February 13, 2012

Shire council governance concerns

An abbreviated version of my submission to Alpine Shire Council on its draft code of governance was published in the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer on Wednesday as a letter to the editor. It’s a shame the letter wasn’t printed a couple of weeks earlier to encourage other submissions, because I’ve been overwhelmed with the [...]

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Council Code of Governance

The Victorian Government required all local councils to adopt codes of conduct by January 31, 2004. Alpine Shire has recently advertised a draft code of governance, including a code of conduct, for public comment. I’m very concerned about the draft document and its focus on undermining democratic conventions, particularly the right of public scrutiny. My [...]

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Politically correct sign

Politically correct sign

While walking at The Gorge near Mount Buffalo Chalet yesterday I saw a tourist sign, presumably erected by Parks Victoria, which read: “James Manfield was one of the first Europeans to bring tourists to the plateau.” My comments on this … Although James Manfield was born in Somerset he spent most of his life in [...]

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Mount Bogong walk

Mount Bogong

I hiked up Mt Bogong yesterday. At 1986 metres above sea level it’s Victoria’s highest peak and I’m pleased with the achievement. I started from the Mountain Creek picnic ground, elevation 600 metres, and headed up the Staircase. The ascent is relentless, with very few flat sections to relax the legs. I set myself a [...]

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The Twins alpine walk, Victoria

View from The Twins

I walked from Mt St Bernard near Mt Hotham to The Twins today. I had Tyrone Thomas’ book, 70 Walks in Victoria’s Bright and Falls Creek Districts, for reference, and it was pretty accurate. It’s a good time of year to go walking, before the tracks are opened to 4WDs and trail bikes. I had [...]

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