Budget brouhaha

Kylie Kitchen

A two per cent reduction in the proposed Macedon Ranges rate rise was met with instant community backlash as council adopted its 2013/14 budget on Wednesday night. 

At the special meeting, the adopted budget was amended from the document which was exhibited to residents. 

Residents filled the gallery and expressed dismay over decisions to again propose UL Daly Nature Reserve as the Gisborne Early Years Hub site and to sell four parcels of open space reserve in Gisborne (Wyralla Crescent, Namnan Way and Gardiner Street) to fund a planned netball courts project. 

Cr Henry McLaughlin made the submission to the budget (as a councillor and resident) that resulted in the Daly Reserve decision, and subsequent rate rise reduction. 

"The reality is though council, at the end of the day, we are the ones who have been elected to make the decisions and those decisions are tough decisions," he said.

"The council delivers a number of significant projects. The pockets of ratepayers are not bottomless and neither is the council budget. 

"The budget is about balance. Councillors this is a true balance."

Council cut the rate rise by saving $700,000 on the purchase of a new site for the Gisborne early years hub. 

It returned to its original proposal to make Daly Reserve the hub site, despite voting not to do so at a November 2012 meeting. The budget now allocates $25,000 for a masterplan on Daly Reserve. 

Cr Jennifer Anderson said there are other ways to reduce rates.

"What we're debating is have we got any other solutions," she said. 

"I have concerns for Daly Reserve and what might happen if we put the hub back on the agenda there."

Cr Russell Mowatt said the council has failed the community in lack of consultation and in going back on a decision made last year. 

Cr Sally Piper called it a good governance issue. 

"No wonder there's so many people in the gallery here tonight, they probably don't even know what's going on," she said. 

"I'm sorry to Daly Reserve and I'm sorry to the parcels of land that have been sold. So no, it's not balanced, it hasn't followed process and I'm very disappointed."

Cr Piper proposed a compromise to sell only one of the four parcels of land, which was lost in the vote. 

"Residents should not have to have their open space taken away from them to fund infrastructure for a town that is growing too quickly," she said. 

"Once our land is built on that's it, the concrete jungle is here to stay."

Cr John Letchford told council there are "$65 million reasons" to praise the budget. 

"My community says 'thank you if you can reduce the rates in the budget'," he said. 

"Councillors I suggest you start singing the praises of the budget.

"The budget is a complex process. We had so many conflicting submissions to judge this on."

Kyneton was a winner in the budget, with joint funding proposals for the Kyneton Bluestone Theatre and the Kyneton Community Park project. The theatre is promised a $90,000 council contribution to support a potential $290,000 government grant. The park will receive a $100,000 council contribution to support an application for a $300,000 government grant.

The budget includes more than $17 million in capital works, with $6.2 million in road and bridge works.

Council confirmed its $550,000 budget contribution to infrastructure upgrades at Hanging Rock, $764,000 to upgrade Woodend's Gilbert Gordon Oval, and $800,000 in playground projects in Kyneton and Romsey.

Other capital works include the Gisborne shire office extension ($800,000), footpath renewal program ($220,000), and the Tylden multipurpose courts ($210,000).

Among the 26 new initiatives is the implementation of the State Government's new residential zones ($40,000), and the Macedon Ranges Climate Change Action Plan ($40,000).

Council voted 5-4 on the budget (including the Daly Reserve decision). Those for were Crs McLaughlin, Letchford, mayor Roger Jukes, Graham Hackett and John Connor. Those against were Crs Piper, Mowatt, Anderson and Morabito.

Council voted 6-3 in the Gisborne land sales decision. Those for were Crs McLaughlin, Letchford, Jukes, Hackett, Connor and Morabito. Those against were Crs Piper, Mowatt, and Anderson.

In favour of growth

Woodend was a key focus of an independent panel's interim report on Planning Scheme Amendment C84.

Kylie Kitchen

Critical changes to a significant planning document were accepted by Macedon Ranges Council and are now open to public scrutiny. 

Council has adopted independent panel recommendations to Planning Scheme Amendment C84 for the purpose of consultation. 

The C84 document's function includes implementing the shire's settlement strategy and its plans for population and infrastructure, and reviewing the Local Planning Policy Framework.

The panel made recommendations in an interim report last September, following a hearing in June. 

The panel criticises C84 for its unsubstantiated directions.

