Tuesday, 10 February, 2026
75 years since National Service in Australia
When fire danger closes down local schools
Theatres stars of the Valley on show
See Real Estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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Fire engulfs By Callum Ludwig A building has been lost after a fire broke out at Colchester Nursery and Garden Supplies in Kilsyth South on Wednesday 4 February. Colchester Road was temporarily closed as firefighters worked tirelessly to battle the blaze. A Country Fire Authority (CFA) spokesperson said 11 CFA units alongside Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a structure fire on Colchester Road in Kilsyth South at around 1.12pm on Wednesday 4 February. The Basin CFA Captain Corey Schmutter said upon arrival, the structure was fully alight. “All staff were out upon arrival but there was two staff members who were taken to hospital with minor smoke inhalation,” he said. The fire appears to have originated in a larger structure on the site alongside the fence line, and firefighters largely restricted the damage to the building, with a number of nearby plants appearing unharmed. The building could not be saved however, collapsing in on itself. TURN TO PAGE 3 FOR MORE
The fire at Colchester Nursery and Garden Supplies caused significant damage to a structure. (Callum Ludwig: 532722)
Major quarry test Minister for Transport and Planning Sonya Kilkenny has announced an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) will be required to approve any expansion of Boral’s quarry in Montrose. The proposed expansion, which has prompted significant opposition from community members, will now be subject to significant public review and assessment before any approval is granted. The Stop Montrose Quarry Expansion group said they welcome the Minister’s decision to require a full Environmental Effects Statement for
the proposed Montrose Quarry expansion. “This confirms that the concerns raised by residents, experts, and the wider community are serious, legitimate, and warrant comprehensive and transparent assessment,” it reads. “A project of this scale and duration must be subject to the highest level of environmental scrutiny, and we will continue to engage constructively throughout the EES process to ensure community health, environmental values, and planning integrity are properly protected.” In the reasons for the decision, the minister identified the expansions as having potential for
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significant environmental effects of the project on surface water and groundwater, native vegetation and listed species of flora and fauna, noise and amenity, and the landscape, including those associated with the nearby Dandenong Ranges National Park. A Boral spokesperson said they respect the Minister’s recent determination on Boral’s referral and welcome a decision on the approval pathway for this important state-significant project. “We are confident we have developed robust environmental mitigation strategies and look forward to reviewing the full scoping requirements
once issued and finalising an Environment Effects Statement for the Government’s consideration,” they said. “In the meantime, our teams are getting on with the job, for nearly 70 years, Montrose Quarry has helped build Melbourne and contributed to a stronger Victoria, the quarry continues to play its role in supplying essential construction materials and aggregates to support key infrastructure projects and residential development. “We’re committed to protecting Victoria’s future by extending the life of this quarry.” MORE ON PAGE 5
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