Mayoral Column 12 November 2018

Published on 12 November 2018

Waste sites to receive upgrades

Boort Landfill and Recycle and the Inglewood Transfer Station have both received funding to upgrade their e-waste recycle facilities, including safely storing and collecting e-waste.

The upgrades are to help prepare for the Victorian Government’s e-waste ban, which will be introduced from 1 July 2019.

According to the Victorian Government, the amount of e-waste generated in Victoria is projected to increase from 109,000 tonnes in 2015 to around 256,000 tonnes in 2035.

E-waste is anything with a plug or battery that is at the end of its useful life. This includes everything from old mobile phones, computers, audio devices, refrigerators and other white goods, hair dryers, televisions, heaters and air conditioners.

For more information about the e-waste program visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/Campaigns/eWaste/About-the-ewaste-program

To find out more about waste and recycling in Loddon Shire go to www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Live/Your-home/Garbage-and-recycling

Pools and spas need safety barriers

With the warmer weather at hand and Christmas approaching, I just want to take the opportunity to remind residents about requirements for safety barriers around swimming pools and spas.

Safety barriers must be constructed around all swimming pools and spas that can hold more than 30cm (300mm) of water. This also applies to inflatable and portable pools.

Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five in Victoria, and pool barriers can help save lives.

A "safety barrier" is a fence, wall, gate or screen, and includes gates, windows, locks, latches, hinges and self-closing devices attached to them.

Information regarding safety barrier requirements can be found at the Victorian Building Authority’s website www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools

A safety barrier must be completed before a swimming pool or spa (or inflatable or portable pool) is filled with water. Before construction of a safety barrier, a building permit is required. A registered building practitioner must carry out the work if it is more than $5,000 (including labour and materials).

Council aims to educate and assist owners/occupiers to help provide a safe swimming environment. If you’re not sure about whether you need a safety barrier or if you would like more information, please contact Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor Greg Johnston on 5494 1200.

Saluté Oliva takes out gold

Congratulations to Saluté Oliva on being awarded the gold medal and champion trophy for Table Olives – Dried Olives at the Australian International Olive Awards. The company also won three silver medals for its 2018 season extra virgin olive oil, the Kalamata olives and mixed olives, and a bronze medal for its green olives.

Saluté Oliva’s award-winning semi-dried olives were also featured on the menu at the Australian Olive Association’s Annual Media Luncheon on 31 October.

Held at Restaurant Pendolino in Sydney, the event promotes Australian olive products and the industry to Australia’s food media. It was also an opportunity for winners from the Australian International Olive Awards (including Saluté Oliva) to discuss their gold-medal-winning olives with the food media.

Congratulations again to Saluté Oliva on a well-deserved recognition.

Did you know?

The average rates charged for a residential property in Loddon Shire is $1011.60.

According to Know Your Council, this is significantly lower than the average residential rates in similar councils, which are $1426.28. Across all councils, the average rates per residential property are $1625.06.

While Know Your Council does not provide average rates figures for rural properties, the rate in the dollar for rural properties in Loddon Shire is 11 per cent lower than it is for residential properties.

Know Your Council is independent from Loddon Shire Council and uses information collated by the State Government.

To view Loddon Shire Council’s profile and performance visit https://knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au and type “Loddon Shire” into the search bar.