News that’s brief but no less important
New routes survey
Public Transport Victoria has released the proposed new bus routes for the South Morang, Doreen and Diamond Creek services. An online survey for community feedback will close on December 21.
School build under way
Construction has begun on a new primary school at Epping North. The future Epping North Primary School will house a multi-purpose indoor sport hall and public oval, community activity space and a long day care childcare centre run by the YMCA.
Auto industry closure plan
The state government has launched a new plan to help automotive manufacturing businesses transition to new markets, workers to retrain and find sustainable jobs and attract investment into communities hit by the closure of car manufacturing. Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire said the new Towards Future Industries: Victoria’s Automotive Transition Plan would deliver $50 million of programs and help the 650 workers who will lose their jobs when Ford closes in October next year.
Growing north
The Metropolitan Planning Authority has prepared a precinct structure masterplan for communities of between 10,000 and 30,000 people at Donnybrook and Woodstock. This plan covers about 1786 hectares across Whittlesea and Mitchell, and is located north of Donnybrook Road between the Melbourne-Sydney Railway and Epping-Merriang Road. People can view these plans, and have a say on them until Monday, December 21.
Violence brochure
In partnership with Whittlesea Community Connections, Whittlesea council has developed a brochure to encourage culturally and linguistically diverse women to seek help and support to deal with family violence. The brochures are culturally appropriate.
Seniors card for workers
Housing, Disability and Ageing Minister Martin Foley has urged Victorians aged 60 and over and still working full-time to apply for the new seniors business discount card. It is estimated that an extra 160,000 Victorians will be able to obtain Seniors Card savings. There are more than 4000 participating businesses across Victoria, with most businesses offering a minimum 10 per cent discount on goods or services, including travel, accommodation, hospitality, entertainment and leisure. Eligible seniors can apply online now for the new card by visiting seniorsonline.vic.gov.au. For more information, call the Victorian Seniors Card Program on 1300 797 210.
Cannabis laws moving
Victorian families are a step closer to legally accessing medicinal cannabis in exceptional circumstances with the introduction of the Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015 to Parliament last week. It will provide a legal framework to enable the cultivation and manufacture of safe and high quality medicinal cannabis products in Victoria.
