‘Creative thinking’ needed for this site
After a reported $80,000 external consultants’ report, numerous soul searching, breast beating and crazy ideas, Mt Alexander Shire has now decided to sell the old Castlemaine Gaol.
They are now seeking Expressions of Interest.
Shire to develop gambling policy
COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE:
On Tuesday night Mt Alexander Shire councillors voted to prepare a Gaming Policy for the Shire. Council has identified the development of a Gaming Policy as a priority action for 2010-11 in the Annual Plan.
Who voted which way?
By Andrea Ross
Here’s the rundown: Councillor Cropley started the ball rolling quick smart by supporting the closing and demolition of the Chewton Pool. I read somewhere she was quoted as saying that council officers are the ‘experts’ (I think in relation the Maldon bank fiasco) and that councillors need to be guided by their information. So she voted to demolish. Continue Reading »
Concerned about the loss, but …
(COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE): Council has been reviewing the future of swimming facilities in the Shire over many years. In February this year, Council released the Mount Alexander Shire Indoor Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study and asked for feedback from the community. The proposal details the feasibility of establishing a new Indoor Aquatic and Leisure Centre at the Western Reserve in Castlemaine, and also proposed that Council consider the closure of the outdoor pools in Chewton, Castlemaine and Harcourt. Continue Reading »
Councillor Janet Cropley nominated as Mayor Elect
Mt Alexander Shire has nominated its first female Mayor.
New Community Directory released
A new edition of the Mount Alexander Shire Community Services Directory is now available. The handy reference is a comprehensive directory of services, community organisations and facilities in the Shire.
Continue Reading »
Greenlight Online Planning Permit Manager goes live
To improve the planning permit services provided by the Mount Alexander Shire Council, a new online planning permit system has gone live on the Council website this week.
Greenlight Online Permit Manager (OPM) allows developers and residents to submit their planning permit applications online, receive correspondence by email and monitor the status of their own applications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the world wide web.
Dinner to celebrate Burke and Wills: Shire news
Burke and Wills went hungry
Tickets selling fast for Burke & Wills dinner
In the great ironic Australian tradition that saw a municipal swimming pool in Melbourne named after Australia’s only drowned PM, tickets are selling fast for the one hundred and fiftieth Anniversary of Superintendent Robert O’Hara Burke’s Farewell Dinner at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine. Is it right? Is it ironic? Could it just be fun?
Further Shire news below. Continue Reading »
Mayor to step down
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor, Philip Schier, has decided to step down three months early. He has advised Phil Rowland, CEO of Mount Alexander Shire Council of his intention to relinquish the role at the end of August. Cr Schier will continue as a Councillor for Castlemaine Ward. Continue Reading »
Stage 2 of the Industrial Estate
At this week’s Council meeting, a tender was awarded for the landscaping and planting of the Wesley Hill Industrial Estate. Recoland will undertake landscaping work as part of the final stages of the construction of Stage 2 of the Estate. Continue Reading »
Shire news
Social media marketing workshop, Garry Rewell elected, and Council planning for community health and wellbeing
Shire news: on our bikes, and a space for Koori kids
As if we didn’t know already, walkng and cycling are healthy for us and the environment, and Council is getting behind it. The newly adopted Walking and Cycling Strategy 2010 – 2020 for Mount Alexander Shire will be launched on Friday 28 May 2010 at 2pm at Victory Park, Castlemaine.
Smokescreen from Councillor Taylor?
Councillor Robin Taylor has resigned from Mt Alexander Shire Council, citing the usual litany of evils such as the Walking and Cycling Strategy, the Greenhouse Action Plan and walking tracks, with no care being taken of our footpaths. Cr Taylor has always claimed he knows what the ‘majority’ of ratepayers want. Even when they’re a ‘silent majority’. But is his resignation, citing ‘frustration’, ‘town entrances’ and the School of Mines purchase (‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’) all a pre-meditated smokescreen? Continue Reading »
TR to stay open … (for now)
Council has sent written notification to Theatre Managers indicating the Shire requires more time to receive information and authority from the CFA before issuing the Theatre Royal its first Occupancy Permit in 152 years. 
Council news
For volunteers, those interested in the ownership of the School of Mines, senior citizens and artists…
Next stage for Indoor Aquatic Centre proposal (come on, can’t we call it an indoor pool?)
Here’s the official word form Council: Continue Reading »
Danger: aqua profunda
NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION AND CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
By Andrew McKenna
Among other projects in the 1990s the then Kennett Government tried to close the Fitzroy Pool. There was a flurry of letters to local papers, petitions signed and concerned residents discussing the matter. Did they make a difference? Continue Reading »
Heads above water
Dear CI,
The cynicism of Mt Alexander Shire Council is astounding.
It uses the needs of the elderly as an excuse for building an aquatic centre, while at the same time all but demolishing a vital element of its long-standing and much-needed aged services. Continue Reading »
