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And in Other News...Wage case startsFair Work Australia’s arbitration on the Enterprise Agreement for the Victorian Public Service has commenced before Vice President Michael Lawler. The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) said a full bench consisting of VP Lawler, Senior Deputy President Jenny Acton, and Commissioner Julius Roe had been constituted. The arbitration has been re-listed for next Tuesday 7 February 2012. New website for CAV Consumer Affairs Victoria has unveiled a new website to cater for increasing demand for its services. The site, which recorded 1.5 million visits in 2011, has a new structure and navigational tools to help consumers and businesses find information quicker. The website went live on 18 January and the next stage of development will add new self-help tools and personalised content for each user. It can be found at this PS News link. Bird flu quarantine The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has quarantined a commercial duck farm in two locations north-west of Melbourne after its birds tested positive to Avian Influenza. Chief Veterinary Officer at DPI, Dr Andrew Cameron said analytical tests carried out at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory at Geelong had returned a positive response to a low pathogenic subtype of the avian influenza virus, prompting him to act immediately. Dr Cameron said the cases were detected during routine testing for other conditions. He said arrangements would be made to humanely put down the ducks to prevent further spread. Flooded bores repaired The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has completed the first stage of repair works to 371 groundwater bores impacted by last year’s floods. Manager of Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting at DSE, Jill McNamara said the repairs in the Loddon, Avoca, Campaspe, Goulburn, Wimmera and Murray catchments were important for maintaining the integrity of Victoria’s groundwater data. Shopfront on bypass The Kilmore and Wallan communities have been invited to visit VicRoads shopfronts to comment on a western option for the Kilmore-Wallan bypass. Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, said the western option would be considered along with the existing eastern options and MP for Seymour, Cindy McLeish said the bypass was still in the early stages of planning. Residents who visited the shopfronts could with VicRoads staff. Edition 249, 1 February 2012
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