Mount Evelyn
Tuesday, 3 October, 2023
Lilydale CFA responds to first bushfire of the season
New Premier takes charge of the state
FOGO underway across the shire
Montrose Men’s Shed 10 year birthday
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A Star News Group Publication
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Power in poetry The launch of the Over 50s Festival was celebrated with the unveiling of the collaborative exhibition Poetic Portraits. Bringing together 17 Yarra Ranges residents, both experienced writers and newcomers, the exhibition was developed from their stories and connections through the artform of poetry and photography. Culminating in the breathtakingly beautiful display of visuals and the written word, the exhibition explores aging, human relationships and special memories. Poet Thea Macguire (centre) with her daughters Louisa and Emily at the Poetic Portraits exhibition launch on Thursday 28 September. 362361 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
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Tower approved Better connection is proposed for Chirnside Park with a new telecommunications tower approved for the suburb. Yarra Ranges Council made the call to accept the permit application for 275 Edward Road despite 40 objections received from the local community who mostly opposed the visual bulk and health concerns. The singular tower will be located in an area where electricity towers already exist, forming the argument from ward councillor Fiona
McAllister that the visual bulk is already there. “The visual impact already exists,” she said. “Is that sufficient to say we should add more visual impact? No, it’s probably a counter argument there but the fact that it is a grey micro poll means the visual impact in an undulating topography means that actually it’s not as stark as it sounds.” Cr McAllister also said the benefits outweigh the negatives especially for connectivity in an emergency, with the importance being
able to access phone and internet reception seen across the Yarra Ranges during the 2021 storm events that wiped out much of the telecommunications in the area. The tower will provide better service for both Vodafone and Optus users, with 4G and 5G access. Councillors found the planning application to meet all the planning provisions required for acceptance, as well as the health and safety guidelines for neighbouring properties. “We have an obligation as with all planning
decisions to make decisions aligned with planning provisions and amenity and visual impact is one of them,” Cr McAllister said. Seconded by Cr Johanna Skelton, she said had it been her living nearby she would be “comfortable” with the application given the parameters placed on telecommunication poles and the necessity of connectivity in the region. It was moved by all councillors, with the exception of Cr Tim Heenan. Story page 3
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