"The framework focuses on four priority areas; people, place, participation and partnerships. It will guide the approach for the ‘people' of our region, the ‘places' they reside in, the way in which they ‘participate' in life and the ‘partnerships' at all levels of government and within industry to work together to ensure a sustainable community," Cr Dobson said

"Innovative and modern initiatives within the framework include the establishment of community matching grants, celebrating our diversity and a stronger emphasis on community engagement and participation by mobilising communities to lead change within their own neighbourhoods.

"Every resident of Greater Shepparton is part of at least one community, so I strongly encourage people interested in developing their local community to have a look at the framework and provide feedback over the coming weeks."

Cr Chris Hazelman said Council was hoping for significant feedback from the community.

"The way this framework will be successful is through community participation, so it is important residents have their say."

A public forum will be held on Thursday 16 September 2010 between 10am and 12noon at the McIntosh Centre.

To register your interest in attending the public forum, please contact Council's Culture and Community Strengthening branch at communitydevelopment@shepparton.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5832 9700.

The Community Development Framework is available on Council's website www.greatershepparton.com.au or from Council's Customer Service Counter.

Feedback on the Community Development Framework is welcome until 17 September 2010 and can be forwarded through any of the following ways:

• Online: www.greatershepparton.com.au
• Mail: 'Community Development Framework - Community Feedback', Greater Shepparton City Council, Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton 3632
• In Person: Greater Shepparton City Council Offices, 90 Welsford St, Shepparton
• Email: council@shepparton.vic.gov.au

- Released 31 August 2010

"Community work often goes unrecognised and these awards provide an avenue to acknowledge and congratulate hard working community members," Cr Dobson said.

"I urge everybody to think about friends, family or work colleagues who have worked hard to make Greater Shepparton a wonderful place to live."

Greater Shepparton City Council is calling for nominations for a Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year (aged under 27) for Arcadia, Dookie, Mooroopna, Murchison, Shepparton, Tatura and Toolamba.

From the nominations in each town category the overall Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year winners will be announced.

In addition to Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year the following awards will be presented for each town:

• Mooroopna - Sports Award
• Murchison - Sports Award, Junior Sports Award, Education Award, Club/Service Organisation Award
• Shepparton - Senior Citizen Award, Environment Award, Sports Award and Academic Award
• Tatura - Environment Award, Sports Award, Academic Award and Business Award
• Toolamba - Community Service Award

Nominations forms are available from the customer service desk at Greater Shepparton City Council, 90 Welsford Street Shepparton, on the Australia Day section on Council's website, from Australia Day committees or by contacting Council's Australia Day Coordinator Liz Connick on (03) 5832 9540.

Nominations close Wednesday 1 December 2010

- Released 31 August 2010

Council's Manager Environment and Sustainability Greg McKenzie said Council's commitment to purchasing 10 per cent green power for all municipal facilities would reduce Council's corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 1,183 tonnes of CO2 a year, or equivalent to 23 million black balloons!

"Council is pleased to be able to switch some of its electricity to green power in an effort to be more environmentally friendly," Mr McKenzie said.

"The more people and businesses that commit to using renewable energy, the better it will be for our environment. Council has made this commitment and encourages the local community to follow our lead.

"Our homes and businesses are connected to this grid so we can all access this green power electricity to reduce our carbon footprint and make a real difference on the world around us.

"The benefit of switching to GreenPower accredited renewable energy is that it does not burn fossil fuels and therefore does not produce greenhouse gases.

"More than 90 per cent of electricity used in Australia comes from generators that burn coal, and only a small amount of energy comes from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, water and biomass waste.

"This makes the electricity sector the biggest single contributor to Australia's greenhouse emissions, so by switching to green energy it can make a big difference."

Benefits of GreenPower include:
• reducing household or business greenhouse emissions by about 50 per cent by switching to 100 per cent GreenPower
• driving demand for renewable energy, helping it to compete with polluting coal and gas-based generation
• helping to reduce water consumption as renewable-energy generators use much less water than coal and gas-powered stations.

For more information visit www.greenpower.gov.au.

Background on green electricity:
Companies generate this green electricity at a range of sites across Australia and supply the electricity to a central power grid. The green energy is then bought by the energy provider on behalf of customers. Energy suppliers who sell accredited GreenPower products buy electricity that is generated from accredited renewable-energy generators, and feed it into the National Electricity Grid. Only renewable-energy products that display the GreenPower ‘tick' are government accredited.

"L2P gives learner drivers who may not have access to regular driving practice the opportunity to undertake free driving practice under the supervision of fully licensed drivers," Ms Tingay said.

"There are a number of young people in our community who do not have access to a car or a supervised driver who can help them get the practice they need to get their license.

"Program participants will receive driving lessons with qualified instructors as well as practice with volunteers.

