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Frequently Asked Questions

Aged & Disability Services

Each Home and Community Care client receives a full assessment in their home, which identifies their eligibility and needs. The assessment process includes the client and, if required, their carer or other persons as appropriate.

Contact one of Council’s Home and Community Care Coordinators on 1300 520 520.

If you believe a family member, friend or neighbour is in need of aged or disability care, please contact us on the number above.

The Disabled Persons Parking Scheme ensures that people with a disability have easier access to services and facilities throughout Victoria. Disabled parking permits are only issued to people with a medical condition that severely affects mobility. For further information on the scheme, see Disabled Persons Parking Permit Scheme page.

To obtain a Disabled Parking permit, you will need to fill out and sign Sections 1 and 2 of the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme Application form. You will then need to arrange for a medical professional (e.g. a doctor, another medical specialist or a clinical psychologist) to complete Section 3 of the form. The completed form should be submitted to Council.

Organisations applying for a Disabled Parking permit on behalf of an individual should use the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme for Organisations form.

Complete and sign the Replacement Disabled Parking Permit form and return to the Buloke Shire Council. The permit will then be posted to you.

A fee is charged for each service. The fees vary and are established at the time of the client’s initial assessment.

Council understands how important it is for you retain your independence. We provide a range of support services designed to assist you to maintain your independence and quality of life in your own home. These services include:

Further details on each of these services are available through the links above.

If you are not going to be home you must contact your Home and Community Care Coordinator on 1300 520 520 to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Please do not contact your appointed Aged & Disability Service staff member directly.

 

Airstrips

There are airstrips with sealed runways and lighting in Birchip, Charlton, and Donald.

There are airstrips with grass runways in Sea Lake and Wycheproof.

Landing permission is required for the Charlton Aerodrome only. Call Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 and if you are calling outside of business hours please follow the prompts to speak to the After Hours On Call Officer.

 

Animals

Council will accept surrendered animals in circumstances where the owner is no longer willing or able to care for the animal.

If you must surrender a pet because of an unexpected situation, Council will accept the animal on your behalf. Please note that you will be required to pay a surrender fee of $209.00.

By surrendering your animal you are waiving all your rights as the owner and are handing the ownership rights over to the authorised officer of Council. Council endeavours to re-house all animals which are placed in the pound.

Once you have surrendered your pet, you may not be able to reclaim it, so please be sure that you have made the right decision for you and your pet. However, you are welcome to contact Council to check on the pet's status at any time.

Council asks that you bring with you any medical records you have for your pet, or if you are unable to do this to provide the contact details of the appropriate veterinary clinic so records can be requested.

To assist in the re-housing of your pet, Council would also appreciate it if you could write a "personality profile" about your pet. Generally this includes information about your pet’s health, behaviour, habits, likes and dislikes. Council asks that you be truthful when writing this profile and to advise if your pet has a history of biting, refuses to use a litter box, has a serious or chronic medical condition, or any other problems. Accurate information is important in determining whether or not your animal should be put up for adoption.

 

 

If you believe your animal is in the pound please contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520.

An animal must be microchipped (if it is not already) before it can be released from the pound.

There are costs involved with collecting an animal from the pound. You will need to pay the relevant veterinary fees before the animal is released.

To register your pet, fill out the Animal Registration Form and return it to the address on the form.

Alternatively you can visit one of Council’s district offices, or contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520. 

 

 

In residential areas, pet owners may keep two cats or two dogs in a house, or one cat or one dog in a unit. In rural areas up to six dogs may be kept, where they are exclusively for droving or drafting livestock.

Further information on the number of pets permitted in any one property can be found on the Pet Limitations page.

If you would like to make an application to keep more than the permitted number of animals on your property, please complete the Application For Permit form and return it to Council for consideration.

Change of Ownership

It is the responsibility of the person selling or giving away a dog/cat to advise Council of a change of ownership.

The following procedures should be followed:

  1. Previous owner to enter the details of the new owner onto the form including address and contact telephone numbers.
  2. The previous owner must sign the change of ownership form.
  3. The new owner must sign the form.
  4. The previous owner must forward the form to Council.
  5. If the new owner has no microchip details or previous owner details, contact Council. 
  6. Details will be updated.
  7. New owner to complete a new Animal Registration Form.
Complete an Animals Change of Details form and return it to Council.

Change of Address

You must tell the Council when:

  • You have changed any of your personal details.

Complete a Change of Details form and return it to Council

Deceased Animals

You must tell the Council when:

  • Your pet dies
  • Your dangerous or restricted dog dies (within 24 hours)  

Complete an Animals Change of Details form and return it to Council.

