Geelong Showjumping Club - Jody Sloper Showjumping Clinic

Jody is a BSH Level 111 Certified eventing coach and world-renowned instructor. She is the coach educator in Canada. She has been the national eventing coach of their Olympic teams. Jodie has performed successfully in elite showjumping in both Canada and USA.

Held at Wallington Park Equestrian Centre, Queenscliffe Highway, Wallington 3222 on November 20 and 21, 2010.

Cost: $120 for Members of the Geelong Showjumping Club and $130 for non-members.
This includes two lessons of 90 minutes duration in a group of four.

Note: Members are given preference as are riders who ride both days.

More information is available from: Geelong Showjumping Club clinics.

The Age Good Food Guide - Best new country restaurant - Loam, Drysdale

The Sydney Morning Herald today reports that Aaron and Astrid Turner from Loam Restaurant in Drysdale have been awarded The Age Good Food Guide's best new country restaurant.

Read more from: Best new country restaurant - Loam, Drysdale.

Geelong Council adopts Significant Landscape Overlay to five areas of the Bellarine Peninsula including Clifton Springs and Drysdale

The City of Greater Geelong has adopted Amendment C177 at their meeting held on Tuesday, 24 August 2010.
Amendment C177 proposes that the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) be applied to five identified areas of land on the Bellarine Peninsula
The five areas are:

• SLO 10: Lake Connewarre Escarpment, with the exception of the property at 161-183 Ash Road
• SLO 11: Lake Victoria and Yarram Creek
• SLO 12: Swan Bay and surrounds
• SLO 13: Murradoc Hill, and
• SLO 14: Clifton Springs to Portarlington Coast.

The Council has notified all relevant government departments, statutory authorities, community and environment  groups, and all landowners directly affected by the proposed SLO.
Submissions on the amendment were referred to a government-appointed Independent Panel for consideration, with the Panel hearing being held between 5 and 7 May this year at City Hall in Geelong.
The Panel’s report subsequently recommended the adoption of Amendment C177.
The report concluded that the amendment supports both State and Local planning policy to protect significant coastal landscapes in non-urban areas of the Bellarine Peninsula through the implementation of the Coastal Spaces Landscape Assessment Study. Cr Katos said Council officers agreed with the Panel’s recommendations.
More information is available from the Geelong Council's Agenda from 24 August 2010 and the minutes when they become available.
Update 31 August 2010: The Minutes from 24 August 2010 Geelong Council Meeting are now available - refer pages 9 - 86.

Geelong Council to Consider Amendment C177 Coastal Spaces Landscape Assessment Study - Bellarine Peninsula

On Tuesday 24 August, Geelong Council will consider adopting Amendment C177 - refer Agenda for the meeting 24 August 2010 (in pdf format 5676kb).
Amendment C177 is a Council initiated amendment to implement the recommendations of the Coastal Spaces Landscape Assessment Study of 2006.
The Amendment proposes to introduce and apply the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) to 5 identified areas of land on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The two areas affecting Drysdale and Clifton Springs are:

• SLO 13: Murradoc Hill
• SLO 14: Clifton Springs to Portarlington Coast

A map showing the affected areas is below:

More information is available from the Geelong Council's Agenda for the meeting 24 August 2010 (in pdf format 5676kb).

Babba is coming to Clifton Springs Golf Club on 23 October

Clifton Springs Gold Club is providing a tribute to Abba by Babba on Saturday 23 October 2010.  Tickets are $50 each for a 2 course meal - drinks are extra.

To book - contact the Clifton Springs Golf Club on 5251 3391

St James Church Building Committee Fundraisers

The St James Church Building Committee is raising funds with a Tribute to Benny Goodman to be held at the Potato Shed on Sunday October 17, 2010, featuring the David Gardner Swing Quartet.

They are also planning a Wedding Dress parade on Saturday November 13 at the Springdale Neighbourhood house.

You can contact Pauline Cline on 5253 2717 if you have a dress you would like to include in the parade. The local girl guides will be the models.

All proceeds will go to the St James Church Hall Restoration Fund

Edible Garden being established in Drysdale

The Bellarine Times (17 August 2010 p.7) reports Drysdale's Harvest Basket, St Ignatius College, Springdale Neighbourhood House, Bellarine Futures Alliance and Bellarine Community Health are working together to establish an edible garden in Drysdale.

