council services directory

COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
2
LOCAL POLICE:
EMERGENCY
CONTACTS
5465 3300
Avoca
Beaufort
5349 2101
Elmhurst
5354 8220
Landsborough
5356 9361
Lexton
5466 7233
Skipton
5340 2001
Smythesdale
5342 8524
Ballarat
5336 6000
1800 333 000
Crime Stoppers
CRISIS SUPPORT
Suicide Helpline
1300 651 251
Lifeline 24 hours
131 114
Kids’ Helpline
24-hour anonymous telephone and online
counselling for young people between 5 + 25
www.kidshelp.com.au
1800 551 800
Parentline
counselling and
referral for parents
132 289
Mensline
24-hour counselling
1300 789 978
Child Protection
Department of Human Services
(24 hours emergency)
131 278
EMERGENCY
AH CONTACT NUMBERS:
SES flood and storm
emergency
132 500
Poisons Information
131 126
Road hazards
& emergencies - VicRoads
131 170
WATER AND SEWERAGE EMERGENCIES
1800 061 514
Central Highlands Water
Powercor service difficulties
132 412
Gas emergencies and leaks
132 771
Vic. Bushfire Info
Domestic Violence
Support Service
1800 240 667
1800 015 186
or 5333 3666
Ballarat Centre Against
Sexual Assault
ah
5320 3933
1800 806 292
Victims of Crime Helpline
8am–11pm Mon-Fri
1800 819 817
DirectLine
drug and alcohol assistance
(24 hours)
1800 888 236
Alcoholic Anonymous
Ballarat
Family Drug
and Alcohol Help
5364 2915
1300 660 068
On-call ranger for animalrelated emergencies
1800 813 163
Roads and drainage
emergencies:
1800 245 475
24 hour emergency services
Police / Fire / Ambulance
Fire, Flood & Storm
after Roads and
Drainage emergencies
000
5349 2039
HEALTH
Beaufort & Skipton Health Services
28 Havelock St Beaufort
5349 1600
1300 606 024
Nurse-On-Call
(24-hour health advice and information)
Family Drug
Support
1300 368 186
Uniting Care
Ballarat
5332 1286
Gamblers’
Helpline
1800 858 858
Psychiatric Helpline
(24 hours)
1300 661 323
SANE Mental Illness Helpline
Mon-Fri
9am-5pm
1800 187 263
3
4
CONTENTS
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
2
COUNCIL
WASTE
COMMUNITY
RECREATION
ENVIRONMENT + ANIMALS
6
10
20
30
36
RATES + ROADS
EMERGENCY
42
54
5
WELCOME
TO THE PYRENEES SHIRE
The Pyrenees area of western Victoria is
renowned for its outstanding natural beauty,
unspoilt environment and attractive lifestyle.
For a classic Australian way of life in a rural
environment, this is indeed the right place to
live or visit.
We have provided this Council Services
Directory as an easy reference to efficiently
obtain council service information.
The Pyrenees Shire is a vibrant and active
community, offering many opportunities
to become involved in local community
organisations, service clubs and committees.
I would encourage you and your family to
actively participate in the community and
make the Pyrenees a place we are all proud
to live in.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the
monthly council meeting, held on the third
Tuesday of every month at 6pm.
If you are a new resident we hope the
information in this Council Services Directory
will help you to settle into the community
as quickly as possible. If you have further
questions, please telephone one of our
customer service officers on (03) 5349 1100
or visit our council website at www.pyrenees.
vic.gov.au. Once you have settled into the
area, some points to consider are: notify the
electoral office of your new address, register
your dog or cat with us, and join one of the
sporting or community groups in the region –
they always welcome new members, and it’s
a great way to meet your neighbours.
Also, familiarise yourself with the wonderful
attractions that abound in this area. A visit to
one of our Tourist Information Centres at Avoca
or Beaufort will set you on the right path.
On behalf of the Pyrenees Shire Council,
I wish you and your family a warm welcome
and hope that you find living in or visiting the
Pyrenees a rewarding experience.
Stephen Cornish
Chief Executive Officer
6
ABOUT
THE PYRENEES SHIRE
The Pyrenees Shire is a very productive agricultural region covering 3,500 square
kilometres. The shire takes its name from the ranges in the north, named by
Major Mitchell in 1836 as they reminded him of the Pyrenees in Europe.
This area is renowned for its cereal and hay crops, wool, viticulture and forestry
activity. Gold, along with sand, gravel and slate, all contribute to the region’s
economy. Thirty per cent of the workforce is involved in agriculture, which
produces commodities with a gross value of about $550 million each year.
The climate varies between the north and the south of the region. North of the
Pyrenees Ranges there is a warmer, drier climate, with rainfall of about 650
millimetres a year. South of the Pyrenees Ranges is a cooler, wetter climate with
rainfall in excess of 750mm per year.
Four major highways run through the region. The Western Highway, through
Beaufort, is the main road route from Melbourne to Adelaide and Perth. The
Sunraysia Highway runs through the north of the Shire to Mildura, connecting
with the Western Highway at Ballarat. The Pyrenees Highway runs from
Maryborough to Ararat through the north-central area of the shire. The
southern section is serviced by the Glenelg Highway linking Melbourne
with south-western Victoria. A passenger rail service operates twice a day
between Ballarat and Ararat, stopping at Beaufort. Although there are no
airstrips in the region, Ballarat airport in the south and Maryborough in the
north are readily accessible.
The region is serviced by a major hospital at Beaufort and aged-care facilities
in Avoca and Beaufort. The council delivers a range of aged-care and
maternal and child health services. Other general health services are available
on a visiting basis, so that most medical situations are covered.
Excellent educational facilities are available in the shire, including primary
schools, a secondary college and Community Enterprise Facilities
incorporating adult education organisations.
The recreational interests of the community and the visitor are well served
across the region, with most towns having their own sporting facilities. Apart
from all the traditional sporting activities, hang-gliding from Mt Cole and the
French game of Petanque in Avoca attract considerable interest among visitors
and the local community.
7
THE PYRENEES SHIRE
AT A GLANCE
Redbank
Natte Yallock
Barkly
Rathscar
Moonambel
Landsborough
Warrenmang
De Cameron
OUR LOGO
Lower
Homebush
Percydale
Avoca
Avoca
Glenlofty
Nowhere Creek
Crowlands
Lamplough
Glenpatrick
Amphitheatre
The Pyrenees
Shire logo: three
strong pictorial
elements make up
the Pyrenees Shire
logo: wool, the
Pyrenees mountain
range and wine. The
logo embraces all
three images in an
elegant and stylised
representation,
intertwining as a
single consolidated
unit.