There is no charge to notify these changes with Council.

The following breeds of dog are restricted within Buloke Shire and cannot be kept:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier);
  • Fila Brasileiro;
  • Japanese Tosa;
  • Dogo Argentino;
  • Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario).

These breeds are considered an unacceptable risk to community safety, whether or not an individual dog has attacked a person or another animal, or displayed signs of aggression. Penalties apply for violations.

 

Dogs bark for many reasons. For a list of possible causes of barking, and solutions to the problem, see the website of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

If a neighbour’s dog is barking excessively, try politely approaching your neighbour about the problem. In many cases, they may not even be aware that their dog is causing a disturbance. Offer some of the information from the DPI website in order to try to find a solution together.

If this approach fails, you can report a barking dog to Council by contacting one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520.

Registering your pets is necessary under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Victoria), and greatly improves the chances of your pets being returned to you if they become lost. For further information see the Pet Registration page.

 

Building

Undertaking building work without obtaining the necessary building permit is a serious offence and can result in severe penalties. The Building Act 1993 (Victoria) prescribes a penalty of $10,000 for any persons who carry out work without a permit.

Building permits are legal documents that signify that a building surveyor has approved building work prior to it commencing.   

Building Permits are required for the following within the Buloke Shire:

  • Construction of a new dwelling, carport garage or shed;
  • Extension or alteration of an existing building;
  • Changing the use of an existing building;
  • Demolition or removal of an existing building;
  • Construction relating to swimming pools, spas and safety fencing;
  • Re-erection of a building.

To apply for a building permit, use the

Application for a Building Permit form.For more information contact Buloke Shire Council’s Planning Officer on 1300 520 520.

 

 

 

Council Meetings

All interested members of the public are invited to attend Ordinary and Special Meetings of Council, unless in accordance to Section 89 (2), the Meeting is closed to the Public to address a Confidential Matter.

The Assembly of Council Meetings makes provision for community organisations, key stakeholders and individual residents to address or make a presentation to Council.   

For information on when and where Council Meetings are held, visit the Council Meetings page.

 

For information on when and where Council Meetings are held, visit the Council Meetings page.

 

Environment

Burning off in the open air (including using incinerators), is prohibited by Local Laws unless a permit is first obtained from Council.  

A permit can be obtained by filling out the relevant application form and returning to Council. Please choose the appropriate form depending on whether you are proposing to burn off in a rural area or a residential or

commercial area.The materials to be burned will be inspected by a Council Officer before a permit is granted. 

Materials such as plastic, rubber, paint and other noxious substances should never be burned. Permits will not be granted for the burning of such materials. 

Non-burnable bulk waste will need to be disposed of in landfill.

 

Burning off using an incinerator is treated the same as burning off without using an incinerator. All burning off is prohibited by Local Laws unless a permit is first obtained from Council.  

A permit can be obtained by filling out the relevant application form and returning to Council. Please choose the appropriate form depending on whether you are proposing to burn off in a  rural area or a residential or commercial area. 

The materials to be burned will be inspected by a Council Officer before a permit is granted. Materials such as plastic, rubber, paint and other noxious substances should never be burned. Permits will not be granted for the burning of such materials.

Non-burnable bulk waste will need to be disposed of in landfill.

 

Food Registration

If you are planning to operate a temporary food premises such as a community fundraiser, sausage sizzle or cake stall, you will need to apply for a temporary food premises permit. Further information is available on the Food Registration page.

 

 

Heatwaves

Extreme heat or heatwave is a period of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather that could negatively affect human health. Extreme heat can also affect community infrastructure (such as power supply and public transport) and other services. Extreme heat can affect everyone, however some people are more vulnerable.

Victoria assists with planning for extreme heat and heatwaves, and supports research. 

The department's heat health alert system notifies local governments, program areas, hospitals and statewide and major metropolitan health and community service providers and the general community of forecast extreme heat and heatwave conditions which are likely to impact on human health. 

The Department of Health heat health alert system notifies local governments, departmental program areas, hospitals, and statewide or major metropolitan health and community service providers of forecast heatwave conditions that are likely to impact on human health.

The department has identified temperature thresholds for Victoria above which heat-related illness and mortality increases substantially.

Throughout summer, the department monitors the Bureau of Meteorology seven-day forecast maximum and minimum temperatures. When the heat health temperature threshold is reached in a specific weather forecast district, the department issues a heat health alert.

Buloke Shire Council Municipal Heat Health Plan

For more information click on the links below:

 

For further information, contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520.

