New pavilion for Olinda

A new, state of the art $1.7m pavilion is taking shape at the Olinda Recreation Reserve. Local and visiting clubs will enjoy the fresh, bright training and gym area, change rooms and first aid room. The wider community is set to benefit too, with a spacious multi-purpose area, modern kitchen and meeting room available for use.
Coming to the party with funding for the pavilion were Council ($1m), the state government ($350,000), Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group ($250,000) and the supporting community ($100,000).
$120,000 worth of new lighting is already brightening up the grounds, with Council, the federal government and sports clubs all pitching in for the project.
The new rooms will be used by clubs including Olinda Ferny Creek Football Netball Club, Olinda Ferny Creek Junior Football Club, Olinda Cricket Club, Sassafras Ferny Creek Netball Club and Kalorama Mt Dandenong Tennis Club.
The pavilion is due to be completed in October.

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Have you seen your Local?

Have you seen our new publication, Yarra Ranges Local?
Launched in March, the newsletter replaces the Shirewide magazine.
With three editions covering the urban, hills and valley areas every two months, we'll keep you in the know about Council projects and happenings that are relevant to you and your community.
You can  can pick up a printed copy from any of Community Links, libraries or communities centres. If you'd like a copy mailed to you call 1300 368 333.
Or jump online and subscribe to the Yarra Ranges Local e-newsletter at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/yrl
Full online stories can be found here on the Yarra Ranges blog.

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Changes to smoking laws

Children’s play areas and outdoor areas at public swimming pools will be smoke free from 1 April.
Changes to the State Tobacco Amendment Act 2013 mean smoking is now prohibited within 10 metres of children’s playgrounds, outdoor skate parks and sporting venues during underage sporting events.
Would you like more information? Go to the Department of Health’s website:
www.health.vic.gov.au/tobaccoreforms.

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Street light upgrade

New energy efficient street lights are set to save millions of dollars and help the environment at the same time.
Council contractors are upgrading 7000 street lights with T5 fluorescent bulbs across the Yarra Ranges.
The new lights will give an instant 70 percent reduction in energy use and operating costs. T5 technology produces a clearer light, reduces glare and meets the Australian Standards for safety reasons and light levels.
Council is funding the $1.85 million project, which will pay for itself in four years and save almost $8 million over the 20 year life of the new lights.
The upgrade will help Council meet its commitment of reducing annual greenhouse emissions by 30% (based on year 2000 levels) by 2020.
New street lights are already being installed in Lilydale, Mooroolbark and Chirnside Park. The project will be completed throughout the Yarra Ranges by mid year.
The changeovers do not interrupt power supply to residents or businesses, and have minimal impact on parking and traffic flow.
Track the installation progress or get more information at:
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/streetlightupgrade.

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Blank canvas for Kilsyth

A group of passionate Kilsyth residents are relcaiming a public walkway, prone to graffiti, with plans for public art.
The Adopt-a-Spot group, including representatives from Walmsley Friendship Village, launched their 'Blank Canvas Project' in February.
The project will look at ideas to reclaim the Churinga Walkway behind Churinga Village through community consultation and creativity.
Plans include artwork for the wall and landscaping.
As part of the project, residents will learn graffiti removal techniques, contribute ideas and participate in creative workshops.
For more information on the project contact Santha Press on 1300 368 333 or email s.press@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

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Get on board for better public transport

Do you use public transport? Want to see more, or better services?
You're invited to join in the Commuters Count Summit, organised by the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC).
The summit will discuss how current and future state budgets could beused to meet the transport needs of the reigon. Local government, business, MPs and education will be also attending.
The ETC represents seven council areas including the Yarra Ranges, and advocates for improved public transport in Melbourne's outer east.
The ETC recently made a submission to the state budget planning process, calling for more investment in rail and public transport infrastructure. The April summit will discuss how this can be achieved.
If you'd like to find out more about the ETC, go to www.etc.org.au

Commuters Count Summit
Wednesday 9 April
9am-1pm
Community Building, Springvale Reserve, Newcomen Rd, Springvale

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Melba Park Stage 2

If you've visited Melba Park in Lilydale recently, you will have seen the latest improvements, including a spectacular new playground, and upgraded car parks and pathways.
Stage 2 of the transformation is now underway-creating a submerged wetland to improve the water quality in Olinda Creek.
The landscape will take about eight weeks to complete, depending on the weather. Access to some areas of the park will be blocked off during this time.
The wetland will be planted in spring with low growing plants to help filter the water which flows into Olinda Creek.
Other works planned for the park include lowering earth mounds to improve sight lines and developing more nature based play areas for families to enjoy.

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