Wellington Shire Council is anticipating the announcement for the future location of the Australian Defence Force’s Basic Flight Training School will be made early next year.
There has been strong support over a number of years for the relocation of Defence Project Air 5428 and Basic Flying Training from current civilian airport at Tamworth, to Royal Australian Air Force Base East Sale.
Wellington Shire mayor Carolyn Crossley said the tender evaluation process has continued for more than eight months, and a decision was expected early in the new year, but it may be longer before anything is formally confirmed.
“Council has received assurance from the highest levels of government that any outcome of the tender will be made on the basis of merit and capability requirement.” Cr Crossley says.
“The construction phase and 25-year operations for the Basic Flying Training School would bring significant further opportunities for the economy of the Wellington region.”
Gippslanders are being urged to sign a petition calling on the State Government to urgently fund completion of the new Sale Specialist School.
Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said he would table the petition when Parliament resumed in the New Year, calling on Labor to honour the former Coalition Government’s $15 million commitment to complete the new school.
“It is now imperative that Labor honours that commitment so that the new school can be completed,” Mr Ryan said.
“Children living with special needs in our region deserve equal opportunity, early intervention and equipment equivalent to their peers, in buildings and surrounds that are safe, secure and fit for purpose.”
Copies of the petition are available at Peter Ryan’s electorate office at 54B Cunninghame Street, Sale or phone 5144 1987 for a copy.
Baw Baw Shire Council has installed 13 new recycling bins across central business district and parks throughout the shire to encourage recycling in the community.
Mayor Debbie Brown said a $29,770 grant received from Sustainability Victoria and co-funding from council has made it possible to provide the new bins as part of the Regional Public Place Recycling campaign.
“We’re expecting that these bins will go a long way to helping our communities recycle when they’re out and about,” Ms Brown said.
“An astonishing 40.9 per cent of rubbish in our street litter bins is recyclable so these new bins give our community the chance to make a difference.
“We’re hoping to be able to install more recycling bins in the future, including replacing old ones as needed and installing new ones in public places throughout new housing developments.”
The significance and success of the Gippsland Vehicle Collection’s 10th birthday celebrations continues, with the event winning Wellington Shire Council’s Event of the Year.
The free event held on 6 April in Maffra was designed to thank the community for its ongoing support of the museum, and provided free activities and attractions for all ages.
Around 3000 people swarmed the grounds to inspect display vehicles from across the region.
GVC president Duncan Malcolm said without community support the GVC would not have evolved into such a successful attraction.
