MADRA News - 29 November 2021
First of all, a mention of Jenny Lloyd's induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women under the category of ‘Leading Through Disaster’. Each year, the Victorian Honour Roll of Women recognises women who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and excellence in their field of expertise, interest, endeavour, or through their commitment to the community. The new category of ‘Leading Through Disaster’ recognises leadership in supporting communities to respond, recover and rebuild after the 2019/20 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenny's extraordinary efforts in developing MADRA's Community LED Recovery Plan has benefited the community in countless ways as do her continuing commitments to community projects. Congratulations and thanks Jenny!
“Be Ready Coota Day” was on Sunday 28th November from 11am to 2pm at the Lions Park.This emergency services expo was organised through EGSC and MADRA with attendance from CFA, SES, Red Cross and other agencies. It was a great opportunity to ask questions about how to prepare and plan for emergency situations including fire preparedness.
Fuel Management Group
The Fuel Management Group is very aware of the concern the community has about fuel load. There are a number of non-burn fuel treatments in place for the next couple of years. The mulching behind Terra Nova has already been completed. Mulching on Betka Rd opposite the SES & CFA stations will take place early in the new year. All our requests for fuel management on Betka Rd, Shady Gully & Mortimers Paddock have been approved. The timing of these operations is not in the hands of the Fuel Management Group but is prioritised by Forest Fire Management Victoria on an assessment of risk. The risk of fire at the present time is low. The year has been wet and the dry fuel load in the forest is very low. Although the forest is dense with new growth, wattles etc, this growth is lush and is keeping soil and ground cover damp. There is very little dry fuel on the ground and virtually no ladder fuel. Of course this will change over time and with the drying winds of summer, so, community members of the Fuel Management Group are keeping pressure on for action.
Lyn Harwood on behalf of the Fuel Management Working Group of MADRA:
The Fuel Management Group is also working on a document for the community that includes information from last year's webinars as well as an update on current fire risk and regrowth. Alongside this, MADRA is advocating for more resources to be made available so that the planned fuel management treatments can happen in good time. We understand that Mallacoota is on a state-wide program of works that has been prioritised according to risk, but as a community still recovering from the effects of the bushfire, we need the confidence of knowing that fuel management works are underway and will be ongoing.
Housing Update
Over the last few months it has become clear that housing issues related to the bushfires have been exacerbated by broader changes in regional housing markets and availability. This is resulting in a wide reaching lack of affordable housing and rental properties that has the potential to threaten the wellbeing and diversity of our community into the future. In recognition of this, MADRA is working towards the development of a housing plan to look at strategies to deal with the continuing short-term and long-term housing issues of Mallacoota and District. This has the support of the various agencies that coordinate on housing issues in Mallacoota.
In the immediate term there is some prospect of much needed short-term housing units being in place by Christmas. Negotiations with relevant agencies and a request for pro bono legal work are underway.
Parks update
Our local Parks Victoria team have filled the 3 new positions created for Mallacoota & District Depot. Congratulations to the new members of their team.
The jetties at Captains Creek and SouWest Arm have been completed, there are some minor bits to be added in the next couple of weeks, but they are both open for business.
The Genoa River Fire Trail & Gravelly Point Jetties contracts have been let and the project is well underway. COVID lockdowns have caused some delays but Parks Victoria plans to have them ready for use in late January 2022. A full restoration of the King Fisher Point Jetty is scheduled to begin in early 2022. The sea wall at Cape Horn repair contract has been let and hopefully work will commence on this very soon by a local contractor. Concept plans and designs are underway for the Lakeside Walk Experience, Parks Vic are looking at for the project to be completed by 2023.
Parks Victoria, Envite and The Friends Of Mallacoota have partnered together to form a Mallacoota Endemic Garden on the Parks' grounds at the corner of Bucklands Drive and Allan Drive. This will be a wonderful snapshot of the biodiversity of our area for the community and visitors alike. Thanks go to the FOM, Envite - and to the Parks Victoria staff for their work on all these projects.
Bushfire Recovery Victoria
BRV has a new regional structure. They will continue to maintain a presence in our region but in a reduced capacity. A new round of Local Economic Recovery Grants, run through BRV, will open applications in February.
The MADRA Committee
Gary Proctor has resigned from the MADRA Committee to concentrate on work and study. We wish him well with his endeavours and thank him for his contribution to MADRA.
MADRA's communication with our community and engagement with government and non-government agencies is our major task from month to month. This work is made possible and greatly aided by Maggie Langdon and Sabine Amos, who share the Admin position and whom we rely upon for all sorts of things, including a register of meetings held with agencies and keeping track of all the correspondence. This is no mean feat! – this year we average 615 emails in and out each month as compared to 233 in the first months of MADRA. It's interesting to see that the volume increased, especially around the community consultation, voting and AGM months. We welcome the community's emails and suggestions so please keep getting in touch.
Thanks,
MADRA