Melbourne
Observer FREE COPY INSIDE
LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY EXPRESS EDITION
Local and Independent. Not associated with any other publication in this area.
Phone: 1800 231 311.
www.LocalPaper.com.au
www.AdvertiseFree.com.au
‘The Local Paper’ is published by Local Media Pty Ltd
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024
Small, big, all areas All types of work 40 years experience
0418 991 998
Specialists in Family Law, Wills, Estates and Conveyancing
Lic. No. 117616 ● Hot water units ● Blockages ● Renovations ● Gas fitting ● Drainage
0431 067 583
www.9yardsplumbing.com.au
STORMWATER PLAN DISCUSSIONS START
■ Yarra Ranges Stormwater Management Plan is open for consultation until July 24, following approval at last week’s Council meeting. “Stormwater management is a fundamental part of sustaining our natural environment, economy, health, wellbeing and lifestyle,” said a Yarra Ranges Council representative. “Indeed, water and flooding are inherent aspects of our natural environment and integral to our municipality's landscape whether we like it or not.” Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said the Plan will provide a strategic framework for managing stormwater over the next decade. "There will be several opportunities for people to provide feedback about this plan, ranging from our website to sessions where you can meet an engineer or a drop-in session to find out about all things stormwater,” said Cr Todorov. Information about the sessions and a copy of the Plan can be found at the Council’s website. The Plan addresses gaps in Council's current stormwater management and outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance stormwater infrastructure. Key actions in the Plan include: ■ Flood mapping program – maps will be developed for key areas using historical data and modern techniques to predict water flow and potential flooding during storm events. ■ Infrastructure upgrades - ageing drainage infrastructure will be updated. The Plan includes a survey of existing drainage assets followed by targeted upgrades based on flood risk assessments and climate change projections. ■ Water Sensitive Urban Design - WSUD principles will be integrated into new developments and public spaces, with measures like permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens to manage runoff. ■ Integrated Water Management - Council's 2017 Integrated Water Management Plan iden-
EXCAVATION Bob The Bobcat Man Tipper, Bobcat, 6 Tonne Excavtor Specialising in tight access Will go through small spaces
0418 991 998 PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE FRONT-PAGE FROM $39 PER FORTNIGHT Your business can have front-page prominence in a local edition of The Local Paper for just $39 per fortnight if you order a 23-issue pre-paid package totalling $897. Limited offer. First-in basis.
The Local Paper Phone 1800 231 311, 0450 399 932 editor@LocalPaper.com.au
FIREWOOD Murray River Redgum Yes! ... We Deliver. P: 1300 87 87 25 E: yarravalley@ brazzen.com.au
H-G17
CONCRETER
Star Tree Services
QUALIFIED ARBORISTS
● Cr Sophie Todorov, Mayor tified stormwater management as being critical to help inform catchment stormwater management strategies. The integrated approach to water management considers all facets of the water cycle, including: water supply, wastewater, surface water, groundwater and stormwater. ■ Managing these aspects together can result in better and more cost-effective outcomes than the traditional approach of managing in isolation. ■ Updating Development Engineering Guidelines -. clear standards will be set for stormwater management in new developments, ensuring sustainable practices. ■ Stormwater Offsets - the offsets program allows developers to contribute financially to Council projects, supporting larger-scale infrastructure and sustainable urban development. ■ Strategic Partnerships and Funding - the Plan explores various funding mechanisms, ensuring the sustainability of the program and enabling necessary actions to achieve stormwater management goals with our partner agencies. ■ Community Engagement and Education - the Plan includes developing educational materials, establishing a Community Reference Panel for input and feedback, and involving community groups in planning processes. “We recognise that flooding to people’s properties causes stress and anxiety and that there is a burden of increased property maintenance and/ or insurance costs for a section of our community,” said Cr Todorov. “A fundamental part of creating this Plan is to assist with safeguarding our community into the future through careful planning by identifying priorities for investment and upgrades through data." “Through partnerships with Melbourne Water and the Department of Transport and Planning we hope that over the next 10 years we improve the stormwater drainage systems across the Yarra Ranges – and combined with our additional funding commitments in this year’s Draft Budget we should see some changes coming soon for our most impacted residents," said Cr Todorov.
PAUL’S FENCING 25 Years’ Experience Specialsiing in: paling and picket fences and gates
0410 061 180
• Tree Removal • Tree Surgery & Pruning • Consultations & Reports • Elm Leaf Beetle Control • Mulch & Firewood Sales
5783 3170 Free Quotes. Full Insurance Cover www.treeservices.com.au mail@treeservices.com.au
Water Tank Cleaning, Vacuuming and Repair Service with minimal water loss. Bulk Water Deliveries available.