In a statement from the project head Michael Costello, it was announced that due to a lack of volunteers and his current schedule, the project could no longer go ahead at the reduced hours and workforce.
Mr Costello announced that should there be a change to the circumstances, it might be possible for the project to be revived at a future date.
Local Law revised
Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed a revised General Local Law which is now out for community comment.
Mayor Chrissy Weller said the local law aimed to provide for the peace, order and good governance of a municipality, as required by the Local Government Act 2020.
“The General Local Law provides the legal and administrative framework for council to ensure the smooth operation of a range of community activities,” Cr Weller said.
The range of what the Local Law covers is very extensive, with a summary being:
• Roads, public places and council land – outlining what can occur, including busking, abandoned vehicles, trees on private property, signs, consumption of liquor, placement of bulk rubbish containers;
• The environment – capturing open air burning, caravans and camping on public and council land, dangerous and unsightly land;
• Animals – the numbers of dogs and cats in residential areas, other animals permitted, livestock movements, animal nuisance, through to when pigeons can be exercised in residential areas; and
• As well as the administration of the Local Law and enforcement.
“All of these areas have the potential to significantly impact the community,” Cr Weller said.
“Seemingly small issues like roosters in a residential area for example, can have a major noise impact on a neighbourhood with crowing early each day and throughout the day.
“This Local Law states roosters are not permitted in residential areas, with only two permitted in rural living areas.”
The General Local Law also contains a number of attachments, covering alcohol restriction zones, and a Code of Practice for building and works; livestock; trading; waste, recycling and garden organics.
The draft Local Law is available on council’s website, in the “now open” section, with an easy online form to assist community feedback. Comments close on Friday, February 18.
Murray missing out
Local farming groups are hoping they do not continue to miss out on Federal Government funding in the lead-up to this year’s election.
They were disappointed that Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt, accompanied by Environment Minister Sussan Ley and local Senator Perin Davey, handed out nearly $200 million in the Murrumbidgee and Goulburn Valley regions this week, but nothing for the NSW Murray.
“No-one can question that the NSW Murray region has been impacted more than any other by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan’s implementation,” Murray Regional Strategy Group deputy chair Lachlan Marshall said.
Balcony smoking ban
Australia’s leading advocacy group for apartment owners and residents says the recent decision effectively banning smoking on balconies of residential apartment buildings in Queensland casts a question mark over other states, including Victoria.
Smokers and non-smokers have clashed heatedly during the years over the right for smokers to use apartment balconies.
Australian Apartment Advocacy (AAA) is a not-for-profit organisation which represents 2.5 million Australians who own or live in apartments and units.
AAA head Samantha Reece says the issue of hazardous smoke drift in dense residential buildings, which has long been one of the most common complaints in strata communities, needs to be swiftly addressed by other state governments, including in Victoria.
Stay calm — and get boosted
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for patience and understanding from the general public amidst ongoing rapid antigen tests (RAT) shortages.
Extreme stock shortages and unprecedented demand continues to place significant strain on pharmacists and pharmacy staff.
PSA national president Associate Profesor Chris Freeman stressed how challenging these past few weeks have been for the pharmacy workforce as a result of RAT shortages, combined with the start of childhood vaccinations and the booster rollout.
“Antigen tests are also available and being distributed through government testing clinics, free of charge — and I implore Australians to consider these services in order to alleviate pressure on our already-stretched pharmacist workforce, until stock shortages are solved,” Prof Freeman said.
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