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HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL SHIRE NEWS IN THIS ISSUE THE REX PROJECT UPDATE Pg 5 CRESWICK TRAILS PROJECT Pg 7 BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY Pg 11 TRENTHAM STREETSCAPE Pg 15 ISSUE 9 Autumn 2018 Cover Photo ENGAGING WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE Oliver Broad from Creswick Photo: Geoff James Photography More on Pg 4 Delivering for our community

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Page 1: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL

SHIRE NEWS

IN THIS ISSUE

THE REX PROJECT UPDATE

Pg 5

CRESWICK TRAILS PROJECT

Pg 7

BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY

Pg 11

TRENTHAM STREETSCAPE

Pg 15

ISSUE 9 Autumn

2018

Cover Photo

ENGAGING WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE Oliver Broad from Creswick Photo: Geoff James Photography More on Pg 4

Delivering for our community

Page 2: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

2 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CR JOHN COTTRELL

When commencing my Mayoral term in November of last year, I set out to improve governance in Council. Initially, by uniting councillors around their primary role of policy setting across areas such as culture and behaviour, community engagement, risk, local planning and creativity.

Revising Council attitudes in these areas sets clear direction for the CEO and management. The outcome we want is the delivery (in a responsible way) of the services/projects the community needs and wants. We operate in a reality of finite resources competing with a growing list of projects and community needs. Council provides many essential services to the community, including the maintenance of our roads and dealing with the shire’s waste.

Aside from these services, Councillors are keen to hear from the community what other things should be a priority. We believe that to create meaningful engagement and conversations with the community, we need to be more transparent and open about our successes and failures.

Set out in the Council Plan is a new Vision statement – ‘Our Council’. This is a simple yet profound statement of how we want the community to see Council.

The notion of ‘Our Council’ will create a council driven by culture and values of community engagement founded on transparency, accountability, responsiveness and trust.

In my own Holcombe Ward, I have launched a new website that will help me better engage with my community – one that is spread out in many small and geographically isolated hamlets. The online platform is moderated by myself and allows open and transparent two-way communication with my constituents. Those who live or work in the Holcombe Ward are encouraged to visit the site and to leave feedback. This is a trial of what we’re calling a “virtual Ward meeting”. To visit the site go to www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/holcombe/

I look forward to meeting many of you in my travels around the shire.

Cr John Cottrell MAYOR

“TO CREATE MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT AND CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY, WE NEED TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT AND OPEN ABOUT OUR SUCCESSES AND FAILURES.”

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AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 3

BIRCH WARDCr Kate Redwood AM 0428 285 673 [email protected]

BIRCH WARDCr Fiona Robson 0428 322 454 [email protected]

CRESWICK WARDCr Greg May 0409 251 743 [email protected]

CAMERON WARDCr Neil Newitt 5321 6423 / 0400 906 599 [email protected]

YOUR COUNCILLORS

CRESWICK WARDCr Don Henderson (Deputy Mayor) 5345 2638 / 0427 559 684 [email protected]

COLIBAN WARDCr Sebastian Klein 0428 331 173 [email protected]

HOLCOMBE WARDCr John Cottrell (Mayor) 0429 094 023 [email protected]

Get Social with Hepburn Shire… we’re on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Visit our website and check out our different social media channels.

Get Social

Page 4: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

4 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

ENGAGING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN HEPBURN SHIRE

Pools! Not Schools Tour!Hepburn TeenSquad organised two awesome youth pool activation events at Daylesford and Clunes pools on 19 and 22 January 2018. Both events showcased young musicians Peggy Hills and Harri Dale and a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats.

Daylesford had over 250 people attend the event, which included the giant inflatable and a free BBQ put on by the Daylesford Girl Guides. The weather was spectacular for both events.

WESTERN BULLDOGS LEADERSHIP PROJECTFor the second year running, Council has teamed up with the Western Bulldogs Football Club to deliver an intensive 6-month program that provides young people with opportunities to build capacities in leadership, teamwork, communication, goal setting and resilience. The program will enable participants to grow as leaders in their community.

Hepburn Teen Squad Instagram Follow us on Instagram: Hepburn Teen Squad (@hepburn_teensquad).