The edible garden will be a demonstration project where community members can become inspired to with ideas for growing their own fruit and vegetables at home.

More information is available from the Drysdale Harvest Basket.

Drysdale Festival of Glass to be held February 20, 2011

The Bellarine Times (17 August 2010 p.5) reports that organisers of the Drysdale Festival of Glass will hold their inaugural event at the Potato Shed on February 20, 2011.

The Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) is promoting the free event and is encouraging all glass exhibitors to register with the organising committee at Festival of Glass website.

Clifton Springs / Drysdale Drainage Panel met last night

Today's Geelong Advertiser article: "Clifton Springs residents say $1m drain bill 'extortion'" reports on the meeting held at the City of Greater Geelong yesterday regarding resident's submissions on the proposed Drysdale/ Clifton Springs retirement village main drain scheme.

"CLIFTON Springs residents have described as "extortion" and "criminal" a Geelong city council plan to make them pay over $1 million to build a main drain in the area. About 40 ratepayers have been told they could be liable for amounts ranging from $3361 to $256,888 depending on the size of their lots. About 30 angry residents attended a submissions hearing panel last night at City Hall to plead their case..."

The minutes from the Geelong council meeting of 23 February 2010 details the reasons behind the council requirement for residents to subsidise the developer of the retirement villages's costs of installing the main drain. Residents are naturally pushing back on this "requirement".

Comment was made by Council that if the drain was not implemented then the retirement village development would not proceed.

Council will take another 2 - 3 months to review all the material and research the proposal prior to making a report and recommendation for full council consideration.

Watch this space!

Special Charge for Princess Street, Drysdale, Footpath confirmed - Minutes from Council meeting held 10 August 2010

The Geelong Council have confirmed the declaration of a special charge to cover the cost of the proposed footpath and kerb and channel construction in Princess Street.

Specifically that:

1) the following declaration of a Special Charge be confirmed:

a) a special charge be declared for the period until the work has been completed and the scheme finalized.

b) the special charge be declared for the purpose of defraying anyexpenses incurred by Council in relation to the construction of footpath and kerb & channel and road pavement in Princess Street, Drysdale, west side between Newcombe Street and Eversley Street which project:

b1) will provide proper pedestrian access, proper sealed road access, kerb & channel, improved nature strips and enhancement to the general amenity for each of the properties included in the scheme;

b2) Council considers is or will be a special benefit to those persons required to pay the special charge (and who are described in succeeding parts of this Resolution); and

b3) arises out of Council’s function of planning for and providing infrastructure for property owners.

c) The:

c1) cost of performing the function described in Part 1 (b) of this Resolution based on estimated cost, be recorded as $114,181.

c2) total amount of the special charge to be levied, as based on estimated cost, be recorded as $38,461.

d) It be recorded that, for the purposes of Section 163 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1989, the special charge proceeds will not exceed the amount calculated in accordance with the prescribed formula (R x C =S), the:

d1) ‘benefit ratio’ (R) being calculated at 100%, and representing the total benefits of the special charge scheme that will accrue as special benefits to all persons liable to pay the special charge; and

d2) ‘community benefit’ (C) being assumed as zero for kerb & channel and road pavement and 50% for footpath in Princess Street, Drysdale.

e) the following be specified as the area for which the special rate is so declared:

e1) the area within municipal district of Council highlighted in the plan attached to this Resolution (“the area”).

f) the following be specified as the land in relation to which the special charge so declared:

f1) land within the area shown on the plan.

g) the following be specified as the criteria which form the basis of the special charge so declared:

g1) ownership of any land described in Part 1(e) of this Resolution.

h) the following be specified as the manner in which the special charge so declared will be assessed and levied:

h1) the frontage of lots abutting the works shall be used to calculate the individual cost to a lot.

h2) in the case of Unit development the cost allocated to each Unit shall be based on the schedule of entitlements and liabilities as shown on the plan of subdivision.

h3) the special charge will be levied by sending a notice to the person who is liable to pay, pursuant to section 163(4) of the Local Government Act 1989.

i) having regard to the preceding parts of this Resolution but subject to Section 166 (1) of the Local Government Act 1989, it be recorded that, subject to any further Resolution of Council, the special charge will be due and payable on the date(s) fixed under Section 167 of the Local Government Act 1989 as the date or dates on or by which Council’s general rates are due.