Mount Lonarch
Ercildoune
Chute
Raglan
Lexton
Waubra
Waterloo
Langi Kal Kal
Beaufort
Ercildoune
Beaufort
Trawalla
Brewster
Lake Goldsmith
Mena Park
Stockyard Hill
Chepstowe
Mount Emu
Lake Wongan
Snake Valley
Mount Emu
Carranballac
Total area:
3,500 km
Population:
6,885
No. of wards / councillors:
5
Rateable properties:
5,800
Climate:
cool to frosty winters and dry, warm to hot summers
8
HOW TO CONTACT US
For all enquiries:
Customer service department:
5 Lawrence Street,
Beaufort Vic 3373
Phone: (03) 5349 1100
Fax: (03) 5349 2068
International: 0011 61 3 5349 1100
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
OTHER PHONE NUMBERS:
All departments
(03) 5349 1100
Beaufort Library
(03) 5349 1182
Avoca Library
(03) 5465 1004
Maternal & Child Health Nurse
0408 540 483
Beaufort Community Centre
(03) 5349 2650
Avoca Community Centre
(03) 5465 3499
Beaufort Community Resource Centre
(03) 5349 1180
Avoca Information Centre
(03) 5465 1000
AFTER-HOURS
CONTACT NUMBERS:
On-call ranger for animal-related emergencies
1800 813 163
Roads and drainage emergencies:
1800 245 475
Fire, Flood & Storm after Roads and Drainage emergencies
5349 2039
9
CUSTOMER
COUNCIL
The council’s Customer Service Centre is your
first point of contact for all council enquires.
Our friendly staff can help with a range of
services and council payments.
Ordinary meetings of the Pyrenees Shire
Council are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each
month at 6pm in the Council Chambers at
5 Lawrence Street, Beaufort or at the Avoca
Senior Citizens Hall, High Street, Avoca. If you
wish to speak to a council meeting, please
contact the chief executive officer’s personal
assistant on 5349 1100 to make arrangements.
SERVICE
Council payments such as: rates, home
care, animal registration, building and
planning certificates, crossover permits
and limited VicRoad payments
• Roadwork and maintenance enquiries
• Garbage and recycling enquiries
• Land rate enquires
• Building planning enquires
• Animal registration enquiries
• Disabled parking
• Bookings for shire halls and meeting rooms
• Limited VicRoads enquiries
• Immunisation enquires
MEETINGS
COUNCIL
ELECTIONS
Under the Local Government Act 1989, council
elections are held every four years. If you are
already on the State and Federal electoral roll
for your current address you will automatically
be on the voters’ roll for the Pyrenees Shire.
If you are not registered to vote, or if you need
to change you address details, contact the
Australian Electoral Commission on
ph: 13 23 26 or at www.aec.gov.au.
• Waste management enquiries
Our Customer Service Centre at 5 Lawrence
Street, Beaufort, operates as a VicRoads
agency providing limited VicRoads services:
• Learner permits
• Unregistered vehicle permits
• Handing in of licence plates
• Work Diary
CUSTOMER ACTION
REQUEST SYSTEM
CARS
The council has an electronic customer
enquiry tracking system, which ensures that
your requests, complaints and enquiries
are dealt with efficiently. Enquiries can be
directed to Customer Service by phone on
5349 1100, or in writing to: Pyrenees Shire,
5 Lawrence Street Beaufort 3373 or
Council’s website: www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au
10
2
The council provides garbage and
recycling services to most parts of the
shire. The council is also responsible for
street litter bins as well as the operation of
transfer stations within the shire.
The council seeks to provide a
cost-effective waste management
strategy for residents that will enable
our community to support recycling
and reduce waste going to landfill. This
initiative is linked to a state government
policy of reducing waste to landfills.
Household garbage is collected once a
week in the township areas of Beaufort
and Avoca. Areas provided with a service
outside Beaufort and Avoca townships have
their garbage collected every two weeks.
A ‘co-mingled recyclables’ collection
service is provided to all properties with
a waste collection service. This service
uses a 240-litre mobile bin owned and
maintained by the council. The new
co-mingled recycling collection service
allows for paper and cardboard to be
placed loosely into the bin with the other
recyclables.
For your property’s collection day for
garbage and recycling contact customer
service on 5349 1100.
HOUSEHOLD WASTE
12
Garbage and Recycling - Urban / Garbage and Recycling
- Nominated Rural Areas / Bins and their Placement / Tip
Vouchers / Recycling / Green Waste / Charges
TRANSFER STATIONS
Transfer Station Times / Transfer Station Fees / Green
Waste / Hard Waste / Tipping Vouchers / Wheelie Bins /
Drum Muster Program / Household Chemical Waste
16
11
COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
WASTE
MANAGEMENT
12
HOUSEHOLD
WASTE
GARBAGE &
RECYCLING
GARBAGE &
RECYCLING
NOMINATED
URBAN
RURAL
AREAS
townships of Beaufort & Avoca
outside Beaufort and Avoca
Based on surveys and requests,
council has selected areas that are
on the rural collection service.
120
The urban
townships of
Beaufort and
Avoca have a
green 120-litre
mobile garbage
bin which
is collected
weekly.
240
A 240-litre
mobile recycling
bin with a yellow
lid is collected
fortnightly on
the same day
of the week as
the garbage
collection.
240
Also a 240-litre
mobile green
waste bin
with a green
lid collected
monthly.
240
240
Households are
provided with a
green 240-litre
mobile garbage
bin, which
is collected
fortnightly.
A 240-litre
mobile
recycling bin
with a yellow
lid is collected
fortnightly, on
the alternate
day of the week
as the garbage
collection.
13
BINS
+ THEIR PLACEMENT
All bins are provided to the resident by the
council and remain the property of the council.
Bins are to be left with the property if/when the
residents leave.
Replacements for any damaged or stolen bins
will be provided by the council if a statutory
declaration is provided.
To ensure that your recycling and garbage bin
is collected, the correct placement of the bin
is critical:
 Always put the bins out with the handle
facing the house
 Place the bins half a metre apart when both
are placed out on the same day
 Do not place the bins behind parked cars or
near trees or other obstructions
 Please do not overfill or place anything on
top of the bins.
 Bins not placed out on time cannot be
collected until the following collection.
Please ensure your bins are correctly placed
on the night before collection days.
It is a good practice to place your wheelie
bins out the night before collection.
TIP
VOUCHERS
Properties that are not included in the rural
garbage service are provided with transfer
station vouchers that permit the free disposal of
household waste equivalent in volume to that of
the garbage service. Additional transfer station
vouchers can be purchased at the council offices.
14
HOUSEHOLD
WASTE
RECYCLING
You can also take your recycling
to the transfer stations within the
municipality free of charge.
Cans and plastic containers should
be crushed. Cardboard boxes should
be folded flat or torn into smaller,
more manageable pieces that can
easily fit into the bin.
All items should be placed into the
bin loose. Please do not place any
items into plastic bags before placing
into the bin, as this is contaminates
the recyclables.
Remove caps, corks and lids before
placing into the bin.
If contaminants (non-approved
materials) have been wilfully placed
in recycle bins, a general waste fee
will apply.
ANNUAL
HARD WASTE
COLLECTION
Council conducts an annual hard waste
collection in the townships of Beaufort
and Avoca.
Dates of the service will be advised in
the Pyrenees Advocate and on Council’s
website.
