Latrobe Local News:
Council acts to undertake environmental assessment of Newborough land

Latrobe City Council has placed the proposed sale of a tract of land adjoining Ollerton Avenue in Moe on hold

By Latrobe City Council - 17th September 2001 - Back to News

•Tell us your opinion •See what others have said

Latrobe City Council has placed the proposed sale of a tract of land adjoining Ollerton Avenue in Moe on hold, while it assesses the environmental significance of the land.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said that Council’s environment officer, Kevin Roberts, had identified the land as possibly being of significant environmental value, and as a consequence, Council would now be undertaking a comprehensive study of the vegetation before making a decision on the future of the land.

"The land adjoining Ollerton Avenue has been earmarked for housing development for a number of years, and while part of it is owned by the State Government’s housing authority, part is also owned by Council. Much of the surrounding bushland has been cleared in the past for urban development, and the potential environmental significance may not have been understood," Cr Jenkins explained.

"Recent investigations by our own officers and environmental groups have questioned previous advice, and we have been made aware that the land may harbour some very rare South Gippsland Plains Grassy Woodland, which is of national significance and protected by Federal law," Cr Jenkins said.

Moe Councillor, Tony Zimora, said that if the biggest trees were as old as some suggest, the grassy woodland was likely to be a survivor from before Moe was established, and a significant part of its natural heritage. "This could be one of the most important pieces of native vegetation in Latrobe City, in which case it is remarkable that it has survived in an urban area," Cr Zimora said.

"Council has decided that the land needs proper investigation to determine if the vegetation is the type it is suggested it might be, and to determine its age; and we will engage expert consultants who can do this," Cr Zimora said.

"If the land is to be conserved, there are obviously questions raised about its future protection and management, such as steps needed to control fire and other safety risks. It would also involve controlling unacceptable uses while allowing appropriate community access to enjoy this unique feature.

"The Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists recently undertook a survey of the bushland which included almost eighty species of native plants including a diversity of native orchids. They have suggested that they undertake a further survey in November at a time when many species flower, and identification can accurately be made. Council has encouraged them to undertake this work and has invited them to provide further background information for Council’s consideration," Cr Zimora added.

"In the meantime, Council will put on hold any proposed sale of this land pending its environmental evaluation, and keep the State Government housing authority advised of our movements. Should the resolve of Council then be that the land is to be preserved, then we will seek community input into planning for the land’s future management," Cr Zimora concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

If you are the author of this story you can edit it by clicking here

Note: To start the discussion you will have to login with your member account.

