation to construction and building sites, and to provide controls on site access and hours of operation to minimise noise related issues.
• Permit requirement: Permit required for livestock droving, grazing and livestock crossings.
• Permit requirement: Permit required for shipping containers or relocatable buildings on any land.
• Permit requirement: Permit required for driving or parking on a public place or reserve (other than a public road).
• Waste management: Prescribed times for leaving bins out after collection; specifications around types of waste for bins.
• New definitions: Introduction of numerous definitions including Bushfire Prone Area (BPA), fire break, fodder, nuisance, recreational vehicle, significant tree and unsightly, among others.
Prior to the preparation of the amended draft Community Local Law, initial community consultation was sought in 2019 and included internal and external stakeholder consultation workshops, as well as online surveys and extensive media and social media coverage. Feedback received was used to inform the amended draft document, which has further been reviewed by a legally qualified entity.
Have your say
Community feedback is being sought to finalise the amended draft Community Local Law before it is considered for adoption by Council.
Full project details, including a copy of the revised amended draft Community Local Law document are available at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay
This consultation opportunity is now open for six weeks From Thursday 11 June - Wednesday 22 July 2020.
Following the consultation period, Council Officers will consolidate comments and feedback and consider all submissions to assist in making further recommendations to Council.
Any enquiries can be directed to Council’s Community Compliance team on 1300 229 229 or by email at [email protected]
Seeking community feedback on revised Community Local Law
JULY 2020 Yarragon Community Newsletter- Page 5
As promised last month, the Yarragon Bowling Club is excited to announce that we are proceeding with the plan to extend and upgrade our clubroom facilities. As mentioned last month this is only possible due to grants from the Latrobe Valley Authority and the Community Bank, Trafalgar and District. Last month I incorrectly advised that the Trafalgar and District Bendigo Bank was providing financial support. The correct name for this entity is the Community Bank Trafalgar and District. I’ve also learnt, and wish to share, that the Communi-ty Banks (there a number in Gippsland, including Drouin, Neerim District, Mirboo North and others) differ from the Bendigo Bank located in Warragul. The Bendigo Bank in Warragul is wholly owned and operated by the Bendigo and Adelaide
Bank with all profits going to shareholders who gain ownership through the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Community Banks are community owned enterprises operating as franchises of the Bendigo Bank. The Community Banks share the income their branches make with Bendigo Bank and the profits they make are then shared with the community to:
to support local community development through sponsorship and grants; and pay dividends to the local shareholders (who provided the seed capital to establish the enterprise).
The Community Bank Trafalgar and District has provided approximately $1.6M into the local community since its inception in November 2003. That is, on average, $100,000 each year which is much appreciated by the local communities of Trafalgar and District, and especially the Yarragon Bowling Club. So, if you have banking needs, why not invest with your local Community Bank Trafalgar and District and support the returns provided to your local community.
Richard Polmear
We are having a Garage Sale: Saturday 25th July 8.30.a.m.—4.0 p.m.
Hanns Lane, near the Hotel Car Park.
The Yarragon Lions Club must THANK everyone who donated goods to our Op Shop. Our Op Shop services have
been a great benefit to the Yarragon Community.
Due to some easing of Covid-19 Restrictions, here’s hoping that our Dinner Meetings will start late July/August period. It will be great to see all members back together for our meetings. We will let you
all know as soon as I (President) know.
Page 6 -Yarragon Community Newsletter JULY 2020
Sudoku Solution on Page 10.
