Tag » Climate Change

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Newsletter – December 2020

Peppercorn Tree Puzzle

There was concern when it was noticed that an old pepper corn tree was being removed outside the railway station. It was thought that maybe these trees were planted when the station was opened and therefore worthy heritage survivors. Peppercorn trees can be seen around many stations and public buildings in country towns. Seven peppercorn trees remain. Banksias have been planted in the station forecourt and Centreway to link the town with the foreshore’s indigenous vegetation. A branch of one of the remaining Monterey Cypress trees on the Pompei site blew down in a recent storm. It is disappointing that so many of these trees have been removed from around Mordialloc Creek because they attracted so many artists. Peter Smale’s work, featuring two paintings of the creek and launches, is able to be seen online.

Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is completed in this section of the Round the Bay Trail. Where the cyclists are supposed to go next seems uncertain, unless they ride under the road bridge and then through the Pompei site to reach the foot bridge over the creek to join the Long Beach Trail to Patterson River. Alternatively they could ride over the Pompei Bridge using the left side path, then through Attenborough Park, under the rail line where the rail bridge crosses the creek, along the south bank of the creek to join with the Long Beach Trail behind the Mordialloc Secondary College.

Climate Change Bill

MBCL added our signature to Zahlia Steggle’s (Fed MP) submission to Federal Parliament. This Bill was based on New Zealand and Britain’s climate change policies and supported by the Business Council of Australia, ACTU, AMA and Climate Works Australia with a total of 400,000 signatures.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Newsletter – August 2020

Bay Trail

Notification from Council advises of forthcoming works for the final stage of the Bay Trail from Renninson Street to the Nepean Highway. Work is expected to finish in late November.  Last month electronic counters recorded 42,000 people trying out the recently completed Stage 2 Bay Trail Mentone LSC to Renninson Street.

Mordialloc Creek Contamination Report

An official warning has been issued to foreshore residents from Edithvale to Bonbeach warning them not to drink the ground water from their bores because it contains PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl) an extremely cancerous chemical.

Toilet Block at Mordialloc Foreshore

As part of “improvements” to local parks Council intends to install “new, accessible toilet facilities” at Mordialloc foreshore near the pier and promenade. The design of this large, brick industrial looking building is out of character and will dominate the area.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd July 2019

Review of Ward Boundaries

Discussion re possible changes to ward boundaries as a result of the State Government’s proposal for changes for no ward boundaries at all, but with for example, for Kingston as of now, nine councillors. However council’s are not keen on this idea and neither are many residents. Apparently Bayside have just finished their review and they have continued with 3 wards with 3,2,3 councillors in the 3 Wards.

Mordialloc 5th Sea Scouts Rehousing

A suggestion at the Mordialloc Creek Community meeting that the Sea Scouts want to have the scout hall on the George Woods Reserve extended so that both 4* and 5 scouts could use this building. However that will mean yet another building occupying limited open space at that site. The alternative is for the Sea Scouts to relocate to the Mordialloc Sailing Club building at Aspendale. The yacht club member spoken to seemed to think that this would be a good idea. Chelsea Yacht Club shares its building on the foreshore with other boating activities.

National Tree Planting Day Sunday 28″ July

The NRA team were delighted with the number of residents and Scouts who turned out to help plant 1800 plants on this lovely sunny Sunday on Mordialloc Creek bank. It is great to note how well trees lining the banks of the creek have grown over the years. Water birds noted were ducks. cormorants. water hens and a Nankeen night heron. Unfortunately also noted were long strips of plastic in the reeds on the creek bank.

