The City of Greater Bendigo’s new cat containment policy came into effect as of yesterday, July 1.

From now cat owners must contain cats to their property 24 hours a day.

City of Greater Bendigo Local Laws and Animal Services Coordinator Sam Johnston said for many years Greater Bendigo has had an order in place that required cats to be securely confined to their owner’s property from sunset to sunrise.

“From July 1 this will change to 24 hour per day confinement following the adoption of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 in November 2021,” Mr Johnston said.

“While the City understands the new 24-hour cat containment will be a significant change for some cats and their owners there are also many benefits.

“Cat containment reduces the risk of cats suffering traumatic injuries from cars and other animals, contracting common cat diseases such as cat flu, ringworm and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, accidental poisoning by toxic plants and pesticides, snake and spider bites and getting lost and being exposed to extreme weather.

“Just like dogs, cats can still go outside, as long as they remain on your property. 

“They can also leave your property if they are under effective control in a securely fitted harness, in a cat carrier, or on a leash.”

The City of Greater Bendigo has given the green light to a revised Industrial Land Development Strategy at its council meeting held last week.

The original Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy and Background Report were adopted by the council in June 2020.

The strategic framework and roadmap identified a 30-year pipeline of future industrial land to meet industry needs, reduce land use conflicts and to plan for the future of Greater Bendigo’s industrial precincts. 

While it identified criteria for future industrial land supply, it did not go as far as identifying a site for additional industrial land supply.

Since its adoption, the city has completed further detailed investigations and identified a 294-hectare site to the south of the Marong township for a future employment precinct to meet long term industry needs. 

This site is now known as Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP) and the revised strategy mainly includes details of the BREP together with other minor changes.

Further investigation relating to the ultimate land use for the entire proposed BREP area is being considered by the Victorian Planning Authority. 

The preparation of Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben proposes to partially implement the Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy by making changes to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme. 

Last week’s council meeting also approved the next steps for a draft Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines 2024 which replaces the Good Design Guide for Industry guidelines.

A public exhibition on the draft guidelines 2024 is likely to be undertaken as part of the exhibition process for Amendment C282gben.

Other changes are proposed to the Industrial Land Development Strategy to ensure the strategy reflects the current state of industrial land supply in the municipality, including updating statistics and references to recent strategic work undertaken.

A Ballarat park dedicated to honouring a national hero from the Philippines is undergoing a significant upgrade.

Rizal Park, named after Dr Jose Rizal, was established in 1999 and was the first Australian park dedicated to the Filipino nationalist, writer, anthropologist and educator. 

Born on 19 June 1861, Dr Rizal was a staunch advocate for equal rights of the Filipino people living under Spanish colonial rule.

While in exile in Europe due to his political activism, he spent years writing to expose injustice and advocate for Filipino equality and human rights.

He was executed by the Spanish colonial government in 1896 at age 35, sparking the Philippine revolution and leading to the First Philippine Republic in 1898.

Every year, Ballarat’s Filipino community gather at Rizal Park, in Invermay Park, to honour his birthday. 

This year, Consul-General of the Philippines Maria Lourdes Salcedo (pictured below) visited Rizal Park to celebrate the completion of stage one of the improvement works.

Stage 1 of the upgrades included: 

• relocating the existing plaque for increased safety
• a new connecting path
• refurbishment of the existing shelter
• and a new seating area.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was an honour to have the Consul-General in Ballarat to celebrate a highly important day on the Filippino calendar.

“We know from working so closely with our local Filippino community that this park is of genuine significance to them, so we are proud to upgrade it,” he said.

“Having the Consul-General visit Ballarat on this special day for Filippino people is an honour.”

Rizal Park is one of a suite of local parks being upgraded as part of the City of Ballarat’s Neighbourhood Park Program.

Stage two of the upgrades will include an improved playspace, seating and tree planting and is expected to be finished by mid-2025, following further community engagement.

Words & Images: Supplied

A prominent Ballarat corner is receiving a significant facelift celebrating cultural diversity.

