How good are all the new trees and plantings around Winchelsea? Part of the “Branching Out” project (more at jo.my/winchelseatrees) starting with Winchelsea and Deans Marsh, in years to come this will make a big (and very positive, imo) difference. I recall driving through Waurn Ponds in its early days and noting its sea of bare roofs – now trees have popped up above the roofline and it’s looking so much better. Winchelsea & Deans Marsh have always had good tree coverage, but this project will provide more shade, more wildlife habitat, cooler streets, and will just look great. I love a tree-lined avenue.
A couple of people have been in touch about the rapid spring growth around town. While the area between kerb and house is the occupier’s responsibility to mow, if there’s any vegetation between kerb and the road it is Council’s responsibility. A “nice work” to those who mow both bits, as for the untidy-looking stuff I’m assured Council will be tending to it as soon as possible given it is peak growing season plus preparations are under way for the coming summer fire season eg. cutting back and clearing around our (large) Shire.
Are you a library user? I’m a fan, always been impressed that the world of print is available for free to all (ratepayer & taxpayer fund, of course). The library truck is coming to the end of its economical life and innovative new ways are under investigation to provide a library service into the hinterland and coastal towns that don’t have a permanent library (ie. outside Torquay!). Take a look at jo.my/newlibraries where you can see some ideas and more importantly where you can chip in your thoughts and suggestions. I can assure you, your feedback is genuinely valued so please take the opportunity.
As you may know, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) pushed the button to recalculate the distribution of votes for Torquay Ward, to fill the vacancy left by Rebecca Bourke. Eric Menogue came out as the successful next-in-line, however did not accept the role within the allotted 48 hours. The VEC will consequently conduct the operation again with the remaining 2 candidates. The major work on the horizon for Councillors is an ‘Action Plan’ for the current Council Plan (ie. identifying and prioritising what work will be done for the remainder of this financial year) and preparing for the next budget. While I’m here, a reminder that all 9 Councillors are officially ‘your’ Councillors – the Wards are theoretically in place for election purposes, the State government requires us to act for the benefit of the whole Shire and not just our own Ward. So feel free to contact ANY Councillor when you need to.
Lastly, the Winchelsea pool opening hours have been set with an interesting twist – midday to 6pm every day from late November to late March, however the pool will be closed when the day’s temperature won’t get above 21 degrees. The hours from any closed day will be tacked on to another day eg. longer openings on weekends. Sounds like a staff scheduling nightmare to me, but a positive move for pool users! Public pools are hideously expensive to run but the social and health benefits are huge, as you will have read in Haidee Benning’s recent series of articles in the Star. I encourage everyone to make the most of the pool as this full season will be providing the data for planning its future.
