Archive 3:  State Government Headlines

 Last Updated 20/6/17

 

State Govt Directory

State Govt Deleted

Other Directories

Other Headlines

Other Deleted

New & Current File

 

 

Accountability & Corruption

Associations Incorporation Act

Environment

ESC - Essential Services Commission

FOI

Government

Growth Agenda

Landscape

Local Government Act Review

Mining

Natural Gas

Politicians

Dianne Hadden MLC

Protect Macedon Ranges

Councillor Conflict of Interest

Joanne Duncan MP Member for Macedon

National Party Calls for Wish List

Speeding State Pollies

Public Land

Victorian Upper House Inquiry 2007/08 

Rates Capping

State Election November 2006

State Election 2010

State Election 2014

State Issues

Street Trees

Transport

Rail

Bendigo 'Fast' Rail

Bendigo Fast Rail Song

Snail Rail - Dear Diary

Snail Rail - Log of Lateness

Buses

Roads

Black Forest Drive

Transport

Valuation of Land Act (2005)

VCEC - Victorian Competition & Efficiency Commission

 

 

 

 

Accountability & Corruption    (see also Councillor Code of Conduct)

 

NSW Labor Government Takes Giant Strides By Banning Developer Contributions To Political Parties (19/11/09 - P)  So, when can we expect the same propriety in Victoria?

Thanks To ICAC, Exposure Of Corrupt Conduct Increases In NSW (10/12/08 - SG)   Yet Victoria continues to sail on without an anti-corruption commission, but not necessarily without corruption

State Opposition Turns Up The Heat On Corruption (22/4/08 - SG)  What's the government going to do about it?

Political Donations, Sponsorship And Influence (16/7/08 - SG)  How do we know if our politicians, councillors or decisions have been bought?  The short answer is, we don't.

Ombudsman's Report On Conflicts Of Interest In Local Government Now Out (14/3/08 - C)  Recommendations to tighten accountability in local government 

C-O-R-R-U-P-T-I-O-N:  Full Frontal Exposure Of Full Blown Corruption By ICAC In NSW - Save Our Suburbs (NSW) Calls For An Inquiry Into Government Planning Policy (3/3/08 - SG)  Is such scandalous behaviour happening in Victoria, where our State government flatly rejects calls for an independent anti-corruption body like NSW's ICAC?  Without a Victorian ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption), we will probably never know...

New Victorian Parliamentary Watchdog To Be Formed (14/12/07 - SG)  Upper House Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration on the way - Bring it on!

Victorian Liberals Call For Anti-Corruption Commission (20/9/07 - SG)  MRRA says, we'll second that motion!  Can any government expect to be seen as "clean" without a commission?

Independent Commission Against Corruption [ICAC] In NSW Delivers Recommendations To Reduce Risk Of Corruption In Planning (20/9/07 - P) 24 recommendations that, when measured against how planning is administered in Victoria, make you suck your breath in.   How's this for starters - developers to declare political donations, Councillors to step aside from decisions involving donors, Councils to give reasons for planning decisions, and Councillors' votes to be on the public record...  Luscious.  Can we please have these standards in Victoria?

Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Releases Report On Corruption Risks In Planning (23/12/05 - P) Risks sound similar for Victoria

 

Associations Incorporation Act

Associations Incorporation Act Changes Need Your Attention (17/10/12 - CC)  Alert To Community Groups: Information sessions being held round Victoria

ESC - Essential Services Commission

Essential Services Commission Releases Local Government Reporting Framework (8/8/10 - SG)  Also, latest ESC newsletter and next consultation details (for councils)

 

FOI

"Coalition To Block Hulls' Dodgy Freedom Of Information Laws" - Media Release (3/3/08 - SG)  Coalition stands up for continued community access to FOI.

Victorian FOI Laws Under Attack, Say Greens (24/2/08 - SG)  Greg Barber calls for you to tell decision-makers to think again before watering down FOI access because departments find them inconvenient

 

Growth Agenda

Shadow Minister For Planning Says "Labor's UGB Lies Exposed" (10/12/08 - P)  Brumby Government opens the door on another 43,000 hectares of urban sprawl

Inquiry Into Victorian Environmental Regulations Kicks Off - Submissions In By 15th October (11/9/08 - SG)  State government wants to know which environmental regulations are onerous for business, says removing red tape will better protect the environment

State Government's New  Growth Agenda For Melbourne Unleashed (11/3/08 - P)  Can-Do Premier cracks the whip by announcing land releases that should satisfy even the most greedy developers - for now.  But is it a well-considered response that gives Victoria a viable future, or just an economics-driven knee-jerk reaction?