Works on the Intercultural Garden at the intersection of the city’s Sturt and Pleasant streets started last week and aim to beautify the existing green space and create a welcoming garden.

The City of Ballarat has engaged local company S.H.A.E Enterprises Pty Ltd to complete the project, which is expected to be finished before the end of the year.

The area on the north-western corner of the intersection near the City Oval football ground and City Oval Bowling Club will be inaccessible to the public during this time.

Highlights of the garden include a community flagpole, picnic shelter, park furniture, an arts display plinth, electrical and water connections, paths, a circular display garden and other plantings, and a drinking fountain provided by Central Highlands Water.

Image: Supplied

Iconic Australian bands Spiderbait and Augie March will feature at Ballarat’s Civic Hall during the upcoming Be Hear Now culminating conference and concert.  

This year’s Be Hear Now festival and conference runs from August 9 – 11 with a variety of events for musicians and lovers of music to enjoy.  

Janet English, bass guitarist and singer from Spiderbait, will participate in a panel at the conference, providing a keynote address and insights to the participants about songwriting, and discussing mistakes she made over her career.  

Well known Aussie band Augie March will also be performing live at Civic Hall on 10 August, supported by Be Hear Now cohort performer Coda Chroma and Dayfever.  

Tickets are on sale online for the one-off show, with pre-Festival performances at various locations across Ballarat on Friday 9 August, featuring local musicians in concert before the conference kicks off on Saturday 10 August.

Be Hear Now member, Connor Toomey, from Dayfever says this year’s wider program has been a fantastic opportunity for the band to engage with likeminded musicians in the local scene who we wouldn’t normally get the chance to speak with.  

“It has provided a space for connection and a great sounding board of peers in which we can all grow and develop our craft with the support of other local musicians,” he said.  

“We’ve spoken to a few industry leaders who have helped shed some light on brand development and marketing which are invaluable insights into a space that we as a band had not much knowledge of.

“Augie March is a band synonymous with Australian music, something we are intensely passionate about as a band. We are currently cultivating a special set to unveil for the show at Civic Hall as we are very excited to be playing alongside the lovely Coda Chroma and Augie March.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Be Hear Now program is a great initiative from the Creative Ballarat team to find, foster and develop artists in the Ballarat region.  

“Supporting the emerging artists of Ballarat is great for our city, we have some fantastic musicians right here in our backyard, and this program provides mentoring, training and resources to turn them into the next big thing,” he said.  

The Victorian state government has announced backing for the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund in an effort to help Traditional Owners protect the state’s cultural heritage.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) were recently joined by Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins at Lake Boort, on Dja Dja Wurrung country, to announce more than $5 million in project funding through the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund.

DJAARA chief executive Rodney Carter: “At a time when processes to protect Cultural Heritage are under pressure and facing challenges, this is a welcome step, which will enable Traditional Owner Corporations to determine how Cultural Heritage is protected.”

The funding will support Traditional Owners undertaking initiatives to protect and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage sites across the state, including for the protection of significant Indigenous cultural landscapes or sacred archaeological sites.

The fund will be managed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, to ensure Victorian Traditional Owners decide how the money is used in the spirit of self-determination.

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council chairperson Uncle Russell Mullett said the council looked forward to working with Traditional Owners.

“As custodians and managers of their cultural heritage, to decide on how we best use this fund to protect cultural heritage for future generations,” he said.

Minister Hutchins said the government was “proud to support Traditional Owners” in undertaking the work to “preserve and celebrate culturally significant and remarkable places — like Lake Boort”.

The Caroline Springs Fire Brigade has been handed the keys to a new heavy tanker in recent days.

Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch MP had the honour of officially handing over the new heavy tanker at the station last month.

Caroline Springs Captain Anthony Jenkins said the new heavy tanker is a next generation tanker and will enhance the brigade’s ability to serve the community.

“It has additional water carrying capacity, it’s higher off the ground and it has better capabilities as far as four wheel drive and off road vehicles,” Anthony said.

“It’s much easier for our members to operate and it’s a lot safer with new rollover protection cages.”

“We trained tirelessly for weeks so that we’d be ready to use it as soon as it was handed to us.”

