furkew

But if one of us lose the job that means we no longer have a visa so we would classify to become dependent, right?

My main concern it that Immi won't approve my hubby going from my dependent to his own visa and then moving back as my dependent if something goes wrong and he loses his visa (and vice versa). They might think we are fooling around or so.

 

but that's exactly what immigration will probably think if you try to apply for a second 457.

 

I also think it possible that if hubby applies for a 457 and puts you down as dependant, it will automatically cancel your 457 as you are only allowed to hold 1 visa at any time, and the newer visa always takes precedent.

im not sure it would be as simple as that because you need to list the dependants on a 457, and if you already hold a visa, you wouldn't be classified as a dependant.

 

hopefully one of the resident legal lurkers with professional experience out there can answer your question.

just been through the process having bought & sold.

 

I went though a local conveyancer and was very happy. About $650.00. they handled both my present house & new house without any issues.

 

most big banks are similar with loan fees & interest rates on home loans, so just do your homework carefully because everybody has a different financial situation & requirements. don't forget to ask a bank if its the best rate they are prepared to offer. sometimes they can shave off a bit on the rate.

 

part of the settlement fees are rates paid by the previous owner, that you will be required to pay from the day you take possession. This is all shown clearly in the solicitors/conveyancers paperwork once settlement has taken place.

 

When putting in an offer there is always a cooling off period of 3 days once the offer is accepted, and then normally as buyer it is recommended to put into the contract that the purchases is subject to finance (standard) and also pest control & a building inspection. Your bank might even insist on a valuation if you are looking at a large mortgage. Also as buyer, you can negotiate with the seller the settlement date. It can range from 30,60,90 days or even longer in complicated situations.

 

it can be very confusing when they start talking about settlement, section 32's, pest & building inspections etc etc but the most important thing at the end of the day is to read the sales contract VERY carefully and anything you don't understand ask a friend. By the time you get around to buying a house, more than likely, you will have met friends that you can trust & will be more than happy to assist if you have any questions.

 

 

cant give advice on areas & agents as im in Vic, but (I assume) the system is the same everywhere.

 

don't worry about reputable agents etc, because if you see a house you like, the agent will always be working in the interests of the seller.

 

Olinda, car again.

 

 

 

and take plenty of winter woollies & raincoats in the car.

 

lovely place in the summer & spring. cold & wet in the winter. :wink:

Hey Paul I missed this post how was it? Hope your son is felling better.

 

sorry for the late response Kate, but no internet for over a week. all sorted now.

 

Damiean is doing well, he had a shoulder reconstruction last week, but it seems to have gone really well. He's going stir crazy not being able to drive himself and get about much, and no work for about another 5-6 weeks but long term he should be fully able to get back into either AFL or Rugby Union.

http://www.victorian4wdshow.com.au/index.php

 

for anybody that enjoys exploring Australia this is a fun day out.

 

the weather forecast is looking awesome as well.

where are you heading? NSW, WA, VIC, SA, NT?

 

 

is a new car a necessity or would you be prepared to look at 2nd hand if its a better option?

From my research:

 

Patrol Y61 (standard): $60,027

Land Cruiser 70 (wagon): $66,500

 

So about $7'000 difference. Land Cruiser seems to keep its value more as well............

 

 

Are you planning on going offroad or touring or just want a mall crawler with big tyres?

 

 

the landcruisers are excellent cars especially for long distance touring, but once you look at options, they can get very expensive. They do keep their value far better than most other 4x4.

 

bear in mind as well, if you plan on modifying the car for touring/offroading with either dealership or aftermarket options, $10,000.00 is gone before you even blink. (they call them stealerships over here BTW, so aftermarket is normally the way to go)

 

Patrols are very good, but IMO the 4.2 is still the best. Patrols also keep their value quite well.

 

Prado's are "ok" offroad, but aren't as well built as landcruisers or patrols.

 

 

If you really want to get out and play in the mud and dirt, Probably the best offroad 4x4 straight off the production line that gives you the best bang for your buck is the jeep wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. front & rear lockers standard, electrionic sway bar disconnects and heaps more. definitely cheaper than both the land cruiser & patrol, but not as much room. advantage is, you get a soft & hard top, and can even take off the doors to get that outdoor feel

 

If you can afford the extra cost and want comfort, reliability & space for a car that will take you all around Australia, I would say the landcruiser all the way.

