18 MARCH 2018 The Great Eastern Mail Kangaroopet foodscheme reduceswaste, extendedto EastGippsland WWW.38SOUTHBOATSALES.COM.AU A LATEST-GENERATION WEEKENDER FOR INSTANT SUCCESS 5/227 Wells Rd, CHELSEA HEIGHTS VIC 3196 / Ph: 03 9772 8976 / jason@38southboatsales.com.au 2018 MODELS FROM $118,900 A FUTURE BEST SELLER! MERRY FISHER795 WORK has begun on the much- anticipated redevelopment of the pool facilities at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC). To complement the upgrades in the pool area the BARC will have a face-lift to create a more welcoming entrance by building a plaza and expanding the reception and café areas. East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor said while the centre may look closed due to the works, patrons will find most services still available. “The BARC is still a hive of activity. The redevelopment is not affecting the stadium, VICTORIA’S kangaroo pet food trial will be made permanent and extended to East Gippsland under a Liberal Nationals Coalition. Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull has welcomed the commitment that will help ease pressure on local farms and the environment. He said about 87,000 kangaroos had been processed into pet food as part of the trial that would have otherwise been left in the paddock to rot. “Making the kangaroo pet food trial permanent is a no brainer whichever way you look at it. If these animals are being culled anyway under permit, they should not be buried or left in paddocks, they should be utilised.” Mr Bull said. The trial, which allows only legally harvested kangaroo carcasses to be processed for pet food, is due to expire in March. health club or children’s services, so that’s all business as usual. Swimming is still available, as the 25-metre pool is operational,” Cr Rettino said. “The facilities that have been affected are the toddler pool, spa and sauna. These have all been demolished, which is the work you can see at the front of the building.” Temporary walling has been erected to separate patrons from the work zone. BARC visitors now enter the building through the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub entrance. Signs are being “The trial was established by the former Liberal Nationals government for an initial two year period and following extensive lobbying from National Party MPs, the scheme was extended. “Now it needs to be made permanent and expanded to all areas,” Mr Bull said. Mr Bull said the scheme is a practical measure to assist in the management of kangaroo numbers and has only involved the use of kangaroos that were culled under permit. “It reduces waste and creates local jobs. It does not change the number of kangaroos culled, only helps landholders in their culling efforts and utilises a valuable resource.” Mr Bull said kangaroo numbers are particularly high in some areas of East Gippsland, adversely affecting local farming operations. installed to direct people to this entry. An additional driveway to the grassed overflow carpark is also on the cards to improve safety during peak parking times. The redevelopment will cost $6.55 million, with council contributing $3.55 million and the Victorian Government providing $3 million from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. The project includes a warm water pool, interactive children’s water play area, an expanded aquatic area and upgraded change facilities including family/all ability change rooms. “It’s always an exciting time when you start to see years of planning become a reality with on-ground works. This redevelopment supports Council’s aims for healthy and connected communities, and I look forward watching the project’s progress. “In the meantime, both the BARC and Forge Theatre and Arts Hub are open and I encourage everyone to keep visiting these centres during the works,” Cr Rettino said. Works are expected to be completed by Easter 2019. Workbeginsonnewandimprovedindoorpool The Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre’s entrance, todder pool, spa and sauna have been removed.