2) there are no incentives declared as incentives to be given by Council for the payment of the special charge before the date(s) specified for its payment under Section 167 (3) of the Local Government Act 1989.

3) Council’s Chief Executive Officer be authorised to levy the Special Charge in accordance with Section 163 (4) of the Local Government Act 1989.

More information is available from Greater Geelong City Council, Minutes of Ordinary Meeting, 10 August 2010 - in pdf format (1916kb)

Jetty Road Urban Growth Area State 1 Development - Minutes from Council meeting held 10 August 2010

The Minutes of the Geelong Council meeting of 10 August 2010 have now been published.

Regarding the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area State 1 Development Contributions plan, the council has now resolved to:

1) adopt the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (City of Greater Geelong, June 2010);

2) support amendment C230 to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme and place it on exhibition, subject to Ministerial Authorisation being received; and

3) request that Planning Panels Victoria preset a Panel date to hear submissions to this amendment.

More information is available from Greater Geelong City Council, Minutes of Ordinary Meeting, 10 August 2010 - in pdf format (1916kb)

Jetty Road Urban Growth Area moves to the next stage

The Geelong Council  released the following media release prior to the Council meeting held on the night of Tuesday 10 August. - Minutes of the meeting have not as yet been published.

Jetty Road Urban Growth Area moves to the next stage - Tuesday, 10 August 2010 9:09 AM

The City of Greater Geelong has resolved to prepare an amendment (Amendment C230) to implement the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan, to fund the provision of infrastructure in Stage 1 of the Jetty Road Growth Area at Drysdale/Clifton Springs.

Currently the funding for the Stage 1 infrastructure is addressed by a Section 173 Agreement between Council and the landowners and developers.

Cr Andrew Katos, who holds Council’s portfolio for planning, said Amendment C230 would incorporate the Development Contributions Plan into the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme and apply the Development Contributions Plan Overlay to the Stage 1 land.

He said this meant the DCP would replace the Section 173 Agreement in terms of the developers’ contributions, once Amendment C230 was approved by the Minister for Planning.

Cr Katos said the Development Contributions Plan was based on the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Infrastructure Plan which has identified a range of development and community infrastructure required for the area’s development.

He said that not all of the infrastructure identified by the Infrastructure Plan will be funded through the DCP but that the infrastructure was to be provided through a number of mechanisms, including:

* development contributions (community infrastructure levy and development infrastructure levy)

* subdivision construction works by developers

* utility service provider contributions, and

* capital works projects by Council, State government agencies and community groups.

Cr Katos said that part of the primary road network, located between Portarlington Road and Bellarine Rail Trail, will be required to service Stage 1 of the growth area, prior to the development of Stage 2.  

He said that Council will apply a Public Acquisition Overlay to the land required for this part of the primary road network to ensure that this vital link can be delivered in a timely manner.

“This road will ultimately service the whole of the Growth Area”, he said. 

“The Stage 1 developers have submitted a development plan to Council for approval,” Cr Katos said.

“Providing this plan is approved by Council, the physical development of Stage 1 of the project should begin later this year,” he said.

Drysdale / Clifton Springs Jetty Road Stage 1 Contributions Plan

The City of Greater Geelong has on its agenda for tomorrow night to consider amendment C230 to implement the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (June 2010) (DCP).
The DCP has been developed to provide for the funding of infrastructure in Stage 1 of the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area. Currently the funding of infrastructure for Stage 1 of the growth area is addressed by a Section 173 Agreement between Council and the Stage 1 landowners/developers.
The S173 agreement ensures that despite there not being an approved DCP in the Planning Scheme at the time the Stage 1 land was rezoned, the development of the land can still proceed as the Stage 1 land owners will nevertheless make or pay infrastructure contributions to Council for the purpose of augmenting infrastructure on or in the vicinity of the Stage 1 Land under the Agreement.
AMENDMENT C230 – JETTY ROAD URBAN GROWTH AREA STAGE 1 DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN

Portfolio: Planning – Cr Katos

Source: Economic Development, Planning & Tourism – Strategic

Implementation

General Manager: Peter Bettess

Index Reference: Project: Amendment C230

Subject: Council Reports 2010
Summary

• The purpose of this report is to seek Council support for the preparation of amendment C230 to implement the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (June 2010) (DCP).
• The amendment seeks to include the DCP as an incorporated document in the Planning Scheme and apply a Development Contributions Plan Overlay to Stage 1 of the Jetty Road urban growth area to give effect to the DCP (See Appendix 1-1 for location of Stage 1).