Macedon Ranges Residents Association (MRRA) secretary, Christine Pruneau, was among those vocal about the interim report at its release last year. She said it would be a huge job for council to fix what it had gotten wrong, labelling C84 as "not policy-neutral". Ms Pruneau fears Macedon Ranges' sensitive landscape will be at risk if the document fails to make clear statements and justifications against development pressure.

Residents have the opportunity to comment on the range of changes council has accepted and considered, under the panel's interim recommendations before C84 returns to the panel for a final hearing. 

Woodend was a key focus of the report. 

Among the more significant directions is to delete a line stating no more greenfield land is required in Woodend to 2036. Another direction asks council to identify preferred and non-preferred greenfield development areas when it prepares a Woodend Structure Plan.

Developers may see opportunity in the changes. Villawood executive director, Rory Costelloe, praised the panel report last year and said that as a result, Villawood will return to council with a smaller Davies Hill proposal. 

The panel recommends a justification for Woodend's modest growth, adding reference to its rail and freeway access and its infrastructure, as well as environmental constraints and preservation needs. 

The interim report directs investigations into development to the south of both the Riddells Creek and Kyneton railway lines. 

In Romsey, the panel asks council to delete statements ruling out further rezonings, and that it qualify statements on infrastructure constraints.

It also recommends changes relating to small towns and whole-of-shire directions. 

Planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo's report to council last week, assessed the panel's interim report.

"Amendment C84 was noted by the panel as seeking to redress the longstanding weakness in location planning policy by implementing the settlement strategy. The panel, however, also noted the difficulty of planning for an extended timeframe, and the need for ongoing monitoring, review and adjustment of planning strategy.

"The panel considers the shire's attributes, including transport and community infrastructure, creates a predisposition in favour of accommodating growth, however this is subject to the caveat that landscape and environment values are protected.

"The investment made in the development of the MRSS (Macedon Ranges Settlement Strategy) by the council and the local community required Amendment C84 to proceed. By implementing the recommendations .... the significant but critical changes to Macedon Ranges LPPF (Local Planning Policy Framework) can be made and council's adopted approach to planning for growth implemented."

The changes to Amendment C84 will begin exhibition this month at council's offices and via its website. The changes will be exhibited for four weeks and will be open to feedback.

Light on autism awareness

Romsey sisters, Alice, 10, Abbie (back) 13, and Libby Quigley, 8, are supporters of the Macedon Ranges Blue autism awareness campaign. Photo: Shantelle Images

Kylie Kitchen 

One in 100 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

It's a high statistic, yet many people misunderstand the condition because it presents in such different ways in different people and is often mistaken for naughty or anti-social behaviour. 

Anyone who has ever judged a parent with a tantrum-throwing child in tow could be guilty of judging a mum or dad with an autistic child.

Romsey mother and integration aide, Shantelle Grant, is working to create awareness and understanding for autistic children and their families with the month-long Macedon Ranges Blue event. 

Shantelle's eight-year-old daughter was diagnosed with ASD when she was three-and-a-half.

"I still remember the first day I had to say to a parent, 'my child has autism, please give her some space'. I still remember that day because you do feel so lost and not as good because your child's not doing what's expected," Shantelle said.

Shantelle said parents of autistic children are often alienated in society. 

While accepting the diagnosis and taking their children to the many medical appointments, they are also dealing with judgement from strangers and rejection from friends. 

"It's really hard for parents, especially in society when they're made to feel that they're not good enough parents or they've done something wrong," she said.

Shantelle's daughter is a happy, bubbly girl, with a wicked sense of humour. Her ASD presents in strong drawing skills and an incredible memory for the details of her passions such as movies and dinosaurs. ASD is also evident in her social and emotional struggles. 

"She wants to play with her peers but doesn't know how. She always wants to be around her friends but sometimes it doesn't go quite right, so you have to gauge a lot of her social activity," Shantelle said.

Shantelle works with many ASD children and families as facilitator of the Play Connect ASD playgroup.

She said although all the children experience ASD differently, they share a sensitivity to the world around them - whether it be a reaction to loud noise, bright lights, certain smells, tastes or textures. 

"Their world is so different to ours," Shantelle said.

"They find things very overwhelming. They're very sensory-based children. All their senses are heightened, that's why their reactions are more extreme."

People with ASD have difficulty with communication, change, and flexible thinking. 

"They don't use the emotions they're feeling, they don't pick up on social cues, they suffer a lot of anxiety, and they don't cope well when they're not prepared for change, that's why they love routine," Shantelle said.

