Tag » Beaumaris Cliffs

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st June 2016

Mordialloc Life Saving Club Substation

Sub-Station on foreshore to supply electricity for the gigantic new Mordialloc surf lifesaving club . Interestingly the local paper, the Leader, 29 June,announces that four Bayside lifesaving clubs are being provided with solar panels. Why not the Mordialloc LSC? Letters were sent to Council from MBCL and Nina suggesting that option rather than having unsightly electric light poles on Beach or Epsom Roads or industrialising the foreshore with a sub station.

George Woods Playground

Disappointingly the Council is going ahead with a large playground on the arboretum site in George Woods Reserve behind the kindergarten despite local families preferring an upgrade of the existing playground in close proximity to toilets. No toilets are planned for the new playground because of difficulty in providing infrastructure. There is a trend amongst some councils to adopt the European idea of introducing children to the natural environment by allowing kids to play in the open with leaves, branches, sand and small amounts of water. Rope bridges and flying foxes are featured in some ceases. While this idea formed part of MBCL’s submission to Council but not accepted we were impressed that Andrew Wright took the trouble to reply to the sub with a letter explaining why he felt the idea wouldn’t work in this case!!! Has there been a revolution up at 1230 Nepean Highway???

Coast and Creek Booklet

Discussion about how this project could be

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd December 2015

Floral Survey of Indigenous Plants

David gave a comprehensive coverage of the survey which he has completed regarding indigenous plants on Kingston Foreshore. Unfortunately he found that there has been a decline in plants in some areas possibly due to drought and the increasing use of the foreshore by the public. Bronwen suggested that the survey be placed on individual websites. Lewis suggested that this important information would make a good press release. Nina, Liz and Bronwen to liaise to produce a media release in February.

Correspondence

Incoming letter concerning the application for a Memorial Park in Kingston’s Green Wedge. A planning permit will be required before this project can go-ahead however the Planning Minister can make a decision resulting in compulsory acquisition if the application is approved.

Mordialloc Creek

Mordialloc Boat Owners and Fishermen will be delighted now that the Andrew’s Labor Government has agreed to provide funds for the installation of new wave baffles at the mouth of Mordialloc Creek. The announcement was made at a meeting on site in December to which MBCL was invited.

An impressive line up of politicians were present as well as Parks Victoria and Mordialloc Motor Yacht Club people. Politicians present were Mark Dreyfus, Opposition Attorney General, Tim Richardson, Mordialloc MP and Ports Minister, Luke Donnellan. Wave baffles are timber structures placed on both sides of the creek to reduce wave energy flowing upstream during severe storms and thus preventing wreckage of boats moored in the creek.

Green Wedge

The Green Wedge Coalition Metting at RMIT in December was attended by Cr West , W.Grahame and M.Rimington. Incursions into Green Wedges in the western areas especially is concerning as valuable farmland is being covered in concrete as residential development expands. Fortunately the GW Coalition has gained a new member with years of planning experience who is prepared to advise on planning issues when required.

It is now being realised that urban sprawl could eat up Melbourne’s foodbowl and see future generations starved of local produce if governments do not protect agricultural land on the cities fringes and outer suburbs according to an independent report by Foodprint Melboourne, a collaboration between Melbourne University and Victorian Eco Innovation Lab. The report warns that 16% of the farmland in Melbourne’s foodbowl may be lost “if current trends are maintained, including up to 77% in the inner foodbowl.” (Melbourne’s Foodbowl: Now and at seven million)

Timber Yard Development

Nina reports that the development of 68 units has some sustainable features and is an improvement on the original plan which had many more dwellings. Penny reported seeing the latest development on Channel 72 at 11pm. However latest report is that Kingston Council has refused the application which now probably goes to VCAT.

Beaumaris Cliffs and Fossil Site

Another ancient artifact, dating back more than five million years ,has been found at this site. This extremely rare fossil was found adjacent to the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron and will be placed in the Museum Victoria’s invertebrate collection. The committee involved in reviewing our original submission to have the Beaumaris Cliffs listed as a Heritage site, has completed the review and sent the submission to the appropriate authorities.

Level Cross Removals

Consultation will be required to decide which method is to be used to dispense with boom gates on the Frankston line so that motorists no longer have a long wait at crossings especially at peak hours. Under consideration are two storey high double or triple rail lines from Aspendale to Frankston, or a cut-and-cover method such as at present being constructed at Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon stations and has been successfully completed at Nunawading station on the Lilydale line.