Heritage Listing Pompei Site

No response from Kingston Council re local Heritage listing for part of the Pompei site, or for Mordialloc Creek boating area around the Island and Doyle’s hotel -all part of the early settlement around Port Phillip Bay.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th June 2019

Mordialloc Creek Community Meeting

Travis reports on the number of plastic bottles found in the creek as well polystyrene which is a problem because it breaks into little pieces. Clare refers to a kit available to log rubbish and identify its source as it flows from drains into the creek and Bay

Dent’s Paddock

Clare reported that a developer wants to build 9 units on this site which will mean if the development proceeds only 20 trees will remain on the site where there are now approx 180 trees. The developer will need a permit to cut down 180 trees.

Greening Kingston

Greening Kingston with urban forests is one of Kingston Council’s policies. Unfortunately as more suburban houses and gardens are destroyed to make way for development trees are. A wonderful Eucalypt in Chelsea Heights growing in the nature strip is likely to be cut down because residents are afraid branches may fall although it is a healthy tree.

Banksia Boulevarde Beach Road Mordialloc

Still some indecision concerning what sort of tree to plant along Beach Road after the Bay Trail is completed. Vic Roads is not happy about Banksias and a small number of Beach Road residents noisily claim that they want views and not trees.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th February 2015

Communities for Nature Funding

In contrast to Kingston foreshore residents who have had inserted into Kingston’s coastal Management Plan that “Council will cease planting the tree species, Coast Banksia and Black She-oak, on the foreshore to reduce any future impact on private bay views” two Somers groups have received funding for a program designed to “support local environmental projects that protect and support native plants and animals.” A display of photos was on display telling the story of five years of hard work undertaken by the Friends restoring the Coastal Banksia Woodland and remnant dune scrub of the Reserve.  (Somers Paper Nautilus, Issue 55, Nov 2014 – Jan 2015)

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd December 2014

Happy New Year (Hopefully)

Trust all have had a relaxing time, ready for action and better prospects for the environment under a new government. MBCL has lost one of our long serving members who has moved to Bacchus Marsh to be closer to family. Mara, as secretary of MBCL, was one of the members who successfully prevented the DVA from concrete lining Mordialloc Creek in 1977. Fortunately the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works was engaged to realign the creek and revegetate the banks to create pleasant open space it is today in increasingly built up suburbia.

Desalination Plant Wonthaggi

Nina reported on a visit to the desalination plant at Wonthaggi and found it fascinating although there was no public access- only tour groups of eight persons. Former farmland surrounding the plant now indigenous habitat.

Bradshaw Park Name Change

The former Bradshaw Park, is now to be called officially Bradshaw Bushland Reserve. The Reserve has been transformed to bushland featuring indigenous flora and fauna.

The Grange

A successful barbecue was held at the Grange last November and was also a thank you from the NRA to the volunteers who have worked in reserves and on the foreshore throughout the year. All in all a lovely day.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd September 2014

The Bay Trail

The September meeting discussed Council’s approval for Mentone Surf Lifesaving Club to have a car park erected on the gravel verge which is to part of the Bay Trail.Because of the extra width of Beach Road at this point there is no need for a car park.Further more the deviation onto the cliff top will mean further loss of vegetation .

Mordialloc Creek EOI

Council called for an EOI regarding use of the creek bank, currently used to sell paint from existing small sheds. MBCL was invited to make a submission. After discussion reference was made to the Mordialloc Structure Plan which recommended that this area be retained for small boat owners to launch and maintain their boats. This proposal was supported meanwhile pointing out that there is limited room for parking at that site- especially if boat trailers have to be parked as well as the owner’s cars. This area is also subject to flooding during severe storm surges.

Beaumaris Fossil Beds and Sea Ledges

Disappointing to be told that Heritage Victoria does not accept scientific or Aboringinal requests for listing on their register although certain buildings are acceptable. The art created in this area by the Heidelberg school of painters should be listed.