"Lack of available transport is a barrier for a number of people, so this program provides a solution to those who would be otherwise disadvantaged by their circumstances.

"Having a licence can open doors for many people, including employment opportunities and greater independence."

A survey by Vicroads has indicated that around 3.5 per cent of learner drivers under 21 across Victoria may need assistance in gaining the necessary 120 hours of supervised driving experience prior to licensing.

The program is linked to the new graduated licensing system which requires learner drivers under 21 to obtain a minimum 120 hours practice before getting their probationary license. The graduated licensing system is designed to reduce the number of crashes, deaths and injuries suffered by young drivers in their first three years of solo driving.

The program has been set up through a partnership between Council, Berry Street and is funded by the Victorian Government supported by VicRoads.

The program will be managed by Berry Street, who will match student drivers with volunteers and coordinate the necessary support to ensure student success.
If anyone wants to volunteer to be part of the program, please contact Council's LEAD Coordinator Amanda Tingay on 5832 9700 or Bill Winters from Berry Street on 0437 762 520

- Released 25 August

According to Keep Australia Beautiful, around 90% of households have access to kerbside recycling and 99% are participating in some form of re-use or recycling. However, Australia faces a major challenge to increase recycling rates when people are away from home to help reduce the significant volumes of recyclable waste ending up in landfill.

"With so many people buying food and drink when they're out and about these days, we have seen big increases in packaging waste being produced, says KAB spokeswoman, Lara Shannon. "This means more litter on our streets and products ending up in landfill that don't need to be there."

This not only has a negative effect on the environment, but also has a big financial cost. Each year, local councils spend millions of dollars nationally to clean up our litter, whilst the cost of sending waste to landfill continues to rise.

To help increase beverage container recycling in Shepparton the Greater Shepparton City Council will be using the grant funding to implement a public place recycling initiative in the local sports precinct that will be achieved by installation of infrastructure and an extensive education program.

The focus of the $200,000 nationwide Community Grants Scheme funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation is on increasing away from home or ‘out & about' recycling, through practical projects that leave a legacy and do not duplicate existing recycling activities. Project results must be measurable and show how recycled materials are being collected and diverted from landfill.

Council's Team Leader Waste Services, George Bitcon, said: "We are proud to have our environmental efforts recognised by the Keep Australia Beautiful grant and the Coca-Cola Foundation. "The funding will be used to install recycling bins and signage to educate the community how the new bin system works and what can be recycled.

"Council recently installed the recycling bin system at Council's Aqumoves' Splash Park with a great response and hopes to roll it out to other recreation reserves in the municipality.

"Audits of litter bins at sporting facilities have shown that around 80% of material thrown away is recyclable with most of it being beverage containers.

"Providing a better recycling option for the sporting precinct users will help to divert these recyclable materials from landfill and make a difference to our environment."

During KAB Week, Hungry Jack's restaurants nationally will be encouraging their customers to recycle. With the support of Coca-Cola Amatil, selected restaurants in each state and territory will be introducing beverage container recycling trials, to enable their customers and the general public to recycle their empty bottles and cans when they are out and about.

Celebrity ambassadors helping to promote the KAB Week campaign include Getaway's Jules Lund and Natalie Gruzlewski, Hey Hey It's Saturday's Livinia Nixon and Suze Raymond, Triple M Hot Breakfast Host, Mieke Buchan, Former Miss Universe Australia, Laura Dundovic and others.

KAB Week Ambassador, Jules Lund, said, "Keep Australia Beautiful Week is the perfect time to think about the impact our lifestyle and behaviour has on the environment and set some goals to reduce our eco footprint all year round. Reducing the amount of rubbish we throw away by reusing or recycling it instead is an easy way to start."

Joining Lund, Livinia Nixon, added, "It's easy for us all to recycle at home, so there's no excuse for any empty bottles and cans ending up in the bin. When you're out and about it's a bit harder, but there are increasing numbers of recycling bins about. If you can't find any around though, why not pop them in your bag or car and take them home with you to recycle."

Council's General Manager Corporate Services Dwight Graham said the revaluation of all properties every two years is a requirement of government legislation and contrary to common perception, an increase in property values does not mean councils will receive more in rates.

"Because the general valuation affects properties differently, some properties will have a greater increase than the 6 per cent in total rates and charges revenue that was outlined in the 2010/2011 budget, while others will have a lesser increase or indeed a decrease," Mr Graham said.

"Almost 52 per cent of the Council's revenue comes from rates and charges and the remainder from Government grants, interest on investments and user fees and charges.

"As an incentive for prompt payment, the Council will offer a discount of 1.5 per cent, to ratepayers who choose to make an early lump sum payment of their total 2010/2011 rates and charges before 24 September 2010.

"Ratepayers having difficulties paying their rates should contact the Council immediately to discuss alternative payment arrangements."