 

 

Government

Victoria Gets A New State Government As "Team Brumby" Takes Over (7/8/07 - SG)  But has a social and environmental conscience left the building with Bracks and Thwaites?

 

 

Landscape

MRRA submission:  (28/4/15 - P)  Central Victoria Landscape Assessment Study (Round 2)  

 

 

Local Government Act Review

State Government Announces Next Stage Of Local Government Act Review Consultation.  Submissions close September 16  (19/7/16 - C)   A completely overhauled Local Government Act and substantial changes are proposed.  A quick look suggests plenty of good moves, but others aren't as welcome including Mayors being elected for 2 year terms, removing some requirements for Councils to report to / gain consent from the Minister, and - gulp - some assumptions that Councils 'will do the right thing'.   What?  In Macedon Ranges Shire?? 

Local Government Act Review - Submissions On Discussion Paper Due 18 December (24/11/15 - C)   Here's your chance to get improvements to how councils behave - who could resist that?  

 

Mining

Application For Gold Exploration Between Carlsruhe and Trentham, West Of Woodend (20/11/10 - SG)  Objections can be made until 7th December

 

Natural Gas

Natural Gas In Woodend And Macedon - What A Blast!  (8/9/06 - SG) Like the three bears, some people have too much, and some have none...

Natural Gas Isn't Proving To Be A "Goer" (10/6/06 - SG)  Some of those who haven't got it want it, but many of those that could have it seem to be saying 'Thanks, but no thanks'

Reticulated Gas: Local Labor MP Joanne Duncan Says Maps Of Where Gas Will Go Are Now Available (30/5/06 - SG)  It's a bit late isn't it?  MRRA called for this information to be made public 18 months ago

All Out Of Gas?  Natural Gas Hits Hurdle In Woodend (2/9/05 - SG)  Town residents definitely "not happy" as gas bypasses them

Macedon Labor MP Joanne Duncan Gives Rock Solid Assurance On Natural Gas (16/8/05 - SG)  No native trees to be removed or damaged in natural gas rollout (Woodend Star, August 2005).

UPDATE Re: MRRA Calls For Environment Effects Statement (EES) Process for Natural Gas Rollout (8/7/05 - SG)  UPDATE (25/7/05 - SG)  Macedon to be consulted

MRRA Calls For Environment Effects Statement (EES) Process for Natural Gas Rollout (8/7/05 - SG)  Major infrastructure project but not enough information on costs and impacts on native vegetation, street trees, roads and services...

"Natural" Disaster:  Gas Rolls Out, Trees Come Down (25/6/05 - SG)  Coming to a street near you!

Gas 'Naturally' (21/3/05 - SG)  Will We Ever Be Consulted?

 

 

Politicians

 

Dianne Hadden MLC

 

Joanne Duncan MP Member for Macedon

 Local Macedon Labor MP Joanne Duncan In Woodend 19th and 23rd September (14/9/06 - SG)  Joanne says join her and 'Conrad' (the caravan) at Buffalo Stadium, Forest Street, Woodend  10am - Noon

Reticulated Gas: Local Labor MP Joanne Duncan Says Maps Of Where Gas Will Go Are Now Available (30/5/06 - SG)  It's a bit late isn't it?  MRRA called for this information to be made public 18 months ago

Meet Joanne Duncan:  Invitation to Woodend Area Residents March 27th  (18/3/06 - SG)  State member for Macedon invites you to join her

Tell Local Labor MP Joanne Duncan How You Feel About Planning, The Environment And Other Issues (3/7/05 - SG)  On-Line Survey

 

National Party

Nationals Ask "Could You Find A Better Use For Bracks Gvt's Advertising Budget?"  (10/3/06 - SP)  MRRA says, we definitely know what we would spend some of it on!  How about you?

