PROVINCIAL VICTORIA > all projects and discussion

[melbournee12]

^ Thanks. Really like it.

[Melb_aviator]

Originally Posted by kichigai

Renders of new Mildura Casino

http://www.pvh.com.au/mildura-jewel

Excellent design.

Unfortunately it looks like the idea for the casino is dead, as there is not enough political support for it.

Use that design for the docklands lol

[kichigai]

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/su...903-14uhv.html

Support ebbs and flows for Murray casino

MOST agree - the Murray River is under-utilised as a tourism drawcard, with few dining and accommodation options celebrating Australia's longest river.

Where opinion is divided is how to make the most of the mighty Murray - what development will add to and enhance the environmental drawcard and what is a step too far?

Plans have been lodged with the state government for the $400 million Mildura Jewel casino and convention centre development on the banks of the river.

The proposal is being led by casino developer John Haddad and Mildura Grand Hotel owner Don Carrazza. Mr Carrazza describes it as the ''most important project that had ever been proposed on the banks of the Murray River''.

He said only better facilities and a better connection to the river would attract more tourists to Mildura. ''The river is the life of our city,'' he said.

Mr Carrazza said the Mildura Jewel could help transform Mildura as Crown had parts of Melbourne.

''Look at what happened with Crown Casino, from a backyard of the city of Melbourne it turned that area into one of the most exciting real estate areas of Melbourne … Mildura Jewel would do exactly the same,'' he said.

Rod Trowbridge, chief executive of Mildura Tourism, said the casino and convention centre development ''very much fits with our strategic plan to revitalise and rejuvenate Mildura's river front''.

''Our strong support is for what the project will do for Mildura's entire river front,'' he said.

Mr Trowbridge said more tourism opportunities along the Murray River were essential.

''I think that sensitive and appealing development along the Murray is an absolute must for the entire Murray region to come back in vogue and to remain sustainable,'' he said.

There are few tourism options that make the most of the river's stunning red gum views.

One exception is the wharfside Oscar W restaurant in Echuca - nestled into the old wharf overlooking the river.

Oscar W's owner, Dean Oberin, said: ''You sit on the banks of the Murray and you overlook the old river and there aren't many more beautiful views in the world.''

He said there should be more unique dining experiences on the Murray.

Tourism Victoria acting chief executive John Dalton said a new Murray regional tourism board was being established to expand tourism options and marketing for the river.

Not everyone believes the Jewel development in Mildura is the way forward for the Murray. Mildura mayor Glenn Milne said while the council was ''extremely interested'' in opening the city more to the Murray River - he did not believe the Jewel proposal would achieve that goal.

Former Australian of the year Tim Flannery, who travelled the Murray-Darling rivers in a tinnie with John Doyle, said any development along the river should be environmentally sustainable. He does not believe a casino development was the way to go.

''Who is going to look at the river when they are in casino. You don't even get a crack of daylight normally,'' he said.

Nick Roberts, spokesman for the Victorian National Parks Association, said there should be more eco-tourism to promote the river, not necessarily a casino.

He said a casino ''in the middle of anywhere'' would attract a certain number of people, but ''you don't need to have a casino to get people to come to the Murray''.

[Melb_aviator]

I feel it could be a good and bad thing. The town itself is not huge, and could drain any other clubs that exist, and its a long way from other markets. Unless theres more attractions, getting people to go there, which mainly requires flying, then its viability is in question. Turning the city into our own Las Vegas will not work either, as each city has its own casino, and our domestic market is smaller.

[melburn21]

crown is the heart of southbank, the busiest place in the city. No doubt a casino in a big town is a good way to revitalise the area.

[Melb_aviator]

Originally Posted by melburn21

crown is the heart of southbank, the busiest place in the city. No doubt a casino in a big town is a good way to revitalise the area.

Correct. Its a weird connection to make, comparing a city of 4 million to one of 30k. It might well help to boost Mildura, but it would be a struggle. Theres no international airport there either for high rollers. Thats where the real profit comes from, especially at Crown.

I must say though that I would love to see an area like Sun City (South Africa) developed somewhere in Vic, with hotel, golf courses, small casino maybe, with entertainment facilities, connected by rail to Melb. A resport like that could be a real boost for tourism, if it was in a naturally beutiful area, with various attractions for all ages.

[CP Doom]

Nothing else on the Victory site, all quiet on the Latrobe Valley front. Foundations/services are being made ready for the Tafe site in traralgon, thats about it for the Valley. Back to your knitting then. Will report again in a month but doubt it will be worthwhile. Bloody douche bag council.

[govalley]

Originally Posted by CP Doom

Nothing else on the Victory site, all quiet on the Latrobe Valley front. Foundations/services are being made ready for the Tafe site in traralgon, thats about it for the Valley. Back to your knitting then. Will report again in a month but doubt it will be worthwhile. Bloody douche bag council.