• In addition to the DCP, the amendment seeks to apply a Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO) over the land required for part of the new primary road network, between Portarlington Road and the Bellarine Rail Trail (See Appendix 1-2 for location of PAO).

• The Amendment has been initiated by Council.
• The DCP has been developed to provide for the funding of infrastructure in Stage 1 of the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area. Currently the funding of infrastructure for Stage 1 of the growth area is addressed by a Section 173 Agreement between Council and the Stage 1 landowners/developers.
• The Section 173 Agreement includes the obligation that Council will use its best endeavours to introduce a DCP into the Planning Scheme in a timely manner. It is therefore incumbent on Council to undertake this amendment.
• The DCP will replace the S173 Agreement as far as developer contributions are concerned once this amendment has been approved by the Minister for Planning.
• It is therefore recommended that Council resolve to adopt the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (City of Greater Geelong, June 2010) and support this amendment and place it on exhibition, subject to Ministerial Authorisation being received.
• It is expected that exhibition of this amendment will result in submissions from the Stage 1 developers. It is therefore also recommended that Council resolve to request a ‘pre-set’ Panel so as to avoid undue delays in the amendment process.

Recommendation
That Council resolve to:
1) adopt the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Development Contributions Plan (City of Greater Geelong, June 2010);
2) support amendment C230 to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme and place it on exhibition, subject to Ministerial Authorisation being received; and
3) request that Planning Panels Victoria preset a Panel date to hear submissions to this amendment.
More information is available in the Geelong Council's Meeting Agenda for Tuesday 10 August 2010 (pdf format - 4349kb)

Special Charge for Princess Street, Drysdale, Footpath

The City of Greater Geelong is levying a special charge on residents in Princess Street (west side between Newcombe Street and Eversley Street) for footpath construction - below is an extract from the agenda for the Council meeting for tomorrow night (10 August)

PRINCESS STREET, DRYSDALE - PROPOSED FOOTPATH AND KERB & CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION - SRC 292 - DECLARATION OF CHARGE

Portfolio: Transport and Infrastructure - Cr Richards

Source: City Services - Engineering Services

General Manager: Gary Van Driel

Index Reference: Subject: Special Rates and Charges

Street: Princess Street, Drysdale

Summary

• This report relates to a proposed special charge scheme for construction of footpath and kerb & channel in Princess Street, Drysdale west side between Newcombe Street and Eversley Street as shown on plan - Appendix 5-3.
• The section of footpath and road services a residential area and is in close proximity to the main street and shopping area.
• Both footpath and kerb & channel are in place on both the north and south sides of this block.
• Council has received complaints and enquiries regarding the provision of footpath in particular.
• There are eight property owners and the estimated cost for footpath and kerb and channel varies from $2,977 to $10,464.
• The Council contribution to the scheme is $75,719 being half cost of the footpath, drainage works and additional pavement works.
• There were three objections received regarding the scheme and these were considered by the Submissions Review Panel. The Panel sought a review for one property and on this basis recommend Council proceed with the scheme.
• The scheme has been prepared in accordance with the special rate and charge provisions of the Local Government Act, along with Council’s Comprehensive Infrastructure Funding Policy.
• This report seeks a resolution by Council to “Declare the Charges” for road construction in Princess Street, Drysdale in accordance with the Special Charge Scheme process.

