Today’s announcement that coal mining will be allowed to continue at Anglesea is possibly the worst in a long list of bad environmental decisions since the Baillieu government was elected, according to Friends of the Earth. The government says that the supporting legislation, introduced by the government today, will “modernise” its agreement with the Anglesea coal mine and power station and support regional jobs.

Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker said “what the government fails to mention is that the Point Henry smelter is not dependent on receiving energy from Anglesea to be viable. Alcoa could buy renewable energy to meet its needs and keep Point Henry going.”

Alcoa began operating the mine in 1961 and indicated in 2008 that it would exercise its right to extend its lease another 50 years. Any future mine expansion will now be limited to three per cent of its total lease area, which is 7,145 hectares, and be subject to a new environmental process.

“The Energy and Resources Minister, Mr O’Brien, says that the revised agreement is a ‘win-win’ outcome. But who wins? Alcoa, who gets to continue to burn dirty, high sulphur coal,” Walker said. “Who loses? The community of Anglesea, who will have to bear decades of public health impacts. The environment loses, as climate pollution will continue. The highly significant coastal heath lands will continue to be negatively impacted”.

“The time for further investment in dirty coal is over. The Baillieu government has yet again missed a significant opportunity to begin the transition to sustainable energy”.

“While the government can say that Alcoa had the right to extend its agreement, the fact remains that the coal resource is the property of the state, not the corporation. A giant corporation has won out against the long term interests of the local community. While landowners in places like Bacchus Marsh also have no control over new coal and CSG operations on their land, the government has chosen to side with a multi national corporation. It should have had the courage to oppose this extension.”

‘Lorne – Market round up’. This week has been a big week for assisting property consumers regain confidence in the coastal property market. It is also prudent to note that the Lorne market has been relatively static since summer of 2003/2004 and in hibernation since the Global Financial Crisis of 2008.

This week the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to leave the cash rate at 4.75%. The the big news announcement that Australia’s Gross Domestic Product rose by 1.2% which clearly shows that the summer floods and storms seriously impacted our two biggest export commodities – iron ore and coal. A better result than expected as the economy returns to growth in the June quarter, so the September quarter should be a positive G.D.P. result also.

As we have been saying “it all points to the right time to be buying here in Lorne’. We will look back in years to come and say that the Lorne property market bottomed in 2011.

‘Lorne – Weekly report’. The Lorne Performing Arts Festival has its inaugural event this weekend and we wish all those involved every success with the weekend that lies ahead. On the sporting front unfortunately the U/13 Lorne netballers lost their preliminary final but to finish third was a great effort that all can be proud of. A special mention to the Lorne pair Ebony De Lima and Ruby Meredith, winner and runner up of the Colac and District Football/Netball League U/13 Best and Fairest. Also a special mention to Frazer Stewart and his efforts as part of the premiership team for the Newtown and Chillwell U/16 football side.

‘Lorne – Open houses this weekend’

Saturday 10th September
12:00pm – 12:30pm 56 Deans Marsh Road, Lorne
12:00pm – 12:30pm 77 Charles Street, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 5/12 Grove Road, Lorne
1:30pm – 2:00pm 14 George Street, Lorne

Sunday 11th September
12:00pm – 12:30pm 9 Grand Parade, Lorne
1:00pm – 1:30pm 4 Roache Court, Lorne

‘Lorne – No better place in the world’. Don’t forget the festival!!! www.lovelorne.com/festival2011. We are lucky to enjoy our town 365 days per year for those less fortunate I feel sure the images we bring you will make it easier when you are not here!

‘Lorne – You must have a look at this’. An Edgard Pirrotta designed 4 level master piece. This brand new home located at 4 Roache Court which features stunning ocean and coastal views has been built to perfection. This prestige residence has been reduced in price by $200,000 and is awaiting a lucky buyer’s immediate enjoyment. A brand new home without the numerous planning hassles and the drawn out building process – A very rare opportunity indeed!!!

‘Lorne – Quote of the week’. “I love my past. I love my present. I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done, and I’m not sad because I have it no longer. Collette 1926

See you in Our Backyard.

The Great Ocean Road Real Estate Marathon is taking place this weekend and this spectacular event is the only opportunity to run on the world famous Great Ocean Road without any traffic. With five events happening over Saturday and Sunday, we are the head sponsor and proud to be sponsoring such a fantastic event. For more info go to www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au

GREAT OCEAN ROAD REAL ESTATE – Proud sponsors of the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club – Ian Stewart awarded Youth Parent of the Year 2011, in recognition for exceptional services to the development of Life Saving Victoria junior members.

Open Houses this weekend

Saturday 14th May
12:00pm – 12:30pm 56 Deans Marsh Road, Lorne
12:00pm – 12:30pm 1020 Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road, Bambra
1:00pm – 1:30pm 8 Wallace Street, Lorne

See you on our coast.