If you have any activities which you would like to be promoted via our Instagram page, please send the information to: [email protected].

CRESWICK SKATE PARK COMPETITIONOn 29 October 2017, we hosted a skate, scooter and BMX tournament at the Creswick Skate Park. The competition was facilitated by the YMCA skate services and was part of their Skate Park Leagues tour.

It was perfect weather for the event, which had around 40 young people compete in the tournament and about 50 spectators. The competitors were a mix of ages, from as young as 8 years old to adults. It was a successful day, and a great way to activate spaces for young people in Creswick.

Geoff James Photography

Page 5: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 5

The Rex Project UpdateThe Hepburn Hub at The Rex project is progressing well, with major engineering works throughout the building and the light well penetrations complete. The new community spaces will include a larger and more modern library and community theatre/cinema. We are also working on a social enterprise café to be added as a next step. The relocation of the Daylesford Community Cinema and provision of public toilets is an important aspect of the project.

The sustainability elements of this project will ensure that the building is environmentally responsible and energy efficient.

One of the five light wells at The Rex

Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy

STARTING APRIL 2018

Right now, 19 percent of homes in Hepburn Shire have solar rooftops. An exciting new community bulk-buy is aiming to raise that to 22 percent by the end of 2018. The Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy, supported by Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Wind, will launch in mid-April with a series of information meetings. High quality, competitively priced solar PV and home battery systems – sourced via public tender – will be offered to households and businesses in the Shire.

The group behind the Hepburn Bulk-Buy is the Hub Foundation, the not-for-profit organiser of MASH, the successful community solar bulk-buy that started in Castlemaine back in 2014 and has installed close to 900 solar rooftops.

“Together, our aim is to install at least 200 new solar rooftops in the Shire. If we achieve that, we’ll be able to donate around $20,000 in free solar to local community groups and cut CO2 emissions by 1,100 tonnes annually.” Jo Kaptein, Executive Officer, The Hub Foundation

Visit www.mash.org.au/hepburn or call 1300 466 274

Page 6: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

6 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

IN PROGRESS

Council is currently evaluating tenders for the Daylesford Soccer Club Room refurbishment.Construction will include a new disabled toilet and store room, along with upgraded facilities to the amenities and change rooms.

Council is finalising the design for the Trentham Netball Facility. A tender will be advertised for these works in April 2018.

The Doug Lindsay Soccer Lighting Upgrade project will deliver the installation of 6 lights, at around 23 metres high. We acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government with funding of $100,000.

Sports & Recreation in Hepburn Shire

FUNDING FOR FEMALE FRIENDLY CHANGE ROOMS IN HEPBURN

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP, joined the Hepburn Football Netball Club at their home ground in January this year to announce $100,000 towards new female friendly change rooms for players and officials.Council is contributing $217,302 and Hepburn Football Netball Club are contributing $30,000, plus $43,000 in-kind contributions – an amazing effort from the club. We have committed to underwrite this in-kind contribution. The new facilities will open the door for more tournaments to be held at Hepburn.

Hepburn Facility Funding Announcement

Trentham Netball Facility Concept Design (colours not shown)

Page 7: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 7

The Creswick Trails project has recently kicked-off with the formation of a Project Governance Group and the community-based Project Reference Group (PRG).

Creswick locals have been involved in scoping stage one of the trails through collaboration with the project team and trail builders. A proposed stage one trail network will connect Hammon Park to St Georges Lake and the RACV resort, constructed to suit beginner/family focused riders.

In addition to the trail field work, a trailhead concept has been developed and presented to the PRG for comment and input. Based on the PRG’s feedback, a final design will be established so that construction on the Pump Track (located at Hammon Park) can commence.

Creswick Trails Project

GLENLYON RECREATION RESERVE MASTER PLANNING

In partnership with the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve Special Committee, we are developing a Master Plan for the Reserve. Funding to carry out the Master Plan process is included in Council’s current budget. This will allow the Committee, Council and other user groups to plan, prioritise and deliver improved recreation facilities at the Glenlyon Recreation Reserve.

