Willatook Wind Farm Objection

FOLLOWING a community consultation process with 62 submissions from community members, Moyne Shire councillors voted unanimously last week to make a submission to the Planning minister objecting to the planning permit for the Willatook Wind Farm.

Mayor Ian Smith said it was important Council made a strong representation to the Planning minister on behalf of the community.

He said that while Council was supportive of renewable energy and Moyne had done the heavy lifting when it came to wind farms, there were serious concerns that needed to be addressed.

“It’s very clear there are concerns around cumulative impacts of development, social licence and the ongoing benefits to the community,” he said.

“I’d also encourage those who have submitted to Council to also make their submission to the minister for Planning.”

Cr Smith said Council would also ask to present at any planning panel the minister convenes on this application.

Council working to bring Kermond’s to Port Fairy

THE iconic Warrnambool business, Kermond’s Hamburgers, has plans to open a takeaway business in Port Fairy, with the wharf building on the Moyne River flagged as the preferred location.

Kermond’s Hamburgers started in a caravan on December 8, 1949, when John Kermond and his father Joe opened down at the foreshore in Warrnambool.

Chief executive, Brett Davis, said Moyne Shire Council was keen to have Kermond’s establish a business in Port Fairy, and were working through issues with the current lease arrangements as a priority.

“The wharf building is on Crown Land and this means there are several conditions set out in legislation relating to leasing that have to be worked through,” he said.

Moyne Shire Council has appointed Jodie McNamara as director of economy and place

Chief executive, Brett Davis, said Ms McNamara was currently Warrnambool City Council’s community development acting director.

“Ms McNamara is a qualified town planner with over 30 years of local government experience,” he said.

Ms McNamara will begin with Moyne Shire Council in late August.

Moyne Shire Council’s refreshed Community Assistance Fund is now open for applications

Mayor Cr Ian Smith said the annual program now has an extended application period and streamlined eligibility, which increased the number of groups eligible and changed timelines for delivery of some grants.

“One of the key changes is Equipment Purchases and Community Strengthening projects can now apply for up to $5000 of funding with no applicant contribution required,” he said.

“We have also revamped the funding stream for funded organisations, which means groups like school councils, cemetery trusts, Country Fire Authorities and church groups can now apply for matching funding for projects they can’t use their main funding for.”

Cr Smith said one of the mandatory requirements was that applicants must first speak with a council grants officer before lodging an application.

An information session will be held on Monday, August 22 from 5.30pm via Zoom to explain how to use the new application portal.

For more information go to moyne.vic.gov.au/Community-Assistance-Fund