Recommendation

That:

1) the following declaration of a Special Charge be confirmed:

a) a special charge be declared for the period until the work has been completed and the scheme finalized.

b) the special charge be declared for the purpose of defraying any expenses incurred by Council in relation to the construction of footpath and kerb & channel and road pavement in Princess Street, Drysdale, west side between Newcombe Street and Eversley Street which project:

b1) will provide proper pedestrian access, proper sealed road access, kerb & channel, improved nature strips and enhancement to the general amenity for each of the properties included in the scheme;

b2) Council considers is or will be a special benefit to those persons required to pay the special charge (and who are described in succeeding parts of this Resolution); and

b3) arises out of Council’s function of planning for and providing infrastructure for property owners.

c) The:

c1) cost of performing the function described in Part 1 (b) of this Resolution based on estimated cost, be recorded as $114,181.

c2) total amount of the special charge to be levied, as based on estimated cost, be recorded as $38,461.

d) It be recorded that, for the purposes of Section 163 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1989, the special charge proceeds will not exceed the amount calculated in accordance with the prescribed formula (R x C =S), the:

d1) ‘benefit ratio’ (R) being calculated at 100%, and representing the total benefits of the special charge scheme that will accrue as special benefits to all persons liable to pay the special charge;

and

d2) ‘community benefit’ (C) being assumed as zero for kerb & channel and road pavement and 50% for footpath in Princess Street, Drysdale.

e) the following be specified as the area for which the special rate is so declared:

e1) the area within municipal district of Council highlighted in the plan attached to this Resolution (“the area”).

f) the following be specified as the land in relation to which the special charge so declared:

f1) land within the area shown on the plan.

g) the following be specified as the criteria which form the basis of the special charge so declared:

g1) ownership of any land described in Part 1(e) of this Resolution.

h) the following be specified as the manner in which the special charge so declared will be assessed and levied:

h1) the frontage of lots abutting the works shall be used to calculate the individual cost to a lot.

h2) in the case of Unit development the cost allocated to each Unit shall be based on the schedule of entitlements and liabilities as shown on the plan of subdivision.

h3) the special charge will be levied by sending a notice to the person who is liable to pay, pursuant to section 163(4) of the Local Government Act 1989.

i) having regard to the preceding parts of this Resolution but subject to Section 166 (1) of the Local Government Act 1989, it be recorded that, subject to any further Resolution of Council, the special charge will be due and payable on the date(s) fixed under Section 167 of the Local Government Act 1989 as the date or dates on or by which Council’s general rates are due.

2) there are no incentives declared as incentives to be given by Council for the payment of the special charge before the date(s) specified for its payment under Section 167 (3) of the Local Government Act 1989.

3) Council’s Chief Executive Officer be authorised to levy the Special Charge in accordance with Section 163 (4) of the Local Government Act 1989.

More information is available in the Geelong Council's Meeting Agenda for Tuesday 10 August 2010 (pdf format - 4349kb)

Federal Election - Polling Place Locator - Drysdale - Where can I vote

The Australian Electoral Commission has provided a handy online polling place locator.

The polling place locator also has a facility to help you find polling places if you need to vote early or interstate.

The current matching Election Day Polling Places for Drysdale Clifton Springs are:

• A) Drysdale Community Activity Centre (Corio)
  
  Collins St DRYSDALE, 3222
  
  Activity Centre
  
  Full wheelchair access
• B) Drysdale Community Activity Centre (Corangamite)
  
  Collins St DRYSDALE, 3222
  
  Activity Centre
  
  Full wheelchair access
• C) Clifton Springs Primary School (Corio)
  
  84 Jetty Rd CLIFTON SPRINGS, 3222
  
  School Hall/Gym
  
  Full wheelchair access
• D) Beacon Point Pre-School (Corio)
  
  49-55 Centaurus Ave CLIFTON SPRINGS, 3222
  
  Classroom
  
  Wheelchair assisted
  
  

Check the online polling place locator closer to the 21 August in case there are changes.

2010 Federal Election - How you can vote if you are blind or have low vision and live in Drysdale

Telephone voting is available at Australian electoral Commission (AEC) divisional offices and a number of blind service providers:

Locations for telephone voting for people who are blind or have low vision, 2010 federal election for this area include:

Vision Australia 79 High St, Belmont VIC 3216

Corangamite - 55 Dennis Street, Colac 3250, Phone 03 5231 4741

Corio - Ground Floor, 122 Yarra Street, Geelong, 3220, Phone 03 5229 0027

More information is available from the Australian Electoral Commission.

Update to: Finalisation of a Special Charge Scheme for construction of Duke Street, Granville Street, Palmerston Street and part of High Street, Drysdale

The mintues of the Geelong Council meeting of July 27, 2010 have now been published. The finalisation of the Duke Street special charge has been moved by Cr Ricahrds, seconded by Cr Granger and carried by the Council. Details below - you can read the July 27, 2010 minutes in full in pdf format on the Geelong Council's website.

