The Our Place, Our Future discussion paper outlines key elements that will feature in the proposed Urban Growth Strategy 2015-2036. This Strategy will be one of Council's major guiding plans and will govern future decisions across all of Council's operations and guide planning decisions for all types of development.

Once developed, the new Strategy will determine the future landscape of our region and how we develop as communities. Subjects covered in the Urban Growth Strategy 2015-2036 will include housing, business, industry, recreation and tourism development and there will be a strong focus on major towns and villages.

In preparing the new Strategy, Council wants to hear your feedback on places that are important to you, your friends and family. Comments and ideas from residents and visitors are critical to the development of the new strategy. Everyone will have the opportunity to provide feedback at several stages throughout the process.

Implementation of the new Strategy will involve more detailed investigations and include amendments to Council's Local Environmental Plan and Development Control provisions. This will in turn provide more detailed policy for specific areas of proposed development.

If you would like to be part of the process in planning for the growth of our region, I would encourage you to read the Our Place, Our Future discussion paper which is on public exhibition until 12 December 2014. You can view the discussion paper at www.pmhclistening.com.au or in one of Council's offices.

Asbestos Awareness Month 2014

It's important to acknowledge upcoming Asbestos Awareness Month (1-30 November) given that one in three Australian homes contain this dangerous substance. The focus for this year's campaign is not just to educate homeowners about the dangers of asbestos, but also tradies and handymen who may come into contact with asbestos.

According to the Asbestos Education Committee, Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the world due to us being one of the largest users per capita of asbestos-containing products. These products range from internal furnishings, to fibro cement sheeting, garages, outhouses, sheds and farm buildings.

Asbestos can be found under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings, eaves, garages, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, outdoor toilets, dog kennels, chook yards and backyard sheds to name a few places.

Asbestos can be found in almost every brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad home built or renovated before 1987. The issue of safe asbestos management is a national concern and aims to minimise the incidence of exposure to the deadly material. Asbestos Awareness Month urges us all to 'Get to kNOw asbestos this November'.

If you're planning on renovating an older property or removing an old structure, be sure to take the 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check beforehand. This simple process will ensure that you're not putting your health or the health of the people around you (near where the work is being carried out) at risk of an asbestos-related disease.