Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th November 2014

Beaumaris Cliffs and Sea Ledges

The finalised version of the submission requesting Heritage listing of the fossil cliffs and sea ledges was finally dispatched to Heritage Victoria early November only to be told that reference to historic, scientific and/or Aboriginal occupation of an area was not accepted under Heritage Victoria criterion. Apparently Criteria E applies almost entirely to the built environment. However we were invited to reapply on an A4 page, confining the application to the work of the Heidelberg School of painters who worked in the area resulting in the famous painting of the Beaumaris Cliffs, Slumbering Sea by Tom Roberts, now hanging permanently in ictoria’s National Gallery. Dr Tim Flannery and Dr Eric Fitzgerald ,Museum of Victoria, are featured in the series Coasts Australia discussing the importance of the fossils found in the sea ledges.which will disappear under tonnes of concrete if the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron is given approval to expand.

Mordialloc Creek

Sad to hear that the 180 year old Monterey Cypress trees planted by the first settlers are diseased and will all be removed. These include four trees in Mordialloc College school ground abutting Mordialloc Creek, the remaining trees in Attenborough Park and in the car park on the eastern bank of the creek where the trees shaded boat owners maintaining their boats. The trees in Attenborough Park provided an attractive gateway to Mordialloc. Artists were attracted to the creek, boats and cypresses with their works featured in many city and regional galleries.

The Bay Trail

Concern that car parking for Mentone Lifesaving Club has been approved utilising the gravel verge which is meant to become part of the bike track. The bike track will then encroach four metres onto the nine metres wide cliff top removing more of the remnant foreshore vegetation. Lengthy discussion ensued re appealing to VCAT taking into consideration costs of such action.

Mordialloc Lifesaving Club

Replacement by a larger multi use building occupying an attractive grassy dune. Vegetation will have to be removed but replaced when the existing building is demolished. Community consultation is to be offered – usually after decisions have already be made.

Green Wedge

Green Wedge is under threat from several quarters,not only from developers and land owners, but the State Government appears to be still regarding the green wedge as a waste recycling hub. Community consultation has indicated strong support for the for the Chain of Parks concept. Labor opposition has promised to protect green wedges from residential development.

Mordialloc Bypass

Mordialloc Bypass is on the agenda again after lying dormant for forty years . Construction will be costly since it would possibly require a flyover over Governor Road, wetlands alongside Waterways Residential Estate, over Mordialloc Creek and some Bowen Road housing would be affected also.

Bradshaw Park Bush Reserve

The Friends Group is applying for a name change from Bradshaw Park to the above,feeling that the reserve has more of a bushland feel rather than a parkland. The Friends would welcome letters of encouragement to the appropriate authority. The Friends had a pleasant visit to the Grange which also has some special plant species to admire.

Beaumaris Bay Fossil

A site of international significance. Discover the rich fossil history on our doorstep – at Ricketts Point, Beaumaris Lifesaving club, Sunday 22nd February 2015,12pm -3pm. Bring your fossils for identification! Speakers include Professor Tim Flannery, Dr Erich Fitzgerald, Palaeontologist Museum of Victoria, Professor John Buckeridge, RMIT University. Free event!

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

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