Upper Kiewa Valley Community Association

Alpine Shire Council have opened the extension of the Pebble Beach Track for public use.  The Upper Kiewa Valley Community Association was successful in receiving the grant for this project under the State Government’s ‘Pick My Project’  program.  The work is being delivered by the ASC.

Work began on the project in March.  Currently the path is unsealed, but is now open for  community use over winter.  It will be closed for a week or so in Spring to allow the contractors to bitumen seal the surface and complete the final tidy up works once the path has dried out enough for sealing.

The shared-use path, which starts from Embankment Drive, now extends 900m past Pebble Beach, winding its way along the eastern bank of the West Kiewa River towards the confluence with the East Kiewa River.   UKVCA hope you enjoy this walk.

The Alpine Shire Council Bushfire Community Recovery Officer has notified UKVCA of recent communications in Bushfire Recovery current at today’s date (22/6/20).

Included in the links below is the June Newsletter, Community Recovery Committee social media file and some info about the Alpine Community Recovery Hub.  There is also more information regarding the Community Recovery Committee and Hub on the ASC website.

https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community-recovery-committee

https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery#Alpine%20Recovery%20Hub

Sustainable Economy, Sustainable Community

Over the next few months ASC will be giving specific focus to the development of an Economic Development Strategy for the Shire.  Your local knowledge and expertise is vital.

Please provide your ideas and input on the project website.

Your understanding of the local economy, industries, business investments and opportunities is critical to a comprehensive picture of the current situation and future direction.  You may have knowledge and experience of:

• • • Changes in visitor markets and expectations
    • The impacts of climate change on local agriculture
    • Growth in health and personal services
    • Changing patterns of the retail sector
    • Opportunities in arts, culture and events
    • Telecommuting, working remotely and the changing nature of the workplace
    • Workforce development, accessing skilled workers

Successful implementation of the Strategy will require a ‘whole of community approach’ so please get involved!  In Stage 1 we are seeking to understand key community values and priorities and how these can inform the role that Council might play in supporting our economic future.  The project would love to hear from you:

• • • • Provide your ideas and input on our project website
      • Express your interest in participating in an interview or group discussion
      • Book a ‘phone call catch-up with a member of our project team

There are many factors influencing the strength, health and future of our local economy.  ASC plays a role in both immediate support to local businesses and employers and longer-term thinking about the sustainability of our local and regional economy.

Council has engaged a team of experienced economic experts to support this process and ensure that we take a well-informed approach and identify how we can respond to and harness borader global opportunities and trends.

Project Timeline

The closing date for Stage 1 input is Friday, 5th June, 2020.    Contact the Tourism & Economic Development Team         tourism@alpineshire.vic.gov.au

UKVCA have been informed by the Alpine Shire Economic Development Officer that, as part of the Alpine Shire Council’s response to the ever changing (& unprecedented) environment, they have engaged Grant Hartley from Brand Local to present FREE Crisis Management Courses for business.    It is available online in a modular format to complete at your own pace.  The key focus is on getting the most from your business online presence including how to help your Google ranking.  Modules being delivered include:

• • • Mindset, Focus & Opportunity
    • Get more from Google
    • Communication Strategy
    • Content Creation
    • Targeted/Paid Campaigns
    • Online Tools, Apps & Integration

An additional six modules will be delivered based on participant feedback, i.e. what you would like to see delivered and what would be of the most value to you?

To register go to   www.brandlocal.com/000161-73

   Alpine Shire Community and Sporting groups and organisations are invited to apply to the ASC Community Grants Program for projects that support diversity, community participation and contribution to the building of health, strong and connected communities with a broad range of iitiatives within the Alpine Shire for the following categories:

• • Community Events
  • Community Project – Capital Improvements
  • Community Project – Non-capital improvement
  • Youth Project

Bright Community Bank Bendigo Bank also support community groups and organisations to achieve their goals.  Eligible appplicants will be invited to have their application considered for full or part funding by the Community Bank.

In addition to the Community Grant Program, Council will conduct a grant program in the next financial year with funds received from Bushfire Recovery Victoria.  The goal of this additional funding round will be to enable the implementation of significant community projects which support recovery from the recent bushfires and build resilience in our communities.

You can find the guidelines and link to the online application form at https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community/grants-and-awards/community-grants

Please note that applications close at 10pm on 28th June, 2020 for projects to be completed in the 2020-21 financial year.  If you need to discuss your application or need further information, contact Jenny Corser, ASC Development Officer (Youth and Communities) on 03 5755 0555

UKVCA have received an update from VicForests that may be of interest to our community……

The 2019-20 fire season was significant, impacting approximately 1.6 million hectares.  This included State forests, national parks and private properties, predominantly within the East Gippsland and North East areas.

As a result, VicForests has updated its Management of High Conservation Value (HCV) documentation.  This update includes an amalgamation of the VicForests’High Conservation Value Management Systems document and Assessment of High Conservation Values document in a single more practical document.

The key changes since previous versions, completed in 2019, are centred on the Assessment of HCVs within VicForests’ Eastern Forest Management Unit, including:

• Changes to State government policy
• Impact of extensive wildfires in 2019/20
• Progressive implementation of new harvesting and regeneration practices
• Modernisation of the Regional Forest Agreements for Victoria

This update is a routine process that VicForests undertakes in the event of any significant impact on its operations and it welcomes input from stakeholders, which will help inform how we proceed.

VicForests are seeking input from interested and affected parties by 29th May, 2020 after which time VicForests will finalise this version of the Management of High Conservation document.  If you are interested in providing a submission, please direct it to vfs.admin@vicforests.com.au.   VicForests is happy to receive comment on any of its public documents at any time and will consider that input in its regular updates.  The project team can also be contacted on (03) 9608 9500