 

Speeding State Pollies

'Lead-Footed' State Pollies Nabbed Speeding - Including the Police Minister (16/7/06 - SG)  $12,000 in fines racked up by State politicians in 18 months

 

 

Public Land

Good News from "Our Parks Not for Sale" Coalition, Brimbank (17/8/11 - CC)  It's a victory for "People Power"

VEAC Report On Investigation Into Metro Public Land Available (17/8/11 - E)  Report marks the end of VEAC's role.  Now it's over to the State government...

Victorian Upper House Forces Investigation Of Development Of Public Lands (10/12/08 - E)  Unprecedented move is a fine example of democracy at work

Public Land Consultancy Report "A Review of the Management of Riparian Land In Victoria" Released (24/6/08 - E)  Recommends a series of reforms to riparian governance

State Ministers To Appear Before Upper House Inquiry Into Public Land (9/5/08 - SG)  Questions, yes; Answers, ?  Update: (26/5/08)  Seems government land isn't public land...

D Day Call For Assistance From Blue Wedges (1/5/08 - SG)  Can you please put in a submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration by May 7?

Dealing With A State Government That Doesn't Seem To Understand Or Care (24/2/08 - SG)  A community activist's response to the Upper House Public Land Inquiry's report, and other observations

Victorian Upper House Select Committee On Public Land Development Inquiry  (14/12/07 - P)   Interim Report on the inquiry now available

Victorian Upper House Inquiry Into Public Land  (4/12/07 - P)   Submissions now available on the Internet

Planning Backlash Alert:  Upper House Inquiry Into Public Land - Starts 26 Sept (20/9/07 - P)  Community urged to get involved, attend first hearing at Kew Cottages

Upper House Committee Launch Inquiry Into Selling Or Alienating Of Public Land For Private Development  (29/5/07 - P)   Those who fought against handing public land over to pokies in Kyneton can well say "and not before time either..."

 

Rates Capping

 

Final Rate Capping and Variation Framework Released by Essential Services Commission (2/11/15 - C)   It's a document that appears more strongly influenced by Councils than community 

Draft Rates Capping and Variation Framework Out For Comment - Submissions Close August 28 (10/8/15 - C)   Some you win, some you lose 

 

 

State Election 2006

Democracy4sale"  Who's Paying Who?  (21/7/06 - O)   Two fascinating websites let you look at who is donating to political parties.  Some of them (donors and donations) might surprise you.

"Bracks Broken Promises" Website Worth A Visit (30/5/06 - SG)  The Bracks government has a whopper of a broken promise right here in Macedon Ranges where 'we will protect' seems to mean nothing

 

 

State Election 2010

"Make Brumby History" Rally, 14 November, Parliament House, 2.0pm (2/11/10 Updated 14/11/10 - SG)  Unhappy with the State government about anything?  Then this rally is for YOU...

Keep Watch For A Top Level Planning Debate On 774 On 10 November  (2/11/10 - P)  Justin Madden (Labor) v Matthew Guy (Liberal) 

"The Great Essendon Planning Debate" (23/10/10 - CC)  As Planning Minister Madden tries to claim the seat of Essendon, there's a few people who want some answers.  This isn't just about Essendon, it's about planning in Victoria.  November 6; 2 - 4pm; Ukrainian Hall, Essendon.  BE THERE!  

 

State Election 2014

 

Brand New Planning Minister Unwell (16/12/14 - P)   Richard Wynne in hospital after heart attack and surgery  

 

 

State Issues

Brimbank Council Sacked (17/9/09 - C)  State government acts on new report: suspend or sack them

Damning State Of The Environment Report For Victoria:  Change Your Ways Before It's Too Late (10/12/08 - E)  Blind Freddy could have seen this coming after the Victorian government's chillingly opportunistic response to Land and Biodiversity in a time of Climate Change paper

 

Street Trees

Labor's Tree Pruning Rules For Melbourne = Stump City (2/11/10 - P)  State government's latest not-thought-out folly brings Melbourne's trees to their knees - literally!  It's vandalism.

 

Transport

 

Rail

Ye Gods!  Is This Where Train Travel In Victoria Is Heading? (1/5/08 - SG)  'Squeezy' and 'sardines' hardly rate - have a look at how too many people, not enough trains is "handled" in (we believe) China

 

Bendigo 'Fast' Rail

Fast Train Pain:  Murphy's Law Rides The Rails (23/3/07 - SG)  More rail fables (or should that be foibles?) you can thrill your grandchildren with...  

