shiRe neWsmay – july 2010

www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au tel: 5471 1700

improving the Castlemaine Botanical gardensThe Castlemaine Botanical Gardens is currently undergoing a $2.5 million enhancement. Work has commenced to revitalise the much-loved gardens and will continue throughout the year.

The restoration of historically significant features will help to maintain these for future generations. The rehabilitation of Lake Joanna and assessments of trees will be important. New features will be added to improve community use and interest. A new and extended children’s play space will be the highlight.

Initiated in 1860, the gardens were promptly established and have since been placed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Council has received support for the improvement works with $2.2 million from Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program and $46,000 from Heritage Victoria. Council’s contribution over two financial years is $250,000.

The gardens will remain open to the public throughout the project, but areas may be temporarily closed due to construction works. Work is expected to continue into 2011.

inside this issUeWalking & Cycling Strategy 2

Next stage for Aquatic Proposal 2

Planning Scheme Review 2

Street Cleaning Schedule 3

Wesley Hill Industrial Estate 4

What’s On 5

Contacting Council 6

improvements to be undertaken timing

Renovation of the former Tea Rooms building

Mid 2010

Rehabilitation of Lake Joanna Mid 2010

Restoration of the fountain Late 2010

A new and extended children’s play space

Mid 2011

Construction of new picnic shelters

Mid 2011

Relocation and upgrading of car parking

Mid 2011

Upgrading of the footbridges Mid 2010

Upgrading of the two arbours Mid 2010

Restoration of the Summerhouse and Fish Hatchery buildings

2010 and 2011

New seating, tables, signage, lighting and fencing

2010 and 2011

Assess current trees and undertake new plantings

2010 and 2011

A new path to the railway station and upgrading of other paths

Mid 2011

Improved toilets and visitor amenities – Northern end building – Southern end building

Mid 2010 Early 2011

2010/2011 Budget Process timelinesimportant dates

14 MAY 2010Release of the draft budget

15 JUNE 2010 UNTIL 5PMClosing date for public submissions

29 JUNE 2010 AT 5PMSpecial Meeting to hear submissions at the Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre

13 JULY 2010 AT 7.30PMMeeting to adopt the 2010/11 Budget at the Council Meeting in the Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre

2 may – july 2010

Council recently adopted the 2010-2020 Walking and Cycling Strategy. This long term plan will guide Council’s role in supporting walking and cycling activity across the Shire.

Connected walking tracks and cycle paths have been highlighted as a way to encourage people to be active and enjoy the natural environment. The strategy aims to increase walking and cycling opportunities, improve the safety of current paths and tracks, improve connectivity between activity areas, guide behavioural change and increase accessibility for all.

“A greater understanding of access and transportation issues will assist us to develop new paths infrastructure that will meet community needs into the future,” said Cr Philip Schier, Mayor.

“We all walk or cycle at some point, so this is really a plan that will benefit all community members in some way, as well as reducing our collective carbon emissions.”

To view a copy of the 2010-2020 Walking and Cycling Strategy visit the Publications section of Council’s website.

Over recent months a proposal for an Indoor Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Western Reserve in Castlemaine has been presented to the local community at information sessions, community meetings, sector workshops and through direct mail.

Community feedback was sought throughout the extensive consultation process. The proposal generated a great deal of interest from the community which was to be anticipated given the scale of what’s proposed, the anticipated benefits of a year round facility and the impact on some of the existing outdoor pools.

Details from all submissions are currently being collated and updated advice is being sought on the condition of the current pools. Councillors will consider the issue again in coming weeks.

It is anticipated that Council will formally consider the proposal in June 2010.

Planning scheme reviewCouncil has commenced a process to review the Planning Scheme and associated planning processes. It is a requirement under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 that Councils review their planning schemes following the adoption of the Council Plan.

ExPECTED BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE -

• improved performance of the planning scheme

• removing unnecessary permit requirements

• stronger strategic objectives

• simpler, clearer language

• reducing the complexity of controls

• improved format, consistency and usability

You are invited to participate in the project by completing a feedback form on your experiences with the Planning Scheme and Council planning processes and procedures.