JULY 2020 Yarragon Community Newsletter- Page 7
Walhalla Goldfields Railway Back Up and Puffing 5 June 2020: With Walhalla Goldfields Railway train services set to recommence its spectacular rail journeys from Wednesday 24 June, Trafalgar & District Community Bank is delighted to welcome its return following assistance from the Bank during a challenging period for the community. The Walhalla Goldfields Railway provides a tourist train ride experience on part of the former Victorian Railways narrow gauge line that ran between Moe and Walhalla, and closed in 1954. The railway is operated and maintained by volunteers who give their time, effort and expertise to allow everyone the chance to enjoy one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Australia. Phil Drummond, Branch Manager, Trafalgar & District Community Bank said it had worked hard over recent months to proactively support the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, its customers and the entire community through what has been a uniquely challenging period for everyone. “For more than 162 years, Bendigo Bank has been committed to our customers and communities through good times and tough times,” Mr Drummond said. “Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, retiree, casual worker or a student, we work hard to deeply understand your situation and deliver value through our unique relationship banking model which is underpinned by strong customer and community connection, and specialist expertise. “We have worked closely with the Walhalla Goldfields Railway for many years and we are delighted to be in a position to continue to support this great Australian organisation, which is so fundamental to the economic success of our community,” he concluded. Phil Milbourne, President, Walhalla Goldfields Railway, said it is delighted to be finally resuming services after a long shut down period and is looking forward to a bright future thanks to the assistance of the team at the Trafalgar & District Community Bank Branch. “The Walhalla Goldfields Railway is extremely grateful for the level care and concern Trafalgar & District Community Bank has shown to our organisation, particularly in recent months. We don't feel like a number, we feel that they are our friends,” Mr Milbourne said. “Thanks to a Victorian Government grant, we are constructing a brand-new, self-propelled railcar which will eventually enable us to run a seven-day service and provide a great boost to tourism in the region. “The railmotor construction has been challenging, and has consumed more money than originally budgeted for. Branch Manager, Phil Drummond responded when we approached him and after careful consideration he provided us with an Overdraft Facility just in case we needed it. This positive show of support lifted our volunteers’ spirits and allowed us to continue construction knowing the safety net was available. “Fortunately, through this additional support, frugal spending and the commitment of our volunteers, we are making good progress,” Mr Milbourne concluded. For further information please contact Trafalgar & District Community Bank Branch on (03)56332783 or visit https://www.bendigobank.com.au/branch/vic/trafalgar-district-community-bank-branch/
Andrew Hough (volunteer train driver), WGR President, Phil Milbourne, and T&DCB Branch Manager, Phil Drummond.
Page 8 -Yarragon Community Newsletter JULY 2020
Incidents in the Early Days of Yarragon By George Murray 1932
George Murray wrote many articles for papers around 1932 outlining incidents as he recalled them from the early days of settlement. Here are two more of interest. The coal mine was situated on the
land now under consideration for the proposed BP service station .
The Yarragon Brown Coal Mine
It is not generally known that at Yarragon the first attempts to exploit the Brown Coal field that extends from two miles west of Yarragon to Traralgon, a distance of thirty miles, were made. The first briquettes that were ever made from the brown coal of this deposit were made in Germany from coal mined at Yarragon. The coal was taken to Cologne, in Germany, by Mr. John Rollo. The experts there advised him that it was eminently suitable for the manufacture of briquettes, but that it would require the addition of tar or pitch. Mr. Rollo showed me a number of the briquettes. They were similar in appearance and texture to those now produced, but were larger in size, weighing about 5 lbs. It was about 1890 when he went to Germany. Sometime after that a lease having been obtained from the Mines Department of the land that had been reserved as a township area, 1700 acres, less the township allotments already sold, a shaft was put down and timbered, also a bore which disclosed that the overburden consisted of clay sixty feet in depth, and that there was eighty feet of brown coal below it. A railway of the same gauge as the main line was made to the mine, poppet heads, erected, and an engine and pumping plant installed. It was given out that the intention of the owners was to manufacture gas, and by means of a pipe line convey it to Melbourne and sell it for lighting and domestic uses. The idea was to lay the pipes underground along the railway line on the land not used by that department. I think the difficulty of raising capital enough for such scheme led to its abandonment. It would have the advantage over the present scheme that it would be twenty miles shorter.
Bullock Team Transport.
