Author Archives: fobif

FOBIF has made a submission to the Water for Victoria Discussion paper. The substance of the submission is set out below: Although we believe that there are many useful ideas in the document, we are disappointed in its tendency to … Continue reading →

We had a parliamentary enquiry in 2008. And then a Royal Commission. And then an investigation into the effects of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. Now the Legislative Council has instituted an enquiry into fire preparedness. Perhaps all these enquiries are … Continue reading →

The management burn planned for tomorrow in Kalimna Park has been cancelled. The Friends of Kalimna Park today received a note from DELWP as follows: ‘Fuel moistures have indicated that this burn would not achieve our burn objectives meaning burning will … Continue reading →

The railway dam is one of the most picturesque spots in the Fryers forest. It’s always good to catch a glimpse of it as you pass by in the train. DELWP has laid out a pleasant 4k walk [the ‘Junction … Continue reading →

One of the problems with Government policy papers is that they tend to be relentlessly positive, to want to be friends with everyone: ‘We will manage water to support a healthy environment, a prosperous economy and thriving communities, now and … Continue reading →

We should say right off that this paper’s an advance on the 2013 strategy in that it confronts the question of climate change, something the Coalition government habitually covered up with the gormless phrase, ‘natural climate variability.’ There are some … Continue reading →

If you haven’t seen it already, go down to the Castlemaine Market building and have a look at Deanna Neville’s exhibition, A camera and a creek: glimpses of the Muckleford Creek, accompanied by reflections on the creek’s past and present … Continue reading →

FOBIF has made a submission to Vicroads on the Safe Roads project, which aims to reduce ‘run-off roads’ accidents, mainly by installing barriers and removing vegetation likely to be on the end of a crashing vehicle. Our submission aims to … Continue reading →

Local ecologist Damien Cook came across an unusual road kill near the Chewton- Fryerstown road in late March: an Eastern Pygmy Possum.  According to a recent article on the Museum Victoria website,  it’s ‘listed as near threatened in Victoria; at … Continue reading →

FOBIF has received a response from the MAS Mayor, Christine Henderson, to our letter about the proposed off leash dog park in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. The mayor informs us that ‘Council has received and considered expert advice which confirms … Continue reading →