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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th May 2016

Best Wishes

Best wishes to Cr West , one of the hardest working Kingston Councillors, who is seriously ill in St Vincent’ hospitals. She has always been a stalwart defender of the environment and is sadly missed in that capacity in Council.

Level Cross Removals

Walter has been sounding out local politicians about sky rail for the Frankston Line and has been told that there is “no set policy as yet”, This seems to be borne out by the Premier on John Faine’s program 24 May when he acknowledged that there was a water problem on this line but there would be consultation and that there could be different solutions for different section of the line.

Walter was also relieved after speaking to the Minister for Transport, Luke Donellan that he supports an inland rail freight line. PPCC have compiled and presented a report on this project.

Panel Hearing New Residential Zones

Bruce Duffy, Vice President KRA, M.Rimington MBCL and Dorothy Booth, Mentone Station Gardens spoke at the NRZ Panel Hearings for the Kingston region on May 5th. Mary Drost dropped in briefly and said that all community presenters were presenting the same arguments opposing over development of the suburbs.

Mordialloc Bypass

Walter will visit local politicians re the MPF. A news item in the Age claimed that this freeway will not be built for many years. Low on the list of priorities with so many other projects underway.

Landfills Sites

Something we may have thought we’d heard the last of-old tipping sites have come back to haunt us! 8th May in the Age, Mark Wakeham of Environment Victoria, believes that the EPA should spend some of the $400 collected from the landfill levy should be spent on cleaning up creeks and rivers and stop decommissioned rubbish tips polluting water ways including Mordialloc Creek. The Age, 23 May, states that City of Kingston has 11 legacy landfill sites that are capable of leaching into the creek and Port Phillip Bay.

Canterbury Road

Saltview development went to VCAT over removal of Plains Grassy Wetland remnants. Case was lost and the remnant vegetation is to be moved -and if it survives, planted in Mordialloc Creek catchment. Revegetation project is continuing by contractors at Yammerbook.

Friends of Bradshaw Bushland Reserve

The members of this group are pleased that Kingston General Manager has an arrangement with rail authorities to care for remnant vegetation on the rail line outside the reserve’s fence. Unfortunately vandals have created trail bike jumps in the reserve’s prime ecological area. Local laws have been alerted. The Reserve brochure has been revised.

Timber Yard Development

The Timber Yard development in Albert Street (68 townhouses) has been refused by Council for design, surveillance faults, car parking and roof deck modification.

30 three storey units in Barkly Street will put enormous pressure on parking with a school, two churches and a funeral parlour abutting this development.

Kingston Coastal Management Plan

2014 has been released and is a great improvement on the draft document which contained a proposal to prevent trees being planted on the foreshore. The 2014 Plan is built on the 2009 model, also a fine example which quotes at 3.3 “Objectives and actions for protection of coastal vegetation and biodiversity outlined in several state and local strategies and policies ” and “it is important to retain vegetation for future generations to enjoy and provide habitat and food sources for local and migration of fauna to enjoy.”

Kingston Historic Tree Register

Clare wanted to know why certain councillors claimed “that there isn’t a need for an increase in the number of historic trees. The only historic trees should be on a golf course.” Members suggested that Clare ask that question at a council meeting. Clare also believes that there should be a 3000square metre vegetation audit prior to building in Trewella Road where there could be significant vegetation at risk.

Mordialloc Life Saving Club

This monstrosity now has its concrete slabs towering above the tree line of the foreshore – something that is frowned upon by the Port Phillip Authority report “Siting & Guidelines for Structures on the Port Phillip Coast.” where it states “when built form,colour and texture do not relate to surrounding natural character” redesign the building. Apparently this blot on the landscape will require so much electricity that United Energy proposes to install two tall poles and wires with a box attached either in Epsom Road (where there is already a similar pole) or in Beach Road where the wires would distract attention from views to the Bay. The third alternative is to plant a 5metre/5metre substation on the foreshore between High Street and Epsom Road. While it is claimed that vegetation won’t have to be removed for the substation, it is yet another built structure on the foreshore that could be placed elsewhere – for example why not within the building itself since it will be using the electricity – or on a corner of the tennis court car park which would be much closer to the building than the site on the Beach Road foreshore.