Along with looking at long term opportunities at the Reserve, the Master Plan will specifically address:

• Flood mitigation works and drainage improvements to address flooding issues

• Potential upgrade or replacement of the existing pavilion to address concerns about kitchen facilities and the need for accessible toilet and bathroom facilities

• Improvements to horse riding facilities to make them universally accessible to support the activities undertaken by Daylesford Riding for the Disabled Inc. at the Reserve.

Page 8: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

8 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

AGED CARE SERVICES

Did you know Aged Care services in Australia are currently going through a process of reform?Since 1 July 2016, services for people aged over 65 years (or over 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) are directly funded and managed through the Federal Government’s - Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). Council is contracted until 30 June 2019 to provide the CHSP Services across the shire. After then, the Federal Government may choose other provider(s) to continue these services.

DURING 2017, COUNCIL’S AGED CARE & DISABILITY SERVICES TEAM PROVIDED:

• Support services to over 900 households

• 4,880 hours of Personal Care, 829 hours of Respite Care and 12,422 hours of Home Care Services

• Travelled over 138,000 kilometres in the provision of In-Home Services around the Shire

• 7,922 hours of Activity Groups for clients at our Daylesford and Creswick based programs

How do I access Aged Care Services?The Commonwealth Government has introduced a central gateway called My Aged Care. ‘My Aged Care’ is a national system and is the first step to access Aged Care services. You are now required to register with ‘My Aged Care’ before you can receive any Aged Care services.

You can contact the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422.

Page 9: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 9

EUREKA COMMUNITY KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION (ECKA)

We recently funded the Eureka Community Kindergarten Association (ECKA) to run a project where a group of Hepburn Preschool children visited elderly residents of the Daylesford Hospital once a month. Children made gifts, performed songs, played and engaged with the elderly. The children developed an understanding of the need to care about the elderly and give to others in need. The children also developed an understanding of the ageing process and were able to develop new relationships outside the family.

THE CRESWICK IMPERIALS CRICKET CLUB

The Creswick Imperials Cricket Club recently received a Council community grant to purchase an automated bowling machine. The bowling machine has helped improve training and the skill level of the junior and senior players (and coaches) at the Club.

Ziggy & Chloe

Bringing Community Ideas to LifeCommunity grants help community groups bring their ideas to life. We encourage community groups to apply for funding for events, programs, projects and equipment. Grants of up to $2,000 are available to community groups who demonstrate how their project links to the objectives of:

ACTIVE AND ENGAGED COMMUNITIES up to $2,000 available

QUALITY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE up to $1,000 available (including small equipment)

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT AND A VIBRANT ECONOMY

up to $2,000 available

Do you have an idea for a community project? We can help you develop your application. 2017/18 funding closed. Funding applications will re-open in June 2018. Visit:

www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/community-grants-program/

COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANTS

ARE USED FOR A VARIETY OF PROJECTS

AND INITIATIVES. HERE ARE A COUPLE

OF EXAMPLES:

Page 10: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

10 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

We are excited to have recently appointed Brian and Dom. Brian has been appointed to work with the community to develop and deliver the shire’s Biodiversity Strategy. Dom will support the organisation’s sustainability initiatives, including our Towards Zero Emissions Roadmap.

Brian has a background in ecological planning with a community-based catchment management group. He has worked for over twenty years on ecological restoration projects across the rural, industrial and urban landscapes of the Merri Creek valley near Melbourne. Since moving to Central Victoria two years ago, Brian has engaged with the land management issues of his local area and the challenge of establishing sustainable small-scale agriculture with his wife on their own small block. He enjoys the task of helping others discover their local flora and fauna and motivating community action for the survival of biodiversity.

Dominic (Dom) Murphy has been appointed to the role of Sustainability Officer. Dom is a Mechanical Engineer

and has been working as a consultant for 7 years across a broad range of projects, including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, product development and manufacturing. The main focus of this role will be to implement projects that support the delivery of key activities under the Sustainable Environment pillar of the Council Plan (2017-2021). In particular, there will be a focus on projects that reduce Council’s emissions, as outlined in Council’s “Towards Zero Emissions Roadmap”.

Both Brian and Dom work in our Community and Economic Development department.