 

If you want to tackle some of the harder roads/tracks that Australia has to offer, and get places that most people never get to see both the patrol & the jeep rubicon are much better suited for the harsh Australian terrain.

Thanks for that furkew, all this just seems like common sense to me but it's good that there at least now making changes.

 

I sold my bike a couple of years ago (too many toys and not enough time) and never had issues with lane splitting, even cruised slowly past police cars at traffic lights, and no probs.

 

The general motorists here are not biker friendly, as in they don't look out for motorbikes in traffic enough, so you need eyes in your arse, but if you are a confident (not over-confident) rider, you should be fine

 

BTW, IMO You will LOVE riding in Australia if you get chance to do rides such as the Moto GP (along with 5,000 other bikes), the snowy ride or just general big weekend rides that get organized regularly once you get to know a few fellow bikers.

 

this was one of my local favourite spots to ride just outside melbourne :

my mistake, It was QLD & NSW that has/is changing its rules.

 

While this applies to Queensland, it is already

working in NSW. Other states and territories may follow as some

point.

 

It's about time Australia caught up with the rest of the world.

 

So please

look out for motorcyclists lane filtering so everyone can stay safe.

 

Thank

you.

 

 

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-road-rules/Motorcycle-road-rules.aspx

 

A

number of changes to road rules affecting motorcycle riders in Queensland will

commence in early 2015. The changes were proposed in the Motorcycle Discussion

Paper: Road Rules for Motorcycle Riders, released earlier this year, and are

related to lane filtering, motorcycle control and motorcycle helmets.

Please

note that the current rules and penalties for riding a motorcycle in Queensland

will remain in place until the changes commence in early

2015.

 

 

Reasons for the road rule changes

 

Motorcycle

riders, motorcycle associations and members of the general community have

frequently asked for clarification of the rules for lane filtering and other

motorcycle related issues encountered in everyday riding.

The discussion

paper and accompanying online survey were released for community feedback for a

6-week period in mid-2014.

The 3 topics considered in the discussion paper

were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• introducing lane filtering
  
• simplifying motorcycle control rules
  
• broadening the approved motorcycle helmet standards.
  

 

Over 9,000

responses to the Discussion Paper were received, with the majority of

respondents indicating support for the proposed changes.

The changes to

rules for motorcycle riders are based on a review of this community feedback,

road safety research and practices in other jurisdictions.

These new rules

will only apply in Queensland. Motorcycle riders riding interstate should check

the relevant rules with the relevant licensing authority.

 

 

Lane

filtering

 

Lane filtering is riding a motorcycle at low speeds between

stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction as the

rider. It is often already practised by motorcycle riders in Queensland,

especially when traffic is congested, however they run the risk of breaking

various road rules when doing so, such as not staying within a marked lane or

changing lanes without signalling.

 

 

New lane filtering rules for

Queensland

 

Commencing in early 2015, motorcycle riders with an open

RE or R motorcycle licence will be allowed to move between lanes of stationary

or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same direction as the rider, provided

they are not travelling at more than 30km/h and it is safe to do so.

Learner

and provisional riders will not be allowed to lane filter because of their

relatively limited on-road driving and riding experience.

If done safely,

lane filtering may ease traffic congestion for all road users, allowing

motorcycle riders to move quickly and safely away from congested traffic.

 

 

 

Lane filtering safely

 

Motorcycle riders will be

prohibited from lane filtering in school zones during school

hours.

Motorcycle riders will be advised to always look out for pedestrians

and cyclists when lane filtering. It will also be recommended that a motorcycle

rider should not lane filter near heavy vehicles or buses due to the safety risk

as drivers of heavy vehicles and buses may have trouble seeing

motorcycles.

 

 

Riding on road shoulders and kerbside

 

On

major roads, such as motorways and freeways where the speed limit is 90km/hr or

more, a motorcycle rider who holds an open licence will be allowed to ride past

stationary or slow moving traffic at speeds not greater than 30km/hr on the road

shoulder (the sealed area of a road to the left or right of an edge line). A

motorcycle rider will be required to give way to cyclists or motorcycle riders

already on the road shoulder. Riding on a road shoulder will not be allowed on

roads with lower speed limits where there may be more pedestrian activity and it

may pose a greater road safety risk to pedestrians.