Forms are available at both the Town Hall and Halford Street Service Centres. They are also available on Council’s website in the Your Input section.

Walking and Cycling strategy gets the go ahead

next stage for indoor aquatic Centre Proposal

Keeping our towns CleanTo continually improve the presentation of our towns across the Shire, a new trial footpath and street cleaning schedule has been implemented.

Public health and safety can be improved by clean streets, as can the sense of public pride in local townships.

The footpaths will be cleaned by a newly purchased vehicle and a larger street sweeper will be used to clean the roads.

township Location cLeaning Frequency

Castlemaine Footpaths - primary retail zone

Footpaths - outer retail zone

Footpaths - outer areas

Gutter cleaning

Weekly

Weekly

Monthly

Monthly

Maldon High Street

Main Street

Francis Street

Depot

Weekly

Weekly

Monthly

Monthly

Newstead Lyons Street area Monthly

Guildford Shop and Hotel frontages Prior to community events Cyclic need under review

Harcourt High Street Prior to community events Cyclic need under review

Chewton Main Road Prior to community events Cyclic need under review

Taradale High Street Prior to community events Cyclic need under review

Campbells Creek

Main Road Prior to community events Cyclic need under review

3 may – july 2010

Castlemaine-based seafood retailer, She Sells Seafood has been named Australian Seafood Business of the Year for 2010.

The award is made in recognition of “outstanding achievements in business growth, innovation, product excellence, service and marketing, and contribution to the future of the seafood industry.” She Sells Seafood was judged to be the best performer across these categories from finalists representing each State and Territory.

Council congratulates Frank and Angie on the latest success in a string of awards and achievements this local business has attained.

Another local business to shine recently was Maddern’s IGA Liquorstore in Templeton Street, Castlemaine. They took out the 2010 Best Liquor Department award at the IGA North Central Merchant’s Awards.

Family Videoland in Mostyn Street have also been awarded the Leading Edge Video Store of the Year Award.

Well done to the team for this national award!

Council acknowledges that many other local businesses are often recognised and awarded by Industry Associations. If your business has received a nomination or an award, please let us know so that we can together take pride in the achievements of the local business community.

Contact Sally Morris, Economic Development Officer on 5471 1805 or s.morris@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

awards for local Businesses

guide to local highlightsKeep an eye out for your copy of the Official Visitors’ Guide to the region. It will be arriving in the post in the month ahead. Council regularly produces this detailed guide to profile local attractions and events – a handy reference for both you and your visitors!

www.maldoncastlemaine.com 15

Speciality stores that offer one off pieces, exquisite antiques and collectable displays, hand-crafted jewellery designed by local artists, bric-a-brac and second hand bookstores… all sure to delight and surprise the most discerning shopper. In Castlemaine, a mixture of boutique and essential shops can be found in the town centre. You’ll find high quality and diverse goods like shoes, fashion, art, and familiar labels, through to more useful items from homewares stores and bakeries.

Near the Castlemaine Railway Station you’ll discover several interesting and unique stores tucked away in a stunning old private hotel. Local and international designers (some using quality recycled fabrics), an amazing collection of buttons and haberdashery that has to be seen to be believed and much, much more.

In Maldon you can spend hours browsing through stores along historic streets. Discover that special piece of old lace, clothing to suit any budget, antiques and collectables in abundance and local produce to stimulate the senses.

For a relaxed shopping experience, drive the short distance to one of our smaller townships such as Newstead famous for its ‘butcher, baker and candlestick maker’. Wherever you choose, the relaxed pace and generous country courtesy will delight any devotee of retail therapy.

Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounds is a shopper’s haven. Spend time exploring the eclectic and sophisticated outlets in our towns.

14 CASTLEMAINE, MALDON & SURROUNDS

Take a leisurely stroll from shop to shop to find distinctive treasures…

CASTLEMAINE,

MALDON & SURROUNDS

O F F I C I A L V I S I T O R S ’ G U I D E

C H E W TO N • G U I L D F O R D • H A R C O U RT • N E W S T E A D • TA R A D A L E

V I C T O R I A • A U S T R A L I A

OVG Cover_print.indd 2

29/09/09 1:01 PM

4 may – july 2010

success for heritage houses seriesMount Alexander Heritage Advisory Board recently presented a series of lectures on the theme of ‘Living with Heritage Houses in the 21st Century’.

