Project Proposals
Discussion re use of MBCL funds to assist with school projects or environmental group work. Judy and Bronwen to liaise with local schools and/or council staff. Recent possibility of -finally- an upgrade of MBCL web site! This could also mean saving important forty year old historical records of MBCL’s involvement with conservation work on the foreshore as well as current issues and submissions.
Melbourne Water Workshop
Where : Living Legends, Oaklands Road, Greenvale 3059. When Thursday 31 May from 10.00am -1.30pm. RSVP 24 May . Draft Strategies witll be available online from 14 May. Feedback closes 30 June 2012. The Healthy Waterways Strategy will replace the current Regional River Health Strategy for the Port Phillip and Westernport region when it expires in 2013.
Correspondence
Letter sent to Hon Murray Thompson MP re Kingston council decision to approve the dangerous, costly and environmentally damaging bike track along the Mentone promenade. No response. Media release sent to the Leader regarding the FOI O’Brien Traffic consultant report which states that “In my view, the existing promenade is not an appropriate route for the Bay Trail nor could it be made so….It is highly exposed to strong winds and any cyclist colliding with the seawall could go over it. Windblown sand build up could also be an issue for cyclists. ….There is just too great an element of unpredictability in terms of behaviour of various users(of the promenade) for this path to operate safely.”
Beach Renourishment
Meeting held 18 April to discuss renourishment of Mentone beach possibly with sand trucked from Mordialloc beach. Mentone LSC entrance undermined during a severe storm recently. The EES for Beaumaris Motor Yacht Club marina is currently under consideration. If this development is approved there will be damage to the eroding Beaumaris cliffs which unfortunately are no longer protected by the National Estate Register. Mentone beach sand movement may also be affected.
George Woods Reserve
Unfortunately the council has approved a large regional playground in the Arboretum in the George Woods Reserve . This will mean enlarging a car park, removing mature trees, installing toilets, barbecues and seating. The site is secluded and the manager of the kindergarten has referred to the unsociable behaviour occuring at the rear of the kindergarten and scout hall. She is calling for cameras and lighting .The preferred large alternative site is the existing playground at Bertram Street which is visible from Governor Road and the car park, is close to toilets and already has a barbecue in place. Bronwen volunteered to speak to /meet with the manager of the kindergarten.
Green Wedge Report
Patsy Martin from the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) claims that the State Government does not want green wedge boundaries moved and would prefer Springvale Road development area returned to the green wedge. Council discussion in camera raises issues of deals with land owners by some councillors.
The Collins Report
Yammerbook Melbourne Water has reviewed the consultant’s plan for the reserve and will then contact the Committee.
Foreshore Coordinator , Jarrod Megans has conducted information sessions about beach renourishment.
Ecological controlled burns at The Grange .
Clean up at Wells Road and Jack Grut Reserve construction site. Removal of dead trees and establishment of a Rain Garden plus revegetation work.
Council has released its Integration Water Cycle Strategy. The focus is to look at an integrated approach while considering alternative options for water use. Water is stored in tanks both above and underground for use on sport grounds.
Bus Tour
Bus tour for six MBCL/KCEC members ,conducted by Tony and Jarrod, along Kingston foreshore from Carrum to Mentone, April 17. Work carried out by the NRA team in the section Carrum to Aspendale North was impressive especially regeneration of Banksias. Sand bag retaining walls at North Aspendale appears successful as the bags are almost completely covered by the sand dune. Weed growth on cliffs at Charman Road ,Mentone is a problem. Siting the bike track along the cliff top, Charman Road to Mundy Street, and then down the cliff face to the Mentone Promenade will require removal of much vegetation to try to provide a 400 metre zig zag path down the steep cliff face. ( Refer to consultant’s report Page 1)
Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Notice of Investigation : Marine Investigation.
The purpose of the marine investigation is to provide an assessment of management of existing marine protected areas in meeting the purpose for which they were established. Submission period closes Monday 25 June. 2012.
Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, Level 6, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. 3002.
Palm Tree Hazel Pierce Reserve
Council has approved an avenue of Canary Island Date palms on Beach Road adjacent to the reserve.In 2006 Council removed the existing 12 date palms from the creek bank of the reserve as part of Kingston’s Coastal Management policy to plant locally indigenous species in the reserve.Banksias and she-oaks provide shade and shelter and retains Mordialloc’s unique fishing village character. The cost of planting date palms will cost approx. $250,000 and will not only contravene council’s management plan for the creek and foreshore but ignores the fact that DSE’s advisory list of environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria classifies Canary Island Date Palms as environmental weeds.
Mordialloc Rail Siding
Mordialloc Rail Siding looks like an industrial site with lights on all night probably for security reasons. However this may detract from the attraction of proposed 94 unit development next to the rail line!
Grange Heathland Reserve
The Grange has bought a camera to record plant development in the reserve.