While it is claimed that the elevated line is cheaper to build it is likely to be noisier and more obtrusive the cut and cover method. Problems such as access for disabled, elderly ,wheel chairs and prams in the elevated model would surely require large, fast lifts as well as escalators for peak hour public transport users especially.

Mordialloc Life Saving Club Landscaping

At a meeting with council officers in December landscaping when the construction of the LSC is finished was discussed.One issue was the removal, or not, of the pleasant, well-used little path from Beach Road(opposite Owen Street) to the foreshore. If this path is removed to allow re-vegetation it means that pedestrians would have to use the Centreway to Foreshore path through the Scullin Reserve, or a path through the car park at the new LSC, or the path opposite Epsom Road to the foreshore . The existing little path is the most convenient access also for cars parking along Beach Road at that point.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st May 2013

Beaumaris Cliff Fossil Site

The opportunity presented itself during the Beaumaris Conversation Society’s 60th birthday party recently to seek support from Bayside Mayor, Stephen Hartney, for MBCL’s nomination of the fossil site. MBCL president invited Dr Erich Fitzgerald to the well attended May KCEC meeting to report on his work at the Beaumaris fossil site and sea ledges. The importance of protecting the site to enable research to continue in future was stressed. Attendees found the lecture absorbing and are grateful to Judy for inviting Dr Fitzgerald along. Well done!

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd April 2013

Beaumaris Cliff Fossil Site

Great news! MBCL’s application requesting that the Beaumaris Fossil Cliffs and Sea Ledge be listed on the National Heritage List has been accepted. Special thanks to Mark Dreyfus QC MP, for assisting our application by appealing to Tony Burke MP., Minister for Sustainability and Environment for his support. Thanks also to Prof. Tim Flannery and Dr Eric Fitzgerald who supported the MBCL application. Dr Fitzgerald has been undertaking research work at Beaumaris. He informed Judy that a Coasts program similar to that seen on SBS, has been filmed at Beaumaris and will be shown at the end of the year. Judy presented the nomination document at the April PPCC meeting and received acclamation from all- including G. Goode no less! Dr. Fitzgerald will be guest speaker at the May meeting of KCEC at Mordialloc Neighbourhood House.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th September 2012

EPA Works Approval Application

EPA has received an application to issue works approval or licences which permit work which will result in a discharge of waste to the environment, or an increase or alteration in existing discharge. Alex Fraser Asphalt Pty Ltd, Dandenong South, is applying for this licence to develop 250,000 tonnes per annum of hot mix asphalt facility.Where will this waste be discharged? Into Dandenong Creek which flows mainly into Patterson River or will some waste enter Mordialloc Creek?

Members Overseas

Members currently touring overseas will soon be returning. Card from the Earls in the UK advises that the English Green Wedges are also under threat. A conservative govt disease?

Waterwatch

Bronwen’s waterwatch partners have abandoned the cause unfortunately. Work may begin soon on another wetland on the north bank of the creek on industrial land above Wells Road bridge. This may cause silt to flow down stream – hopefully not re-silting the dredged areas down stream from Chute Street boat ramp to the mouth of the creek. Dredging work is proceeding on time and on budget. The Mordialloc Creek Committee’s aims are fortunately in line with environment values supporting retention of boating works and maintenance on the Pompeii site rather certain developments proposed for the site in Mordialloc Structure Plan. The Committee would also prefer to see shade trees on the Hazel Pierce Reserve rather than Canary Island Date Palms classed as invasive weeds in the DSE Invasive Weeds document.

MBCL Web Site

Discussion about what should appear on the website bearing in mind that Tom and Tatania will be responsible for adding material and maintaining the site while involved in their own business. It was suggested that suitable material could be collected and every three months passed on to Tom via Lew. Material to be added could be listed in the newsletter.

Council Survey and Election

Survey results have been compiled and a list of existing and potential Councillors who responded have been passed on to the local papers.

The Collins Report

Tony stressed to watch out for Myrtle Rust which is infecting a wide variety of trees and plants in suburban gardens, parks and countryside. It is thought that the Rust comes initially from nurseries. It is important to report to the Department of Primary Industry and sightings of the pest.

