VICTORIA is dependent upon New South Wales for her coal supplies. But for the coal brought at great cost by rail or steamer from the sister State Victorian industries would vanish. It is a lamentable state of affairs, and we have paid dearly indeed for our experience. Our only hope of the future lies in the Morwell electric power scheme. That there is reason for hope at all is due to the Lawson Ministry. Successive Ministries for the past thirty years have failed to make anything of an asset given by nature that means so much to Victoria. Inquiry after…
Year: 2020
UPDATED planning controls and exemptions for vegetation removal are among changes to bushfire protection exemptions on the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council said it had successfully lobbied the state government for the state-wide changes which align fence line vegetation exemptions with the map of Victorian bushfire prone areas. The changes mean landowners in areas at risk of bushfire can clear vegetation without a planning permit. Landowners outside bushfire prone areas covered by vegetation protection, environmental significance and significant landscape overlays need a planning permit to remove vegetation. “These changes allow landowners of properties at risk of bushfire to remove…
YOUNGSTERS are doing it for themselves following playgrounds and skate and BMX ramps being declared out of bounds because of the stage four coronavirus restrictions. Informal BMX ramps and accompanying bike tracks have sprung up across the Mornington Peninsula, many within protected bushland reserves and parks. But it’s not just enterprising youngsters digging in to build the BMX tracks. Parents have used excavators at Somers and Flinders to help their children build BMX tracks. The track at Flinders between the football oval and cemetery in Stokes Street “started with the kids just using spades … and has progressed through to…
JUDGES have had plenty of entries to appraise in a contest to paint garbage bins with scenes showcasing the Mornington Peninsula. The 68 entries attracted 4649 votes with their portrayals of rural and foreshore environment, sunsets, beach boxes, marine life, birdlife, fauna and flora and even a fox. The judges led by environmentalist Josie Jones awarded zero waste living packs to the six most popular examples of bin art. Mornington Peninsula Shire’s arts and culture department is encouraging residents to continue to paint their bins and to share them with the hashtag #mpbinspiration on social media. The judges said the…
CAMPING grounds on Mornington Peninsula foreshores will not open until at least 19 December because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to cancel the scheduled 23 October opening followed the introduction by the state government of stage four restrictions. Mornington Peninsula Shire says a decision on when to start to 2020-21 camping will be made later in the year. “While we are disappointed the camping season has to be postponed, it is a necessary step to protect our community and do our part to flatten the curve of this pandemic,” a news release from the shire stated. First published in…
A CAR being driven erratically in West Park, Hastings, attracted police attention, 11.10pm, Monday 17 August. The Hastings divisional van crew pulled the car over in Curacoa Drive and took the driver back to Mornington police station where he allegedly blew 0.115 per cent. The man’s car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1075 and his licence suspended pending a court appearance. The van resumed patrolling near Hodgins Road/Wallaroo Place, Hastings, after reports of a vehicle doing burnouts. At 2am next morning (Tuesday 18 August), they spotted a yellow VW Beetle with no plates driving west along…
FIVE people allegedly caught partying at a Somerville house on the weekend have each been fined $1652. Sergeant Damien Lombard, of Hastings police, said police knocked on the door suspecting a party was in full swing, but this was allegedly denied by the homeowner, Saturday evening 22 August. However, it seems the partygoers headed for the exit when the police used their new powers under the state of disaster declaration to enter the house uninvited. Sergeant Lombard said the partygoers had run out the back to hide but were rounded up and fined. First published in the Southern Peninsula News…
By Barry Morris A SIGN on the front of the Anglican Centre in Mornington declares: “Our buildings may be closed, but our church is alive and well.” The sign reflects the spirit that has driven Mornington community groups and churches to join forces and provide hope in the time of COVID-19. The pandemic and particularly stage four restrictions have meant that church buildings have been closed, with most moving to become online/virtual churches. “Alive and well” is the experience of most churches with some even recording an increase in people taking part in their new online format. With a long…
POSITIVE COVID-19 tests for 51 staff at Frankston Hospital has led to another 446 staff being forced to self-isolate at home. Early last week, Peninsula Health CEO Felicity Topp confirmed that 51 staff members had tested positive to COVID-19. Peninsula Health, which runs Frankston and Rosebud hospitals said investigations were underway into the source of the cases. No cases have been detected among staff at Peninsula Health’s rehabilitation centre and a palliative care unit in Golf Links Road, Frankston “Of the 51 staff cases, 40 are nursing staff, with four doctors having tested positive at this point, along with five…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council’s half-year finances had been “sharply impacted” by the effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns forcing it to make $3 million in cuts while facing a predicted $6.4 million loss of revenue in the coming year. Cr Sam Hearn said councillors had “worked hard to deliver a fair and balanced budget under these difficult circumstances”. He said council was determined to achieve an economic and social recovery, but warned “it will take a sustained collaborative effort to overcome the hurdles we are facing as a community”. “Despite these difficulties, we continue to deliver close to the lowest average…
