Public warned on grassfires
CFA units attended 13 small grass and scrub fires in the Whittlesea and Hume municipalities between December 1 and January 7. The CFA categorises a “small” fire as one up to five hectares in size with no complex problems. State fire authorities are warning residents living near grassland to be vigilant in preparing their properties for fire risk over the next few months.
Family flees home blaze
Fire forced a family of five out of their home in Lyell Avenue, Lalor, last week. The blaze began in a garage at the front and spread into the two-storey house. A smoke alarm alerted the occupants. About 20 MFB and CFA firefighters contained the fire and damage was estimated at $25,000. The cause is being investigated by the MFB fire investigation unit.
Refuge work closes trail
Funding from the Transport Accident Commission has allowed Whittlesea council to build a pedestrian refuge island and path link on the Darebin Creek Trail across Settlement Road, Bundoora. The trail will be closed between St Luke’s Tennis Club and McKimmies Road from January 15 and will reopen in late March. The council will simultaneously upgrade the existing path to a 2.5-metre concrete shared path. Detours will be in place. For more information, contact the engineering and transportation team on 9217 2170 or email transportation@whittlesea.vic.
gov.au.
Have your say on council plan
Whittlesea council is preparing a new plan for the Whittlesea township that will guide its development over the next 20 years. The council is seeking community feedback to help shape the plan. So far more than 300 surveys have been received from people airing their thoughts on transport, housing, the environment, recreation and employment opportunities. Submit your survey before January 30 to enter the draw to win one of four $50 vouchers for Coles Group and Myer.
Mobile internet speeds up
The latest generation of mobile internet coverage has come to Mernda. Telstra is switching on its 4GX network in parts of the suburb, providing the fastest mobile speeds in the nation. The suburb is one of 600 to have access to the new service, which brings extreme speeds and extra 4G coverage to Telstra customers.
Leaving kids in cars to ‘hurt’ more
Victorians who leave children unattended in cars will face six months’ jail and fines of almost $4000 under new penalties. The changes, introduced by the previous Liberal government but never proclaimed, will become Victorian law by the end of this month. Penalties for leaving children unattended in cars rise from $2214 to $3690 and from three months’ jail to six months. Ambulance Victoria’s Paul Holman said people were still not heeding warnings. So far this year, there have been 23 incidents of children left in cars.