Arctic Sea Ice Melting

The polar cap is shriveling at unforeseen speed according to Professor Steffen (Sunday Age 23 Sept. 2012). “The most radical projection is about 2016 and probably the most conservative projection is about 2030 when the polar cap will be ice free.” Greenland has lost nearly all its ice and some residents are looking forward to mining the previously buried resources. “The speed of events is why scientists are so worried. The only way to stop these thresholds is to cut greenhouse emissions triggering these changes and there are a few signs of that taking place.” It seems most unwise therefore, for the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy to approve development in coastal areas. He believes that no one need worry for 20 years and after that the next generation will have to deal with the outcome!

Coal Seam Gas Mining

The Union of Australian Women (UAW) at their last meeting had a speaker who has recently moved to Gippsland – right in the thick of the CSG battle. Mairi Neale has provided excellent notes of the presentation available for anyone interested in the environmental threat.

New Planning Zones

Anyone wanting to be informed about the Planning Minister’s assault on our suburbs should check the email for a summary compiled by a Green Wegde member from Macedon Ranges. She outlines the impact not only on urban areas but also on the rural zones and farming communities, small towns and villages. Virtually under Guy’s rules anything goes. Third party rights to object no longer exist.

Port Phillip Conservation Council AGM

Scheduled to be held at 7:30pm Monday 22 October at Long Beach Place, Chelsea Community Center. Guest Speaker will be Dr Graeme Pearman Climate Scientist. Dr Pearman was Chief Scientist at Aspendale Atmospheric Center for many years and has spoken and written about climate change for decades. Not to be missed.

Beaumaris Cliffs

The internationally renowned fossil cliffs have been removed from the National Estate Register. The Federal Government closed the Register therefore significant sites now have no legal protection. The Federal Minister for the Environment suggested we appeal to have the cliffs registered on the Victorian Estate Register and included a most complex document to be completed for that purpose. Geoffrey Goode, PPCC, claimed that the Geological Society of Government has only registered one site for inclusion on the Register. In the light of the State Govt’s recent treatment of the environment this attitude is not surprising.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st August 2012

Beaumaris Cliffs National Estate Register

The important Beaumaris Red Bluff Sand Cliffs were removed from the National Estate Register (along with hundreds of other significant sites in 2004) leaving the cliffs without legal protection. Correspondence with Mark Dreyfus and Tony Burke, Minister fro Environment, advised that we could apply for the cliffs inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. However Geoffrey Goode,(PPCC) found after discussion with the Victorian Geological Society, that it is almost impossible to have any site accepted for listing in Victoria. Documents provided would require an astute legal eagle to deal with them.

Canary Island Date Palms Hazel Pierce Reserve

A letter from DSE A/Manager Environmental Planning Port Phillip Region, advises that the DSE prefers that all re-vegetation on coastal Crown land utilize indigenous species. DSE does not support the planting of Canary Island Palms on coastal Crown land and will advise City of Kingston of this. Canary Island Palms are listed in DSE’s “Advisory list of Environmental weeds of coastal plains and healthy forests bioregions of Victoria.” Letters were sent to Kingston CEO.

Meetings Attended

Wal attended a Beyond Zero Emissions meeting dealing mining emissions as a result of coal exports to China, India. 400 people attended. He also attended a meeting at Beaumaris Yacht Club attended by groups from around the Bay. issues affecting foreshore and waters of the Bay. Beaumaris Bay .

Waterwatch

Dredging work on the section of Moridalloc creek between the rail and road bridges is proceeding on time and on budget. Melbourne Water is planning to begin construction of wetlands on industrial land above Wells Road bridge. This work will connect with Waterways wetlands and may further help in improving water quality.

Green Wedge Management Plan

The plan was approved by Council 27th August with compromises that did not suit all land owners nor the Southeast Greenwedge Coalition. Nor was Lady Hamer happy with the Baillieu Government ignoring Premier Hamer’s plan to prevent development in the green wedges the lungs and green spaces of Melbourne. 6000 hectares of former green wedge land will be subject to plans for development including shops, sawmills, schools and petrol stations. Special thanks to Cr West who has valiantly fought to preserve Kingston’s green wedge for future generations – with able support from Crs Shewin and Staikos.

Council Pre-Election Survey

A meeting organized to meet council candidates was attended by four women who, if elected, will be a much needed antidote to Kingston’s present testosterone posturing at meetings.