To ensure pedestrian

safety, lane filtering will only be allowed between lanes of traffic and not

between a vehicle and the kerb.

 

 

Motorcycle riders in bicycle

storage areas and bicycle lanes

 

Motorcycle riders will be allowed to

enter bicycle storage areas (the areas of road close to an intersection with

traffic lights that allows cyclists to wait in front of vehicles stopped at the

intersection, and usually painted green with white bicycle symbols). This will

allow them to move quickly and safely away from traffic.

Motorcycle riders

are not allowed to ride in bicycle lanes in normal circumstances and this

will not change. However, all vehicles, including motorcycles, can travel for up

to 50m in a bicycle lane in various special circumstances, such as to stop or

park in the lane, to enter or leave a road, or to avoid an

obstruction.

 

 

Lane splitting

 

Lane splitting is a term

sometimes used for riding a motorcycle at speed through moving traffic. The

higher speed increases the unpredictability of motorcycle movements and so would

increase the crash risk for the rider and other road users, including

pedestrians and cyclists. In Queensland lane filtering at over 30km/hr will be

prohibited and penalties will apply.

 

 

Penalties for breaking lane

filtering rules

 

Commencing in early 2015, an offence for breaking

lane filtering rules (such as lane filtering at over 30km/hr or in a school zone

during school zone hours) will be introduced, with appropriate penalties.

The

current rules and penalties will remain in place until the changes commence in

early 2015.

 

 

Lane filtering elsewhere in Australia

 

New

South Wales has already introduced lane filtering following a trial conducted in

Sydney in 2013, and the Australian Capital Territory has announced a 2-year

trial of lane filtering commencing in February 2015. Motorcycle riders should

note that the rules in these and other jurisdictions differ from the Queensland

rules. Before riding interstate, motorcycle riders should check the relevant

rules with the licensing authority in any jurisdiction where they are

riding.

 

 

Motorcycle control

 

New rules for controlling

a motorcycle

 

Currently, the rider of a motorcycle that is moving or

stationary but not parked must sit astride their seat facing forwards and ride

with at least one hand on the handlebars. When the motorcycle is moving they

must keep both feet on the footrests. These rules can cause practical

difficulties for motorcycle riders.

From early 2015, these strict rules

about how a motorcycle rider must sit and where they have their hands and feet

will be removed, allowing motorcycle riders to, for example, remove a foot from

the footrests to stretch a leg or raise themselves from the seat when riding on

uneven road surfaces.

Motorcycle riders will still be required to be astride

their seat, meaning that they must have one leg on either side of the seat when

riding.

Penalties will continue to apply to ensure that motorcycle riders

have proper control of their motorcycle, ride with due care and attention and do

not operate their motorcycle dangerously.

 

 

Reasons for the

changes

 

The strict rules about how a motorcycle rider must sit and

where they must have their hands and feet were intended to give riders clear

guidelines on how to control their motorcycle and also to prevent unsafe riding,

such as stunt riding.

However these strict rules sometimes interfere with the

everyday practicalities of riding a motorcycle. For example, a rider removing

their feet from the footrests to reverse into a parking space, stretching a leg

to avoid fatigue, turning their head to do a shoulder check or raising

themselves from the seat when riding on uneven road surfaces may unintentionally

be breaking the current rules.

There are broader laws in place about proper

control of a motorcycle and not riding carelessly or dangerously that already

prohibit unsafe riding, making these strict rules about where a motorcycle rider

must have their hands and feet unnecessary.

 

 

What about pillion

passengers

 

Some of the changes will also apply to pillion passengers

from early 2015. They will still be required to be astride the seat and face

forwards but will be able to raise themselves from the seat or stretch a leg

without breaking the rules.

 

 

Penalties for breaking the motorcycle

control rules

 

Penalties will continue to apply where motorcycle

riders do not comply with the rules. If a motorcycle rider or pillion passenger

breaks the new rules after they are introduced in early 2015, they may receive a

fine of $151. Broader laws will continue to be enforced to ensure motorcycle

riders have proper control of their motorcycle, ride with due care and attention

and do not operate their motorcycle dangerously.