RECYCLABLE
MATERIALS
GLASS BOTTLES AND JARS
ALUMINIUM AND STEEL CANS
MILK AND JUICE CARTONS
(WAX-LINED)
LONG-LIFE MILK CONTAINERS
(UHT)
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
CODED 1 TO 5
PAPER AND CARDBOARD
(UNBUNDLED)
15
NON
RECYCLABLE
MATERIALS
HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE
WINDOW GLASS & BROKEN GLASS
POLYSTYRENE
PLASTIC BAGS
TOYS, HOUSEHOLD PLASTICS
BUILDING MATERIALS,
SOIL, BRICKS ETC.
GREEN
WASTE
Council provides urban properties on
the garbage service with green-waste
vouchers for the transfer stations.
Council has a green waste collection
service for the townships of Beaufort
and Avoca. Households in these
townships are provided with a 240 litre
mobile bin for green waste and the bin
is collected monthly.
Council’s website and the Pyrenees
Advocate will provide details of the date
of collection.
CHARGES
Charges for waste management
(including the regular collection of
garbage within designated townships)
are included as an annual charge
with rate assessments. The rates and
charges for waste management are
structured for the 2011/12 year on the
following basis:
Vacant assessment/property
Waste facilities levy
$38
Improved assessment/property $143
Property facilities charge
(no kerbside collection, voucher
provided for transfer station)
Improved assessment/property $245
with garbage service
16
TRANSFER
STATIONS
Transfer stations are in Avoca, Beaufort,
Snake Valley. The council no longer
operates its own landfills; all waste is
now transported outside the municipality
to other landfills.
All transfer stations can receive domestic
waste, green waste, steel, hard waste,
recyclables and bric-a-brac. Paper and
cardboard have a separate bin.
Used car oil can be received at Avoca and
Beaufort.
Mattresses, car and truck tyres will have a
separate charge to the general rate.
Domestic waste is defined as general
household waste and should be bagged or
wrapped securely.
Approved recyclables, including green waste
and cardboard, should be segregated for
reduced fees.
Placement of waste materials will be as directed
by the attendant.
Gate fees are applicable to incoming materials
at the time of entry.
Tip vouchers are applicable to those that
present them to the attendant.
TRANSFER
STATIONS
Day
All sites are
closed on
Christmas Day,
New Year’s Day
& Good Friday
Beaufort
Avoca
Snake Valley
(Racecourse Rd)
(Russell St)
(Mortchup Rd)
10am - 3pm
10am - 3pm
Thu
10am - 3pm
10am - 3pm
Sat
10am - 3pm
10am - 3pm
Sun
10am - 3pm
10am - 3pm
Tue
Wed
10am - 4pm
10am - 4pm
17
TRANSFER
STATION
FEES
Domestic & commerical Waste
Car/boot load
$12
Utility or 6x4 trailer
$26
Small truck or tandem trailers
$50
Approved green waste (separated)
$12/m3
Approved kerbside recyclables
No charge
Tyres
Car
$8
Truck
$30
Tractor
$60
Rims Only
No charge
Other
Mattresses
$25
Oil
No charge
Batteries
No charge
Scrap Steel
No charge
Car Bodies
No charge
Refrigerators and freezers (de-gassed)
No charge
Tip Vouchers
Domestic Waste 12 vouchers
$62
Green Waste 4 vouchers
$40
Green Waste 2 vouchers (Avoca and Beaufort only)
$20
18
TRANSFER
STATIONS
GREEN
WASTE
TIPPING
VOUCHERS
A specific area is provided at each of the
transfer station facilities for residents
to drop off green waste such as tree
branches, prunings, grass and leaf litter.
The waste is converted into mulch, used
for weed eradication around the Transfer
stations.
Tipping vouchers are required at each of the
transfer stations. 24 single tear-off vouchers
are issued to residents in rural areas with
improved properties that do not have a waste
collection service. Each tear-off voucher
allows the equivalent of one 240-litre bin in
volume for the disposal of domestic waste.
HARD
WASTE
Hard waste such as furniture, can be
taken to transfer stations. General hard
waste is charged at normal domestic
waste rates once tipping voucher
entitlements are used up.
Four separate vouchers are provided to
residents with improved properties that have
a waste collection service. Each voucher
allows for the disposal of 0.5 cubic metres
of hard waste of one cubic metre of green
waste. This service is provided to towns
having a collection service for such waste.
Tipping vouchers are sent to residents with
their rate notices.
All transfer stations collect waste and
garbage in accordance with amounts
and types nominated on transfer station
vouchers. If no transfer station voucher is
provided, normal transfer station fees apply.
19
DRUM
MUSTER WHEELIE
PROGRAM
BINS
The council has joined the national Drum Muster
program and is now collecting empty chemical
drums for recycling at the Avoca and Beaufort
transfer stations.
This service is particularly useful to farmers and
others undertaking land-care works, and will
play an important role in reducing the amount of
waste going to landfill.
Drums must be triple-rinsed before being taken
to the transfer stations.
COLLECTION OF UNWANTED
AG
& VET
CHEMICALS
The collection of chemicals is through ClemClear
which is a not for profit chemical collection and
disposal service of unwanted and unknown ag
vet chemicals.
If you have chemicals to be disposed of follow
these steps:
 Take an inventory of unwanted chemicals, inc
manufacturer, product name, size of container
and amount remaining. If you are unable to
identify, simply the size of the container.

Register them for collection at
www.chemclear.com.au or
free call 1800 008 182

Store items safe and securely

ClemClear will contact you to advise location
of collection.

Prepare chemicals for delivery to collection
site

Deliver your chemicals to the advised retrieval
site.
All mobile bins belong to the Pyrenees Shire
and carry a unique identity number.
Bins left on the street can be stolen or
damaged and may make it difficult to clean the
area. Please ensure that your bins are returned
to your house promptly following collection.
HOUSEHOLD
CHEMICAL WASTE
Sustainability Victoria provides a household
chemical waste-collection service to selected
Victorian municipalities on a roster basis.
This is funded through the landfill levy, and
collected from all licensed landfills in Victoria.
The roster is structured to allow residents
throughout Victoria to be able to dispose of
unwanted chemicals in their households.
Every household has products that are past
their use-by date or are no longer wanted. The
collection days allow for disposal of a range
of surplus chemicals including old paints,
poisons, pharmaceutical products, weed
killers and rat poisons, kerosene and other
fuels, oven cleaners, aerosol cans, pesticides,
flammable liquids and other unknown liquids.
You can visit any collection point listed on this
website: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au (Detox
your Home) or contact customer service on
5349 1100.
20
3
The Pyrenees Shire Community
Services Department provides
a wide range of direct support
services for families and
individuals.
Eligibility criteria apply in many
cases.
See below for more detailed
information.
In addition to direct services, the
Community Services Department
provides support for strategic
planning, service development,
public health planning, funding
and submission writing. Assistance
is available to service providers,
organisations, clubs and groups
based or operating within the
Pyrenees Shire.
AGED & DISABILITY SUPPORT
22
Home and Community Care Program / Planned Activity
Group / Home Modifications / Delivered Meals / Personal
Carer / Respite Care / Home Care Services / Senior Citizens
Centre / Disabled Persons Permit Parking Scheme
FAMILY SERVICES
26
Maternal and Child Health / Maternal and Child Health /
Family Day Care & Enhanced Visiting Program
LIBRARY SERVICES
29
21
COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
22
AGED
CARE
HOME AND COMMUNITY
CARE PROGRAM HACC
The Pyrenees Shire Council has a commitment
to aged-care and disability support services to
the community, under its Home and Community
Care programs. Home Care Services are funded
by Federal and State Government to assist
people with daily tasks to enable them to live
independently at home for as long as possible.