Yes the Valley is very boring at the moment have heard of and read of some plans for things around Traralgon but they never seem to happen or as usual they get stone walled by Latrobe City

[Melbourneguy]

I believe there was some talk about Traralgon ceding from LaTrobe city. In a way I can understand their frustration especially since Morwell and Moe want to centralise certain developments in their own respective areas.

[Melb_aviator]

Originally Posted by Melbourneguy

I believe there was some talk about Traralgon ceding from LaTrobe city. In a way I can understand their frustration especially since Morwell and Moe want to centralise certain developments in their own respective areas.

Good luck with that one.

Traralgon has to realise that it sits at one end of the corridor, and Morwell is the logical central hub of the area. Its not far from either Traralgon or Moe, and is in more desperate need of works than the former definately.

[jobeli]

About 55-60% of all council's income is earnt from the Traralgon area. The infamous voting bloc of councillors have been stacked 5-4 against Traralgon for many years now, seeing through some appallingly biased decisions. Traralgon effectively has no voice in council, but provides the lions share of revenue. Why should this continue?

[Melb_aviator]

Originally Posted by jobeli

About 55-60% of all council's income is earnt from the Traralgon area. The infamous voting bloc of councillors have been stacked 5-4 against Traralgon for many years now, seeing through some appallingly biased decisions. Traralgon effectively has no voice in council, but provides the lions share of revenue. Why should this continue?

Its called thinking outside the square. How would the rest of the area feel if everything went Tralgons way, which is what those in that town want? Its got to be fair to ALL in the council area, which means centralising key services should be in the best possible location to reach them. Morwell is that position, like it or not.

Traralgon gets plenty its own way, and has so over the years, so its time to think broader. The State Govt will be against any move to spit the area, as its the last thing the region needs. Self centred people wanting everything there own way will not go down well at all, and is not a good move for anyone.

[jobeli]

This has absolutely nothing to do with getting everything your own way!!

Just about the total inability to get ANY fair decisions for Traralgon. How is that self centred?

It is about stopping every council decision regarding public assets being hijacked by the same 5/4 vote year in, year out.

The sham surrounding the performing arts ctr relocation is just the last straw for many. Council commissioned a very costly, thorough and detailed professional consultation into the PAC location, outcome of the report was overwhelmingly for PAC to remain in Traralgon. Voting bloc ignores outcome and votes in PAC relocation to Morwell anyway, again 5/4.
Why? Because it can.

The central location is less relevant, because Traralgon's population is shortly to be more than Moe & Morwell combined.

All this petty small mindedness from Morwell/Moe is stifling Traralgon's and therefore, Latrobe's growth and development.

[Melb_aviator]

If you say so man. I get where you are coming from, but growth needs to be spread to help prosperity across the council area, not just trying to boost Traralgon. Theres actually more to lose neglecting Mowell and Moe at the expense of Tralgon, than the other way around.

Traralgon will continue to grow, but develop is still needed in the other towns too.

[govalley]

TRARALGON JOURNAL - Avenues investigated
BY JARROD WHITTAKER
16 Sep, 2010 11:02 AM
THE Traralgon Independent Working Party has identified eight issues which will be explored as the group charts the town's path towards independence from Latrobe City.
The group was formed following a recent community meeting which voted unanimously to investigate options for Traralgon breaking away and forming its own municipality.

Seventeen people attended the working party's first meeting last week.

Among the eight items to be investigated are legal methods for withholding rate revenue from Latrobe City, avenues for forcing a referendum for residents to vote on secession and assessing new boundaries for the proposed municipality.

The group will also initiate discussion about secession with Latrobe City and the Victorian Electoral Commission.

Traralgon Community Development Association spokesperson Peter Wood, whose group convened the public meeting which led to the working party's formation, said he was happy with the turnout at the meeting.

``They didn't have to be nominated, these people actually volunteered to do some work on a working party,'' Mr Wood said.

He said the working party would be independent of the Traralgon Community Development Association.

Mr Wood said the working party was planning to hold a rally in favour of secession but had yet to finalise a date.

Latrobe City chief executive Paul Buckley said the group had not contacted council to discuss their grievances following the public meeting.

``Traralgon is a very important part of the future of Latrobe as a regional city and council will consider a response to their proposal if an approach is made by the group,'' Mr Buckley said.

[govalley]

Power station targets doubted
BY EBONNIE LORD
16 Sep, 2010 11:13 AM
MORWELL is set to get a dual coal and gas fired power station pending the Environmental Protection Authority's approval and financial backing, but environmentalists are concerned the project would not meet the State Government's new carbon dioxide limit.
HRL's company Dual Gas signed an engineering and construction contract with China National Electric Equipment Corporation in Beijing last Wednesday to build a dual coal and gas power station before 2013, which is estimated to cost about $1 billion.