The most important things to remember during a heatwave are:

  • Keep cool;
  • Drink plenty of water;
  • Stay out of the sun;
  • Look after yourself and others
  • Take care of animals and pets

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, dial 000.

For more information visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/extreme-heat-and-heatwaves

For further information, contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520.

 

Immunisations

Buloke Shire Council strongly advises that all children be immunised in accordance with standard practices. Council provides vaccinations to keep your children protected against diseases such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Poliomyelitis, Childhood Pneumococcal Disease, Haemophilus Influenza Type B, Hepatitis B, Chickenpox, Meningococcal Disease, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Rotatvirus, Human papillomavirus, Influenza and other diseases as scheduled.

Many people mistakenly believe that these diseases have been eradicated. Should an outbreak of an infectious disease occur, non-immunised children may be excluded from their kindergarten or school until the outbreak is over.

If you would like a copy of Immunisation records of immunisations that have been administered through a Buloke Shire Council immunisation service please download the Immunisation Record Request Form.

Council cannot provide records of immunisations given by doctors or other providers. For children under the age of seven (7) years, immunisation records are available by contacting the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809.

For more information please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer on 1300 520 520.

Immunisation sessions are held monthly in the Maternal and Child Health Centres in Birchip, Charlton, Donald, Sea Lake and Wycheproof. For dates and times of the sessions, and the locations of the centres, see the Immunisations page.

 

Libraries

Buloke Shire Council operates its very own Library service at various locations across the Shire. For dates, times and locations of operation, see the Libraries page.

 

 

Maternal and Child Health

Buloke Shire Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service provides free medical consultations for all families with babies and young children, from birth to three-and-a-half years of age. 

At each of these consultations an experienced Maternal and Child Health nurse will review your child’s health, growth and development. At some of these consultations there will also be specific assessments, including those related to hearing and vision. The nurse will also talk to you about your own health and how your experience as a parent of a new baby has been so far.

See the Maternal and Child Health page for opening hours.

There are Maternal and Child Health Centres in each of the five main towns of Buloke Shire: 
  • Birchip: Cumming Ave, Birchip
  • Charlton: 1 Armstrong St, Charlton
  • Donald: Houston St, Donald
  • Sea Lake: 55 Mudge St, Sea Lake
  • Wycheproof: 370 Broadway, Wycheproof

Each of these centres has one day per week of operation. See the Maternal and Child Health page for opening hours and contact details.

 

 

Planning

In many instances a Notice of Application period must take place before a planning permit can be granted. During this period, the application will be publicly advertised, and members of the community have the right to formally object to the granting of the permit. Please visit the Objecting to a Planning Permit Page for more information. Objection form.

A Heritage Overlay is a way to show that a place or area has heritage values, and helps to protect and conserve important heritage elements. Certain works in a Heritage Overlay may require a planning permit, depending on where the works are to be carried out and the grading of the property. Under a Heritage Overlay a planning permit is required to: 
  • Subdivide or consolidate land;
  • Demolish or remove a building (including part of a building);
  • Construct a building (including part of a building or a fence);
  • Externally alter a building;
  • Construct or carry out works;
  • Construct or display a sign;
  • Externally paint an unpainted surface;
  • Externally paint a building if the painting constitutes an advertisement.
In some instances, external paint controls, internal alteration controls and controls over trees may apply.

More information about Heritage Overlays is available on the website Victorian Planning Department Website.

Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for a land use or development, and may be required for all building work. If a planning permit is required, it must be issued before the building permit can be issued. 

A planning permit is required for: 

  • Starting a business;
  • Constructing, altering, demolishing or painting a building;
  • Displaying a sign;
  • Applying for a licence (e.g. a liquor licence);
  • Subdividing land;
  • Clearing native vegetation;
  • Changing the use of a property;
  • Channel decommissioning.

To apply for a planning permit, use the Application for a Planning Permit form. 

For more information contact Buloke Shire Council’s Planning Officer on 1300 520 520.

 

Rates

General Rates

The Council determines the rate in the dollar for the coming year as part of the budget process.
General rates are calculated by multiplying the Capital Improved Value of the property by the rate percentage.

An example of the calculation for a property worth $250,000 would be:

Town Rate:

Capital Improved Value $250,000
Rate percentage   0.6179%
General rates $1,544.75

 

Farm Rate:

Capital Improved Value $250,000
Rate percentage 0.3707 %
General rates  $926.75

 

Garbage Charge

A fixed charge of $422.00 applies for the collection and disposal of waste from properties. This service provides one 120 litre Rubbish Bin and a 240 litre Recycling Bin.

