21 The Great Eastern Mail MARCH 2018 SOLUTIONS: FROM PAGE 12 SUDOKU: 2023 2022 Puzzles supplied by Lovatts Publications Pty Ltd www.puzzlexperts.com It’s OK to drink a bit of Pink AS WE leave summer and head into autumn, it is appropriate to reflect on what we have consumed over the holiday period. The wine which immediately comes to mind for me is Rosé. In the “macho” years of old, a real bloke wouldn’t be seen dead drinking Rosé, but I can tell you lots of my friends, male and female, have taken to Rosé wines with enthusiasm recently. Rosé sales have risen by 21% in Australia over the past year. There are a few different ways to make Rosé, but the most common method is the “Saignee” process, where red grapes are crushed, left with the skins for 12 to 24 hours to extract colour, then the juice is drained and fermented normally. With all but a few varieties of red grapes, the juice is clear, so colour must be leached from the anthocyanin pigments in the skins to varying degrees resulting in the array of red to pink colours we see in Rosé wines. From a producers angle, these wines are great for cash flow, as they are out into the market within weeks of vintage in some cases. We have been slow learners inAustralia, and a few weeks in the south of France has taught a lot of us that this is a fantastic beverage, to be enjoyed in all seasons, but especially in summer with a variety of food offerings. Don’t be afraid to add a few ice blocks to your Rosé, if it isn’t cold enough, or if you wish to dilute it a bit and drink a bit more without the alcohol kicking in. There is a vast range of Rosé available on the Australian market, varying from around $10 to a bit over $20 a bottle. On the upper end of the price scale Turkey Flat Rosé ($20) from the Grenache variety has been a favourite of mine for some time. Light and crisp on the pallet, the flavour and aroma is deep and sensual, and reminiscent of strawberry and raspberry. A perfect match for anything Asian or Spanish inspired. A little cheaper ($18) is the Pizzini Rosetta from the Sangiovese variety. Firmer on the pallet, but dark berry fruits and cranberries come to mind in the aroma and flavour department. Possibly more suited to anti pasta dishes. The Brown Brothers 1889 Dry Rosé ($14) and Jacobs Creek Le Petite Rosé ($14) are two affordable drops as well, with lost of zest and life suitable for that Summer or Autumn quaff. Quite a few of the European Rosé wines are available in Australia today, with even Mateus Rosé making a comeback. Although some producers say they are worth cellaring, my preference is to drink these wines whilst they are young and fresh. Santé. LiberalNationals willrestorethe Farmers’Market SupportProgram FARMERS’ markets and small food producers across East Gippsland will receive increased support under a Liberal-Nationals Government, if successful at the November poll. Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, welcomed the announcement the Liberal Nationals will restore the $2 million Farmers’ Market Support Program, saying these markets are an important part of the community. “Farmers’ markets promote locally sourced and grown produce, generating jobs and investment in our local small food producers and the East Gippsland community,” Mr Bull said. “With this program being quietly axed by the Andrews Labor Government, this announcement is quite pleasing as farmers’ markets and small food producers are very important to East Gippsland in particular. “We have many successful markets here in East Gippsland that source directly from local businesses who form part of our thriving agricultural sector. “On top of this, people who come into town for farmers’ markets shop locally in various other small businesses as well.” Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Peter Walsh, said the Liberal-Nationals would also work to cut red tape. “Our small food producers have a reputation for providing high-quality, delicious, locally made goods, but red tape is making it harder for them to do business,” Mr Walsh said. “The Liberal-Nationals will take a common sense approach and work with our small food producers to ensure there are sensible regulations so they can get on with business.” A RESOLUTION is in sight for property owners affected by a restrictive covenant relating to their land at Eagle Point, with East Gippsland Shire Council voting at its February meeting to submit a Planning Scheme Amendment to the Minister for Planning for approval. The covenant affects 17 properties on Mathiesons and Forge Creek roads. Originally subdivided into 10 larger blocks of land in approximately 1979, a restrictive covenant was applied at that time which restricted development to a single dwelling on each lot forming part of the original subdivision. In the years following the land zoning has changed, to Low Density Residential, allowing for further subdivision of the subject land. The Planning Scheme Amendment considered by Council is designed to allow each of the affected blocks to be used and developed for the purposes of a single dwelling.This will give certainty to the property owners who have in good faith purchased a subdivided lot. The Amendment seeks to vary only one aspect of the covenant to allow development of the land in a way that is consistent with the Low Density Residential zone and the existing subdivision pattern. Following exhibition of the proposed Amendment council received eight submissions from affected landowners, including one opposing submission.As the concerns raised in this submission could not be resolved, an Independent Planning Panel was appointed by the Minister for Planning and conducted by Planning Panels Victoria on November 23, 2017.The Planning Panel’s report is available on its website. Director Community and Strategic Development Kate Nelson said the amendment is designed to fix the misalignment between the private restrictive covenant and the Planning Scheme zones and controls applicable to this location. “This Amendment seeks to resolve an issue that has caused significant local community anxiety and corrects the disconnect between the restrictive covenant and the East Gippsland Planning Scheme,” Ms Nelson said. “While this has been a long process, we believe choosing to address this issue with a Planning Scheme Amendment was the fairest and most efficient option in order to provide certainty the affected landowners.” Council votestoseek changeto restrictive covenant ByIanHollick