• Council’s Responsibilities during the Local Council Election Period
  Council Election Caretaker Period from Tuesday 22 September to Saturday 24 October at 6pm.
• Council to seek legal advice over Minister’s ULAB decision
  Council voted to seek advice from a Senior Counsel after being disappointed by the Minister’s decision in approving an amendment.
• Council Elects New Mayor and Deputy Mayor
  Councillor Sharon Gibson is the new Mayor of Latrobe City
• Council Works with Community towards COVID Recovery
  You can still call Council on 1300 367 700 and receive assistance with COVID-19 related matters.
• Council working to help Business Access Outdoor Dining Assistance
  $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package ready to assist local businesses.
• Council welcomes VinFast to Bass Coast
  VinFast to establish business in Bass Coast that will help support local jobs, while also acknowledging the value of the surrounding bushland.
• Council Grants Support the Community
  138 projects funded through its Community Grants and Community Sponsorship programs.
• Latrobe City Council named an Employer of Choice
  Latrobe City Council, recognised as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards 2020.
• Youth Council Spreads Health Message
  Good Food for Mental Health project was identified to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the Latrobe City population.
• Bass Coast Shire Council makes more service changes due to COVID
  Face-to-face customer services and visitor services will cease at Wonthaggi, Cowes and Inverloch and will operate in other communication means.
• Announcement of New Latrobe City Councillors
  New-look Latrobe City Council.
• West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley Business Chambers Receive Vital Funding
  Funding from Grants for Business Chambers and Trader Groups awarded.
• West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley Children Embrace Reading at Home
  Congratulations to schools that participated in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
• Latrobe Valley and West Gippsland Clubs Score Sport Grants
  Sport Grants awarded to Latrobe Valley and West Gippsland clubs.
• Grants to Keep West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley Creatives Working
  West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley artists and creative businesses to receive a lifeline from the Victorian Government.
• Supporting the Landcare Jobs that Protect Eastern Victoria’s Environment
  8.967 million to support the Victorian Landcare Program and environmental volunteering.
• $436,839 Awarded to West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley to Boost Safety and Employment
  31 projects sharing in more than $5.6 million in funding under the 2020-21 Community Safety Infrastructure Grants
• Cowes land purchase paves way for aquatics centre
  Community feedbacks will be given consideration to help with designs and operations of the facility.
• Draft Climate Action Plan 2020-24 Endorsed by Council
  The Plan identifies a number of actions to undertake to achieve the objective of zero net emissions over the next 10 years and to ensure a climate resilient community.
• Helping Baw Baw and Latrobe Prepare for Emergencies
  City Council to receive funding to get ready for emergencies
• Grants Open to Help West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley Schools Build Inclusion
  All inclusive playground and outdoor learning spaces soon.
• Funding For a Woman Building Surveyor in Latrobe City Council
  Local Government to recruit and train surveyors through Women Building Surveyors Program.
• Latrobe City Releases Draft Investment Roadmap for Comment
  Latrobe City Investment Roadmap - ready for public comment.
• Purchase of land in Cowes
  Contracts and supporting documents on land purchase of Carnival site are being finalised.
• Latrobe City Libraries Sensitive Santa Sessions embraced by Community
  Quiet, gentle introduction to Santa for children with sensory needs.
• Traralgon Renewable Energy Project Supported by Latrobe City Council
  Renewable energy project at Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House.
• Latrobe City Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Testing Resources
  Additional COVID testing resources to assist in reducing the lengthy delays requested.
• Celebrating Children’s Week in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley with Community Grants
  $100,000 fund to local communities across Victoria to host fun and free educational activities and events during this year’s Children’s Week celebrations.
• Newborough East Primary School Wins Gardening Award
  Inaugural gardening award won by Newborough East Primary School
• Latrobe City Gift Card set to Bolster Local Business
  Shop local - your buck stops here.
• Latrobe City’s Australia Day Award Winners Announced
  Awards presented in recognition of significant service to the community.
• Caring for our Diverse Community
  Council appointed new members to the City Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee.
• Cowes Starts the Year on the Right Path
  Council prepares to commence construction of two new paths and the renewal of an existing path as part of its 2020/21 Capital Works Program.
• Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling facility at Hazelwood North
  Council to continue strong support and ensure community sentiments will be communicated with the government.
• Bass Coast Takes Another Step Towards Reconciliation
  Council to reconcile and develop its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
• Seeking Real Time Customer Feedback
  Council is rolling out a Customer Experience Survey over the coming months.
• Rate Freeze, Not a Freeze for Some
  Council rate increases being experienced by a number of local rate-payers.
• Bass Coast is ready for Christmas
  Council to allocate budget to fund Christmas decorations in major centres
• Funding sought for recreation projects
  Council to fund to redevelop and improve cricket training facilities.
• Customer Service Up and Running in Cowes
  Council has opened a new Customer Service Centre in Cowes
• Cowes Pool Unable To Open This Summer
  Council and YMCA prioritising community safety.
• Helping Sport and Active Recreation Organisations in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley Survive and Thrive
  Six grants under Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Short-term Survival Package announced.
• Wonthaggi Railway Station Extension in Progress
  Local design company DB Design, Council and the Historical Society worked closely to prepare the project and significant attention to detail was required to ensure it was supported by Heritage Victoria.
• Latrobe Valley Schools Share in $6.59 Million Maintenance Funds Boost
  108 schools across Latrobe Valley to benefit from maintenance works carried out at their school.
• Building Better, Safer Schools in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley
  Vital maintenance and safety works delivery to over 400 schools.
• Latrobe Valley Back to Work Scheme - Northe
  Considerations to reinstate Latrobe Valley Back to Work Scheme.
• Latrobe Valley Receives Vital Recovery Funding
  Chambers of Commerce and Trader Groups provide critical advice, connections and resources to businesses in the Latrobe Valley and these grants will be crucial in helping them to support members’ transition to COVID Normal.
• Jimmy Dvate’s Birds Land in Wonthaggi
  Frequently seen birds in the area – to the wall of Connell's Bakery.
• Latrobe Valley Reserves Score Funding for Lighting Boost
  Transformation and improved amenity with $1,046,109 from Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
• Latrobe health ready for vaccine rollout
  People at high risk will be prioritised and be provided with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.
• Policies Adopted in Time for New Act
  The Public Transparency Policy 2020 provides clarity on the information Council must make available, access to that information and categories of information that Council may not be able to make available to the public.
• More Mental Health Support for Students in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley
  Access to the school-based mental health support for secondary students soon.
• Community Engagement Policy approved
  Government act to improve council performance through community engagements.
• 2021 Latrobe Regional Galley new exhibitions
  A fun and wonderful way to spend time with the family while expanding our creativity through art.
• Supporting Small-Scale School Building Projects in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley
  Important upgrades to Victorian schools.
• Give your Voting Ballot Papers to the VEC
  Mail your completed voting ballot papers for the council election to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).