Mr Graham also explained that the rise in the Victorian Government's landfill levy had been passed onto ratepayers.

"This year, due to the rise in the Victorian Government's landfill levy, from $9 per tonne last year to $30 per tonne, the Council has had to raise almost $105,000 additional revenue for waste service charges, which Council included in the 6 per cent total increase. The Victorian Government has announced that the levy will continue to rise to as much as $53.20 per tonne in 2014/2015," Mr Graham said.

"Existing rate payment options are still available including payment by four instalments or in one lump sum payment. If you choose to pay your rates by instalments, the first instalment amount shown on your rate notice must be received by the Council on or before 30 September 2010.

"Payments can still be made after the first instalment is due, however they will be considered as a part payment only and the balance will be required by 15 February 2011 which is the due date for all lump sum payments."

Rates can be paid in several ways; including by BPAY, at any Commonwealth Bank branch, by mail, in person at the Council Office (90 Welsford Street Shepparton), by direct debits, by POST billpay at any Australia Post agency, by telephone 13 18 16, by Centrepay deductions from your Centrelink payment or via the council's website on www.greatershepparton.com.au. All payment options are fully outlined on the back of the rate notice.

For more information about paying your rates or your property valuations, contact Council on 5832 9700.

"We have two categories in the competition this year; the traditional scarecrow and the creative section, where people may take inspiration from fairy tales or other stories for their scarecrow," Mr Wilson said.

"Last year we had more than 20 entries, and are hoping to build on that number, so I encourage as many people to get involved. This is also a fantastic team building exercise for workplaces.

"You can use almost any materials you can think of; the only limit is your creativity!

"The scarecrows will be displayed around the miniature railway track at KidsTown."

The scarecrow can be put on display at SPC Ardmona KidsTown from Tuesday 21 September and can be on display for up to three months.

Tips and hints and entry forms are available from the KidsFest website

KidsFest 2010 will be held on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 October 2010.

- Released 20 August 2010

"The McIntosh Centre and Showgrounds provide a fantastic venue for the Spring Car Nationals, attracting some of Australia's best show cars and presenting a family friendly environment.

"The new presentation centre at the showgrounds also allows for some of Australia's best show cars to be on display during the event.

"The conditions which were in place for last year's event will again be in place this year and for the next four years.

"The conditions include limiting the time frame for event activities, implementing a traffic management plan and continued monitoring of the event to allow for continuous improvement.

"It is fantastic to see the local community supporting the event, which has been in Shepparton for 16 years.

The Spring Car Nationals will be held over the weekend of Friday 26 November to Sunday 28 November.

The decision to move the event to the showgrounds for a five year trial was formally adopted by Council at the start of this year.

- Released 20 August 2010

Greater Shepparton Visitor Information Centre Coordinator Maree Glasson said there would also be a competition of the submissions.

"We will be awarding prizes for the oldest, quirkiest, rarest and the people's choice, with winners announced in October," Ms Glasson said.

The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday 11 September as part of the Visitor Information Centre open day.

The exhibition will be open at the VIC from 11 September until 24 October.

Anyone wanting to contribute items to the exhibition should contact the Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5831 4400 or drop into the Centre at 534 Wyndham Street Shepparton.

More information about Shepparton Celebrates 150 Years is available on council's website.

- Released 17 August 2010

Council and Shepparton Villages both contributed $20,000 to fund the $40,000 project.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Geoff Dobson said the crossing was upgraded to create a safer crossing for the whole community, but especially for the regular elderly users.

"The new zebra crossing has been installed at an existing pedestrian refuge which aligns with the walking path," Cr Dobson said.

"The flashing lights also prompt drivers to slow down and give way to pedestrians using the zebra crossing.

"I urge all local residents and visitors to recognise that elderly residents use the zebra crossing and be careful when driving through the area.

"It's a great little community project that now gives Kialla Gardens residents and the general public a much safer option for crossing Waranga Drive".

"I would like to acknowledge the funding provided by Shepparton Villages that enabled us to split the cost 50/50.

Shepparton Villages CEO, Kevin Bertram, commended Council for responding to the needs of residents at Kialla Gardens Village.

"In May 2009 the Mayor Geoff Dobson and Councillors Houlihan, Hazelman and Crawford responded to an invitation to a meet with residents of Kialla Gardens Village to hear their concerns. Council Officers also attended the meeting to offer their expert advice," Mr Bertram advised.

Mr Bertram said that "Residents wanted to show Council first hand their valid concerns and to show them the critical safety issues that were confronting elderly residents"

"Since then Council has worked with VicRoads to bring about this improvement in safety of the residents of Kialla Gardens Village and to benefit the surrounding community."

Mr Bertram remarked that "this is an example of our ongoing positive working relationship with Council who have listened to our concerns and responded to community needs."