DUKE STREET GROUP OF STREETS, DRYSDALE - SRC 296 - FINALIZATION OF SCHEME

Portfolio: Transport & Infrastructure - Cr Richards

Source: City Services - Engineering Services

General Manager: Gary Van Driel

Index Reference: Subject: Special Rates and Charges

Street: Duke Street


Summary

• This report relates to the finalisation of a Special Charge Scheme for construction of Duke Street, Granville Street, Palmerston Street and part of High Street, Drysdale, known as the Duke Street group of streets as shown in the attached plan – Appendix 13-2.
• Council declared a special charge for the scheme on 11 March 2008.
• The scheme involved 58 properties as shown on Plan – Appendix 13-2.
• The scheme has been prepared in accordance with the Special Rates and Charges provisions of the Local Government Act along with Council’s Comprehensive Infrastructure Funding Policy.
• The report seeks a resolution by Council to ‘vary’ the special charge for the works to finalise the Duke Street Group of Streets, Drysdale Special Charge Scheme.

Cr Richards moved, Cr Granger seconded - That Council having declared a special charge on 11 March, 2008 for the purposes of defraying the expenses in relation to the construction of Duke Street
between Wyndham Street and Newcombe Street, Granville Street, Palmerston Street and High Street, Drysdale (Appendix 13-2 – Plan) in accordance with Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act) resolves that:
1) the special charges as declared be varied in accordance with actual costs incurred on the project as required by Section 166 of the Act as shown in Schedule A – Appendix 13-1;
2) the General Manager of Corporate Services is authorised to levy and recover the special charges by sending notices to the persons who are liable to pay in accordance with Section 166 of the Act and the Regulations; and
3) in accordance with Section 172, the rate of interest which is payable on the special charges which have not been paid by the specified date is set at Council’s overdraft rate, reviewed every three months (provided that it shall not exceed the rate fixed by the Governor in Council by Order for the purposes of Section 172 2A in which case the rate of interest shall be the maximum rate fixed by the Governor in Council by Order for the purposes of the Section). The interest is to be calculated from the date the special charge is due, with a six months interest free period, providing those persons who choose to pay by instalments adhere to their repayment plan.
Carried.
Background
This project involved the construction of:

• Duke Street from Wyndham Street to Newcombe Street;
• Granville Street from Newcombe Street to High Street;
• Palmerston Street from Newcombe Street to Granville Street; and
• High Street – completion of kerb and channel in front of 56 High Street and 18 Granville Street.

All these roads required different forms of construction to bring them up to an acceptable standard.

• Duke Street required road pavement, kerb and channel, sealing and drainage;
• Granville Street required kerb and channel only as does High Street; and
  Palmerston Street required sealing of existing pavement only (already road pavement and kerb and channel).
  The works have now been completed.

Discussion
This special charge scheme is, in fact, four individual schemes combined into one. The cost apportionment of each of the sub sections has been done individually and the finalization of cost has been done in a similar manner. 

The overall cost of the project was approximately 20% below the estimate. This cost reduction applies to three of the four sub sections with Palmerston Street the exception. In the case of Palmerston Street the treatment specified was to add minimal pavement material, surface preparation seal and seal. Kerb and channel was already in place. 

During the course of preparation it was discovered that in some locations very little pavement existed and therefore excavation and additional pavement became a variation. This was despite the fact that sub surface investigations had been undertaken. 

This excavation increased the cost of this component of the works from an estimated $44,811 to $55,147. In accordance with a recent amendment to the special rate and charge provisions of the Local Government Act, Council can only charge up to 10% above the estimate, for contract variations. Therefore an amount of $49,292 has been allocated to the Palmerston Street properties or 10% above the estimate. 

Environmental Implications
There are no environmental implications including sustainability, energy use, water use or alternative material use, in Council’s decision to finalise this scheme. The process is an administrative matter only. 

Financial Implications
The costs associated with the sub sections and the totals of the project are as follows: 

The Council contribution for Duke Street takes into account the Reserve which is Crown Land managed by Council with the Department of Sustainability and Environment the land owners. Council cannot recover a special charge from the Department therefore must fund the works attributable to this Crown Land frontage. 