BRIAN & DOM JOIN THE TEAM WITH BIODIVERSITY & SUSTAINABILITY A FOCUS FOR COUNCIL

Brian Bainbridge & Dominic (Dom) Murphy

Page 11: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 11

BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY UPDATE

Thank you to community members who participated in the Biodiversity Strategy Workshop held in December 2017, and to those who provided feedback online (and in other ways). We appreciate all submissions.Following the review of feedback provided at the workshop and online, we are committing to a further review of the draft strategy with a focus on additional consultation and community engagement. Consultation will be a combination of stakeholder meetings and one-on-one consultations. We will also have Ward based community consultations taking place from May to June. In addition to further community engagement, we will produce monthly newsletters commencing in April, and advertise for participation in a community reference group.

As you will have read (on page 10), we’re excited to have appointed Brian Bainbridge to the role of Biodiversity Officer. Brian will work with the community to refine the draft Biodiversity Strategy and then lead the Strategy’s implementation.

Community Input Needed for Shire Zero-Net Emissions Strategy

Hepburn Shire was selected to be the Z-NET pilot for Victoria under the Sustainability Victoria Take2 Community Transitions Pilot Program. Sustainability Victoria, the Coalition for Community Energy, Hepburn Wind, local sustainability groups and the Hepburn Shire community will work together to develop a plan to achieve net zero emissions in the shire. Residents will be surveyed on their home electricity and transport usage to determine the emissions generated in the shire. The survey will help us understand how you currently use energy in your homes and what you think about using less energy, generating your own energy, generating energy nearby and purchasing or importing renewable energy.

By completing this survey, you will be providing very valuable input into the Z-NET project and helping guide the Hepburn Shire’s transition.

Community members who would like to be part of the Hepburn Z-NET Community Advisory Group can email [email protected]

The survey can be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/hepburn-znet

Page 12: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

12 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

REGIONAL CENTRE FOR CULTURE PROGRAM

Throughout 2018, we will be shining a spotlight on the creative endeavours happening in our shire.

The Regional Centre for Culture program will spread through theatres, galleries, festivals and events, spanning the six seasons of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. Visit our website for a list of events in Hepburn Shire…

www.hepburn.vic.gov.au

Detox Your Home, a safe, free and easy-to-use service to dispose of common household chemicals without harming your health or the environment – is coming to Daylesford. Why not take the opportunity to clean out your shed, bathroom, kitchen, laundry and garage to get rid of unwanted, highly toxic household chemicals? And make sure you tell your friends and family so they too can take advantage of the FREE Detox Your Home event.

Just show up on the day and the trained Detox Your Home team will do the rest. The collected items are recycled for recovery and diverted from landfill. Detox Your Home and do the right thing for your loved ones and your environment. It’s easy and it’s free.

PAINT AND OTHER COMMON PRODUCTS

Paint, household batteries, and fluorescent lights – which are less toxic than household chemicals (but also a more common waste item) – can be disposed of throughout the year at a permanent drop-off site.

Visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome for a full list of permanent drop-off sites or call 1300 363 744 for more information.

WHEN: Saturday 12 May 2018 TIME: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm WHERE: Daylesford Transfer Station, Ajax Road in Daylesford

Detox Your Home is Coming to Daylesford

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AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 13

DAYLESFORD SKATE PARK

On 15 March, we hosted a community consultation on the proposed new design of the Daylesford Skate Park. Community members and users of the skate park were presented with draft concept plans. The skate park designer was on hand to answer questions and receive feedback. The final design is expected in May with construction dependent on funding. Council will explore state funding opportunities for construction in the 2019/20 financial year based on the final design.

To view a copy of the draft design visit our website…www.hepburn.vic.gov.au

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROJECTSWe have been placing a focus on upgrading some of the green spaces across the shire and improving maintenance for key parks and open spaces. This has included:

• Putting on an extra staff member to focus on Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in Daylesford and Park Lake in Creswick

• Progressing the design for improving the main entrance to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens using Andrew Laidlaw who prepared the Master Plan

• The completion of the upgrades to Lake Daylesford precinct

In line with this focus, we have completed the consultation on what works and what doesn’t work at Calembeen Park (Creswick) and are now planning for improvement works that respond to the community feedback.

Improvement works commenced at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve last year and are about to recommence. They will see path improvements, signage and way-finding improvements and enhancements to the top car park area, along with landscape improvements.

