Stateline Victoria

Transcripts of the Victorian edition of Stateline will be available each Saturday after 3pm.

28/11/2008

Can recycled water and rainwater tanks solve Melbourne's water shortage?

KATHY BOWLEN, PRESENTER: Here is a story about the ongoing struggle to manage the state's dwindling water supplies. The National Water Commission has today urged Australian cities to use recycled water for drinking. It's a move Environment Victoria says we must consider, arguing that Melbourne wouldn't need the desalination plant or the controversial north-south pipeline. The State Government went to the last election on a recycling platform, but has since changed direction, and in Melbourne at least, is resisting tougher water conservation rules in favour of voluntary targets.

Cheryl Hall reports.

Victoria's council elections put the spotlight on local government

KATHY BOWLEN, PRESENTER: The State Government has come to the defence of local councils round Victoria amid a crisis of confidence in the third tier of government. As the Ombudsman investigates allegations of corruption inside a record number of councils, Victorians are going to elect their next local government representatives. Local government minister, Richard Wynn says the majority of local councillors are hard, honest workers; the others, he says, will be brought to account.

Josephine Cafagna reports.

Disabled athletes tackle Head of The Yarra rowing regatta

KATHY BOWLEN, PRESENTER: Thousands of spectators are expected to line the riverbanks tomorrow for the Head of the Yarra rowing regatta. A record 190 crews will cover the gruelling eight and a half kilometre course. It's the 50th running of the event and organisers are claiming a world first: one crew will be made up entirely of disabled athletes. Well ... almost.

James Bennett reports.

Centenary celebration of Victorian women getting the vote

KATHY BOWLEN, PRESENTER: Here is a story about a special performance tomorrow to celebrate the centenary of Victorian women getting the vote. It took nearly two decades and a petition with thousands of signatures before Parliament passed the bill. Now, a newly commissioned women's anthem celebrates the use of women's voices in the ongoing struggle for equality. Composed by renowned Melbourne singer Kavisha Matsella, the anthem was commissioned by the Victorian Women’s Trust CEO Mary Crooks who says the petition was the start of a long struggle which is not yet over.