Home Care providers support to assist you
to stay safe and well at home. Our aim is to
support you or the person you are caring for
to stay active, independent and living at home
for as long as possible. Services can include
domestic support, personal care, respite
support, delivered meals, home modification
and social support. Eligibility criteria and a
charge for service apply to all programs. For
further details, contact the Support Coordinator
on 5349 1100
PLANNED
ACTIVITY
GROUP PAG
These services provide a friendly environment
for social activities and may include outings,
craft projects or discussion groups. Morning
tea and lunch is provided as part of the
program. Planned Activity Groups operate in:
Avoca
Avoca Community Centre, High Street
Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am – 1.30pm
Contact: David Ronaldson, 5349 1100
Beaufort and Lexton
Beaufort Community Centre, Pratt St
Every Thursday. 9.30am – 1.30pm
Contact: David Ronaldson, 5349 1100
Lexton – venue changes each month.
1st Monday / month. 9.30am – 1.30pm
Contact: David Ronaldson, 5349 1100
23
HOME MODIFICATIONS
SERVICES
RESPITE
SUPPORT
This service ensures that an eligible client’s
home meets the necessary safety standards.
Home modifications tasks are provided
following an assessment by an Occupational
Therapist. Minor safety and security tasks can
be undertaken for eligible clients.
This service provides regular or occasional
support for people caring for highly
dependant family members, to help prevent
carer breakdown. Respite provided includes
a focus on the dependant’s interests,
memories and life experiences as well as
encouraging access to social activities.
For details of eligibility and bookings contact
the Support Coordinator: 5349 1100
DELIVERED
MEALS
A meals delivery service is operated by the
council, and deliveries are made Monday to
Friday in the township areas of Avoca and
Beaufort. Meals are prepared under contract
by local providers.
A frozen-meals service can be arranged for
people in isolated areas, or in advance for public
holidays. Special conditions may apply.
For details of eligibility and service
arrangements, contact the Support
Coordinator on 5349 1100.
PERSONAL
CARE
Our Support Staff have undertaken accredited
training and can provide assistance with a
range of daily activities such as showering,
dressing, personal grooming and eating.
For details of eligibility and service
arrangements, contact the Support
Coordinator on 5349 1100.
For details of eligibility and service
arrangements, contact the Support
Coordinator on 5349 1100.
COMMUNITY
TRANSPORT
Community transport is available to take
people to medical and support services.
A user charge applies.
For details of eligibility and service
arrangement for Avoca & District – contact
Avoca Resource Centre on 5465 1000;
Beaufort & District – contact Beaufort &
District Health Services on 5340 1134.
HOME CARE
SERVICE
The council's Home Care Service provides
home and community care by co-ordinating
delivered meals, providing personal care
services, general house keeping support,
respite service and home maintenance.
24
AGED
CARE
SENIOR CITIZENS
CENTRES
Senior Citizens Groups meet regularly at
various centres for social activities such as
fitness programs, snooker, carpet bowls,
walking groups, barbecues outings & dances.
Senior Citizens Clubs operate in Avoca,
Beaufort & Landsborough.
Avoca Senior Citizen Club
Avoca Community Centre, High Street
Beaufort Senior Citizen Club
Pratt Street, Beaufort
Landsborough
10 Forestry Road, Landsborough
Club membership is open to any
residents aged 55 and over.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
PERMIT SCHEME
Pyrenees Shire Council is part of the statewide
Accessible Parking Scheme. The scheme
aims to provide equal access to facilities
and services for people with substantial
ambulatory or intellectual disabilities. Permits
issued under this scheme are also recognised
in other states.
The council administers the scheme in
accordance with statewide guidelines, to
ensure consistent administrative practices.
Eligibility criteria applies and cost is $5.50
Application forms are available at the Beaufort
Shire Offices or by phoning 5349 1100.
PRIMARY CARE
PARTNERSHIP
PCP
The Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care
Partnership (GPPCP) is an alliance of 20 health
service agencies that provide primary health
services in the municipal areas of the Pyrenees
Shire, the Rural City of Ararat and the Northern
Grampians Shire.
The PCP aims to improve the health and
wellbeing of the population by better
co-ordinating the planning and delivery of
health services. PCPs are an initiative of the
state government to create a primary-care
service system. The demand for communitybased services has grown without an overall
plan or system, and PCPs are a means of
improving the experiences and results for
people who use the health-care system. PCPs
work through:

Information management

Streamlined assessment and referral

"Single point" entry into the system

Local service planning based
on local needs, including health
promotion and disease management,
workforce development and
co-ordinated quality improvement.
For more information contact:
The Executive Officer
Ph: (03) 5352 6206
or 0407 548 553
25
26
FAMILY
SERVICES
MATERNAL
+ CHILD HEALTH
The council provides a Maternal and Child
Health nursing service jointly funded by the
council and the state government. Under
this arrangement, the council receives
notification of all births in the shire. All
notifications are responded to and personal
contacts are arranged to provide support
to mothers and to monitor the babies’
progress.
Avoca
every Monday
Snake Valley
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Lexton
4th Tuesday
Beaufort
every Wednesday
The council operates several Maternal and
Child Health Centres across the shire and
the service conducts home visits.
Waubra & Landsborough
by appointment.
All sessions, at centres or in the home, are
by appointment only. The service operates
from the following locations:
The Maternal and Child Health nurse
can be contacted on (03) 5349 1100
or 0408 540 483.
For 24 hour Maternal & Child Health Line,
phone 13 22 29
Maternal and Child Health is a free
and confidential service.
27
MATERNAL +
CHILD HEALTH
ENHANCED
HOME
VISITING
PROGRAM
This is a free and confidential service.
Referral may be through the Maternal
and Child Health Nurse. The program is
offered to families with children up to six
years.
The enhanced maternal & Child Health
Service provides a more intensive level
of support, including short timer case
management in some circumstances.
Support may be provided in a variety of
settings including the family home, the
MACH Centre or other location within the
community.
Areas of support include:
 Parent wellbeing
 Anxiety
 Exhaustion
 Stress
 Post-natal depression
Parenting
 Transition to parenthood, including sole
parents and step-parents
 Parent/child relationships and
understanding normal child behaviour
 Challenging behaviour, e.g. temper
tantrums, aggression, sibling rivalry
Special needs
 child or parent disability
 chronic illness
 isolation
 young parents
This is a free and
confidential service.
Contact the Maternal and Child Health
Nurse on 0408 540 483 or 5349 1100
28
FAMILY
SERVICES
FAMILY
DAY CARE
The Pyrenees Shire Family Day Care Scheme is a
professionally coordinated and monitored child-care
service, sponsored by Pyrenees Shire Council.