Playground on George Woods Reserve

The playground has also re-emerged. Watch this space.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd February 2016

Canterbury Industrial Site

Work has commenced on this site but unfortunately Melbourne Water is no longer interested in incorporating a small remnant of Plains Grassy Wetlands into a waterway to be constructed to purify drainage water before it flows into Mordialloc Creek. The remnant Grassy Wetlands is one of two remnants of this species growing in the forrmer Carrum Carrum Swamp . The other remnant is 4 hectares remaining in the former Epsom training track. A stand of Melalucas is also under threat from the industrial development. Kingston Council is going to VCAT over this issue and Nina plans to present also.

David Bainbridges Foreshore Survey

Bronwen advises that David’s survey has been placed on MBCL’s web site so that members can access it. David said his survey reveals a decline in indigenous species in the Natural Resource Area on the foreshore.

Non-Indigenous Species

Non-indigenous species are still being planted for example -sterile Gazanias close to the Edithvale wetlands. Other non -indigenous species are planted in planter boxes in Edithvale shopping street and at the Child Care Centre. We have remarked on this problem previously. Why are’nt the staff involved planting locally indigenous species and by so doing educating the public to the value of vegetation indigenous to the sand belt suburbs ?

Non indigenous species such as the Banana Passion Vine is causing aggro in Nina’s garden and is an example of the problems that can be caused when nuisance plants are introduced. Megan reports on a virulent stand of blackberries in the industrial site on Canterbury Road.

Removal of Vegetation

Alarming to receive a letter from Council planning department advising of possible removal of vegetation from the site of the proposed Mordialloc Lifesaving Club monolith after we had had a good outcome from our meeting with some of the landscaping staff on site. It appears that a botanist is to be engaged to assess the state of the two historic Monterey Cypresses. One in particular is popular with picnickers who like to sit under its spreading branches.

Level Crossing Removals

Discussion is commencing along the Frankston line as residents try to envisage a two or three line train track on concrete pillars racing overhead every ten minutes during peak hour. Cut and cover method has been employed to remove crossings at Ormond, Bentleigh and McKinnon stations. Mordialloc hasn’t been mentioned yet although Mentone may be in the firing line.

Green Wedge

Whether the Memorial Park is still to be located in the SE Green Wedge is uncertain however a Memorial Park in Gisborne is for sale and according to the owner is juts the place for weddings and picnics. The SE Green Wedge Committee have a new member to assist them. An ex-planner Alan Thatcher is clearly delineating property boundaries in the Green Wedge.

Inland Rail Route Report for PPCC

Walter, Jenny and Len Warfe have presented a case for the inland rail freight route at the Parliamentary Committee hearing last month. If built this rail freight line may do away with the need for a second port in Victoria and would also do away with so many container trucks on the road.

Environment Victoria

Environment Victoria has asked Port Phillip Conservation Council if they would be responsibile for Port Phillip Bay protection . Also monitoring the impact of the sale of Port Melbourne and future dredging that the sale of the Port may entail.

Managing Residential Development Advisory Committee

Residents have until March 14th to make a submission to the committee. It is difficult to find what is the true state of affairs – which areas will be protected from height increases, will there compensatory open space provided- what rights will third parties have to make an objection if they find a loud noisy entertainment centre opening next door in an Activity centre? Etc,etc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd September 2015

Canterbury Road Industrial Estate

Plans are underway to commence a Melbourne Water wetland in the Industrial Estate on the North Bank of Mordialloc creek above Wells Road bridge. Revised plans for the proposed wetland are designed to preserve a significant remnant of Herb-Rich Plains Grassy Wetlands. A Living Links tour of Long Beach Trail/Centre Swamp Drain showed highlighted Melbourne Waters recent plantings between Yammerbook Reserve and the Aspendale Gardens Oval.

Green Wedge

The Green Wedge is once again under threat –this time the arable market garden land could become a Memorial Park/cemetery. Letters have been sent to the Age and local newspapers deploring the latest attempt to disrupt plans for the long awaited Sandbelt Open Spaces Parkland for this section of the South East Green Wedge.