Audiences of approximately 100 people each time came to learn more about heritage buildings, how to repair and maintain old houses today, and what rules apply to extensions and alterations. A panel of local experts in the second session answered audience questions on a range of maintenance issues. The audiences included a spread of ages and varied backgrounds, and many attended all four sessions.

The high calibre of guest speakers impressed many in the community. Speakers included Jim Gard’ner, Executive Director of Heritage Victoria, Ray Tonkin, the former Executive Director of Heritage Victoria and Brod Street who is a committed environmentalist who has modified his own home in suburban Melbourne to be almost self sufficient in energy and water, whilst maintaining its heritage values. Peter Skilbeck chaired the sessions and the series was supported by the Heritage Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council and the Victorian Government.

A major Council project for 2009/10, the construction of Stage 2 of the Wesley Hill Industrial Estate, is progressing well.

The project has three major elements. The first stage includes roads and services and a subdivision that includes 14 lots of serviced industrial land. During the second stage, planting will take place around the water garden and to create a buffer zone between the Estate and the rear of residences in McGrath and Prendergast Streets. The third stage involves reconstruction of Wallace Street and intersection works on the Pyrenees Highway to improve access to the Estate and the Loddon Prison.

Travellers passing the site by train in particular will notice that the Estate has recently taken form, with the construction of kerb and channelling and the installation of services now completed. The road pavement will be completed in late May. Removal of gorse and other weeds and the levelling of the land to better prepare for development has also been completed in the last two months.

The landscape works will consist of trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the plants for this revegetation have been grown from seeds of local provenance, that is, from the region with similar

environmental conditions such as geology and rainfall. A tender for this work is expected to be awarded in early June.

With construction close to finalisation, lots will soon be available for purchase. Waller Realty have been appointed to assist Council with the marketing and sale of the land. Interested parties are invited to contact Rob Waller on 0418 571 130.

Any questions about the development can be directed to Sally Morris, Economic Development Officer on 5471 1805 or by email to s.morris@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Wesley hill industrial estate nears completion

Minion Std Black

Minion Regular

PMS 7532

PMS 7532 18%

PMS 5615

5 may – july 2010

STEINER SCHOOL OPEN DAY Wednesday 19 May 9am - 4pm Held at the school in Muckleford, offering tours and education information.

OPENING THE GLORY BOX Textiles Appraisal Day Saturday 22 May Buda Historic Home & Garden A rare chance to see more Buda treasures.

ROTARY ART SHOW Queens Birthday weekend Friday from 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm and Monday 10am - 3.30pm Castlemaine Town Hall One of the region’s most loved art shows.

SUTTON GRANGE ART SHOW Friday 25 – Sunday 27 June Friday from 6.30pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm Sutton Grange Hall Wide range of paintings and sculptures for sale.

MALDON IN WINTER Friday 25 June – Sunday 11 July Various sites around Maldon Variety of concerts, exhibitions, lectures and workshops including the popular Maldon & Beyond Food and Wine Festival.

MALDON ART SHOW Saturday 26 June – Sunday 4 July 11am - 4pm daily Maldon Community Centre Showcase of Central Victorian artists

BLACKPOWDER OPEN SHOOT Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 9am - 4pm both days Castlemaine Pistol Club

STEAM TRAINS FOR KIDS Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July 10am - 4pm Maldon Railway Station Railway fun plus lots of other fun activities.

DIABETES MINI EXPO Friday 16 July Campbells Creek Community Centre

What’s O

nVisit the market BuildingThere are some excellent exhibitions and activities booked into the historic Castlemaine Market Building over the next couple of months.

Until the end of May, see ‘Forgotten Faces: Chinese and the Law’, a Public Record Office Victoria Touring Exhibition hosted by the Castlemaine Historical Society. This is an exhibition of black and white photographs of Chinese men imprisoned in Victoria between the 1870s and 1900. These images are evocative photographs and are a record of each individual’s identity in Australia.

