The Government recently introduced a "10/30 right" that allows landholders to clear any vegetation within 10 metres of their house, and all ground fuel within 30 metres, without needing a permit. More information can be obtained at the website www.dse.vic.gov.au or from 136 186.
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A number of new road rules take effect on 9 November this year. The first of these will affect Binney Street shoppers in Euroa, as it concerns making a U-turn over the central dividing line. The new rules are as follows:
• Centre dividing line: a driver will not be allowed to overtake or do a U-turn across a single continuous centre line, or a single continuous line to the left of a broken line. A driver can, however, cross over a centre dividing line (except a double continuous centre dividing line) when entering or leaving the road.
• Lane lines: a driver must not change lanes over a single continuous lane line.
• Painted islands: a driver must not drive over a painted island that is surrounded by a single continuous line. A driver can, however, drive over the island if they are entering or leaving the road, or entering a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island. A driver must not drive over a painted island at a freeway on-ramp. It will also be illegal to drive over a painted island that is surrounded by a double line.
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Telstra is urging Victorians to help reduce non-genuine calls to Triple Zero (000) that are unnecessarily impeding the system. More than one-third of Victorians have telephoned Emergency Call Services in the past 12 months - adding to the weight of the 10.3 million calls received nationally this year.
The number and frequency of non-genuine calls seriously affects the capacity to respond to emergency calls. Telstra's Area General Manager Robert Bell says 000 should only be dialled in life-threatening or time-critical situations when callers require a rapid response from police, fire or ambulance services.
“Regrettably, almost half of the calls received in the past year, around five million, were not genuine,” Mr Bell said.
“Non-genuine calls can be received from fax machines, mis-dialled mobiles or, worst of all, deliberate hoaxers and abusive callers.
“People also need to be aware of any limitations when relying on some new types of 'voice call' technology to access the Emergency Call Service. For example, if using VoIP (Voice-over Internet Protocol) technology, consumers should check with their service provider to ensure that they are able to place calls to the Emergency Call Service. Consumers should also be aware that both VoIP and cordless phones need a separate power supply - a problem in blackouts. Also, when using a VoIP service, your call location details may not be made available to the operator; this can cause delays in some emergency situations.”
The public is reminded that making vexatious calls to Triple Zero is an offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 and may in the future result in repeated 'nuisance' callers being blocked from making any calls.
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