Bay Trail

With the first section of Kingston’s Round the Bay trail bike track completed- Charman Road to Mentone Lifesaving Club-it was felt that MBCL should seek consultation with Council officers involved with completion of the trail to Mordialloc Creek. This will involve siting the trail in a difficult section -MLSC to Mentone Parade – containing remnant vegetation i.e. Nodding Greenhoods. Approval was given by the OIC for a discussion of areas of concern along the route with the officer overseeing the work and a fruitful discussion took place in September. At least seven bus stops and numerous light poles make this a difficult stretch and may require some back-of -kerb sections and some sections on existing granitic shared paths.

Melrose Street, Mordialloc

Mordialloc – A Middle Ring Suburb is under attack with Melrose Street residents faced with further development of Parkdale Plaza. The oldest dwelling in Mordialloc,- heritage listed Henwood Cottage in Park Street, is to have additional development likely to receive approval. The old Timber Yard in Albert Street has changed hands again, now seemingly owned by enthusiastic young Asians ,who claim to have sold 39 of the 68 apartments in Casa Del Mar , yet to receive Council approval. Interesting to note that six heritage homes, lovingly renovated in Barkly Street ,have not yet been demolished although approved for multiple unit development.

Beaumaris Fossil Cliffs and Ledges 

Another attempt is being made to have the cliffs and sea ledges selected for the Victorian Heritage list. Date due for submission is November. Members of supporting groups, including MBCL, were invited to Government House in August in recognition of the work of volunteers in Landcare throughout Victoria. Judy represented MBCL and enjoyed the experience immensely.

Rare Win!

Environment minister, Lisa Neville has ordered Kingston Council to remove any reference to “protecting private bay views from its coastal management plan and to ensure it continued to plant a variety of trees” including over storey species i.e. Banksias and She-oaks. Council can now support natural regeneration of existing coastal banksia and black she-oak. New plantings will be promoted in cases of environmental vandalism.

Against the Grain

Former president/secretary of Kingston Conservation & Environment Coalition, Bill Hampel has written a book, Against the Grain, in which he introduces 14 Victorian farmers and describes how they are restoring their land while responding to the threat of climate change.

Bill devotes much of the book to giving a context for climate change, sets out the science underpinning climate change and discusses Australia’s response to it in terms of the media and politics. Published by Rosenberg Publishing 2015, soft cover, 280 pages RRP $29.95. Sounds like a good read.

Cheetham Salt Field

Geelong Envirornment Council is appealing for assistance because the Moolap Wetlands Park may be threatened with development. This wetland is a unique foreshore site consisting of 465 hectares of coastal saltmarsh and wetland habitat with significant environmental, archaeological and social values. The Moorlap wetland habitat supports migratory and non- migratory shorebirds and although not yet listed under the RAMSAR Convention, it has a crucial function on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, Lake Connewarre & Swan Bay in the survival of shorebirds and waterbirds already facing the loss of habitat along their migratory paths. Coastal Saltmarsh (Ecological Vegetation Class 9) provides critical habitat for the EPBC Act 1999 listed Orange-bellied Parrot. Coastal Saltmarsh is present in the wetland and adjacent Point Henry sites and is of high significance as it is endangered in the Otway Plains Bioregion Smaller closed areas of Submerged Herbfields dominated by beaded Glasswort. Development will affect tidal and hydrological patterns and vegetation growth patterns.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd February 1999

Conferences

Watch for information about the 3rd National Mainstreet Conference. Securing the future Mainstreet Streetlife 18-21-April 1999

Australia Day Stall

Sincere thanks to all those who assisted at our display and stall on Australia Day on Mordialloc Foreshore. Thanks to F.Rimingtons initiative we had a great position right in front of the main marquee. Our display and petition urging Council and State Govt to protect the Green Wedge attracted enormous support. Many people asked for and took away petition forms to gather further names. Councillors and State politicians take note.

Kingston Lodge Development L33

Despite widespread local opposition to this development in the Green Wedge, and scientific evidence concerning building on a flood plain when climate change and storm surges are becoming more frequent, McLellan has approved the 700 house residential development.

Epsom Racecourse Development L38

The Urban Land Authority has purchased the former racecourse and plans to construct 400- 500 houses on the site which is also flood prone. This land & parts of Mordialloc were flooded to a depth of two metres in 1932 and 1954. Melbourne Water will require 10 ha for a flood control basin on the site. This will also serve as the required “open space” for the development.

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