I have described transport by pack horse, but there was another means of transport which was used almost simultaneously and ultimately superseded that animal, and that was the bullock team and wagon. It was a very slow and expensive means of conveyance—£14 per ton being charged from Bunyip to Yarragon. The journey was made via the Sale coach road, the distances being from Bunyip to the Sale coach road four miles, along that road to Fairweather's twenty miles, and thence south to Yarragon ten miles - a distance of 34 miles. I have known goods, furniture, etc., to take a week to do this journey. The only piece of road that we would consider useable now was what called the sand road between Whiskey Creek and Brandy Creek. From Fairweather’s through the bayonet it was a choice whether one stuck to the mud and got bogged in it, or went off it and got bogged in the crab-holes. It was amazing that these insignificant creatures should make such enormous holes.
The bullocks were wonderful. but the drivers were in a class by themselves—nothing seemed to put them out. If the bullocks could not pull the wagon out in front, they would hitch on to the back and pull it out backwards, and if they could not shift it the other team would be put on.
The progress was so slow that it seemed imperceptible to the owner of the goods, furniture, etc., who was anxious to get his family settled in the new home. However, goods were generally delivered, but seldom to time, and as the bullock driver did not provide tarpaulins it was a matter of luck whether it was wet or dry. In N.S. W. the bullockies used to have a horse and used to ride and drive. but in the forest country that was a luxury that could not be used as the tracks were too narrow. At first bullocks were used to haul out palings and blackwood staves to the railway, but they proved to be too slow, and very soon horses and drays took their place:
If the selectors and residents of Yarragon had cause to rejoice when the railway was completed between Bunyip and Morwell—if they had a chance what would those much-cursed whip-marked bullocks have done ?
The site of the coal mine west of Yarragon.
JULY 2020 Yarragon Community Newsletter- Page 9
Yarragon Fire Brigade
Light up your candles, not your home. Candles, incense and oil burners have become a staple in Australian homes and they are often used for social, cultural and religious practices. With increased time spent indoors during the cooler months CFA is reminding residents to use these products safely. CFA Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said there were many instances where these small ambient flames had caused big fires and even bigger headaches for firefighters. “Residents need to keep in mind that although candles and oil burners can be a pleasant addition to the home, leaving them unattended could be disastrous,” he said. Mr Owen said there were a number of ways residents could safely use these products that would ensure the safety of their homes and more importantly, their lives and loved ones. “It’s important to only use candles, incense and oil burners on a stable, non-combustible surface but to also keep curtains and other items away from open flames at all times,” he said. “Ensure you always extinguish candles, incense, oil burners and cigarettes before leaving home or going to sleep. “Children and animals should be supervised at all times near open flames and keep a safe distance, also make sure that lighters and matches are kept out of their reach. “When smoking use heavy ashtrays with high sides to prevent them tipping over and always properly extinguish cigarettes. “We know that residents enjoy the ambience that candles, incense and oil burners add to their homes, but with these small safety tips you can ensure you don’t light up your home.”
Burning off? Don’t toss any old waste onto the fire, says EPA
With landholders making use of cooler weather to get some burning done, Environment Protection Au-thority Victoria (EPA) is warning that the mistake of tossing waste into the flames when burning off can be costly for farmers and the environment. EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Jessica Bandiera says many waste items turn toxic the moment they go into the fire. “Farm waste items like silage wrap, chemical contain-ers and old tyres don’t burn properly, but it will pro-duce toxic smoke, and can send residue into the at-mosphere, waterways and create chemical contami-nation that persists in the soil. Send it to landfill or a recycling facility,” Ms Bandiera said. Silage wrap, some chemical containers and tyres can be recycled into building and fencing materials and floor matting. There’s information on waste disposal and recycling at sustainability.vic.gov.au or on your local council website.
Fallen trees or other natural wood being burnt should be as dry as possible to keep down the vol-ume of smoke, and farmers should make sure they have any relevant council or CFA permits. Timber from buildings, furniture or other manufactured products must not be burnt because it has probably been chemically treated.
EPA can fine offenders more than $8,000 for burning anything other than vegetation-sourced matter like timber and crop stubble. “Most farmers understand the importance to their livelihood and their community of pre-venting contamination of the soil, water and air around them, and EPA uses a fine as a last resort,” Ms Bandiera said. “By thinking twice about what goes onto the pile when burning off, you can protect the environment and the wellbeing of your farm, your family and your neighbours,” she said. EPA urges people to report suspected pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).