"I say to people put your hand on their heart and you'll feel how fast it beats and that gives you an insight into the anxiety they feel and what might be going on in their head."

There is no cure for ASD, it is a lifelong disability. 

Autism affects just as many adults as children, and many are undiagnosed. 

The message of Macedon Ranges Blue, part of the national Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign, is awareness and understanding for all people and their differences.

Throughout April, events will be held in Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey to educate, advocate and fundraise for ASD. 

"It's about teaching people to understand and accept people who are different, without them being considered not good enough or teased," Shantelle said.

"My dream would be for people to be aware and have empathy and understanding for all children and adults, not just those with autism."

On Tuesday, World Autism Day, Romsey will light up blue. Landmarks will be illuminated to symbolise the launch of the Macedon Ranges Blue events. See the full events listing in next week's Midland Express or in Macedon Ranges Blue.

Connecting art with the public - Art Trail gives 45 reasons to visit

Founder of the new Macedon Ranges Art Trail, Nadine Hartnett, with Woodend glass artist, Ettore Di Pilla. Photo: Chris Fleming

The new Macedon Ranges Art Trail being launched this weekend will connect 45 artists, galleries and artisan businesses with the public.

It promotes the area's rich and diverse artistic community, and gives some of the most creative residents in the Macedon Ranges highly desired and strong exposure to a bigger audience than they have had in the past.

By Easter, a vibrant brochure will be available from the Kyneton and Woodend visitor information centres, and various galleries, eateries and accommodation places. It will feature contact details for the 31 participating artists, including website addresses where available, and listings for 12 galleries and two artisan businesses.

The brochure will be downloadable to the shire's tourism website www.visitmacedonranges.com.au, which is the major online information service for the area. According to this website, the Macedon Ranges shire has more working artists per capita than anywhere else in Victoria.

The Macedon Ranges Art Trail is an independent initiative of Woodend freelance writer, Nadine Hartnett, who received $3000 from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council last year to produce a brochure to promote local artists and galleries.

Over the next few months it is hoped the hard copy brochure will be distributed in Melbourne and regional centres.

All private studios on the Art Trail will be open on an appointment only basis until March 2014. Individual artists will decide when to accept visitors.

A Facebook page has been established to display artwork by the participants, advertise exhibitions and workshops, and generate dialogue among anyone interested in visual arts and craftsmanship.

Positive messages passed on

The enthusiastic Live4Life crew, made up of 35 year nines and 10s from five local colleges, launched Live4Life 2013 for their year eight peers this week.

Kylie Kitchen

Macedon Ranges year eight students were given a captivating introduction to youth mental health initiative, Live4Life, on Tuesday.

The students are set to follow in the footsteps of past Live4Life groups in transforming internal awareness, social attitudes and schoolyard dynamics through the year-long program.

Since its beginnings in late 2009, students, teachers and parents have sung high praise for the locally-born Live4Life.

Teens are educated to identify, talk about and manage their mental health and that of their peers.

At the 2013 launch this week, mental health messages were delivered via mediums ranging from poetry slam and song, to videos and talks.

"The students get some really great, simple messages," council youth development unit coordinator, Pauline Neil said.

"One is that we all have mental health issues and there are some key support people in their life and if they're worried at all about what is going on for them that they can tell an adult and get the support they need.

"The other key message is that talking about mental health is very fun. We've worked very hard at making sure the association with the Live4Life brand as one of fun and trying to address the stigma.

"As Sam Hasell (a participant in Live4Life's first year) said in his opening, 'Live4Life is not just a community, it felt like I was part of a family'. To be involved in a mental health program and to get that sense from it as a young person is quite extraordinary."

An energetic year nine and 10 crew hosted the event, drawing on their experience as Live4Life participants in the past two years.

Ms Neil commended the crew for successfully holding the attention of 600 young teens. 

"It was certainly the best launch we've had to date," she said.

"The way in which the Live4Life crew worked toward the launch and really took control on the day was fantastic.

"It was high energy, the students said it was a lot of fun."

The interactive event included a DVD on sexting, a game busting mental health myths, a short play depicting issues around mental health, and a session addressing the question, 'Why is it important to destigmatise mental illness?'. 

"They really enjoyed it and they though the DVD was really powerful," Ms Neil said.

"The message was really that each person sitting there has the ability to make good choices and can predict the impact of making a poor choice on themselves and those around them."

Live4Life is an initiative by Cobaw Community Health, Macedon Ranges Council, Victoria Police and local schools, Sacred Heart College, Kyneton Secondary College, Braemar College, Gisborne Secondary College and Macedon Grammar.