Council provides a range of payment methods for paying rates. These methods are outlined on the Council Rates page.

 

Every two years, a qualified valuer is contracted and engaged by Council to determine property values throughout the Shire. The valuer assesses each property in line with Best Practice Guidelines laid down by the Victorian Valuer-General . 

The valuer assesses the amount a property would sell for at a specific date. The latest property sales, rental data, land type, buildings and their condition, and property improvements are analysed as part of the valuation process.

The valuation of your property is used to calculate your rates.

Councils are required by the State Government to revalue all properties within their municipality every two years. This means that all properties in Victoria are valued at a common date (1 January). The valuation of your property is used to calculate your rates.

Every two years, a qualified valuer is contracted and engaged by Council to determine property values throughout the Shire. The valuer assesses each property in line with Best Practice Guidelines laid down by the Victorian Valuer-General.

As a ratepayer you can object to your valuation if you believe your property has been inaccurately or unreasonably valuated.  

Objections must be lodged on the prescribed form, within two (2) months of the date of issue of the rate notice. Once an objection notice is received a reassessment will be made on the property. If an adjustment is made to the valuation, you will be issued with a supplementary notice advising of the revised valuation. 

Objecting to a Valuation

As a ratepayer you can object to your valuation if you believe your property has been inaccurately or unreasonably valuated.

Objections must happen within two months of the date of issue on the notice and can be lodged via the Valuer General Rating Portal.

Alternatively objection forms are located under the downloadable forms tab on Councils website under the heading "Rates and Property".

 

Objectors must still pay rates by the due date. If you do not pay your rates by the due date, you may be charged interest on amounts owing.

 For further information contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520.

Pensioner Concession

Ratepayers may apply for a pension concession if they hold an eligible Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Card specifying TPI or War Widow.  Eligible pensioners may receive 50% off their rates to a maximum of $241.00.

Click here for DHS's Municipal Rates Concession Application Form and return to Council.  Hard copies of this form are available at Council's Wycheproof Office. You can visit the Department of Human Services website at www.humanservices.gov.au

**Health Care Cards do not entitle ratepayers to a rate rebate.**

If a property is sold from one per person to another, a solicitor or other authorised party will need to advise council in writing in the form of a Notice of Disposition and/or Acquisition. A copy of the property title will need to be attached, together with any rates owing at settlement.

To update your name and address details with Council, please complete the Change of Details form.  


Forms can returned to Council by any of the following methods:

Post: Buloke Shire Council, PO Box 1, Wycheproof, VIC 3527

Email: buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au

Fax: 03 5492 7395

In person at our Council Office, 367 Broadway, Wycheproof between 08:30am and 05:00pm

Council provides two payment options: either a single payment in full or four instalments spread over the financial year. For information on payment due dates and payment methods, see the Council Rates page.

The Fire Services Levy is to fund the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA). The Levy has been previously collected through Insurance Policies however the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission found that many bushfire victims were not insured.  This meant that the funding for the MFB and CFA was inadequate.

Click here for more information on Fire Services Levy.

The Municipal Charge helps to cover administration costs and has the effect of reducing the differences in rates based purely on valuation. It applies equally to all properties, incorporating the idea that some benefits apply to all ratepayers irrespective of the value of their property.

Buloke Shire has set the Municipal Charge for 2015-16 is $159 per property. 

A single farm enterprise with two or more rateable assessments may be entitled to an exemption on all but one assessment. To apply for an exemption, complete the Single Farm Enterprise Exemption - Fire Services Levy and Municipal Charge form and return it Council for consideration.

Rate Notices are usually forwarded to ratepayers in August each year.  

If you have not received your notice, call one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520 to confirm your current mailing address and ask for a copy of your notice. 

Council provides two payment options: either a single payment in full or four instalments spread over the financial year. For information on payment due dates and payment methods, see the Council Rates page.

A garbage service charge appears on residential area rates notice to cover the cost of rubbish and recycling collection. This amount allows Council's contractor to collect the contents of a red-lidded rubbish bin (120 litres) and a yellow-lidded recycling bin (240 litres) throughout the year.

 

Roads and Footpaths

For any issues relating to state highways and arterial (or main) roads, contact VicRoads on 13 11 70. For a list of which roads in Buloke Shire fall into these categories, See the Roads and Works page.

For all other roads, contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520, or fill out the form on the Report a Problem page. Your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate department.

Normal farm access roads are scheduled for grading every 18 months. If your road requires attention sooner please contact Council on 1300 520 520 and ask the Customer Service Officer to put in a works request.