Redeveloped Lake Daylesford Foreshore Area

Page 14: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

14 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

Volunteering with the ElderlyInterested in volunteering? Have you thought about volunteering your time to visit residents of aged care facilities? The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) aims to enrich the quality of life of residents in aged care facilities who are socially isolated or lonely and would benefit from a visitor for friendship and companionship.

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE: Contact CVS Coordinator Shelley Brasher on 5321 6101 or email [email protected].

Page 15: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 15

Trentham StreetscapesThe Trentham Streetscapes Project (TSP) is part of the Hepburn Shire Streetscape Planning and Design Project completed in 2015.

The Streetscape Planning and Design Project was endorsed by Council following an extensive public consultation process over the previous 2 years.

The TSP aims to improve the streetscapes of Trentham through a series of projects and defines a materials and furniture palette.

Council will be working alongside the communities of Holcombe Ward, Hepburn/Hepburn Springs, Trentham and Creswick in 2018 to deliver community plans for each locality.

Community planning is a process that is ‘owned’ by the community with Council available to play a facilitation role. We recognise community planning as an effective mechanism for Council and communities to identify and act on community aspirations for their township.

COMMUNITY PLANNING

DID YOU KNOW?

In June 2016, around 190 trees were planted in Market and Albert Streets in Trentham as part of the project. Other elements of the project will commence around April 2018, after further community consultation.

THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE:

Kerb outstands at side street intersections and town entry points

Improved parking definition to side streets

Street tree planting

New footpaths and upgrades to existing pathways

New pedestrian priority crossing to High Street

Movable Planters and Street Furniture

Page 16: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

16 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

In November 2017, Council adopted the Hepburn Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021 (DAMP) that provides a strategic framework to guide policy direction, service programs, and initiatives and action plans related to animal management.

Our community safety team are implementing the objectives of the DAMP with one of the focus areas being Animal Registrations.

Registering your pet is one of the best things you can do to keep them safe. It helps us reunite you with your fur baby and allows us to provide staff to attend to barking dog complaints and dog attacks. We know you love your pet and we want to help you look after them.

Animal Registration Renewals are due on 10 April so don’t forget to renew your pet’s registration. If you have not received your registration renewal yet, please contact our Community Safety team.

Assistance with cat desexingCouncil is tackling the problem of nuisance cats in our Shire. To reduce the number of unwanted litters, we are starting a pilot to assist the community with the cost of desexing their cats.

We will cover 50% of the cost to desex your cat as part of this program.

Please visit our website or contact the Community Safety team if you would like to learn more about the program.

DID YOU KNOW?

From 1 November 2017 to 31 January 2018, Council impounded 49 cats (including 32 feral cats) and 27 dogs.

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AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 17

DID YOU KNOW?

We purchased a new Noremat reach arm to help combat the spread of gorse and blackberry on our road network. We have been working with local landcare groups and members of the public to prioritise affected areas. Our approach to working with gorse and blackberry removal will be a combination of mechanical and selective spraying treatments.

Weed Management Works Council’s Infrastructure Team are trialling new weed maintenance practices on sites across the shire.

Mechanical and chemical weed eradication trials are underway or commencing in key sites with the use of low risk chemicals on soft tissue weeds. We are seeing great results from the trials, both from an environmental and budgetary perspective. Woody weed eradication trials are also taking place with good results. Trials of combined applications (mechanical and chemical applications) have proven to be most effective. Other treatments are being trialled so that we can evaluate how to best reduce our reliance on herbicide spraying in the longer term. Sites include roadsides and parks such as Calambeen Park and Doug Lindsay Reserve. The program will be running for the next three years at these sites.

Page 18: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

18 | HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS AUTUMN 2018

BRIDGE RENEWAL PROGRAM

After a long period of consultation with Heritage Victoria, the designs for the reconstruction of the Anderson Mill Bridge have been approved.

The reconstruction involves replacing very substantial timber bearers, along with the bridge’s hardwood timber. The size and type of timber is so rare it had to be sourced from Queensland. Construction is due to start in April 2018.

Other bridge renewal projects include upgrading the Jones and Reeces Road flood-way capacity, invert works along Flemings Road, various pedestrian bridge timber works and safety guardrail improvements throughout the shire.