Policy/Legal/Statutory Implications
The scheme has been administered in accordance with the special rate and charge provisions of the Local Government Act as well as Council Comprehensive Infrastructure Funding Policy. There are no issues regarding the Human Rights Charter. 

Officer Direct or Indirect Interest
No Council Officer involved with this process has any direct or indirect interest in the properties. 

Risk Assessment
There are no risk assessment issues involved with Council proceeding to finalize the scheme. 

Social Considerations
The provision of a sealed road provides greater safety and improves the general amenity of the area and generally adds to the social well being of the local community. 

Communication
Communication with property owners has taken place during the course of the project.
Owners will be advised of Council’s decision and the final cost.

Drysdale / Clifton Springs Horse Owners need PICs

The Department of Primary Industries now requires all horses owners from 1 July 2010 to have a PIC (Property Identification Code) identifying the properties where they keep their horses. Below is an extract from the DPI's Horse Notes June 2010 - Newsleter no.3.

Horse Owners need PICs

Dr John Harkin, Animal Standards Branch, Biosecurity Victoria.

No, a PIC is not a tool for digging holes. PIC stands for Property Identification Code. Under Victorian legislation, all livestock owners are required to have a PIC. The PIC data (stored on a database) provides DPI with up to date knowledge of Victoria’s livestock populations and contact details for livestock owners, which proves invaluable in responding to emergency animal disease (EAD) events and assists with emergencies such as bushfires. Following the equine influenza outbreak, it was agreed that Victorian horse owners would be well served by being incorporated into the PIC system. This idea had gained strong industry support, which was
further bolstered by the Black Saturday bushfire event. Having PICs for horses is an issue that has also been pursued at national level, and it has now been agreed that all horse owners throughout Australia should have PICs allocated to their horse-bearing properties.

As from 1 July 2010, it will be compulsory for all Victorian horse owners to have a PIC identifying the properties where they keep their horses. Applying for a PIC is free of charge. An application form can be downloaded from the web, or mailed to you (ring 1800 678 779), or obtained from any DPI office - simply complete it and send it to DPI. You will need to supply on your application your name, address and other contact details, and also the council property number or rates assessment number of the property at which the horse is to be kept (found on the
rates assessment notice from the local council).

You must indicate on the form both that the property is used for horses, by ticking under "Horses" in the"Livestock Type" box, and entering the number of horses on the property. In the case of properties where horses are kept occasionally (e.g. showgrounds or pony clubs), simply indicate on the form (by a tick) that horses are kept there from time to time, but enter "0" (zero) for the number at present. Applicants will subsequently be sent a credit-card style card which details their PIC. Certain scenarios arise with the requirement to have a PIC that may pose practical difficulties, given the difference between livestock production enterprises for which the system was primarily developed and what are most often companion animals. Additionally, unlike production livestock, no tracking of movement of horses between properties is envisaged.

a) Existing properties with PICs and horses. Already, the owners of thousands properties with PICs have indicated that they have horses. There is no need for properties that have an existing PIC to apply for another. If you are not sure, call the DPI Helpline on 1800 678 779 - if there is already a PIC, you can advise that horses are running on it.

b) Agistment on one property of multiple horses with different owners. It will be sufficient for the owner of the agistment property to apply and hold a PIC, although the owners of the agisted horses will need to satisfy themselves of this. It will soon be possible for PIC holders to view a list of Victorian PICs online, which will facilitate this process.

c) Race courses and training stables. Provided that each course and stable is covered by a PIC, which could involve a listing of all relevant council property numbers on one application, the obligation will be deemed to have been met. Alternatively, individual training stables and the course could have a separate PIC if desired.

d) Geographically separate parcels of land owned by one person. A person may apply for one PIC to cover all of the blocks that they own and run horses on. There is no need to apply separately for each block, as long as they are in the same locality. To provide DPI with the most up to date information about the location in Victoria, and their numbers, horse owners need to regularly supply DPI with updates about their numbers and any changes to the parcels of land to which the PIC applies.

Further information can be obtained from the DPI Helpline on 1800 678 779.

More information about PICs is available . You can apply for a PIC by completing the PIC form (Microsoft Word format)