More needs to be done on speed limits
The Shoreham Community Association has taken its concerns about speeds permitted on major roads on our side of the peninsula, and the danger to wildlife that these present, to the Mornington Peninsula Shire repeatedly over many years. It is heartened by progress on that now (Speed limits slashed on Frankston-Flinders Road, The News 16/07/25).
The SCA concerns also go to the safety of human life. It regards the intersection at Byrnes Road and Frankston-Flinders Road as “an accident waiting to happen”. Drivers coming out of Byrnes Road and from Shoreham Road very often cannot see the traffic on Frankston-Flinders Road which travels at a fast pace past the intersection.
Shire officers have identified the intersection as a “black spot”, and have been supportive of the need to address this. However, as a state road, any changes to the intersection must be approved by the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne.
In 2024 the SCA wrote to the Minister asking for “speed calming measures” to be in installed, as recommended by shire engineers, to help slow down traffic entering the intersection. It also sought the cutting back of overgrown vegetation that impedes the capacity for drivers to see the intersection.
In her reply of 7 June 2024, the minister expressed approval for the suggested intervention, but noted that “they did not have sufficient resources” to implement it at that time. She also wrote that “the vegetation will not be scheduled for rectification as did not meet intervention levels”.
Not giving up, the SCA will again be contacting the minister to reconsider the speed calming measures.
Of course, our preferred option would be to have a roundabout installed at the intersection, but shire officers have advised us that funding for this would only be considered if there was a fatality there due to the cost.
Susan Boggan, Shoreham Community Association
Merricks needs attention
Although some of the speed limit changes are welcomed it is not the answer to dangerous roads in the Mornington Peninsula (Speed limits slashed on Frankston-Flinders Road, The News 16/07/25). At present the intersection of Frankston- Flinders Rd and Merricks Rd has a weird two way right hand turn when you head towards Frankston-Flinders Rd on Merricks Rd. If you turn right in the morning the sun completely blinds driver’s sight of the coming traffic. I have seen many near misses at this intersection.
The pony/horse clubs have been trying for years to slow traffic out the front of Merricks store until Merricks Rd but has never had any assistance. Maybe they could reduce this area to 60kph.
Philip Giles, Balnarring
Peninsula biodiversity
According to the 2016 State of Biodiversity report developed by Ecology Australia, the Mornington Peninsula is home to 44 flora species and 39 fauna species classified as “rare or threatened in Victoria,” making it a most important part of the state from a biodiversity perspective. But sadly, one flora species and ten fauna species are known to be locally extinct.
So, it was heartening to read that, as part of the Melbourne Habitat Forever project, Trust for Nature will work with landholders on the peninsula and elsewhere to protect habitat on their properties forever with conservation covenants (New sanctuaries to help endangered species, The News 16/7/25).
The Ecology Australia report noted that 82 per cent of the peninsula was private land used for agriculture and urban development. Given that, in the decade since the report, urban development has grown, protecting private land from future development with conservation covenants is a critical and logical way forward.
The Shire’s 2019 Biodiversity Conservation Plan reported, “Currently, 15 private properties, covering c. 350 ha, are registered under a conservation covenant, which comprise the private conservation estate.”
Let’s hope with this new Habitat Forever project in 2025, more landholders come forward to make the peninsula an even safer haven for our unique plants and animals for years to come.
Ray Peck, Hawthorn
National Tree Day
National Tree Day is Sunday 27th July.
It’s an opportunity to get outside and join the thousands of Australians who are making a positive contribution to their communities by planting trees. Hats off to the crew at Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group, who, alongside many other “friends of” local reserves are doing the hard yards clearing out invasive weeds to create places for local indigenous plants and animals to thrive (Dig in and make a difference for National Tree Day, The News 15/7/25).
Everyone is welcome to join the folk at Sunshine Reserve, Hearn Creek, McCrae Coastal Group or Mornington Peninsula Landcare and reap benefits of planting trees next Sunday.
Details of National Tree Day events are easy to find on the Planet Ark website:
nationaltreeday.org.au/find-a-site
Amy Hiller, Kew
Shire transparency
Last week (Shire briefings, Letters 15/7/25) I addressed an issue near and dear to many people and it got me thinking. Mornington Peninsula Council Watch has been publishing a recap after each council meeting. Easy to find summaries of briefings, how they voted, question time, and management reports. No muss, no fuss.
I was, of course, on board for the transparency of this issue and realised that I haven’t even looked at the information since it has been posted as part of the council meetings attachments. I am guessing that I am not alone and hardly anyone has actually looked at the data, which is revealing if you want to be on the front foot about what the council is up to.
I can think of other instances where this is also true, online council meetings and a public record of it for example. Remember the good old days on that one and the arguments council had against it, none of which came to fruition.
So, what’s the point? Well, maybe the real issue with transparency is not that the information is not going to be followed up by anyone but the very devoted, but the roadblocks to having it available and the secrecy raises the hackles of many and causes mistrust in the council as many think they are hiding something.
You can expand this thought to councillors not standing up and making compelling arguments why they voted for or against contentious issues. Oh, I forgot, the council meetings are live streamed and recorded for review, but then who takes advantage of that?
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Abandoned trolleys
In the past supermarkets in some areas were fined for not collecting their trolleys.
They are expensive toys and ugly when abandoned. The Hastings streets are getting worse, but supermarkets don’t appear to worry about the cost involved.
John Hodgson, Balnarring
We need you, Cliff
On July 2, I read in your fine newspaper a letter to the editor that shook me with horror. When the next edition came out I headed straight for the letters page to see what the reactions to that letter would be.
To my amazement there was no mention of it and I assumed, because a host of writers had reacted to a letter on the same page regarding climate change, the responses I was expecting had been held over for the next edition due to space limitations. Boy, was I wrong! When this week’s edition arrived there was again no mention — in fact there was even a house-ad at the bottom of the page!
So let me make it loud and clear: Now is NOT the time, Cliffy Ellen, to be hanging up your magic pen — we readers need your grains of salt now more than ever.
Fred Wild, Rye
Youth crime
Youth crimes of violence – stabbings, bashings, rape, etc. Filmed and bragged about on social media. A jail term is considered a badge of honour. Is there no solution?
I believe there is – castration! Filmed and displayed on social media. Too extreme ?
Think about it – an inexpensive procedure, especially when performed without anaesthetic, and far less costly than imprisonment. No chance of passing on the violence gene. What greater deterrent could there be for a young man than to face loosing his libido and exposure to humiliation by his peers? Too cruel? We do it to animals all the time!
I would love to hear what readers think – could it work or am I way off the mark? Or are the legal obstacles too great? Something must be done to stop this wave of violence!
Kevin Sack, Somers
Grateful shopper
Thank you to the wonderful person who took the keys that I left in the car door in the Disability Parking area at the Bentons Square Shopping Centre, to Centre Management. No names were provided – actions such as this are well deserving of recognition and my grateful thanks. Thanks also to the Centre Management lady who saw me on the screen and crossed the car park to return them to me.
Roy Morrell, Mornington
