A PLEA for feed or the use of pasture to graze their 60 horses during the COVID-19 virus has proven positive for Gunnamatta Trail Rides. Proprietors Karen and Bekim Alija said a letterbox drop to nearby properties explaining that a sudden loss of income meant they were having trouble feeding their horses had been well received. “We are contacting you from a position of duress and desperation as this situation has hit our business and our horses extremely hard,” their letter said. “As with many businesses on the Mornington Peninsula we are unable to operate in these times which means…
Year: 2020
THE beach at Mount Martha north is quiet, even though there is no shortage of sand. Beach box owners and other users of the leash-free area would normally be rejoicing, but the beach – shown as Hawker Beach on Marine Safety Victoria charts – remains partially closed. The loss of sand of sand at the beach has long been a sore point of contention between beach users, Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Department of Land, Water and Planning. With the shire and the government agreeing to only barricade the base of the cliff to lessen the chance of a major…
Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO John Baker will be given emergency powers to make decisions normally made only by elected councillors. A special meeting on council (Tuesday 7 April) is expected to agree to hand the powers to Mr Baker if councillors are ill or unable to meet because of COVID-19. Under the suggested new rules, Mr Baker will be able to approve items of up to $1 million (if already in an adopted budget); $750,000 for works; $500,000 goods and services; and $200,000 for goods and services and works. While Mr Baker is certain to get some extra powers, some…
Mornington Peninsula Shire library staff have created online opportunities to read, watch, learn and have fun. A social hub on its website features activities for those spending more time at home. Links connect to such things as the Social Distance Festival, which publishes a calendar of free online concerts, plays, readings and live theatre performances from around the world. The hub offers those working from home links to training and resources to help move and improve businesses online. The hub also has wellness advice and ideas for keeping children busy. New content is uploaded regularly and school holiday competitions include…
ALTHOUGH caught in the midst of unprecedented economic uncertainty, Mornington Peninsula Shire has released its proposed 2020/21 budget for public comment. Property rates will rise by 2 per cent, in line with a cap imposed by the state government, providing the shire with $191.6 million towards an overall predicted income of $244.9m, $8m less than the previous year. Rural living rates will drop by 6 per cent. The budget does not include any of the ongoing and extensive measures being taken by the shire to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (“Crisis backing for business” The News 31/3/20). The ultimate…
A MAN died in a three-vehicle collision at Frankston South, Friday 3 April. He was the driver of a van which was extensively damaged when it hit a four-wheel-drive causing it to crash into a truck north-bound on Peninsula Link, near Robinsons Road, about 6.40am. The men driving the grey four-wheel-drive and the truck, both sole occupants, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Drivers were advised to avoid Peninsula Link where possible. Earlier, five cars were involved in a nose-to-tail south-bound on Peninsula Link near the Stony Point railway bridge, 6.15am, Friday 3 April. Sergeant Bruce Buchan, of Somerville…
A SEAFORD correspondent writes:– It seems evident that there are no motor headlight laws in Victoria, or if there are, very little attention is paid to them. Any night on Point Nepean Road, users of this road become subjected to the blinding glare of what are known as “dazzle hogs.” In many countries, headlight laws exist, which not only protect motorists, but the public generally. These laws are compulsory, and a heavy fine is imposed upon those who disregard them. It is high time some action was taken to enforce some such law here, and a strong move should be…
A BOAT possibly used by two fishermen missing off Flinders on the weekend has reportedly been found deserted at Pyramid Rocks, Phillip Island. The search continues for the men, aged 20 and 33, who left the Flinders boat ramp 6am, Sunday 5 April, in the three metre tinnie with outboard motor. The alarm was raised when a friend was unable to contact them about 9pm Sunday. Water Police, the Air Wing, Volunteer Marine Rescue and Western Port Coast Guard crews scoured Western Port Bay until late Sunday night and from first light Monday without sighting the pair. An AUSSAR Challenger…
Emergency services are searching for two men who failed to return to shore after going fishing in Western Port Bay on Sunday morning. The 20-year-old man and 33-year-old man set out on their vessel sometime before 6am from the Flinders boat ramp. Police have been told the men often fish off the Flinders coast, west of Phillip Island. A friend raised the alarm with police just before 9pm after being unable to contact the pair. The vessel the pair took out is described as a three metre aluminium “tinny” with an outboard motor. (Registration not known) Water Police, Coast Guard…
Residents are using the isolation time to clean up around the house, and then going for tip runs in violation of the rules for Stage 3 restrictions. Police receptions counters close until further notice. One more peninsula case today as the curve starts to flatten. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1135 – an increase of 20 from yesterday. No additional deaths were recorded overnight. The total number of cases includes 597 men and 538 women. Cases range in age from under one year to their early nineties.…
