7 brief, but no less important, stories from around the region
Rescued kangaroo dies
An eastern grey kangaroo with an arrow lodged in its head has died after being rescued by Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network volunteers. The kangaroo was seen at a property in the Ashbourne area on August 31 then again last Wednesday night when it was tranquillised and taken to Lort Smith Animal Hospital for emergency surgery. Police are investigating.
Sex offender jailed
A former Lancefield man, 23, has been jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to a series of sex attacks. Russell James Reid’s offences on November 4 and 5 last year included an attack on a woman in front of her two young daughters in a shopping centre toilet. The County Court heard that after that incident, Reid entered a South Yarra home and exposed himself to a girl, 6, and soon after digitally raped a woman nearby.
Man hurt in petrol explosion
A man in his 40s was flown to The Alfred hospital after suffering serious burns to his face and hands in Kyneton last Friday. WorkSafe is investigating after a line of petrol ignited and caused an explosion while the industrial worker was removing a fuel pump about 10.30am.
Get a move on, MP urges
The state government has again been urged to ‘‘get on with the job’’ of improving a dangerous Sunbury intersection. In Parliament, Western Metropolitan Liberal MP Bernie Finn urged Roads Minister Luke Donnellan to direct VicRoads to conclude its investigation into the roundabout at Gap Road and Horne Street. Traffic lights are among options being considered.
Tree plans take root
More than 600 trees will be planted in towns throughout the Macedon Ranges before the end of the year as part of the council’s annual planting program. Assets and operations director Dale Thornton said trees improved the appearance of neighbourhoods, provided natural shade, improved biodiversity and cleaned the air. Sports grounds at Riddells Creek, Woodend, Kyneton, Gisborne, Macedon and Romsey will also be worked on over coming weeks.
Tapping into water
Western Water will hand out free bottles at this Sunday’s Riddell football and netball league grand final as part of a campaign encouraging people to choose tap water over commercial bottled water. Champion Australian netballer Eloise Southby will present the A-grade netball trophy on behalf of the water authority.
Have your say
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell will be at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 1-3pm on September 21. Phone 9333 0440.