HRL spokeswoman Maria Brejcha said the deal was a significant milestone for the project and it would allow Dual Gas to progress with the front end engineering design for the demonstration power station at the Energy Brix site.

``We still need the EPA's works approval and the detailed design is yet to be submitted,'' Ms Brejcha said.

Environment Victoria campaigns director Mark Wakeham said it was premature of HRL to sign off on a construction contract for their proposed coal gasification plant when they were yet to get environment approval.

``It is probably to give it the appearance that it is more real and give the impression that things are progressing,'' Mr Wakeham said.

He said the State Government's ‚limit of 0.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide set in July was yet to be passed as law and the Climate Change Act's 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 would be hard to reach if new coal fire power stations were supported.

``We are suspicious how they are going to meet that standard when three weeks ago they submitted their detailed modelling, it appears they have just fiddled the numbers a bit,'' he said.

Mr Wakeham said government and industry needed to see through the ``coal dust'' and invest in cleaner energy sources like gas, which would produce half the emissions of coal gasification.

``There is a gas pipeline running right though the Latrobe Valley, we should also be diversifying the Valley's economy and support the manufacturing and agricultural industries,'' he said.

Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth are calling on the state and federal governments to stop the construction of a new coal-fired plant in Morwell.

Greenpeace is calling on the new Gillard Government to live up to its election promises and block the construction of what they describe as a new brown coal-fired power station.

Greenpeace campaigner John Hepburn said for a new brown coal power station to be built in Victoria so soon after Ms Gillard's election promise to not allow ``dirty coal'' power stations to be built in Australia would prove a major embarrassment.

A HRL media statement said the approximately 600 megawatt demonstration power station would actualise new power generation technology called integrated drying gasification combined cycle.

The primary fuel used will be synthesis gas or syngas, which is generated from brown coal, and natural gas will be used as start-up fuel as well as supplementary fuel.

The plant is expected to create up to 350 construction jobs and 35 ongoing jobs.

[Drunkill]

I've always thought morwell would be a good place to set up a nuclear plant. Possibly on the site of Hazelwood (other side of the cooling pon, bit further from the mine) as it already has the infastructure in place and nearby road/rail to transport fuel.

But that's just me.

[Planks & Sticks]

Originally Posted by Drunkill

I've always thought morwell would be a good place to set up a nuclear plant. Possibly on the site of Hazelwood (other side of the cooling pon, bit further from the mine) as it already has the infastructure in place and nearby road/rail to transport fuel.

But that's just me.

I support nuclear power as well and agree with you that Latrobe Valley would be a good spot to have one (water supply permitting). The area is already quite industrial, so it is not like NIMBYs will have a nuclear power station magically appearing behind their back fence, but I am sure BANANAS will go ape shit about it. :\

Heck, the valley would be less polluted if they bring a nuclear power station online there replacing the decommissioned coal power station of same size. There are new power station designs that makes a nuclear melt down a more unlikely event to happen (it can still happen mind you, just less likely).

PS: I still wouldn't mind seeing the Mildura Solar Tower going ahead as a supporting power station. The current design is able to supply power to 200,000 people with a 1km high tower if I recall, so it might be worthwhile as an interim investment until it becomes more competitive and mainstream (if that happens).

[williampitt]

I've noticed something about the growth strategies of both Geelong and Ballarat. Neither of these cities seem to be able contain urban sprawl. But they seem to be channeling it to the opposite side to Melbourne.

Its like both cities are paranoid that if they promote too much development in the corridor, they will encourage Melbourne eventually joining up with them.

I hate to rain on the parade of the respective councils, but it is inevitable that Melbourne will eventually sprawl out to both. Especially with the metropolitan growth boundary now extending further west and south west and with the shires of Melton, Moorabool and City of Wyndham all so high on growth and the state government only too willing to invest in more freeways and ring roads and promote affordable housing as living on the far outer fringe.

Something does need to be done to contain not only Melbourne but Geelong and Ballarat as well. These councils should start planning for that inevitability now. I truly believe that the future of this state should be for its large cities to be more compact, separate identities with better transit oriented development and very clearly defined boundaries.

Otherwise I really can see a future like Southland or Tri-State Region in the USA where Torquay is a beachside suburb of Melbourne and an ugly metropolis sprawls over nearly a quarter of our great state.

[govalley]

Private land sale to go ahead
23 Sep, 2010 01:49 PM
A MULTI-MILLION dollar retail, commercial and accommodation development in Traralgon is one step closer to construction after Latrobe City Council voted to uphold its decision to sell land to a major developer by private treaty.
Council will sell the former Traralgon Early Learning Centre site on Franklin Street to Minster Constructions for the $38 million development which will span the childcare site and adjacent land on the corner of Franklin and Grey streets which is already owned by the company.

Minster Constructions has lodged a planning application permit for its proposed development with council.


WELL HAS ONLY TAKEN OVER 5 YEARS TO GET TO THIS STAGE!