Family Day Care offers quality child care for children
aged 12 years or under, in a home environment
provided by carefully screened and contracted care
providers. Care is provided for up to four children
under school age, including the carers’ own pre-school
children. Care can also be provided for school-age
children, with a maximum of seven children in care at
any one time (including the carers’ own children).
Family Day Care provides reasonably priced, flexible
child care to suit the differing needs of individual
families. It includes:
Regular care
Part-time care
Before and after-school care
School holiday care
Casual care
Emergency care (where possible)
Weekend & evenings (for work reasons)
Care for children with special needs
(subject to availability of suitable carers)
Contact the Family Day Care Coordination Unit
on 5335 9507 or 5349 1100.
29
LIBRARY
SERVICES
LIBRARY SERVICES ARE
PROVIDED BY THE
PYRENEES SHIRE
The Beaufort branch library is at
72 Neill St. Library staff are
available 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.,
7 days a week,
Except Christmas Day.
The Avoca branch library is at
122 High Street. The library operates
9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., 7 days a week,
Except Christmas Day.
MOBILE LIBRARY
Mobile Library Services operating hours are:
Landsborough:
Thursdays, 9.45 a.m.
– 10.45 a.m. at the
Landsborough Community
Centre
Lexton:
Tuesdays, 10.00 a.m.
-11.00 a.m. at Lexton Rural
Transaction Centre
Snake Valley:
Wednesdays, 3.00p.m –
5.00 p.m. at Snake Valley
Primary School
For more information on the Mobile Library, please contact 5349 1183.
30
4
There is a wide range
of facilities across the
Pyrenees Shire for leisure
activities. These include
halls, community centres,
community resource
centres, libraries,
playgrounds, swimming
pools, parks, gardens,
recreation reserves and
open public spaces.
The Pyrenees Shire Council
manages several of these
facilities. Some facilities
are managed for and on
behalf of the council by
committees appointed for
that purpose.
For information, contact
customer service
31
COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
CULTURE
+RECREATION
32
HALL HIRE
Several halls across the shire are available for
hire (see below). For information regarding
these facilities, contact the council’s
Customer Service
Our Senior Citizen Centres also provide room
hire. Senior Citizens Clubs operate in Avoca,
Beaufort and Landsborough. To make a
booking, contact Customer Service
Rooms are also available for hire at the
Beaufort Community and Development
Centre, Beaufort Resource Centre and Avoca
Information Centre. Contact Customer
Service for bookings.
HALLS FOR HIRE:
Amphitheatre Public Hall Barkly Public Hall
Carranballac Hall Crowlands Hall
Evansford Hall Glen Patrick Hall
Lake Goldsmith Hall Landsborough Hall
Lexton Public Hall Moonambel Public Hall
Natte Yallock Hall Pyrenees Shire Hall (Beaufort)
Redbank Hall
Snake Valley Hall
Trawalla Public Hall
Waubra Public Hall
WINERIES
The district is also renowned for its wines,
especially in the north of the shire. A visit to
one of the council’s Information Centres at
Beaufort or Avoca, or a look at
www.pyreneestourism.com.au,
will set you on the right track.
33
AVOCA
INFORMATION
BEAUFORT
COMMUNITY
 Accredited Visitor Information Centre
 Shire customer service
 Shire customer service
 Accredited Visitor Information Centre
 Library
 Library
 Old Mill Art Gallery
 Community Enterprise Centre with 10
public access computers
CENTRE
 Community Enterprise Centre with
a public access computer
 Public access to wireless broadband
service.
 Centrelink Access Point.
RESOURCE
CENTRE
 Public access to wireless broadband
service.
 Training rooms
 Beaufort Community House
 Centrelink Agency
122 High Street
Avoca 3476
Ph: (03) 5465 1000
Fax: (03) 5465 3597
E-mail: [email protected]
Library open 7 days a week from
9.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m.
(Closed Christmas Day Only)
72 Neill Street
Beaufort 3373
Ph: (03) 5349 1180
Fax: (03) 5349 2933
E-mail: [email protected]
Library open 7 days a week from
9.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m.
(Closed Christmas Day Only)
34
The council maintains the
following playgrounds:
PLAYGROUNDS
Playgrounds are located throughout the Pyrenees
Shire; generally there is at least one in each
community. The council is implementing a
playground inspection strategy to ensure that play
equipment is regularly maintained. Reports from
the community on playgrounds and equipment are
invited at all times.
Feedback on condition of equipment should be
made to the Director of Assets and Development
or the Community Services Manager. Suggestions
on future development may be forwarded to the
Community Services Manager.
Amphitheatre:
Bakery Park
Avoca:
Lions Park Reserve
Beaufort:
Bicentennial Park,
Wotherspoon Park
Lexton:
Toll Bar Park
Moonambel:
Moonambel Common
STATE
PARKS
& RESERVES
There are plenty of choices in the
Pyrenees district for getting outdoors
and into nature. The many parks and
reserves in the region are great for
walking, camping or picnicking. State
Parks such as Mount Buangor and
Langi Ghiran, and The Beeripmo Walk
and Mount Cole State Forest, have
walking tracks and other facilities.
See www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
or www.dse.vic.gov.au for details
Other playgrounds are located within
the shire, but are not under the council's
control. Reports from the community
regarding these playgrounds should be
directed to the manager of these facilities.
For further information, contact
customer service or the
Community Services Manager
35
BEAUFORT
COMMUNITY COMPLEX
GOLDFIELDS
RECREATION
RESERVE
Skipton Road, Beaufort
A new multi-use complex with facilities for the many sporting,
community and educational needs of Beaufort. It features a
function centre, gymnasium, child-care facilities, meeting rooms
and a commercial kitchen.
The venue is available for hire for dinners, conferences or
private functions. Bookings can be made through the Beaufort
Community Resource Centre on 5349 1180.
36
5
The council’s Environmental
Health Officer provides the
following services:
Septic tank approvals
Food/health premises
registration and inspections of
commercial, accommodation
and personal treatment
businesses
Nuisance and food poisoning
complaints
Education and enforcement of
tobacco legislation
Immunisation programs
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
38
Septic Tanks / Immunisation
ANIMAL REG. + CONTROL
Monitoring of Animals / Restricted Breeds
40
37
COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
ENVIRONMENT
+ANIMALS
38
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
Pyrenees Shire Council is responsible for
regulating various commercial businesses
such as food premises, prescribed
accommodation, hairdressers, tattooists and
beauty therapists. Our Environmental Health
Officer also coordinates the immunisation
program and issues temporary food permits.
The Environmental Health Officer ensures all
of the above businesses comply with current
codes of practice and safety standards.
The Environmental Health Officer investigates
various issues, including infectious diseases,
food poisoning and complaints regarding the
above types of premises, as well as nuisance
complaints.
ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH FEES
FOOD PREMISES
REGISTRATION FEES
Class 1
$300.00
Class 2 - Supermarkets
$320.00
Classs 2 – Other
$260.00
SEPTIC
TANKS
Class 3
$200.00
Class 4
$200.00
The installation or modification of a septic
tank requires a permit from the council’s
Environmental Health Officer.