Whooo Whooo  Booo Hooo: The Fast Train Cometh - And Some Wish It Would Just Goeth Away... (12/9/06 - SG)  Definitely not working for us, say frustrated commuters, after losing an hour on just three train trips

UPDATE  WOOooo-WOOooo!  Here Comes The Very, Very, Very Fast Train: Timetable Now Available (13/8/06 - SG)  Blink and you'll miss it!  It'll be a blur alright as it roars through our stations: no stops in Macedon Ranges  (19/8/06 - SG) UPDATE: Fast Rail Timetable Deciphered: Mystery of extra stops at Gisborne solved

WOOooo-WOOooo!  Here Comes The Very, Very, Very Fast Train: Timetable Now Available (13/8/06 - SG)  Blink and you'll miss it!  It'll be a blur alright as it roars through our stations: no stops in Macedon Ranges

Bendigo 'Fast' Train:  Snail Rail Goes "Grand Prix" As Trains Race Head-To-Head To Kyneton  (5/4/06 - SG)  Mindful of everything that's going wrong on the Bendigo line, fearful passengers were grateful to get off

'Snail Rail' Contagion Infects Ballarat Line? (27/3/06 - SG)  It seems the trip to Ballarat might not be without its problems either

More "Snail Rail" :  A Late Traveller's Log (10/3/06 - SG)  Complaints keep coming about the Bendigo Snail Rail as another 'lucky commuter' logs in with MRRA

Just When Some Thought It Had Gone Away, "Fast Rail" Is Back As "Snail Rail"  (5/3/06 - SG)  Tales from the Dark Side:  We all know it ain't going to be a Fast train!  The betting's now focussed on how slow it can go

Death of Cypress Tree at Woodend (14/6/05 - SG)  Is there anything good about the Fast Train?  We are losing things we can't replace...

 

Roads

Black Forest Drive

Black Forest Drive: Baillieu Govt Delivers Promise For Four Lanes All The Way (13/4/11- SG)  Road returns to the four lane configuration supported by majority in community

Black Forest Drive:  Campaign To Save Four Lanes Becomes An Election Issue (20/11/10 - SG)  BFDAG traffic accident report shows 2 lanes won't make it safer / VicRoads closes consultation group

Update From Black Forest Drive Action Group  (13/8/10 - SG)  Don't forget to sign up on BFDAG's Facebook page!

Black Forest Drive Narrowing: Meeting, 16 July In Woodend  6.30 - 7.30 pm  (15/7/10 - SG)  Locals aren't impressed with VicRoads trying to sell cost-cutting as safety, so BE THERE

Will VicRoads' Vandalism On Black Forest Drive Be Stopped? (29/6/10 - SG)   No consultation, no information as VicRoads closes 2 of 4 lanes on old Calder Hwy

 

Transport

Council Says State Government Is Responsible For Providing Bus Services (2/9/05 - SG)  Community petition for better transport sent to wrong level of government?

Local Resident Claims Councillor Gagged Petition Presentation (21/7/05 - C)  Or was the Councillor simply following Council meeting rules?

 

Valuation of Land Act

Moves Afoot To Take Property Valuations Away From Councils And Hand Them Over To The State Government (21/2/09 - SG) Finding information about it all isn't easy

Proposed Changes to the Valuation of Land Act (21/3/05 - SG)

 

 

 

VCEC - Victorian Competition & Efficiency Commission

Victorian Competition And Efficiency Commission's Local Government Report  (29/6/10 - SG)  MRRA gets a run but so does yet more de-regulation

All Hands On Deck!  Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission's Recommendations For Environmental "Regulation" Are The Road To Environmental and Social Ruin (24/4/09 - SG)  Some dinosaur thinking strikes again: have we learnt nothing from catastrophic deregulation in the financial sector, and the very real dangers confronting us from climate change?

Inquiry Into Victorian Environmental Regulations Kicks Off - Submissions In By 15th October (11/9/08 - SG)  State government wants to know which environmental regulations are onerous for business, says removing red tape will better protect the environment