A RESIDENT has complained that Mornington Peninsula Shire’s transfer stations are “going flat strap catering to hordes of customers who are treating tips like there is no coronavirus”. The man, who asked not to be named to protect staff at one of the transfer stations, said “bored” residents were using spare tip vouchers to fill in their time. He pointed out that none of the state government’s four stay-at-home rules referred to dumping waste at tips. “They are blatantly breaking the rules,” he said. “It’s so wrong.” “Customers are 99 per cent domestic bringing in small loads, like a couple…
RECEPTION counters at all police stations on the Mornington Peninsula are closed until further notice because of the COVID-19 crisis. Stations are at Mornington, Rosebud, Dromana, Sorrento and Hastings. Reception counter at Frankston police station remains open. Those reporting on bail at any station can press the intercom for attention. Senior Sergeant Paul Edwards, of Mornington police, said members of the public wanting “critical” documents signed – such as affidavits allowing them to access their superannuation, for example – would be catered for but others with less urgent documents should go to GPs, pharmacies or bank managers. “With anything considered…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria are 1135 today – an increase of just 20 from yesterday. It is an encouraging sign that the efforts of Victorians to “flatten the curve” are working. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures rose by one since yesterday to 53. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 34 confirmed cases, an increase of one since yesterday. The City of Casey have 37 confirmed cases, with no new cases since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula has maintained it position as the fifth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just five days ago. The…
While the Mornington Peninsula Shire have said it’s okay to head back to the beach for a variety of activities, Mother Nature had other ideas today (Saturday 5 April). Below are a collection of photos from this mornings storms. Pictures: Cameron McCullough
NEW, simpler, rules have been introduced for what can and can’t be done on Mornington Peninsula Shire-managed beaches. The simplification followed discussions last week to ease “public confusion and establish a consistent approach” between the shire, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, management committees, and other bayside municipalities. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the result was a “broad alignment” of beach closure rules making them easier to understand. While peninsula beaches remain closed for public gatherings under coronavirus rules, they can be used as thoroughfares; for exercise, such as walking, running, swimming or surfing, and…
The peninsula’s beaches were closed until further notice last week, but now they are a little less closed. Peninsula cases rise by one to 52. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 1115 – an increase of 30 from yesterday. Last night a woman in her seventies died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to eight. The total number of cases includes 587 men and 528 women. Cases range in age from babies to their early nineties. There are 73 confirmed…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria are 1115 today – an increase of 30 from yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula’s figures rose by one since yesterday to 52. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 33 confirmed cases, an increase of one since yesterday. The City of Casey have 37 confirmed cases, an increase of two since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula now has the fifth highest number of infections of all the Local Government Areas, falling from second highest just four days ago. The ten worst affected Local Government Areas in Victoria are: City of Stonnington with 84 confirmed cases. City of Banyule with…
Breaking a continuous 438 year history of pranks and practical jokes, April Fools Day has been postponed until 1 September this year due to COVID-19. “It is a terrible shame, and is going to put a lot of our staff out of work, but it just had to be done,” said François de Blague, head of the International April Fool’s Day Federation (IAFDF) based in Geneva, Switzerland. In Australia, government officials have confirmed and hesitantly backed the move. “Look, this is not the time for people to be announcing there is a disease infecting spaghetti trees causing already panicked people…
The Mornington Peninsula Shire have committed to a “support package for local business” a week after the Committee for Mornington Peninsula began lobbying the shire on behalf of businesses hit by the coronavirus. Peninsula cases stand still as state jumps 96 today. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 917 – an increase of 96 from yesterday. Four people have already died in Victoria, many more are in hospital or self-isolating at home. The total number of cases includes 501 men and 413 women. Four cases in pre-school aged…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria are now at 917 with 96 newly diagnosed cases today. In positive news, the Mornington Peninsula’s figures remained the same at 46. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 28 confirmed cases. a jump of seven since yesterday. The City of Casey have 28 confirmed cases, a jump of two since yesterday. The Mornington Peninsula now has the equal second highest number of infections with Boroondara after they jumped to 46. City of Stonnington still has the highest rate of infections at 76 confirmed infections. Following on from the peninsula are: City of Banyule with 44 confirmed…
Visitors have been told to stay away from the Mornington Peninsula. Traders plead for ‘drastic’ help. Mornington Peninsula cases up to 45, a jump of five in two days. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 821 – an increase of 56 from yesterday. Victoria has recorded four deaths related to COVID-19. The total number of cases includes 447 men and 370 women, with people aged from three to 88. There are 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. Currently 29…