“We had the tanker throughout summer and we took it to one of the strike team deployments at Beaufort.

“We put it through its paces, saved a couple of houses and hit the Beaufort fire head on in Raglan. It was a huge benefit to us.”

Caroline Springs is one of 48 brigades to receive a new, replacement heavy tanker funded in the CFA Capability Funding package.

Words & Image: CFA

The City of Ballarat is updating its flood modelling and mapping to help introduce controls for land use and development on flood prone lands.

In 2018 the City of Ballarat began preparation for a Planning Scheme Amendment to introduce Flood Overlays for 11 Waterways within urban Ballarat.  

The City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021 – 2025 identified a need to better understand the effects of flooding on properties within the municipality and introduce appropriate planning controls so that residents are informed and equipped to manage flooding should it occur.  

Planning has been underway, with external experts identifying the flood extents and depths for eleven waterways across Ballarat:  

• Yarrowee River
• Gnarr Creek
• Canadian Creek and tributaries
• Bonshaw Creek
• Redan Creek
• Kensington Creek
• Chase Waterway
• Little Bendigo Creek
• Hit or Miss Gully
• Warrenheip Creek
• Ryans Drain.

This flood mapping will also influence the City of Ballarat’s flood mitigation works in the future.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said this modelling will assist in better understanding of flooding effects in certain areas across the municipality.  

“The flood mapping of these waterways is an enormous task, that will assist planners, developers and landowners to mitigate flood risk and ensure development is undertaken safely in flood prone areas,” he said.  

“I urge the community to view the mapping on our MySay page to familiarise themselves if their property is in a flood risk area.”  

The full mapping will be available for review at the City of Ballarat’s MySay page, until 15 July 2024.

Following consultation a report will be put forward to Ballarat City Council for consideration of a planning scheme amendment process to introduce flood controls for land use and development on flood prone lands.

Words & Image: Supplied

A tender for management works at Ballarat’s former Black Hill Landfill site is being advertised in compliance with Environment Protection Authority requirements.  

The works are expected to commence in November 2024 and will be completed by June 2025.

The site will be closed to the community and fenced for public safety during the construction and establishment of vegetation. Once vegetation is completely established, the site will be re-opened to the community. 

The tender for works at the site, known as Chisholm Street Reserve, will include the installation of a landfill gas trench to intercept and passively vent any potential landfill gas.

The tender also includes improvements to stormwater engineering controls to direct stormwater, ensuring it drains away from the landfill surface.

The City of Ballarat manages the former Black Hill Landfill site, which was operational from about 1967 to 1982. 

City of Ballarat Director Infrastructure and Environment Bridget Wetherall said the works will be beneficial for the community and the environment.  

“It is important that we conduct the management works to comply with Environment Protection Authority guidelines while ensuring that the community and our environment is protected,” she said.  

The Chisholm Street Reserve is used for community recreation and is managed and monitored by the City of Ballarat.  

The landfill gas venting works will take place at the rear of several houses on the southern side of Leerama Court.

These residents have been notified. The City of Ballarat will continue to liaise with nearby residents to address any questions.

Victoria’s fire services are warning Victorians to be aware of the risk of fires from everyday electrical household items.

Residents are being advised to keep the safety and maintenance of their electrical equipment front of mind when it comes to appliances such as clothes dryers, electric blankets and recharging portable devices.

In 2022-23, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA responded to more than 5,137 structure fires across the state, which includes house fires.

“When a fire takes hold in a house, unit or apartment, it can swiftly spread and destroy your home in just a matter of minutes,” said FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer.

“Electrical fires are a common type of fire in the home. You can cut the risks by following a few simple steps and adopting commonsense habits that could make the difference between life and death.

“You should only use electrical equipment that meets Australian standards. Don’t overload power boards or cover them with flammable material. And don’t put electrical devices like laptops or hair straighteners on soft surfaces.”

DC Fischer said that people should turn off electrical devices at the power point, including electrical blankets and heaters before going to bed or leaving your home.

