Established in 1875 as the
proudly serving Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay
3 APRIL, 2024
A taste of creativity Maribyrnong council will present an afternoon of music and live performance in the heart of Footscray on Saturday, April 6. ‘Get a Taste of Creative West’ will bring an array of artists and performers together to wow locals. Headlining the day will be acclaimed artist Jen Cloher who said she is excited to be a part of such a day and even more pumped to be joined by T’HONI. “I love free shows that are outdoors and all ages because it means that it’s accessible to everyone in the community,” she said. Cloher is a singer, songwriter, and record producer and will bring to the table a five piece rock band experience. “We will also have a horn section, so we will have three players and a couple of others who will Kapa haka which is a cultural performance group,” she said, In addition to Cloher and T’HONI, other performances will include Nikodimos and his Orchestra, Snuff Puppets, and Women’s Circus. The event will be held at the car park on the corner of Paisley and French streets, from 2.30pm.
Jen Cloher with T’HONI. (Supplied)
Hazardous concerns rise By Jennifer Pittorino
12533599-HC07-22
A Spotswood community member has highlighted growing community concern regarding the proper regulation of the Newport Major Hazard Facilities (MHF) and pipelines. Rex Allum said there are concerns that the application of MHF government regulations may be dysfunctional in ensuring the community’s protection. “We’ve been trying to get some sort of response from regulators for quite some time now,” he said. “We’re not getting any feedback at all, from the five regulators that are involved, they are
just ignoring us.” There are five government agencies responsible for the regulation and granting of five year licences, which are meant to ensure community safety. The responsible authorities are Hobsons Bay council, WorkSafe, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action and Energy Safe Victoria. “Our concern is that the MHF are encroaching on the buffer areas as residential sensitive use areas,” he said. One MHF of particular concern to Mr Allum, which incorporates several operators, is located on Douglas Parade.
“We are asking them to be brought to a published safety standard, and have some transparency on the degree of safety,” he said. “We believe these facilities are unsafe because when any application comes up for a planning permit, within a kilometre or so within the MHF , they are being refused on the grounds that the MHF boundaries have expanded. “But at the moment, there’s thousands of houses that exist right next to them. “And so they’ve expanded the boundaries by incorporating those existing houses in the boundary.” A Hobsons Bay council spokesperson council makes decisions regarding changes
to the Newport major hazard facility in accordance with relevant policies, legislation and other regulatory requirements. “This includes permitting certain variations to the operations of MHF, within the limits of the Victorian Planning Scheme. “Council works closely with the Victorian Government on issues relating to state-significant sites such as the site in Newport. “Community concerns are incorporated and managed in accordance with consideration of all of council’s obligations. The EPA, WorkSafe, Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action and Energy Safe Victoria were contacted for comment
Kenyon-Smith Denture Clinic A family tradition for 60 years 100 Pier Street, Altona 9315 9231 • 27 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing 9748 8204
Dental Prosthetists Full dentures, Partial dentures, Repairs - relines • Victorian Denture Scheme • Veterans’ Affairs John, Andrew, Simon and Paul Kenyon-Smith