 

 

Motorcycle

control rules elsewhere in Australia

 

Different rules will apply in

other jurisdictions about how a motorcycle rider must sit and where they must

have their hands and feet. Before riding interstate, motorcycle riders and

pillion passengers should check the rules with the licensing authority in any

jurisdiction where they are riding.

 

 

Motorcycle

helmets

 

New rules for motorcycle helmets

 

Currently,

motorcycle riders on Queensland roads are required to wear a helmet that

complies with Australian standard AS1698 or AS/NZS1698. From early 2015, the

range of motorcycle helmets approved for use in Queensland will be expanded to

include those complying with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

(ECE) 22.05 standard.

 

 

Reasons for the changes

 

For road

safety reasons, all motorcycle riders on Queensland roads must wear an approved

motorcycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on their head. Restricting

available helmets to those that meet Australian standards limits the range of

helmets available and sometimes the sizing is unsuitable, particularly for

people with larger heads. Helmets meeting ECE standards have a similar safety

record to those meeting Australian standards, so from early 2015 the range of

helmets approved for use in Queensland will be expanded to include those that

meet the ECE 22.05 standard.

 

 

What about motorcycle

passengers

 

Pillion and sidecar passengers will also be able to wear

helmets complying with the ECE 22.05 standard in addition to helmets complying

with the Australian standards.

 

 

Buying a helmet meeting the

European standard

 

Australian consumer law currently restricts the

sale of helmets in Australia to those that comply with Australian standards so

it would be an offence for a retailer to sell other helmets. However,

Queenslanders will be able to legally buy helmets meeting the ECE 22.05 standard

through international online retailers or if they are travelling

overseas.

 

 

Penalties for breaking the motorcycle helmet

rules

 

A fine of $341 and 3 demerit points will continue to apply to

motorcycle riders or passengers who break the motorcycle helmet rules. Double

demerit points still apply for second or subsequent offences within a 12-month

period of failing to wear a helmet.

 

 

Helmet labels and

stickers

 

To make sure the helmets meet the ECE 22.05 standard and to

support enforcement activities, helmets approved under the standard will be

required to display a label certifying compliance with the standard. The

regulations governing the ECE 22.05 standard currently require the display of

such labels (for example, a sticker on the outside of the helmet or a stitched

label on the inside of the helmet).

 

 

Helmet standards elsewhere in

Australia

 

Currently other Australian states and territories only

allow helmets approved under Australian standards, although some jurisdictions

are reviewing helmet standards. Motorcycle riders and passengers should be aware

that after Queensland has expanded its helmet range in early 2015, it will still

be an offence to wear a helmet approved under the ECE 22.05 standard when riding

in other Australian states or territories.

 

Last updated 26 November 2014

lane splitting is now legal in Vic. I believe it changed as per 1st Jan.

 

Also, I rode with a European lid and even claimed it on an insurance claim when I dropped the bike. It was a Schubert which they didn't even sell in Australia. I pointed the assessor to the website and had no issues with the payout. There is something in the pipeline as well regarding European lids being brought in soon. ill see if I can find the link.

the Victorian high country.

 

no pubs, bars or restaurants.

no electricity or running water ( except the rivers)

 

peace & serenity.

amazing views as far as the eye can see

great (free) camping under the stars with a campfire burning.

fantastic walking/4x4/horse riding tracks

fishing & hunting.

Interestingly Google maps says that Melbourne is a 2 hours 32 minutes away. That's not huge for Oz from our memory of living there.

 

Sale is about 2 1/2-3 hours from Melbourne. Drove through yesterday on my way back from lakes entrance.

 

Perfect position for heading west towards the high country for camping, hiking, fishing & hunting, and winter time its just a short drive and you can be on the slopes.

 

Summertime head north and enjoy the coastline, beaches & fishing up on the lakes & 90 mile beach.

 

If work wasn't an issue, I would have no problem with living around that area.

because it is your own property, you need to take into account that you are also liable for capital gains tax as well.

renting a long term place from the UK is not possible (unless you have somebody over here to check it out and organize everything) Also, its not generally a wise move without knowing areas, where you will be working & schools in the area. Plus pics on the internet can be very deceiving.