EAST STREET BRIDGE PROJECTIn late 2017, we received Regional Development Victoria grant funding to lower the road under the rail line in East Street (Daylesford).The funding matches a Council commitment in the 2017/2018 budget.

The project will allow for better heavy vehicle access to the industrial precinct, reducing the need for heavy vehicles to use local roads. Geotechnical investigations have been completed. This includes drilling boreholes below the footings. The geotechnical investigation allows for full engineering design of new footings to take place. The current abutments and footings were built in the early 1900s. In 2017, VicTrack replaced the old iron beams that had been damaged by an over height truck.

The design work will also involve locating the many services that run under the road. Central Highlands Water have various water pipes running between the Hill Street water storage and the Railway Parade water treatment plant. In addition to water services, there is sewerage, Telstra, NBN and stormwater to consider. Once construction begins late in 2018, a large portion of the works will involve relocating these services. Works will then commence to underpin the current footings and lower the road level to give around 4.6m of clearance.

“THE PROJECT WILL ALLOW FOR BETTER HEAVY VEHICLE ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRECINCT, REDUCING THE NEED FOR HEAVY VEHICLES TO USE LOCAL ROADS.”

Geotechnical investigations at the East Street Bridge site

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AUTUMN 2018 HEPBURN SHIRE NEWS | 19

DISABILITY ACCESS & INCLUSION PLAN

We are currently reviewing our Disability Access & Inclusion Plan. Deb Westin was engaged as Council’s Rural Access Officer on a short-term contract with the key priority to review the Plan. The process is well underway with feedback being sought from residents, community groups, service providers (here and in Ballarat) and Hepburn Shire staff members. Discussions are also occurring with Council Officers whose responsibility it will be to implement the Plan over the next four years.

We hope to hold community consultations on the draft plan in May 2018…keep an eye on Facebook and our website for more information.

NGV Kids on Tour at the LibrariesOnce again, this past summer, the National Gallery of Victoria supported local communities by providing the resources for us to deliver engaging activities based on their exhibitions. All four of Hepburn Shire’s Libraries held sessions which attracted over 50 participants. To the left is one of the fabulous artworks produced as part of this activity.

Our Library staff put a lot of effort into producing engaging programs for our community. If you haven’t been to the Library for a while, come in and see what is going on.

If you want any further information regarding the Plan,

please contact Deb on 0428 025 220.

Keep up to date by liking ‘Hepburn

Libraries’ on Facebook.

DID YOU KNOW?

From 1 July – 30 December 2017 Hepburn libraries loaned out 78,559

items and had 81,552 visitors.

Page 20: Delivering for our community - Shire of Hepburn...a special appearance in Clunes from Hip Hop MC EMBE, who wowed the 100-strong crowd with his beats. Daylesford had over 250 people

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN SIGN UP TO RECEIVE YOUR RATES BY EMAIL?

Around 1,000 ratepayers have already subscribed to receiving their rates notice(s) by email. It’s easy! Visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au and complete the online registration form. Remember to let us know if your email address changes.

Administration

Where do your rates go?For every $100 of rates and charges collected by Council, we allocate....

DAYLESFORD

Cnr. Duke & Albert Streets, Daylesford 8:30am – 5:00pm

CRESWICK

Creswick Hub 68 Albert Street 8:30am – 5:00pm

CLUNES

The Warehouse – Clunes 36 Fraser Street, Clunes Mon & Thurs 10am – 6pm Wed & Fri 10am – 4pm

Capital Works

$32 $1Early Years

$2Aged & Disability

Services

$4Youth

& Libraries

$21Engineering

Services & Asset Maintenance

$10Recreation, Reserves &

Swimming Pools

$15Environment

& Waste

$2Public Safety

& Health

$6Events,

Economic Development

& Tourism

$1 $5Civic &

Governance

$2Town Planning & Building Services

PO Box 21 Daylesford 3460 P: 03 5348 2306 F: 03 5348 2911

[email protected] www.hepburn.vic.gov.au

www.facebook.com/hepburncouncil

1. YOUR DETAILS Enter owner details and email address

2. PROPERTIES Enter each of your properties

3. SUBMIT We will review your application & notify you by email when the registration is complete

1