We also see the continual need to clean up their mess. Illegal rubbish dumpers think that no-one lives here or it's better to ruin my home while improving their own.

We get clippings and pruned branches, grass cuttings, bags of bottles, cans, tyres and just now someone has just dumped a large amount of asbestos sheeting out the front of our place.

I have now decided to install a covert CCTV – similar to what the EPA now use. It’s expensive, but who cares.

What I care about is the environment.

Norm Esmonde, Lower Norton

THE state government is giving Victoria’s summer firefighting armoury another big boost, with aerial night-vision technology set to become a permanent, statewide resource.

After-dark water bombing will be rolled out in time for next summer’s fire season.

It’s another example Victoria is one of the world’s most innovative leaders when it comes to keeping communities safe from the threat of fire.

Earlier this year, the government launched a trial out of Ballarat Airport involving two aircraft, where one conducted reconnaissance flights during the day, and another collected water to drop on a series of controlled fires and targets after dark.

The cutting-edge firefighting method involves the use of night-vision goggles to aid pilots, ensuring authorities are fighting fire fronts around the clock.

The Victorian-first trial will now be extended to all corners of the state, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority approving operators Coulson Aviation and Kestrel Aviation to implement the innovative practice permanently.

Emergency Management Victoria will work with the operators on how night-time water bombing can be deployed alongside the suite of on-ground and aerial measures already employed to keep Victorians and their properties safe.

Last year, the state government unveiled Victoria’s largest ever aerial-firefighting fleet to take to the skies and fight fires.

The record fleet of 49 aircraft includes fixed-wing and water-bombing aircraft, as well as aircraft used specifically for air supervision and aerial intelligence.

Gayle Tierney, Acting Emergency Services Minister

THE state government is helping protect families by keeping perpetrators of family violence accountable and in plain sight.

Two years on from the findings of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, the government announced $7.36 million for a new case management model – never before trialled in Victoria – for perpetrators of family violence.

Case managers will provide a tailored plan to help perpetrators address their complex needs, such as alcohol and drug misuse, homelessness and issues relating to mental and physical health. They will also monitor victim safety through a family contact system to ensure their concerns are heard.

Up to 2000 places across the state will be made available, with dedicated funding for Aboriginal and LGBTI service providers.

The new approach – developed in consultation with No to Violence and Domestic Violence Victoria – responds to key recommendations by the Royal Commission into Family Violence and builds on the Labor Government’s recent $9.1 million investment for 4000 community-based men’s behaviour change places and $2.3 million for men’s intake and referral services.

Jenny Mikakos, Families and Children Minister