The Collins Report

The NRA sites and foreshore were audited in July. We look forward to results as promised at the September meeting. The Horticulture crew assessed approximately 20% of sites managed by the crew to check on plant survival, mulch depth, weed cover, litter and quality pruning. The crew achieved 97% successful result. Rock wall at Carrum built to prevent beach erosion is nearly completed. Yammerbook Reserve has received draft detailed designs from Jeavons Landscapes but need to confirm flood levels with information provided by Melbourne Water prior to obtaining final approval and signing a licence agreement. National Tree Day proved to be very successful for council’s team with 80 people from a wide spectrum of volunteers and public and private schools planting along Mordialloc Creek, Kingston foreshore and reserves. An Interfaith Group planted 600 plants in an hour at Carrum foreshore on Saturday 28th July during National Tree Day.

Bay Trail

We understand the Vicroads plans to narrow Beach Road to Australian standards as a safety measure claiming that a wide road encourages speed whereas a standard width road would discourage speed. Should the narrowing eventuate it would simplify the locations of Kingston’s section of the Bay Trail on the verge of Beach Road to conform with the successful Bayside bike trail.

Barkly Street

Three storey 24 unit development may go to VCAT 19th November. Matthew Guy’s New Planning Zones will replace Res Zones 1,2,3 with zones allowing three to four storey’s in suburban streets and a a mixture of business activities in Activity Zones. (i.e our suburban shopping strips and housing on the fringe.) Third party objection will no longer apply where a development conforms with the new zones.

Port Phillip Conservation Council AGM

Will be held at 7.30pm Monday 22nd October at Long Beach Place Chelsea Community Center, 15 Chelsea Road. Guest Speaker will be Dr Graeme Pearman. Should not be missed. Dr Pearman, former head of CSIRO Aspendale Atmospheric Center was warning of climate change three decades ago – as were many other scientists such as Barry Pittock also a scientist at Aspendale.

Pompei Site

The site appears to be under threat according to an Age article 30th August “Local Legend’s son in deep water over family’s creek lease.” According to Mordialloc Structure plan no matter what development was planned for the area boating repairs, launching and possibly apprenticeship courses for boat builders were to be retained on site as part of the attraction of Mordialloc Creek and environs. Without boating activity and character Mordialloc would lose the “timeless unsophisticated quality which is perhaps one of its greatest assets.” This is according to Mordialloc Foreshore & Environs Strategy Plan for Mordialloc City Council November 1987 by Tract Consultants. Mordialloc Structure Plan endorsed the proposal to retain structures that would enable small boat owners to repair and launch their boats and if possible to have a museum of wooden boat building.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th December 1996

The Parks

Bradshaw Park
Work is on-going. The signs have not yet been erected or replaced. A new gate is required.

Braeside Park
The Dingley Drain is being monitored by the Braeside staff. The management of the Park is also supervising the red gum stand in the Woodlands Industrial Estate. MBCL will write to Mr Leigh in support of Friends of Braeside Park’s request that the Haines property be purchased to become part of the Park wetlands.

Heritage Listing of Beaumaris

Lisa Milley, City of Bayside Environment Officer, has confirmed that she has nominated the entire cliff section from Ricketts Point to Cliff Grove for Heritage Listing.

Bangholme Cemetery

A visit to the manager of the cemetery in November resulted in information about. the difficulties experienced by the management in attempting to establish a cemetery in swamp area with a high water table.

Re-Afforestation of Attenborough Park

Negotiations are continuing with Council re the location. and planting of young cypresses in order to retain the historical aspect of the approach to Chelsea. The DVCAC are also planning to seal the car park and re-vegetate with native species.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th May 1996

Correspondence

Incoming Scoresby Transport Corridor EES, Braeside Park News, Greg Wilton MHR, Australian Marine Conservation Society, Kingston Transport Strategy Study Forum.
Outgoing City of Kingston re CCT Parks, Hon Marie Tehan re Spider wire, City of Kingston re Ward Boundaries, City of Kingston re Woodlands Industrial Estate, City of Kingston re Chemical weed spraying, Leader Newspaper re misleading report on size of Windows on the Bay.