JUST five of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 11 councillors will stand for re-election in October. The five councillors who will recontest their seats are the deputy mayor Kate Roper (Cerberus Ward), David Gill (Red Hill), Hugh Fraser (Nepean) and Antonella Celi and Simon Brooks (Seawinds). None of the three Briars Ward councillors will seek re-election – the mayor Sam Hearn, Bev Colomb and Rosie Clark. Other councillors retiring in October are Julie Morris (Watson Ward), Bryan Payne (Nepean) and Frank Martin (Seawinds Ward). Although few candidates have declared their intentions to stand, one sitting councillor claims to have compiled “a Melbourne…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council last week adopted a draft five-year positive ageing strategy while acknowledging the “growing body of evidence… [that] the social and economic contributions of the older population outweigh the cost of pensions and healthcare”. A report to the 11 August council meeting by officers Michelle Wright, Vicki Bishop and Tanya Gilbert, pointed out that age-friendly communities make “good sense economically and socially”. Their report said the draft strategy provided a “road map to strengthen the shire’s commitment to positive ageing”. The ageing strategy with the theme: “Our Wellbeing” and seeking “A healthy, happy, inclusive and active community”…
MICHELLE Potter knows she’ll be warmly greeted when she arrives at the Hastings foreshore on Thursday and Friday mornings. Waiting patiently for his breakfast outside her Peninsula Fresh Seafood, business will be Ernie the Pelican … and she is happy to oblige him with his favourite fishy delicacies. “Shelly” – as she is known – noticed Ernie looking disconsolate when the first COVID-19 lockdown banned boating and the usual fishers were not around to feed him scraps. When he waddled over she knew exactly what he was after. “He was smart coming over us,” said Ms Potter, who has run…
THE Bicycle Network – previously Bicycle Victoria – is urging Mornington Peninsula residents to provide feedback to the shire’s plans to “improve the cycling experience on the peninsula”. The RideSafe Strategy 2020 on display until 11 September aims to attract more cyclists to the peninsula to experience its “alluring rural and coastal attractions, and holiday destinations”. “The Mornington Peninsula has always promised much for riders, with its alluring rural and coastal attractions, and holiday destinations,” the network’s Garry Brennan said. “But delivering on those hopes has been slow and patchy. There is a lot of ground to make up. “There…
A MASTER plan for Sorrento will include a gateway to the ferry terminal and the main street, linking the town centre to the coastline with a “modern feel”. Developed from a 2018 coastal and marine plan, the blueprint outlines the design of new all-abilities toilets with contemporary beachside amenities, new look cenotaph, and new boardwalk with picnic areas, shade structures and seating. A grassed area will aim to provide “flexible use” of the space along with a footpath wide enough for shared use. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is inviting community feedback on the plan, which also includes planting native flora…
PENINSULA Health had a good response to its mobile Covid-19 testing clinics at Bonbeach and Mt Eliza last week. About 50-75 people were tested each day over the week with more at other clinics, including at Frankston Hospital screening clinic at 12 Hastings Road and the drive through clinic at Frankston Basketball Stadium, 90 Bardia Avenue, open 8.30am-4pm. Another Covid-19 walk-in screening clinic opened at the Hastings Scout Hall on Sunday 23 August. It is open 8.30am-3.30pm until Wednesday (26 August 26) and is accessible via 15 Thornhill Street. If you have any symptoms, it is important you self-isolate and…
Mornington Peninsula Total cases: 155 – Active cases: 60 – New cases today: 3 Total cases on the Mornington Peninsula hit 155. Mornington the current hot-spot with a total of 39 cases and 27 active cases. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: Victoria has recorded 240 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 17,683. The overall total has increased by 237 due to 3 cases being reclassified largely due to duplication. Within Victoria, 101 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 139 are under investigation. There have been 13 new deaths from COVID-19 reported…
The Mornington Peninsula has had 34 new cases of coronavirus in the last week. The peninsula has had a total of 155 cases, and 60 are still active, an increase in active cases of 17 over the week. The City of Frankston had an increase of 39 cases in the last week bringing the total cases to 194. City of Frankston’s active cases have stayed stable since a week ago at 77. The City of Casey has had an increase of 125 cases in the last week bringing their total to 822 cases with 228 still active. The City of…
Confirmed cases and active cases on the Mornington Peninsula as at 20/8/20 Listed in order of most confirmed cases to least confirmed cases. Mornington (Postcode 3931) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 39 – Active Cases (current): 27 Mount Martha (Postcode 3934) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 21 – Active Cases (current): 7 Somerville (Postcode 3912) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 15 – Active Cases (current): 7 Rosebud, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Fingal (Postcode 3939) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 11 – Active Cases (current): 5 Mount Eliza (Postcode 3930) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 10 – Active Cases (current): 1 Flinders (Postcode 3929) – Confirmed…
Police from the Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit are seeking public assistance to identify two women in relation to a cannabis crop house in Mt Eliza. Police uncovered a commercial quantity of cannabis plants after a warrant was executed at a property in Bambra Street on 14 July. No one was at the residential address at the time of the police search. Investigators believe two women perceived to be of Asian appearance may be able to assist them with their inquiries. Both are aged in their 20s or 30s, of average build and short to medium height. Investigators have release…