Community Groups
$110.00
For more information on septic systems and
applications, go to the council’s website
www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au or
www.epa.vic.gov.au
PUBLIC HEALTH &
WELLBEING ACT
Hairdresser
$200.00
Accommodation
$200.00
SEPTIC TANKS
Installation of Septic Tank
$300.00
Alteration to Septic Tank
$150.00
39
IMMUNISATION
Sessions are held on the second Wednesday of
every month bookings are not required:
9.30am – 10am
Beaufort Community Centre
Pratt Street, Beaufort.
11.30am – 12pm
Avoca Aged Care Hostel
Liebig Street, Avoca
For enquiries, contact the
Environmental Health Officer
Ph: 5349 1100
40
ANIMAL
MONITORING
OF ANIMALS
REGISTRATION + CONTROL
Dog and cat registrations are due by April
10 each year. Registration renewal notices
will be issued for all animals previously
registered. These will be posted to
residents each March.
To maintain a safe and
healthy environment, and
to protect and enhance the
amenity of the shire, there
are limits to the number of
animals that can be kept on
land other than farmland:
As of May 1, 2007, all newly registered
(i.e. animals that have not been
previously registered) animals MUST be
microchipped.
You may keep only four
different types of animal, in
the following numbers:
All cats must be de-sexed and
microchipped prior to registering for the
first time.
If you have acquired a dog or cat and it is
over the age of three months, or you have a
pet that has not been previously registered,
please contact customer service at
the Beaufort office for the necessary
registration form or call the rangers’ office
if you have any specific animal-related
queries.
Council rangers visit properties that have
not registered their animals after the
registration period as a follow-up and may
issue infringement notices against those
people who have failed to register their
animals.
For all cost information for animal
registration please contact customer
service.
The animal registration fee is reduced
if your animal is desexed and/or
microchipped. Pensioners’ pet registration
is further reduced.
Please note that Health Care Card holders
are not able to receive the pensioner
discount.
2
2
X
dogs
X
cats
10
X
poultry
10
X
birds
10
1
X
rabbits
X
cow
1
X
goat
2
X
sheep
1
X
horse
41
If you want to keep more animals than this, contact
the council’s planning office and ask about a
permit.
Owning dogs and cats means taking responsibility
and caring for them. They must be registered,
confined to your premises and must not create a
nuisance to others (people and animals).
The Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animal Act
allows for substantial penalties for offences
such as:
� No identification tag $70
� Unregistered
$282
� At large or not securely confined to
owners premises during daytime
$211
� At large or not securely confined to
owners premises during night time
$282
� Creating a nuisance
$70
RESTRICTED
BREEDS
Under section 41EA of the Domestic (Feral and
Nuisance) Animals Act 1994, no person/s can acquire
a Restricted Breed Dog after November 2, 2005.
Restricted Breeds are as follows:
Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Fila Brasiliero
Dogo Argentino
Japanese Tosa
Presa Canario
Restricted-breed dogs already on record must be desexed,
microchipped and housed in a prescribed enclosure.
42
6
Asset management
incorporates the design,
construction and
maintenance of council
infrastructure. This may
include roads, parks and
gardens, open spaces,
recreation and leisure
facilities and other property
owned or occupied by
the council. The council
operates maintenance
depots in Avoca and
Beaufort.
ROADS
44
Street Lighting / Roads, Drainage, Footpaths, Kerbs +
Channels / Street Names / Vehicle Crossover Permit /
Vehicular Crossings / B Doubles and Semi Trailers / Rural
Road Numbering / Street Trees
BUILDINGS
47
Building Services / Building Permits
TOWN PLANNING
48
Heritage Controls / Natural Environment Protection /
Tackling Weeds on Private Land
LOCAL LAWS
50
Activities in Trading Areas/Mall / Offensive or Unsightly
Land / Overhanging or Protruding Vegetation / Property
Numbers / Animal Control / Animal Pound / Stock on Road /
Parking on Nature Strips
RATES
52
How Rates are Calculated / Rate Payment options / Payment
Dates / Installments / Change of Address
43
COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
RATES, ROADS
+PERMITS
44
ROADS
STREET LIGHTING
+ SIGNAGE
The council maintains signs and street
lighting in optimum operating condition
in the interest of public safety and
convenience. These include public lighting,
street signs, directional signs and town and
boundary signs.
Requests for tourism and service signs
require written proposals from the
applicant. There is no application fee, but
the applicant must pay the cost of the sign
and installation. The council follows the
State Tourism Signage Guidelines for the
installation of all signs.
ROADS, DRAINAGE,
FOOTPATHS, KERBS
+ CHANNELS
Capital expenditure items such as
roads, drainage, footpaths, kerbs and
channels are prioritised and allocated
funding in the council’s annual budget.
Enquiries regarding their construction and
maintenance programs should be directed
to the customer service department on
5349 1100. Road and parks maintenance is
done according to a program, so customer
service staff can indicate approximate
timelines for works in a particular area of the
shire.
The council provides advice to residents
and developers on the designated point of
discharge for stormwater.
STREET
NAMES
There are rules and conventions for street
names to ensure that these are clear and
appropriate. The council maintains a
municipal register of street names and their
origin. New street names and street name
changes must be approved by the council.
All street name requests must be made in
writing to the council.
45
ROAD OPENING
PERMITS
VEHICLE CROSSOVER
PERMIT
A road opening permit is required by anyone
planning to create an opening in the road
reserve, including footpaths, nature strips
and roads. A permit is required for service
connections such as phone or water
connections.
A vehicle crossover provides access from
your property line to the road edge.
A crossover is usually constructed of
concrete, although other materials may
be permitted on approval.
A permit costs $50 and can be obtained in
person at the shire office, 5 Lawrence St,
Beaufort. For further details, contact the
customer service department on 5349 1100
Vehicle crossovers must not be altered,
constructed, moved or installed without a
permit issued by the council. A permit costs
$55 and can be applied from the shire office,
5 Lawrence St, Beaufort, phone
5349 1100.
Permits must be obtained from the council
before work begins on any of the following:
- Road or footpath openings
- Temporary road closures
- New building temporary timber crossovers
- Stormwater drain connections
VEHICULAR
CROSSINGS
Contact the council office on
5349 1100 for more information.
B DOUBLES +
SEMI-TRAILERS
B Doubles and semi trailers (at higher mass
limits) are restricted to VicRoads roads only
(not local roads). If you are required to travel
on a local road you must obtain a permit
from the council’s shire engineer.
B Doubles may not travel on local roads
without a VicRoads permit.
46
ROADS
RURAL ROAD
NUMBERING
Rural road numbering has been
introduced in all Victorian municipalities
to help emergency services and the
public find properties in rural areas. Rural
addresses are allocated according to the
distance from the start of the road.
The council is the responsible authority
for the allocation of rural road numbers.
Existing residences in rural areas have
had a rural road number allocated. New
residences will need to obtain a number.
To obtain a rural road number, or to make
an enquiry, please contact the rates
department on 5349 1100.
STREET
TREES
The council is responsible for the care
and maintenance of trees in shire-owned
public open spaces and beside local
government roads. Maintenance includes
clearing, crown pruning, removal of
dangerous limbs and trees, tree planting
after tree removal and clearing of stormdamaged trees.