The Agnew Report

G.Agnew attended the following meetings:- Scoresby Transport Bypass, KCEC Transport Study, Port Phillip Conservation Council meeting as Vice President & MBCL Rep.
PPCC Report:- Re-location of Chemical storage to Pt Lillias still a major issue, Pt Wilson also a major concern, Hampton beach re-nourishment, Cerebus tourist development discussed. An embayment has formed on Sorrento beach which has trapped septic tank outflow from the Birrell approved restaurant on the foreshore. Main cause for concern at present is the introduction of spider wire to the marine environment. Spider wire is invisible and indestructible and therefore a danger to divers and marine life. A letter has been sent to Hon Marie Tehan re this matter. There will be a story on the ABC 7.30pm Report this week. Watch for it!

Heritage Listing Beaumaris Cliffs

There has been no response from the City of Bayside re including the (former) Mordialloc section of cliffs in the Heritage listing. Glen will follow up this matter.

The Parks

Bradshaw Park
Following an earlier successful planting day there will be another on the 18th May.

Braeside Park
A bicycle path is being installed in the park. The Friends group has written to Melbourne Parks & Waterways complaining about the environmental impact which the Woodlands Industrial Estate is having on the Park. Floodlighting is shining into the park and multi-coloured containers are littering the industrial estate. City of Kingston is responsible for landscaping the estate to shield Braeside from the visual pollution of the site. The Haines property issue is unresolved. Power lines will not be built across Braeside for 10-20 years (Never hopefully!) The seed smoke day was successful with 25-30 people attending. 5 Aborigines identified scar trees in the park. A wetland and bird habitat has been constructed behind Garden World and another wetland is being designed to attempt to further reduce and filter pollution entering the Dingley Drain which flows through the park.

Karkarook Park
M.P.& W are attempting to tighten specifications before sand mining companies tender for sand extraction & undertake restoration work when mining is completed.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th February 1996

Kingston Festival Community 24th March

Suggestions??? Assistance??? Ideas??? Offers of Items for Sale???

Braeside Park / Woodlands Industrial Estate

Ranger Mark Mooney is now Environmental Officer. Resources are spread thin since it is now necessary for staff to assist in the development of Karkarook Park. Deep holes are still being dug in the southern section of Woodlands Industrial Estate as soil is removed to fill industrial sites in the estate. Will these holes be too deep to perform satisfactorily as “wetlands”?

Development on Governor Road

The proposed restaurant and car park development on the north western corner of Governor Road has caused concern since it may set a precedent for development south of Governor Road where it is planned to locate linear wetlands. Jack will prepare a submission to be presented to City of Kingston Commissioners.

Bradshaw Park

Trial burns have been successfully conducted in the park. An Open Day is planned for March 16th. Since the introduction of CCT staff numbers in the Parks & Gardens areas have been savagely cut resulting in fewer staff working in a greatly increased area of parkland. This has resulted in less time spent maintaining foreshore reserves and, sadly, may also mean less time available to be devoted to specialised parks such as Bradshaw Park.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th December 1995

Correspondence

Outgoing John Standish re Shell Oil Pipeline, David Hodge re Kingston Bicycle Strategy Geoff Leigh re Parcel Dispatch from Mordialloc station, Foreshore Vegetation, KLSP, John Bayley re KLSP
Geoff Goode re “Windows” Michael Lee & Rod Atkinson re Optus Cables.
Incoming Community Festival Day Sunday 24th March 1996, Lyn Allison re Port Melbourne Tower Block. City of Kingston Grant Information, Clean up Australia Information.

Community Festival Day 24th March

Suggestions and assistance would be very much appreciated!

Braeside Park / Sandbelt Park

Progress has been slowed down at Braeside due to rain. Planting in Karkarook Park is being carried out by Braeside Park rangers and volunteers.

Kingston Bicycle Strategy

Due to Council amalgamations there has been numerous changes of staff handling the bicycle planning. David Hodge, the person now in charge of the strategy, assured the League that we would be included in working party discussions and that our 1992 proposals for a path along the Mordialloc Main Drain would be considered. However, it appears that a steering Committee consisting of cyclists and schools have been meeting for some time! A meeting with the consultants, Loder & Bayley, recently is reassuring in that the consultant is familiar with our proposals and welcomes our submission.

Heritage Listing of Beaumaris Cliffs

Glen will contact Chris and, Council re the listing. The Bayside Times reports on the nomination of the Beaumaris fossil site for National Estate listing. It is hoped that the listing will include the cliffs from Keefers to the Charman Road corner.

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