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Tuesday, 11 November, 2025

Mr Monopoly touches down in Yarra Valley for launch

Study finds possums affected by PFAS

Lifeline for inoperational Gruyere Primary School

See Real Estate Liftout Inside

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A Star News Group Publication

Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808

More decay By Callum Ludwig The slow decay of the old White Dog Hotel in Lilydale has continued, with more damage to the front facade of the building noticeable. Also known as The Lilydale Hotel or Duke’s Saloon over the years, the formerly popular pub has fallen into disrepair over the years despite community support for its restoration. Friends of The White Dog Facebook group founder Rob Hall recently posted fresh pictures of the damage and said it’s hard to take a picture of The White Dog at any angle and not be left thinking that it doesn’t look good. “I am very concerned about the future of The White Dog and the speed at which the whole front is degrading,” he said. “I feel demolition by neglect is pretty much on track and with no repercussions from the Council other than platitudes, if she goes down, it happened on their watch,” he said. “There might not be any jackhammers, bulldozers or wrecking balls, but demolition by neglect achieves the same results just a lot slower.” Turn to page 3 for more

The White Dog Hotel has seen better days. (Tanys Steele: 515921)

Quarry quarrel nity concern and their petition has now received 1900 signatures. “A local Facebook group has grown rapidly, with hundreds of residents participating in discussions, asking questions, and offering to assist,” they said. “We’re also hearing from people in surrounding suburbs — including Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, and Mooroolbark — who believe they may be affected by environmental or traffic impacts associated with the proposed expansion.” Over 70 residents attended a community meeting on 5 November to express opposition to

the proposal, which was also attended by local politicians looking to express their opposition or listen to the community worries. The Boral spokesman said they will work with all stakeholders, including local community members, to address their questions and ensure they have transparency into how Boral conducts its operations in line with permits, licences and strict national safety regulations. “Prior to this, Boral informed Yarra Ranges Council in September 2024 that it was considering future expansion plans and this information was added to the council’s website,” he said.

“We shared an overview of our quarry expansion plans during a community open day held at our Montrose site in November last year, attended by about 200 people from the local community. “Since then, we met with Council officials and provided Councillors a briefing regarding the project and we’ve notified immediate neighbours and the Montrose Environmental Group in writing regarding the lodgement of the application and established a dedicated project website. Broader community notification and awareness activities are also planned.” Turn to page 6 for more.

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Montrose residents are expressing concern about the potential expansion proposed by Boral Resources (Boral) at the Montrose quarry. Located in a mixed industrial and residential zone on the township’s border with Kilsyth, the quarry has been in operation for over 70 years and the proposal is designed to extend its life by 30 more. Montrose residents Katie and Ian, speaking on behalf of a larger group of concerned residents, said there has been a significant level of commu-

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By Callum Ludwig