 

We used to have a furnished rental here in Vic for new arrivals and in the 5 years that we had families arrive, 4 weeks was generally enough to find an area they liked, check out schools & find a rental place. Some have done it in 3 weeks, but that involves a lot of organization in a short time, and others that were very particular took 6-7 weeks, but both were in the minority.

the OP hasn't been back on the site since the original post over 2 weeks ago, so not sure if its worth posting any more info until they answer this thread.

Just insert a new MicroSD card? Oh that's right this is Apple we're talking about :wink:

 

I'm talking about myself. The old brain cells don't work like they used to.

Ahhhh yes. More memory would be good. :-)

 

 

I wish I could upgrade my memory, but I think im too late for that

the wife recently upgraded from the 5 to the 6XL

 

I believe the camera is slightly better, but for her the biggest advantage is the bigger screen and bigger buttons for her old eyes and bad typing LOL.

 

Also another big advantage is more memory. She now has the 64gb (old 5 was 16gb), so plenty of room for music, but still heaps left over for photos & videos without filling it up.

 

downside with the larger phone is that its a bit heavy, but she is generally very happy.

Just put them in a kennel like everyone else does.

 

I had a quote my 2 dogs to stay in a kennel last week from 27th dec till 7th Jan.They quoted me $1050.00. the campsite we will be booking with power costs half that.

 

It will probably cost the OP close on $3000 for 3 weeks. most people cant afford that kind of money.

Thanks Petals

We have been looking at Frankston South, Langwarrin, Emerald, Upwey and Monbulk, but looking on paper isnt the same as on the ground. If we could pin down a couple of areas to look that would be easier. Would prefer semi rural, non estate.

But there are soooo many nice places!!!Ill look at the LIV forum too thanks.

 

monbulk is nice an rural, with plenty of horse riding stables in and around, but not a direct link with the train. you first need to catch the bus to Belgrave, then the train into the CBD which is an hour on the train. rentals tend to have 1/4 - 1/2 acre blocks, but 5-10 acres do sometime come up. It is in the Dandenong ranges where there is a fire risk, but Monbulk isn't too high a risk when compared to many other towns in the hills.

 

Upwey is closer to the city, so has its own train station. Probably about 50 minutes on the train. I think you would struggle to find a rental on acreage.

 

Emerald is also a beautiful area, with more rentals with acreage available than Monbulk but the fire risk is much higher. Again no train station, so either a car needed or probably 1 1/2 hours commute if bus & train are involved.

cant help with info on Dandenong sough or langwarrrin.

 

other towns around here that are very horsey are Macclesfield & Yellingbo. beautiful places but again not an easy commute without a car.

We're looking for somewhere for 2 adults and 2 children from 2/1/15 for 2-3 weeks. I booked somewhere in September but the owner has had a bad review which has put me off somewhat so searching for something else in the meantime. If anyone knows of something suitable east or south east of Melbourne please let me know. TIA :jiggy:

 

If you are still looking, I might be able to help with a 3 week booking about an hours drive east of Melbourne. PM is you would like more info.

 

Paul.

You could ask @furkew although he may be too far out.

 

 

our place is too small for them as well. Also, we have put our place on the market, so have stopped taking bookings. hopefully ill be able to find a place where I can build a big man cave for all my projects

Sorry for the late response.

 

Yes it was a fantastic night. He is an awesome showman and even my eldest son who is into death metal and that kind of noise admitted it was one of the best gigs he had been to.

It seems a bit confusing, because you must apply for a NSW license after 3 months, but you have to have been in the country for 6 months?

 

"If you do not hold permanent Australian residency, but will be in NSW for more than 3 months, you can be issued with a Temporary Overseas Visitor licence."

 

"If you’re a temporary overseas visitor (ie not an Australian citizen and not a permanent resident of Australia), you can choose to apply for a NSW licence if you wish.

See Moving to NSW for the application requirements.

The following conditions apply:

 

 

• You’ll only be eligible to apply for a NSW licence after you’ve been in Australia for a continuous period of six months immediately before you apply for the licence, unless you’re applying for a NSW learner licence and you don’t hold an overseas licence"