Coronavirus cases in Victoria are now at 821 with 56 newly diagnosed cases today. The Mornington Peninsula accounted for 46 of them, a jump of five cases in two days. Nearby, the City of Frankston have 21 confirmed cases, and City of Casey have 26 confirmed cases. The Mornington Peninsula still has the second highest number of infections in the state with only the City of Stonnington in Melbourne’s east surpassing it with 71 confirmed infections. Following on from the peninsula are: City of Boroondara with 40 confirmed cases. City of Melbourne with 38 confirmed cases. City of Glen Eira…
TEDDY bears are universal symbol of all that is good and wholesome about happy, healthy childhoods. Cute and cuddly, they provide comfort and a sense of security. They’re non-judgemental and, of course, can be a child’s “secret friend”, someone to confide in. Evie and Matilda Pentland, of Rye, wanted to share their teddies with passers-by last week, knowing that a state of social distancing had changed day-to-day interaction between neighbours. While it’s early days of what promises to be a drawn-out time of social isolation, it was heartening to see a youthful reaction to the community’s shared time of trouble.…
TEN multiple-birth families from Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula met at Angus and Rose at The Briars, Mount Martha, Sunday 15 March. The families are members of the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Multiple Birth Association which provides peer support for parents of multiple birth children (twins, triplets or more). Families expecting twins or more babies are encouraged to connect with others as multiple-birth parents are at increased risk of perinatal health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Services provided by the association include subsidised playgroups in conjunction with Chisholm TAFE, library, equipment hire, in-home support, and meals for families with…
TRADE is down, visitor numbers are down and revenue is down. With this nightmare scenario now a stark reality, Mornington Chamber of Commerce is pleading with all levels of government, financial institutions and landlords to “treat business tenants compassionately and urgently with respect to the current financial hardships caused by COVID-19”. It also wants government, financial institutions and local councils to freeze their landlords’ mortgages and municipal rates to help their tenants keep small business operating. Describing itself as the “key voice and advocate for local businesses” on the Mornington strip, the chamber wrote: “Main Street has been one of…
HORSE RACING THE Matt Laurie-trained Riddle Me That has topped off an impressive campaign with a narrow but decisive victory in the Listed Bendigo Guineas on Saturday 28 March. The three-year-old son of Deep Field kicked off his preparation in fine form with a dominant victory at Pakenham before having a luckless run at Flemington when posted three-wide the entire trip and still managing to secure second place. The gelding turned the tables on the victor from last start, Spend, with a narrow head victory in the $150,000 Bendigo Guineas. Given the perfect ride from jockey Daniel Stackhouse, the gutsy…
SOCCER A FOOTBALL Victoria statement issued last week has been met with disbelief and derision by local clubs. At a time when all competition and training is suspended at least until 14 April the state federation has said player registration costs and other fees and charges will continue to be levied. In part the statement said: “Clubs remain obliged to pay any competition administration or registration fee, zone/association fee (if applicable), member federation fee and FFA’s national registration fee (governing body costs) out of the registration fees they collect per participant.” Langwarrin, Mornington and Strikers are the only local clubs…
THE Dromana Foreshore Reserve Caravan Park closed earlier than normal for the year last week following state government directives aimed at limiting the COVID-19 pandemic. The management committee acting on advice from the [state’s] chief health officer closed the park on Wednesday 25 March saying it regretted the inconvenience adding that “the welfare of campers, our staff and our contractors must be paramount”. The closure came three days after Mornington Peninsula Shire closed its foreshore camping grounds at McCrae, Rosebud Rye and Sorrento, sending campers packing just weeks before the Easter holidays. The 47-site caravan park at Dromana runs from…
FRANKSTON MP Paul Edbrooke says that the Baxter rail extension will remain at a “standstill” until the business case is released. The proposed rail extension would see the Frankston line duplicated and electrified to Baxter, with two new stations at Langwarrin and Frankston East constructed. The business case was handed to the federal government in October last year, but has not been publicly released. Mr Edbrooke said “our community understands that the project is at a standstill until the federal government releases the business case for consideration of the costs and benefits.” The News has twice asked the office of…
LAKESIDE Villas at Crittenden Estate, Dromana has won the silver award for self-contained accommodation in the 2019 Australian Tourism Awards. The award was presented in Canberra on 6 March and followed Lakeside Villas winning gold at the Victorian Tourism Awards. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale won bronze in the ecotourism category at the Australian Tourism Awards. Balingup Heights Hilltop Forest Cottages, Western Australia and Avalon Coastal Retreat, Tasmania won the gold and bronze awards in the self-contained accommodation while Margaret Island Walk, Tasmania won gold and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Queensland silver in the ecotourism category. Lakeside Villas…