PENINSULA Aero Club says the enforcement order being sought by Mornington Peninsula Shire, if granted, will “effectively” shut down the Tyabb airfield. A news release issued by PAC president Jack Vevers following last Friday’s “practice” VCAT hearing said the shire’s intent was to “strangle airport operations to the point where it will become unviable. This will cause many job losses and the demise of the emergency response facility”. “Of course, all of this is predicated on the shire’s assertion that PAC does not have permits to continue to conduct its operations at Tyabb Airport, as it has for several decades,”…
HASTINGS police laid a wreath at the cenotaph at Hastings commemorating the war service of veterans representing US Army Small Ships, Saturday 15 August. The small service performed by Acting Sergeant David Kennedy and Constable Kip Mulvogue on the 75th anniversary of VP Day – Victory in the Pacific – referred to Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender made on 14 August 1945. For Australians, it meant World War II was finally over. COVID-19 restrictions prevented a larger ceremony, but the wreath-laying went some way towards honouring the memories of the 3328 Australians, including one woman, who…
A SIX-month program has been unveiled to get farmers to teach students about agricultural practices. The Farms2Schools program will give primary and secondary students an insight into how everyday agricultural products get from the paddock to their plate. Delivered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority in partnership with industry group AUSVEG VIC, Farms2Schools will see farmers visit schools and students visit farms. Students will be able question farmers and learn about how food is grown, managing agricultural enterprises, and life on the land. Although now limited by COVID-19 restrictions, excursions are expected to begin later in the…
COMMUNITY voting for a new name for Blacks Camp Reserve at Somerville ends Monday, 21 September. Mornington Peninsula Shire decided to rename the reserve after “community feedback has indicated the name Blacks Camp is a derogatory term that is inappropriate and offensive to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, creating a barrier for people of this heritage in accessing the education precinct” (“Showing respect by changing names” The News 28/7/20). With support from the Bunurong Land Council, the shire has decided to find new names for Blacks Camp Road, the bushland reserve and pre-school which share the name. In…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has taken the unprecedented step of publicly airing its grievances with the Peninsula Aero Club in the form of a “position statement” before the two parties headed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last Friday. The first of three VCAT sessions (14 August was a practice hearing day) will be followed by a compulsory conference on 26 October and a five-day hearing starting 12 April 2021. The shire says it wants to formalise a “coexistence” between the Tyabb airfield and the council after years of claim and counter claim over what operations are permitted at…
COMMUNITY group Save Westernport says details of power company AGL’s plans for a gas import terminal at Crib Point have “proven correct the fears of Mornington Peninsula residents”. With just one week left to make a submission, members of the community group have been studying the 10,000-page environment effects statement prepared by AGL for the proposed gas import jetty and pipeline project. The group says it is “discovering dozens of shocking new threats and impacts that have been released to the public for the first time”. “The extent of information that appears to have been kept back is alarming, with…
SOCCER IT could be a scene from Kindergarten Cop. Adam Steele is at his first training session with the newest kid on the State League block, Mount Martha. A group of teenagers fresh out of junior ranks. A squad made up of the previous year’s under-18s … and a 30-year-old defender. Steele was immediately made aware of what lay ahead in his first conversation with Mount Martha gaffer Chris Sanderson in early January. “Yeah Chris told me he had a young squad up from under-18s and playing senior football for the first time,” Steele said. And a few weeks later…
HORSE RACING CLAYTON Douglas has begun his training career in sensational fashion with his heavily backed debutant, Barocha, providing plenty of entertainment at Sale on Thursday 13 August. The Mornington-based trainer saw his very first runner get backed in from $6 into $1.75 after showing plenty of ability at the Mornington jumpouts, including a comfortable win in a heat that included the Group 1 winner Princess Jenni and Melbourne Cup hopeful Steel Prince. The addition of an unidentified viral text message spruik sent out the day prior to his debut added to the drama. While not all the facts were…
ON Monday night last, Miss Mackay was entertained at a farewell social, on the eve of her departure for Mornington. The Mechanics’ Hall was very prettily decorated for the occasion. Dr Mackeddie presided, and while the function was organised by Frankston Presbyterians to mark their appreciation of Miss Mackay’s activities on behalf of the Church, the very large and representative gathering present made the occasion one of general public importance, and indicated the high esteem in which Miss Mackay is held by all sections of the community. Despite inclement weather, visitors were present from far distant centres, and a highly…
AGE offers insight and understanding; it provides a well-rounded perspective on life’s events often overlooked by a youth-focused society. The benefits of longevity certainly haven’t been lost on Mornington 107-year-old Thelma Kirkman, who can look back on her experiences during the momentous events of the early-to-mid-20th century: World War I, the gay 1920s, Great Depression and the foreboding and horror of World War II. More relevant to today’s events, she can remember seeing people “dying on the streets” during the 1918-20 Spanish flu epidemic, which infected 500 million people – about a third of the world’s population at the time…