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24 SEPTEMBER, 2024
Driving force for charity It must have been quite a sight for those along the route of the 2024 Variety Bash Vic – six Bacchus Marsh residents cruising past in vintage cars dressed as characters from Alice in Wonderland and Apollo 11. The six were among 244 people driving through the outback in 81 vintage cars last month, raising an astonishing $1.6 million for children’s charity Variety Victoria as part of the annual Variety Vic Bash. From August 16 to 24, participants drove more than 3300 kilometres starting in Swan Hill and finishing in Airlie Beach. In the thick of the action were six Bacchus Marsh locals in two themed vehicles – Apollo 11, piloted by Shane Jenkins, Paul Menzies, Mick Belcher, and Glen Burgin, and Wonderland, featuring Elizabeth Porter and Liz Barby. Elizabeth Porter, who dresses as Alice as part of the Wonderland car, said the costumes were all part of the fun. “We often forget we are in costume and it not only brings us a laugh with locals but some really nice donations along the way,” she said.
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Glen Burgin, Mick Belcher, Shane Jenkins, Paul Menzies, Elizabeth Porter and Liz Barby.(Ljubica Vrankovic) 430980_12
Power appeal rejected In this case, the alliance claimed Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio had ‘flawed reasoning and incorrect application’ of the National Electricity (Vic) Act 2020 when it came to making two ministerial orders for major infrastructure projects Western Renewables Link (WRL) and Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West). The result means the WRL and VNI West will continue to go ahead as planned. MCHPA chair Vicki Johnson said while the result was unsatisfactory for all involved, they would not be disheartened by the setback.
“This was obviously a deeply disappointing outcome for the RVPA and its more than 2,450 members,” she said. “Whilst the decision brings to an end this particular part of the fight, it does not end the broader continuing fight by thousands of landholders and their communities against the high-voltage transmission line projects. “In one form or another, we will all continue to take action along both project corridors to stop these projects.” Ms Johnson said the RVPA would continue to advocate for landholders and represent the
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voices of regional communities who maintain they will be impacted by the installation of transmission lines. “Behind the complexity and depth of the legal arguments are individuals, families and businesses,” she said. “We still seek a proper and fair process in the interest of all Victorians.” The appeal did not ‘challenge the merits’ of either projects but questioned the interpretation of Ms D’Ambrosio’s actions when it came to use of the relevant law, which were judged to be correct.
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The fight against “Labor’s Towers”has been dealt a major blow, after the Supreme Court of Victoria rejected an appeal made by those in opposition to two major transmission line projects. On Friday, September 13, the Court of Appeal made the decision to dismiss the appeal lodged by the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA). In August, the MCHPA, trading as the Regional Victoria Power Alliance (RVPA), sought a judicial review of a December 2023 judgment which dismissed its original case heard in September last year.