“Prevention is an essential part of fire safety for your home, so make a note on your to-do list. It really is worth taking a few minutes this winter to ensure you and your loved ones are protected against the risk of an electrical fire,” he said.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said residents should check their appliances are in good working order with good air flow around them.

“No one thinks a house fire is going to happen to them, but last year CFA responded to 780 residential structure fires.  

“More than 140 of those were caused by electrical equipment including appliances and air conditioning. Already this year there have been over 60 electrical fires in the home,” CO Heffernan said.

“Using damaged or faulty electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire, so please, play it safe, and only use certified electrical tradespeople to repair faulty appliances.

“It’s also important to check your home office is set up safely, with no loose cables or double adaptors and switch off any appliances at the wall when they’re not being used.

“We recommend all households have working smoke alarms that are regularly inspected and tested, you can buy them for as little as $20.”

 The CFA is warning that with electrical appliances it’s important to remember the following:   

• Using damaged electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire. Only use appliances in good working order.
• Turn off all electrical appliances at the power point when not in use and ensure your home office is set up safely.
• Don’t use double adaptors.
• Only use power boards according to manufacturers’ instructions, never overload or have loose cables, and check regularly for damage.
• Ensure monitors, laptops, televisions and other equipment have good air flow around them and are not in confined spaces or covered. 
• Only use certified electrical trades people to repair damaged/faulty electrical appliances, wiring or equipment.
• Do not charge electrical devices like phones, power banks and laptops on soft surfaces such as couches and beds.
• If you are going away on holiday, make sure to turn off power to electrical appliances and let a neighbour know you are away. 

For 150 years, Beaufort Fire Brigade has been a mainstay in the community and that continues to this day.

Last weekend, 90 brigade members and townspeople celebrated the milestone which included stories about its rich history. 

Former captain Ron Brown told stories from 1996 until today.  Lifetime member Jeff Torney covered beginnings to 1996 when urban and rural brigades combined. 

The Beaufort Fire Brigade was started by a small group of locals who saw a need for it in 1874, back then it was a bucket brigade with no trucks.  

Ron, who has been with the brigade for 39 years, said the deep history included a footy team in 1908 and 1930. Even winning a few games. 

“Another proud thing about us is of all the brigades through Western Victoria, in World War I we had the greatest contingency of firefighters that went to war, including my great grandfather William Cheeseman who was one of the first to sign up,” Ron said.  

“Beaufort was relying on townspeople to help with fires as so many went to war.”   

Today the brigade has 29 members, 13 operational, two CFA appliances: a tanker and light pumper. 

In 2020 the brigade received its new field command vehicle and it’s earmarked to obtain a new station. 

Beaufort Captain Tony Neville said they just elected their first female lieutenant in the brigades 150 history – Taylah Middlemist, 25.  

“It means in the future the brigade can keep moving forward and we are not going to become stagnant,” Tony said.  

“Taylah has a long time ahead of her and hopefully one day if she’s up for it she can progress through the ranks, up to the ranks of captain.” 

The brigade has been to every major fire over the years including Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday. 

Words & Images: CFA

Bold new local art is now on display at multiple public locations throughout Ballarat in an initiative designed to encourage locals and visitors to explore the CBD. 

Seven new art installations by talented local creatives have been installed across Ballarat’s city centre, showcasing each artist’s favourite things about Ballarat. 

Local artist Scott Leonard said he is so happy to have a chance to bring some extra colour to Ballarat in winter.

“Hopefully my piece brightens someone’s day,” he said.

“As a creative, I love the different makers of Ballarat – the artists, photographers, jewellers, ceramicists, chefs, breweries, baristas, musicians that put the town on the map.

“So, I created a fun collaged typography and illustration piece championing the world class people of the town.” 

City of Ballarat Councillor Samantha McIntosh said locals and visitors can even share what they love about Ballarat on the QR codes at each artwork and go in the running to win a gift voucher to a local business.

“Despite the cold, Ballarat’s CBD is a great place to rug up and wander around, and this is a great excuse to follow the fantastic local art installations,” she said. 

