Global Warming (15)

Have just spent a glorious day trying to keep warmish. 6.00pm and it has hit 11 degrees in Melbourne. And the sun is now shining.

Is this the bit were "Daylight Savings" is meant? We have a bit of sunshine at the end of a miserable day.

hmm sunny windy,...now windy chilly lol...

Has managed to warm up from 11 to 14 with that little bit of sunshine late today.

Saw Sydney had 34 today, usually means 40 in the western suburbs. And those winds were not helping matters with the fires. Although it looks like the RFS work has managed to mitigate some of the problem through their efforts yesterday.

Always at extremes. With all the flooding we have had on the east coast over the last 3 years, there are still many parts of Australia affected by the droughts.

A lot of the "flooding" in many urban areas may not have occured if developers had not been able to get away with the absolute minumum requirements set down by State Govts where the Local Council could see a need for additional drainage. But being taken to VCAT (Tribunal) and losing due to arguement "we have fulfilled the requirements of State Legislation."

And a lot of the rural problems have occured because land owners, Local Councils, Waterway Authorities and State Govt reckon it is the responsibilty of someone else.

Last Dececember, I made a submission on behalf of Baw Baw Shire Council with reference to western Gippsland urban and rural flooding issues. The key point was "ownership and responsibility" of waterways and channels, both permanent and those flowing only during storms, need to be made clear. Basic idea was similar to everyone's house. If your gutters or drains on your place are blocked, it is your responsibility to clean them. Same should go for drains and waterways through rural properties, except where they are "Designated Waterways" (usually named creeks and streams).

Got told today that the Parliamentary Enquiry has recommended all of my recommmendations to State Parliament. Be interesting to see how long it takes to get some clear legislation passed, and then being able to enact it.

Meantime, here in Victoria, we are enjoying a wet 14 degrees after a "fine" similar week.