I WOULD like to take this opportunity to inform your readers of recent progress in the major community Values and Vision project for Yarra Glen and District being undertaken by the Interim Township Group.
In recent weeks the committee has developed plans for further community consultation through a communitywide survey and two open discussion days to work out the broad strategy for the future development of the town.
We expect to complete this process early in the New Year.
We believe that by the end of this process we will have found out what is important to this community and what it wants to happen.
We will have identified and prioritised actions to achieve the vision; and recommended the basis for the creation of a representative township group to carry the whole process forward.
Our aim is to strengthen the entire community of Yarra Glen and district, to take control of its own future.
Melbourne may be the “most liveable city and we hope that Yarra Glen will be the “most liveable township”, with a strong community, a strong economy and an attractive environment.
I am aware that there are proposals for a new supermarket development in town, which is a controversial issue.
As a committee we are completely outside this debate; we have not canvassed the views of the community on the application and we have publicly stated on a number of occasions that we have nothing to say as to the pros or cons of the proposal.
We do believe that the Shire of Yarra Ranges has the responsibility to consider the proposal and that this will involve a process of community consultation. We have had assurances from shire chief executive Rob Hauser that this will take place.
It must be understood that we are not an undercover group for the developer nor are we a shadow organisation for either side of the community debate.
It is not an issue for us, our focus is on setting the framework for community involvement in the future direction of the town and district.
Ultimately, a democratic Township Group will produce, with some guidance from the shire, an integrated plan for the future development of Yarra Glen.
Malcolm Calder
Chairman Yarra Glen
Interim Township Group
I WOULD like to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution that councillor Di Moore has made to the community over the years.
Di has been tireless in her involvement as our representative, and has advised on a wide range of issues relating to our community needs. I have always respected the energy and passion that Di has shown and now wish to offer myself as a candidate in the election.
My family chose to make Healesville our home where my daughters have attended the local preschool and primary school, completing their VCE at Healesville High.
I was a council employee for 10 years and have a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of council operations.
I have also been an active volunteer in local groups and I am totally committed and passionate about increasing the opportunities for us all to be better informed and more involved in decision making. I wish Di Moore all the best in her retirement and hope that she continues to support us with her considerable knowledge and experiences.
Jeanette McRae
Healesville
I WRITE to respond to the letter (Mail, 11 October) from Phyllis Crawford, where she claims that during my term as a council commissioner I supported the introduction of gaming machines into the former Yarra Junction Council offices.
This was not the case. I did not support the proposal. An application was made to council which was considered, like all applications must be, and after community consultation refused. It was the CainKirner Labor government that introduced gaming machines into Victoria with a plan for 40,000 machines. The Kennett government responsibly reduced this number by 33 per cent.
Since the election of the Bracks Labor Government in 1999 we have had much talk and smoke and mirrors about tackling the gambling problem with very little effect.
Christine Fyffe
Liberal candidate
for Evelyn
Ms Fyffe
WELL done Phyllis Crawford for reminding us all just how bad it could have been with a gaming casino in the centre of Yarra Junction.
Christine Fyffe, you should be ashamed.
I attended the Yarra Junction public meeting and witnessed Ms Fyffe’s endorsement of the casino plan for our old shire offices.
It’s time to move on Ms Fyffe and leave politics to those who can bring fresh and constructive community building projects to the community in the Evelyn electorate.
Jim Nicholson
Warburton