Climate Change

It is encouraging to note the number of large groups who are campaigning to encourage both political parties to support renewal energy rather than the coal industry or fracking on prime agricultural land. COLLINS REPORT see attachment

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th March 2014

Forthcoming Events

Although the State election is not until November things are hotting up in the Sandbelt marginal seats with politician hopefuls appearing regularly in mug shots or street stalls. An example of Lib’s anxiety is the announcement that train/tram fares are to be altered on all lines. Trams will be free in the CBD and zone one fares will apply on the Frankston line where the STOP Group (Sandbelt Transport Options) have been active with street stalls, petitions and door knocking. A public meeting is in the offing. Well done, STOP!

Mentone Station

Mentone Station is planning a 100 year celebration – another photo opportunity for candidates! The station Friend’s Group is very active keeping an eye on the formal gardens and reporting graffiti attacks.

Green Wedge

Kingston’s Green Wedge is still under threat from a small group of land owners and a private school who want to see the land subdivided for residential development despite a creditable report by Planisphere who did not recommend subdivision. Latest reports by the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy in Parliament, March 12 states that he had no intention of changing the urban growth boundary near the golf club or approving anything.” Defenders of the South East Green Wedge applauded Mr Guy’s stance on the issue. The Planning Minister has also implemented an interim policy for a further 18 months. prohibiting material recycling in Kingston’s Green Wedge after a previous two-year protection order lapsed in June 2010. Council has not supported any of the previous applications.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd October 2013

Concrete Crusher Application.

Delta have lodged another application for a Materials Recycling Facility in conjunction with a Transfer Station. The Minister refused Delta’s application for a similar facility on the recommendation of a planning panel in 2005. Silica dust from the existing concrete crushing plant, also location on Kingston / Heatherton Road, has already forced a market gardening business, supplying local supermarkets, to close because of dust falling on vegetables. Silica dust can result in silicosis forming. Water is of the utmost importance in the concrete crushing process as a means of suppressing dust emissions. A second concrete crusher, if approved, operating in the same locality, will increase the demand for water supplied by natural run=off, water from disused quarries acting as dams, groundwater and mains water supply during dry periods. The Dandenong Offensive Industrial Zone (now INZ2) was designed to accommodate offensive polluting industries such as concrete crushers. Kingston’s Green Wedge is not an appropriate location for polluting industries harmful to the environment.

Continue reading »

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th June 2013

Booklets, Brochures, Web Site, Etc.

Work is continuing to upgrade these items and include Yammerbook ,work on Mordialloc Creek and bike path in this material.

Beaumaris Cliff and Sea Ledge Fossil Sites

Bayside Councillor, Heather Stewart, was contacted by Judy to see if Bayside Council would add support to MBCL nomination of the cliffs for the National Estate Register. Suggested meeting of Dr Fitzgerald with local politicians to add weight to the nomination was also mooted.

Environmental Victoria Campaign

Environmental Victoria now has 11,000 signatures on a petition urging the Napthine government to protect national parks rather than open them up for ecotourism and privatisation. This government has brought the wind industry to a standstill making it more expensive for families to install solar hot water and panels, pursued highly polluting brown coal exports and cut environment spending, programs and protection. EV is continuing their campaign and will be in Mordialloc Saturday July 20 from 10.00am to 3pm .EV Continues to meet with Coalition politicians to alert them to the community concern about their broken pre-election promises. MBCL/KCEC met with a local member Friday 21st July.

Dingley Bypass

VicRoads has applied to have the VCAT appeal upgraded to a major project meaning that they now have to bear costs ($3000 per day)– not the objectors! Our expert witness will still have to be paid as well as an increased fee to lodge an application. Hearing fees for some cases will be more than $1400 per day making it impossible for community groups to lodge an objection about an inappropriate development. Friends of the Earth and Environment Defenders Office all claim that higher fees will mean less scrutiny of planning matters. Mediation 18 July @ VCAT 10am. Hearing 29/30 August for two days 10am at VCAT.