Buloke Shire Council encourages occupants to maintain their own nature strips; this ensures Council can focus on other projects as well as keeping rates at a minimum. For more information see the Roadsides and Naturestrips page.

Responsibility of road maintenance in Buloke Shire is divided between VicRoads and Buloke Shire Council, depending on the nature of the road. See the Roads and Works page for more information.

 

Septic Tanks

If you intend to install a new septic tank on your property, you must apply to council for a permit to install.

You will need to complete an Application for a Permit to Install or Alter a Septic Tank form and return it to Council.

For further information see the Septic Tank information page or contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on 1300 520 520.

 

 

Swimming Pools

Entry to all Buloke Shire swimming pools is free.

Buloke Shire Council owns and operates seven outdoor aquatic facilities which provide swimming opportunities. Each facility includes a main pool, a toddler and baby pool, change and shower facilities, poolside seating and shade options.

For further information on pool locations and opening hours, see the Swimming Pools page.

The pool season operates from mid-November to mid-March each year. Pools are open every day throughout this period, except on Christmas Day.

For pool opening hours, see the Swimming Pools page.

 

Trees

No person may without a permit remove any plants (or part of a plant) on Council land. This includes trees, shrubs, saplings, hedges and any other form of vegetation. Please visit our Trees and Vegetation page for more information. 

Council does not remove trees from private properties due to the high-risk implications involved. You will need to contact a private contractor for the removal of trees on private property. Visit the Trees and Vegetation page for more information.

A tree normally belongs to the land on which it is growing, regardless of how it got there, and is the property of the owner of the land. It is a property owner’s responsibility to inspect their trees regularly and ensure they are in a safe condition.

Where a branch or root encroaches upon your land, you are entitled to cut and remove the offending branch or root at any point up to the boundary of your land. You must not cut the branch or root on your neighbour’s side of the boundary without his or her agreement. You are also not entitled to enter neighbouring land to do this.

Overhanging branches between private properties is a civil matter and is not handled by Council. If you have tried, and are unable to resolve the matter with your neighbour privately, we recommend:

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
Level 4, 456 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

 

Venues

To book one of Council’s venues for a function, contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520 to enquire about venue availability.

 You will then need to fill out the Council Buildings Application For Hire form and return it to Council. All applications for hire are subject to the Public Hall Conditions of Hire, and hirers must agree to these terms and conditions.

Detailed cost information for each of the following venues can be found on their respective pages:

 

Buloke Shire Council has a variety of halls and rooms available for hire to the community. These facilities are suitable for a range of activities including meetings and classes, commercial presentations, special events, parties and other private functions.  

All venues can be hired on an ongoing or a one-off basis. All Council-managed venues include rooms that can be hired for use by senior citizens at a reduced cost. 

Halls and rooms are available for hire in the following towns. Click on the links for more information on venue features and hire costs: 

If you would like to book one of these venues, please see the Book a Venue page for the hall hire application form and the terms and conditions of hire.

 

If you wish to use a venue on a regular basis, complete the Regular Users section of the Council Buildings Application For Hire form. A letter of confirmation will then be posted to you with pricing and terms and conditions.

 

Waste

Report your missing bin to the Police. Take the Police report to your local Council office and ask the Customer Service Officer to lodge your request for a replacement bin.

Click on here for the latest waste and recycling news.

User fees for distributing rubbish and waste to our Landfills can be found in our User Fees and Charges Guide or please contact one of Council’s Customer Service Officers on 1300 520 520.  

Recyclables should be rinsed out if they have food scraps on them (using your dirty dish water at the end of wash is fine, and helps to save water).  

Always put your recyclables in your recycling bin loose (not in plastic bags). 

Recycling is collected on a fortnightly basis; however, you can take your recycling a recycling transfer station at any time as long as newspapers and cardboard are kept separate from the other recyclables (cans, bottles, plastics etc). 

If your bin was missed contact Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 as soon as possible so the rubbish collection contractor can be informed.

Rubbish bin collection days are as follows:

Berriwillock

Thursdays

Birchip

Mondays

Charlton

Mondays

Corack rural

Fridays

Culgoa

Thursdays

 Donald

 Fridays

Nandaly

Thursdays

Nullawil

Thursdays

Sea Lake

Thursdays

Watchem

Mondays

Wycheproof

Thursdays

Click here for Waste Collection dates. 

 

Buloke Shire Council owns and operates seven landfill and recycling transfer station facilities. Locations and opening times of these facilities are outlined on the Transfer Station and Landfill Operating Times page.

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