In terms two and three, the year eights will cover topics, 'What's up', 'In Your Head', 'Body Talk' and 'Helping Hand'. Parents will have the opportunity to participate in Youth Mental Health First Aid training as part of the program.

Creative partnership

Daylesford Macedon Ranges Open Studios will partner with Woodend Winter Arts Festival this year.

The local arts trail event, which premiered last November, has announced the first of several new initiatives for its 2013 program. Well known artists Robyn Clarke, Tim Jones, Petrus Spronk and Anita von Bibra will discuss: 'How relevant is landscape today for artists?' in a panel moderated by Mary Lou Jelbart, artistic director of popular fortyfivedownstairs gallery and performance space, former Radio National commentator on the Visual Arts, on Saturday, June 8, during the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. 

Mary Lou Jelbart, artistic director, fortyfivedownstairs, will moderate a panel discussion 

on 'How relevant is landscape today for artists?' as part of the 

Woodend Winter Arts Festival in June. photo: Jeff Busby

Robyn Clarke is a Woodend-based painter, printmaker and art teacher who has written on art for The Age and The Encyclopaedia of Australian Art. She will be guest artist at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. 

Anita von Bibra is a well-known artist who represents a wide range of metropolitan and regional artists at Woodbine - her Malmsbury gallery.

Tim Jones is a sculptor and wood engraver whose work is inspired by local landscape and childhood memory. He is represented in most of Australia's public collections and the British Museum.

Petrus Spronk lives in a clearing in the forest near Daylesford. He walks in the forest daily and considers it his studio and gallery.

DMROS at WWAF will take place at The Chamber Art and Coffee House, 90 High Street, Woodend on Saturday, June 8, from 5.15 - 6.30pm. The event will be the media launch of DMROS 2013 - and include a celebratory glass of wine and refreshments, along with a copy of the guidebook for the November program. 

Last call for artist applications for DMROS 2013 is Friday, March 22. Download the guidelines and application form at www.dmropenstudios.com.au, email info@dmropenstudios.com.au or call creative producer Jill Rivers on 0418 389 189. 

Bookings for the Queen's Birthday Panel Event are through www.woodendwinterfestival.org.au or WWAF enquiries 0447 570 327.

Safe haven - Animal shelter saved by VCAT ruling

Happy Pets Haven volunteers, Sue Little, Mandy Elder, Serena Eldridge and Shelly Culpin, with founder Trish Burke and rescued dog, Poppy, are celebrating the foundation's permit approval.

Kylie Kitchen

Pets Haven has won its battle against Macedon Ranges Council to stay at its Woodend premises.
On Monday, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing was held to dispute council's 2012 decision to refuse the shelter a retrospective planning permit.
In an unusual move, the VCAT member, Alison Slattery, spontaneously visited the premises and made an on-the-spot decision.
After hearing from both parties on Monday, Ms Slattery took up an invitation to see Pets Haven for herself.
She inspected the premises and handed down the ruling on site, instead of waiting the usual six weeks.
"I have decided to set aside the council decision to refuse the application and direct the council to issue a permit in accordance with the endorsed plans and subject to the conditions in the appendix to this order. My decision and reasons were given orally at the second part of the hearing held on site," Ms Slattery said in the order.
Pets Haven founder, Trish Burke was relieved at the prompt decision.
"Winning our VCAT hearing and being notified immediately instead of having to wait six weeks was such a surreal and emotional moment; many tears flowed," she said.
"The feeling among all of our Pets Haven members was like a major battle had been finally won and we could continue on in protecting our orphaned animals.
"Our history with Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been very stressful, our reputation was at times placed at risk and financially this has been very detrimental to our not-for-profit charity. The money and time we have spent should have gone towards our shelter animals.
"We hope that Macedon Ranges Shire Council will now finally leave us alone and respect the decision which VCAT has made.
"I would really love to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Pets Haven.
"We plan on continuing to rescue and rehouse orphaned animals and to rehabilitate injured and abused animals."
Council planning and environment director, Sophie Segafredo gave a brief response to council's loss at the hearing.
"Council will continue to work with the operators of Pets Haven to ensure an appropriate level of service is provided to the community concerning the animal shelter," she said.
"VCAT's decision to support Pets Haven's proposal will be implemented following receipt of formal documentation from VCAT."
Council refused the permit application last March on a belief the shelter lacked core commercial activity for the business 1 zone.