Ecotourism in National Parks

Queensland, NSW and now Victoria wants to allow grazing, shooting and logging in national parks. Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has had to back down in his attempt to extend federal powers over national parks after cabinet rejected the move when mining and gas lobby groups said ,”it would restrict coal seam gas and other projects near the boundaries of national parks.” Resources Minister, Gary Gray, led the push against changes in the cabinet. (Age 19 June 2013)

Mordialloc Creek

Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria are meeting to decide on management of the creek up to Wells Road. It is understood that Melbourne Water is responsible for flood prevention and drainage issues. Parks Victoria ?

Yammerbook

City of Kingston Engineer, Alan West, has drawn up a contour map for 1:10 year flood levels. This map will guide placement of features in Stage 2 of the concept design for paths, viewing platforms, picnic area and disabled access.

June – A Busy Month

With the opening of the refurbished and restored Laura & Charles Ferguson Museum in Old Bakery Lane Mentone ,12 June – more space for the historical society’s items and documents. Also Mordialloc Masonic Hall Open House 12 June and again June 19 when the public was invited to check out the space and offer suggestions for future community use. U3A and Art groups have expressed interest, community meeting space was a popular suggestion, space for men to play chess,etc, and a reading room since Mordialloc doesn’t have a library.   

Canary Island Palm Trees to be Lit Up?

Mordialloc Traders want the palm trees to have lights costing $200,000. Lighting trees raises questions about energy use and the impact on nesting birds. There is a family of Sulfur Crested Cockatoos in the trees and recently the lovely Rainbow Lorikeets have driven out starlings and made the trees their home. Which is the greatest attraction- lights only seen at night or the Australian bird life- a swirl of colour and chattering in the trees?

Groundwater and Environment Protection Laws

Free EDO seminar , 3 July 2013, Carlton. Groundwater has an important role in the environment supporting surface water systems and its own eco-systems. Unfortunately at present there is over-extraction and contamination from mines and coal seam gas projects.

Farmland Trust – An Idea For The Green Wedge?

  1. Engage the community:- provide education service, facilitate understanding of farmland policy.
  2. Ownership : offer secure lease holding, facilitate cooperative ownership, manage crowd funding initiatives.
  3. Benefits : increasing sustainable food production, increasing regional food security , providing greater urban liveability, preserving community heritage, building resilient regional economies, strengthening communities.

Further Ideas – Green Wedge Projects

  1.  Walking and cycling connectivity
  2.  Old Dandenong Road streetscape improvement
  3.  Establish a Green Wedge care group
  4.  Neighbourhood garden blitz
  5.  Horse trail.
  6.  Wetlands feasibility project .
  7.  Elder Street South open space development project.

These projects aim to provide for a diversity of projects that will allow interested members of the community to work in partnership with Council to improve the presentation of the Kingston Green Wedge. Food for thought?

Climate Change

There is more discussion recently in the media about the need to reduce green house emissions. See an article by Tim Colebatch “Climate change: Abbott must get off the fence” in the Age, June 25, 2013. In the June edition of the Monthly magazine, “The burning truth about coal” by Bill McKibben. He states that “Australia’s coal has to stay in the ground , along with Canada’s oil, and the huge reserves of gas in the US….If that carbon is poured into the atmosphere …the planet will overheat disastrously.” Tim Flannery in the Quarterly Essay, “After the future : Australia’s new extinction crisis” Issue 48 ,2012. This article deals with Queensland and NSW ‘s weakening protection of national and marine parks. NSW’s government’s first action when elected, was to pass legislation, proposed by the Shooters and Fishers Party, to ban the creation of new marine parks and extensions to marine sanctuaries for five years. The former Baillieu government’s attempt to change the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act so that the Secretary of the DSE can exempt logging interests from the need to survey for endangered species in logging coupes. The present State government is planning to open national parks to ecotourism – shooting deer in national parks already takes place. In Western Australia national parks and A-class nature reserves can be resumed for mining. If coal mining is approved in the Galilee Basin, Qld, the Brimblebox nature reserve and three threatened bird species will not survive.

Environment Victoria’s campaign to protect national parks is timely.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.