If you have a request to remove or
prune a street tree, please contact the
customer service department on 5349
1100
47
BUILDINGS
BUILDING
PERMITS
BUILDING
SERVICES
A building permit is required for most
building works (including renovations and/
or alterations). A building inspector is
available at the Pyrenees Shire to issue
permits and inspect works. Please call
our building inspector for application
requirements before proceeding with any
such works.
The Council provides an in house
building service:
If you require a building permit, please
contact our building surveyor, who
will advise you of the procedures and
fees applicable. The surveyor will issue
the building permits and conduct the
appropriate inspections.
The fees will reflect the costs for the
surveyor providing the service.
The council’s building inspector can be
contacted on 5349 1100
Dwellings (houses, flats)
Carports (roof)
Pergolas
Verandas
Sheds
Garages
Swimming pools and spas
Additions
Some alterations
Ferneries
Gazebos
Retaining walls
Factories
Relocation of buildings
48
TOWN
PLANNING
Pyrenees Shire is covered by
a local planning scheme under
the Planning and Environment
Act 1987, which sets out
requirements for the use,
development and subdivision
of all land. Pyrenees Shire’s
Planning Scheme (12th
November 1998) has been
approved by the Victorian
Government.
Depending on the location of the proposed
development, the scheme has specific
provisions that may apply to:
clearing or lopping of native vegetation
erection of dwellings
demolition of buildings
establishment of businesses, shops & industries
intensive animal husbandry
dam construction
keeping of animals
use of homes for specific occupations
change of use of existing buildings
advertising and signage
use of land for specified purpose
The Pyrenees Planning Scheme is the instrument by
which the use and development of land within the shire
is controlled, with the object of ensuring the orderly
and economic growth of the community.
A copy of the planning scheme is available for perusal
at the shire office or on the Department of Planning
& Community Development website (www.dpcd.vic.
gov.au). All landowners considering developments,
or prospective purchasers of land in the shire, are
strongly advised to seek advice on the provisions in
the scheme that may affect their intended land use.
Copies of application forms, checklists and general
information on planning controls are available from
the Planning Section of the Council website (www.
pyrenees.vic.gov.au)
Town planning controls are applicable to the whole of
the municipality, and intending purchasers or owners
of property within the shire should make inquiries with
the council’s town planner at the shire offices before
signing any contract to purchase or use property.
Contact the Planning department at the shire office,
Beaufort, on 5349 1100.
49
HERITAGE
CONTROLS
TACKLING WEEDS
ON PRIVATE LAND
With the assistance of the state government,
the council provides a heritage advisory
service, at no cost, to assist owners planning
developments that relate to properties with
some heritage value.
A 64-page weed identification
booklet has been produced and is
available from the shire office free of
charge. The book has colour photos
and basic descriptions, and details
the legislative status, methods of
spread and general control methods
for 100 weeds of concern that either
exist within the shire or threaten to
be introduced.
A qualified heritage architect is available by
appointment. Contact the council’s planning
department on 5349 1100.
FIREWOOD PERMITS
The council does not issue permits for the
removal of firewood. Firewood permits
must be obtained from the Department of
Sustainability & Environment (DSE), Ballarat.
Copies of the booklet are available
from the shire office, the Beaufort
Resource Centre, the Avoca
Information Centre and through the
Department of Primary Industries.
Department of Sustainability & Environment
402–406 Mair Street Ballarat, 3350
Phone: 5336 6856
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Under the provisions of the Pyrenees Planning
Scheme natural resources such as vegetation
that is indigenous to Victoria is protected by
state standard planning controls.
There is extensive information available on
the Pyrenees web site outlining the types of
significant flora and fauna that can be found
within the Shire along with checklists detailing
the types of supporting information that are
needed to accompany any application to
remove native vegetation.
There are also planning scheme overlay
controls, such as the Heritage Overlay that
can trigger the requirement in some cases
for a planning permit to be obtained prior to
removing any tree.
There are a range of exemptions from
the permit requirements to remove native
vegetation; these are listed within Clause 52.17
of the Pyrenees Planning Scheme.
If you are thinking of undertaking vegetation
removal or trimming works which may impact
on native vegetation, it is recommended that
you contact the Pyrenees Shire planning
department on 5349 1100.
50
LOCAL
LAWS
Local Laws are for the safety of all
members of the community and to
ensure the public has access to all
public areas with in Pyrenees Shire.
Local Laws regulate several areas,
including:
Keeping of animals
Aspects of the environment
Protection of community assets
Activities on council-managed land
OVERHANGING AND/OR
PROTRUDING VEGETATION
Under the council’s Local Laws, a person
must not allow any tree or plant growing
on his/her land to obstruct or interfere
with passing pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Vegetation protruding or overhanging
between private properties is a civil
matter.
Residents may be issued with a ‘Notice to
Comply’ to prune vegetation and enable
safe and accessible use of a footpath.
Commercial activity on council land
Local Laws are enforced by council
officers and, in some cases, the police.
PROPERTY
NUMBERS
ACTIVITIES IN TRADING
AREAS/MALL
Numbering properties helps to clearly
identify them for emergency services,
utility companies and council business.
Any community group or persons wishing to
conduct an organised activity on council land
may be required to apply for a Local Laws
permit. Activities can include street stalls,
raffles and food stalls. People interested in
conducting such an activity should contact
Customer Service on
5349 1100 or call the council offices at
5 Lawrence Street, Beaufort.
Under the council’s Local Laws,
property numbers must be displayed
on each property and be clearly
readable from the street on which the
property fronts. If you are unsure of
your property number or you wish to
have a property number allocated to
your property, please call Customer
Service on 5349 1100.
OFFENSIVE OR
UNSIGHTLY LAND
ANIMAL
CONTROL
An order may be issued on residential
properties where rubbish and refuse such
as derelict vehicles, machinery parts and
excavated material has accumulated, or where
second-hand goods have been stored and such
items are visible from the street. The council is
able to issue a ‘Clean-up Order’ to improve the
neighborhood amenity and appearance.
Animal control services are undertaken by the
council’s rangers. Our rangers operate under
the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animal Act
1994 and the council’s Local Laws. Services
provided include:
Dealing with dogs, cats and stock “at large”
Lost and found service for stock, cats and dogs
51
MANAGING ANIMAL
NUISANCE
The council is responsible for managing
dog-attack incidents (dog attacks can also be
reported to your local police station).
A 24-hour animal related emergency service is
available on 1800 813 163.
ANIMAL
POUND
The RSPCA manages the Ballarat Dog and Cat
Pound. Stray and wandering animals will be
collected by the council’s rangers and taken
to the pound. Residents can also take stray
animals to the pound.
If you have lost an animal, please contact the
council’s rangers on 5349 1100.
The RSPCA is open Monday to Saturday
10am–4pm, Sundays and public holidays 10am
to noon. Phone 5334 2075
STOCK
ON ROAD
Wandering stock on any road is a danger to
traffic and stock. You can contact the Pyrenees
Shire 24 hours a day to report wandering stock
to our rangers. Please call 1800 813 163
PARKING ON
NATURE STRIPS
Under the Victorian road rules it is an offence
to park on nature strips, footpaths and other
points of roadside access. Parking on nature
stripes can cause damage to surface and
underground services, damage to tree roots
and can cause traffic site obstructions.