Page 10 -Yarragon Community Newsletter JULY 2020
Some spaces in this newsletter are waiting for events to start happening in Yarragon so that we have some news to publish!
JULY 2020 Yarragon Community Newsletter- Page 11
Rainfall Record for 2020 and the four years prior, as recorded in McIntyre Road, Yarragon. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
2016 74 16 64 40 95 106 148 80 76 131 70 66 966
2017 33 84 35 64 66 42 93 151 191 74 35 120 988
2018 54 15 46 40 141 75 127 106 93 42 143 54 936
2019 12 25 36 43 152 81 117 234 130 65 155 54 1104
2020 138 169 48 161 139 57 712
Page 12 -Yarragon Community Newsletter JULY 2020
R E G U L A R E V E N T S
M O N D A Y S
West Gippsland Mobile Library 2:30 - 5:30pm Yarragon Public Hall carpark,
Yarragon Fire Brigade 8:00 pm 1A Murray Street,
Secretary Inge Mitchell 0411 453 175 Email: [email protected]
T U E S D A Y S Yarragon Craft Group
9.30am - 12.30pm Uniting Church Hall, Campbell St Bring along your own lunch and work or come along for a cuppa and a chat
JAFFAS after school program for prima-
ry school children, at St Mark’s Anglican
Church, Loch St, 3.30-5.30 pm. Gold coin donation.
YDCA Yarragon & District Community Association
Next meeting TBA. Yarragon Fire Brigade, Mur-ray Street. All welcome. Secretary Jackie Shearer 0437 966 769
W E D N E S D A Y S
Gardening Group 9 - 10am Yarragon Medical Centre Campbell Street
Yarragon Playgroup
9:30 - 11:30am Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell St Contact Jacinta on 0401 824 195
Yarragon Lions Club 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 7pm St Jarlath’s Catholic Hall, Rollo St President: Peter Petschel, 0477 342 529 Secretary: Kevin Arnold, 0419 325 923
T H U R S D AY S
Yarragon Bowls Club Shady Creek Rd Telephone:
0490 831 283
Social game night
only October to
April.
1st, 3rd &5th Thursday, Followed
by a meal, orders to be placed by
5:30 pm on the Tuesday prior.
S A T U R D A Y S
Yarragon Craft & Produce Market
Fourth Saturday 8am - 1pm
Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell Street Or Waterloo Park Enquiries: Gaye Kent 0427 342 430
S U N D AY S
St Mark’s Anglican Church, Loch St, Rev Sue Jacka, ph: 5633 1021
Morning Worship, 8:30am
St David’s Uniting Church, Campbell
St
Watch the notice board at the front
of the church for details.
St Jarlath’s Catholic Church, Rollo St Father Bernie Krotwaar, ph: 5633 1166
10am Mass on 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays
M O R E T H AN O N C E A W E E K
Heart Foundation
Yarragon Walkers Starting at ROTUNDA, 9:30am, in all weathers Tuesday and Thursday: approx. 45 min town circuit Enquiries Angela Greenall 5624 3545
Baw Baw Arts Alliance Station Gallery, Princes Highway. m.0490 173 103 Wed-Sun. 10.30 – 4 EXHIBITIONS, GALLERY & SALES Classes with Tutors – apply at Station Weekly drop-in sessions @ Trafalgar Station Monday- Painting Group Tuesday – MmaD Group (mixed media) Wednesday- am -Clay group pm -Just drawing Thursday –Mosaic group Friday – Fibres group
JULY As COVID-19 Restrictions are eased, some activities may begin again, but all with social distancing in place. No Public events have been scheduled for July at the time of printing this newsletter.
W H A T ’ S O N I N
O U R A R E A ?
yarragonnews.potatoit.com
stores current & previous editions of Yarragon Newsletter.
Need computer support? PotatoIT.com can help with:
* Fixing hardware & software * Web page development * Developing and designing software * Networking
* Design & setup computerised security systems
NO JOB IS TOO SMALL. Quotes are free and Eric can come to you.
