Get the appA community group in Sunbury is launching a campaign to stop Channel Nine's renovation show The Block from working on heritage buildings at Jacksons Hill. Channel Nine has acquired three former Sunbury Asylum buildings for the program, which has angered locals. The Sunbury Asylum Alliance wants the buildings protected, restored and placed under community ownership, and asks for a botanical garden to be explored.
Korumburra community members packed the Middle Hotel to show support for the town's outdoor pool and its future. Community organisers said a local company has approached South Gippsland Shire Council about buying the pool and running it as a community owned asset. Costings of $3.5 million for works were presented, far below the $18 million council has put on the work. Mayor Nathan Hersey encouraged residents to make submissions before feedback closes on Sunday December 6.
Eighteen volunteers were trained to experience the world as a red deer, kestrel, earthworm, otter or salmon. The Risks Beyond Human Eyes study, led by the University of the West of England, mapped threats to wildlife around the polluted River Tone in Somerset. Its lead, Phil Tovey, said the approach looks beyond population counts to the quality of individual animals' lives. The study has also inspired a 30-year campaign to restore the river, planned using a military operations document and peaceful protest tactics.
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Get the appResidents in Wembley Downs watched as chainsaws began cutting down a 36-year-old verge tree on the corner of Dover Crescent and Buxton Road, despite pleas to delay the removal. Environmental scientist Adelaide Bevilaqua said residents had asked the City of Stirling to explain why the eucalyptus was being removed, but were told further details could not be provided for legal reasons. Police and city rangers attended the scene. Mayor Mark Irwin said the city assessed the tree after concerns about its root system and potential damage to private infrastructure, and that retaining it risked significant structural damage.
A strip of green space in West Footscray will no longer be used for construction on the Melbourne Airport Rail project, following a community campaign. Residents of Rupert Street Community had opposed its use as a construction laydown area, warning that trees and a buffer from the rail corridor could be lost. Spokesperson Julie Nunn said the group supported the project but questioned the need for tree removal. The project's spokesperson said the program had been altered to avoid using the land. Safety fencing will still be needed near First Street for three weeks to protect trees.
Whittlesea council is urging residents to back the 'Make a splash, match our cash' campaign to secure government funding for a $85 million aquatic and leisure facility in Mernda. The project includes pools, fitness studios, and a gymnasium, with the council committing up to $42.5 million. The state government has already pledged $10 million. Mayor Lawrie Cox says the community's support is crucial to demonstrate demand for the facility, which would boost physical activity and swimming opportunities.