52
RATES
HOW RATES ARE
CALCULATED
RATE PAYMENT
OPTIONS
The council has a system of differential rating,
with different rates in the dollar applied to each
type of property.
The council has made arrangements with
Australia Post to accept full payment of rates
or instalment amounts. Post offices will
stamp the “Ratepayers Copy” and return it to
you as a receipt.
These property types are:
Vacant Land — less than 2 hectares
The following payment options are
also available:
Vacant Land — other (except farmland)
 Bpay
Houses, Flats, etc
 Person payment at the Shire Offices,
5 Lawrence Street, Beaufort (EFTPOS
available)
Commercial and Industrial
Farms
Cultural & Recreational Land Act properties
The actual rate is calculated by multiplying the
Capital Improved Value (CIV) of a property by
the rate in the dollar applicable to that property.
For more information please contact the
Rates Department on 5349 1100.
FIRE SERVICES
PROPERTY LEVY
From the 1st July 2013, a new property
based levy will be introduced to fund Victoria’s
fire services that is a simple, transparent
and equitable. Council is responsible for
collection of this levy and if you require further
information regarding the levy, visit
www.dtf.vic.gov.au/firelevy
 Payment through the mail to the Shire
Offices
 Credit card payment over the phone.
Phone the customer service department
on 5349 1100
All payment options are recorded on the
reverse side of your rate notice.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Ratepayers are required to notify the council
of any address or postal address within
7 days of the change. This needs to be in
writing and signed by all the owner/s of the
property. The incorrect address causes
unnecessary delays in postal delivery,
particularly for your Rates and Valuation
Notice. You can also obtain a change of
address form from the council office
at 5 Lawrence St, Beaufort, or phone 5349
1100 or on the website.
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PAYMENT
DATES
All property owners will receive a
Rate & Valuation Notice. This notice
will show the property values. Two
payment options are available:
Installments or Lump Sum payment.
INSTALMENTS
You can elect to pay your rates by
installments, however you must
make the first payment by the 30th
September. Due dates for instalments
are:
1 : 30 September
2 : 30 November
3 : 28 February
4 : 31 May
LUMP SUM PAYMENT
If you don’t elect to pay your rates
by instalments, you must pay the full
amount by the 15th February.
Unpaid Rate & Valuation charges will
incur interest at a rate set annually
under Section 2 of the Penalty
Interest Rates Act 1983.
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7
BUSHFIRE PREVENTION
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TOTAL FIRE BANS
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On a Total Fire Ban Day / Lighting Fires Outside the
Declared Fire Danger Period
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COUNCIL
SERVICES
DIRECTORY
EMERGENCY
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BUSHFIRE
PREVENTION
Through the Municipal Fire Planning Committee, the
council is attempting to reduce fire hazards within
the municipality. Property owners are required to
clean their land to reduce fire hazards at all times.
Before and during the fire season, the Fire
Prevention Officer inspects properties to ensure
fire hazards are removed. Failure to reduce or clear
fire hazards may lead to fire Fire Prevention Notice
being issued. Non-compliance may lead to penalties
being imposed.
For further information, please contact the council’s
Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on 5349 1100
during normal business hours.
For information about planning for bushfires,
contact the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or
go to the CFA web page at www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
Planning kits are also available at the shire offices, 5
Lawrence St, Beaufort.
FIRE
RESTRICTIONS
Fire Restrictions are applied across most areas of
Victoria by the Country Fire Authority, when fire
danger is high. Typically this is over the summer
period of November to April. The Pyrenees Shire
is in CFA Region 16, Grampians District.
FIRE
PERMITS
Permits are required for various activities on
days of total fire ban and during the designated
fire danger period. Further information can
be obtained from the CFA website Pyrenees
website or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
FOR ALL FIRE
EMERGENCIES
CALL :
000
57
!
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TOTAL
FIRE BANS
Total Fire Bans prohibit the lighting
of any fires in the open air. The ban
includes all campfires, all solid-fuel
barbecues and portable barbecues
more than 20 metres away from a
permanent dwelling. It also includes
incinerators, welding, grinding,
soldering or gas cutting.
ON A TOTAL
FIRE BAN DAY
Tools and equipment that use a naked
flame or generate sparks, such as
welding or grinding, must not be used
in the open air. If essential works are
required, a special permit may be
issued, after a thorough investigation
of each application. Apply to the CFA
regional office in Ararat:
CFA Region 16 Headquarters
390 Barkly Street
Ararat 3377
Ph: (03) 5352 5516
Fax: (03) 5352 5517
All barbecues that use solid fuel such as
wood, charcoal or briquettes are banned.
This includes closed oven or kettle-type
appliances. Gas and electric barbecues
provided in public reserves/campsites
may be used providing:
 the barbecue is electric or gas-fired
 the barbecue is a fixed, permanent
structure
 the area for three metres around and above
the barbeque is completely cleared of
flammable material
 an adult is in attendance at all times
 a hose connected to a reticulated water
supply or vessel containing at least 10 litres
of water is on hand.
Portable gas and electric barbecues may
be used provided:
 the barbecue is located within 20 metres
of a permanent dwelling (mobile homes,
caravans or tents are not classified as
permanent dwellings)
 the area for three metres around and above
the barbeque is completely cleared of
flammable material
 an adult is in attendance at all times
 a hose connected to a reticulated water
supply or vessel containing at least 10 litres
of water is on hand.
www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Commercial caterers are required to obtain a
special permit from the CFA Regional Office.
EMERGENCY
PLAN
HOW TO PREPARE
Have an emergency plan in place that
covers all possible emergencies that
you might face. The plan should include
when and where you might evacuate to
and everyone in the family should be
made aware of the plan. Young children
have often saved themselves and others
in the home if they are aware of what
to do. As much as possible you should
prepare for an emergency by having
supplies, such as candles, torches, first
aid kits, canned food, water and other
supplies in a spot in the house known to
all members of
the family.
Do not depend on power and telephones
as they will often fail in an emergency.
Radios may be your only means of
contact during an emergency - ensure
you have a battery powered radio and
keep spare batteries in the house. Many
varieties of dynamo (wind up) torches
and radios are now on the market at
reasonably low prices and should be
considered.
Know how and where to turn off your
gas, electricity and water and keep
a list of emergency services phone
numbers handy. Consider the use of text
messaging when other forms of mobile
telephone contact is not working as it
will often be the last to fail and the last to
become overloaded in an emergency.
For more information visit
http://www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au/
What_We_Do/Emergency_Management
PYRENEES SHIRE OFFICES
5 Lawrence St Beaufort Vic 3373
Fax: (03) 5349 1100
(03) 5349 2068
Phone:
E-mail: Web: [email protected]
www.pyrenees.vic.gov.au
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
AFTER-HOURS CONTACTS:
On-call ranger for
animal-related emergencies
1800 813 163
Roads and drainage
emergencies:
1800 245 475
Fire Flood and
Storm Emergencies:
5349 2039