In conjunction, see a mini exhibition focusing on local Chinese history. This exhibition, including artefacts from that time, has been put together by Friends of the Mount Alexander Diggings (FOMAD), the National Trust (Castlemaine branch), Malmsbury Historical Society, the Castlemaine Historical Society and Maldon Museum and Archives.

Also in the building is ‘The Tangram Project’, a display that has been co-ordinated by Max Lesser from the Mount Alexander Heritage Advisory Board, in conjunction with local schools.

OTHER THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE COMING MONTHS ARE -

Rainbow Display by Coliban Water in June around water conservation.

A photography exhibition by La Trobe University students from 16 to 30 June 2010.

The ‘Winter Spirit’ Exhibition will be held during July and August to showcase artists from across the region.

A Mobile Business Centre has reserved the space adjacent to the Market Building on Tuesday 27 July 2010, from 11am-1pm. Free mentoring sessions will be offered to local businesses.

A ‘Friends of Kalimna Park’ photography exhibition will be on in August and then a ‘Friends of Box-Ironbark Forests’ exhibition titled ‘Now Look Here’ will be held during October.

It is well worth putting aside some time on a regular basis to view an exhibition on offer in the historic Market Building.

your CounCillors CALDER WARD Cr Brook Acklom T: 0466 004 629CASTLEMAINE WARD Cr Tracey Cross T: 0429 137 085 Cr Philip Schier (Mayor) T: 0429 803 439COLIBAN WARD Cr Christine Henderson T: 0466 004 628 LODDON WARD Cr Michael Redden T: 0466 004 630 TARRENGOWER WARD Cr Janet Cropley T: 0466 004 627 Please note that there is currently a vacancy in the Castlemaine Ward.

shire serViCe CentresCASTLEMAINE TOWN HALL 25 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine, 3450CASTLEMAINE ENTERPRISE CENTRE Halford Street, Castlemaine, 3450T: 5471 1700 F: 5471 1749OFFICE HOURS: 9.00am to 4.45pm, weekdaysE: info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au W: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au

CounCil meetings• Tuesday 25 May

Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre• Tuesday 8 June

Maldon Community Centre• Tuesday 22 June

Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre• Tuesday 13 July

Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre• Tuesday 27 July

Castlemaine Senior Citizens CentreCouncil Meetings commence at 7.30pm.

CounCil serViCes informationThe Sustainable Development Unit includes Planning, Building and Local Laws services and is located at the Castlemaine Enterprise Centre in Halford Street. Business hours are 9.00am to 4.45pm, Monday to Friday. Ring or call in for information about planning and building permit requirements. Appointments are recommended for detailed discussions before any permit application is made. Contact 5471 1700 to make an appointment.

Council’s Local Laws Unit offers a 24 hour after-hours emergency service. This service provides attendance for urgent matters such as wandering livestock, dog attack or injured animals. To report an urgent matter please call 5471 1700 and press ‘3’ to be forwarded through to the after-hours local laws service. To report lost or found dogs after-hours please contact the RSPCA shelter on 5472 5277.

CASTLEMAINE LANDFILL T: 5470 5348Sluicers Road, Castlemaine Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10.00am to 5.00pm

MALDON TRANSFER STATION T: 5471 1700Morris Street, Maldon Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am to 1.00pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9.00am to 1.00pm

CLEANAWAY T: 1800 134 870 Contact Cleanaway if your garbage is not collected. Contact Council for other matters, such as when requesting a new bin.

HOME AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT T: 5471 1766In-home assistance for frail older people, people with disabilities and carers including delivered meals and property maintenance. 

CASTLEMAINE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE T: 5472 136415 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Open Monday to Friday Drop In Session on Mondays from 1.00pm to 4.00pm with no appointment required. Appointments are required at all other times.

MALDON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE T: 5472 1364Phone the Castlemaine Maternal and Child Health Centre for appointments. Scheduled immunisations for 0-6 year olds are offered at the Castlemaine Maternal and Child Health Centre by appointment only.

CASTLEMAINE AND MALDON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES T: 5471 1745 (Castlemaine) T: 5475 2569 (Maldon) Open everyday from 9am to 5pm excluding Christmas Day.

6 may – july 2010

tO the Residents

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