“The artist’s favourite things about Ballarat will encourage us to think about what we love about our city.” 

The artworks across Ballarat showcase everything from the Botanical Gardens to the Art Gallery of Ballarat and even local producers that put Ballarat on the map. 

You can see the full art trail at the following locations: 

Corner Mair Street and Armstrong Street North

Joel Hammonds inspiration comes from the Ballarat Art Gallery, showing different aspects of the gallery and how visitors experience this and shows his son, Wolfy, moving through the different spaces in the gallery.

Hop Lane

Margie Balazic’s colourful story-book style mural centres around local wildlife, wildflowers and Ballarat’s heritage buildings. 

Amanda Western’s impactful mural shows how people and wildlife coexist at Lake Wendouree. 

131 Sturt Street 

See Spencer Harrison’s vibrant mural including Ballarat’s famous begonias, the Fernery and historic lamp posts. 

Parent Place

Jay Kulbardi has prepared visual icons that scream Ballarat, such as the sweet raspberry drops from Sovereign Hill, the Black Hill lookout and the Eureka Gardens play-space. 

Myer, Armstrong Street South

A colourful mural completed by Rach Jackson, is inspired by Lake Wendouree including the boat sheds, swans and statues from the Botanical Gardens. 

Corner Sturt and Doveton Street South 

The collage style mural completed by Scott Leonard shows artists, photographers, jewellers, baristas, chefs and more known in Ballarat. 

The local art trail is a joint initiative between the City of Ballarat and Tourism Midwest Victoria.

Mt Macedon Fire Brigade members have celebrated the official opening of their new fire station in recent days.

The local community gathered last Friday, June 21, to mark the special occasion including CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP and Mt Macedon Captain Tim Slattery.  

The $4.04 million state-of-the-art station located on Mt Macedon Road has replaced the brigade’s 42-year-old station. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the new station will provide modern facilities and features designed to improve service to the community. 

“The new station features a three-bay drive through motor room capable of storing modern firefighting vehicles,” Jason said. 

“It also has a rear training yard, a hose drying tower, male and female turnout facilities, a workshop, a brigade office and communications room, a multi-purpose training room and kitchen. 

“The station is a much larger facility for the brigade and its local community to utilise for many years to come.” 

Mt Macedon Captain Tim Slattery says brigade members are very pleased with their new home. 

A man has had his licence immediately suspended after allegedly driving three times over the legal limit in Chiltern earlier this week.

Officers first noticed a semi-trailer being driven erratically on the Hume Freeway in Chiltern about 7.30pm on Monday night.

Police intercepted the 37-year-old driver who underwent a preliminary breath test, before accompanying members to a nearby station where he returned an alleged evidentiary result of .158.

As well as having his licence suspended, the Clyde man is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.

The Hepburn Shire has adopted its first Fair Access Policy at its June meeting held recently.

The council has developed the Hepburn Shire Fair Access Policy to address known barriers experienced by women, girls, trans and gender diverse people in accessing and using community sports infrastructure.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the policy aims to progressively build the capacity of the council to identify and eliminate causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications and delivery of services in relation to community sports infrastructure.

“Sport and recreation are a highly visible and valued part of our Shire’s culture and identity,” Cr Hood said.

“Our local clubs and organisations can support our community through the promotion of respect and fair mindedness for all people, leading to benefits for the physical and mental health of our community.”

“Every person, regardless of their gender, has the right to participate in sport and recreation feeling safe and welcome,” Cr Hood said.

The Policy and Action Plan are based on the five Fair Access Principles of:

• inclusivity
• full participation
• equal representation
• encouraging and supporting user groups; and
• prioritising user groups committed to equality.

The policy was developed after community consultation, including a community survey, and direct engagement with sporting clubs, and Hepburn Shire’s Gender Equity, LGBTIQA+, Disability and Reconciliation Advisory Committees.

The Victorian Office for Women in Sport and Recreation also reviewed the draft Fair Access Policy.

All Victorian councils are required to have in place a gender equitable access and use policy (or equivalent) by 1 July 2024 to remain eligible for State Government community sports infrastructure funding.