Forthcoming Events
Public information session will be held at Clarinda Community Centre on Thursday November 8th from 7pm to give landowners, residents and community groups the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the Green Wedge and retention of open space- especially the Chain of Parks concept. Submissions due Nov.30th.
Candidates Forum in the Seat of ISAACS
Greens and Democrat candidates are available to discuss their parties policies at the Parkdale Uniting Church Hall, Parkers Road, 15th November at 7.30 pm. The minor parties may play an important role whichever party wins the forthcoming election.
Channel Deeping Panel Report
Channel Deeping Panel Report was finally released this week. No surprises! The Panel relied on POMC’s expert witnesses and the Independent Expert Group’s submissions to approve deepening the shipping channels .Cross examination of witnesses was not permitted at the hearing which limited information available to the Panel.The Chairman, Alan Hawke commented on this flaw, unusual in hearings of this type and recommended this procedure was not used in future hearings.Tide levels will be higher than originally stated, the Entrance will be dredged to a greater depth of possibly 22 metres allowing for an increased flow into the Bay.
If the Minister for Roads and Ports decides to proceed with the proposal, the Port of Melbourne Corporation will apply to the Victorian Minister for the Environment, for his approval under Coastal Management Act 1995.
The assessment will also be provided to the Federal Minister for Environment, for consideration under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Copies of the Minister for Planning’s Assessment can be found at www.dped.vic.gov.au
Another Bike Path ??
Why not a path along the south levee bank of the creek to Springvale Road to connect with the Dandenong Trail, the proposed Keysborough supermarket on Hutton Road and through the Waterways to Braeside? Apparently it is a good idea to build a path on a levee bank above flood level and also because it helps to compress the levee bank.
Mark Dreyfus
Federal Member for ISAACS, Mark Dreyfus gave a brief run-down of his interests and legal work prior to becoming candidate for Isaacs. He worked to defend the Edithvale Wetlands when threatened with inappropriate development, worked on the Native Vegetation Framework which the Queensland Government has now adopted, worked pro bono for the EDO and ACF, and in issues with the Hazelwood Power station. Mark worked for three years with a group opposed to Gunn’s pulp mill in Tasmania. Supports Labor policy in opposing the siting of 25 nuclear power stations in close proximity to Australian cities. Appreciated the fact that Mark (and Ross previously) were able to spare the time to attend MBCL meetings.
Kingston Bay Trail
Discussion of further action. Letters to relevant politicians. Work cannot proceed until DSE gives council permission. No permit is required otherwise since council has Committee of Management status.
Green Wedge
Council is seeking to re-zone green wedge land north of Kingston/Heatherton Road.If approved this will permit residential and industrial development as well as concrete crushing on land that was expected to become part of the Chain of Parks. Green wedges are under threat also in Greater Dandenong where a second Panel Hearing has permitted residential development on the boundary fence of the Animal Shelter This could mean the Shelter being forced to move to the outer suburbs..Consider making a submission to council opposing rezoning of Kingston’s Green Wedge We are indebted to Johanna for preparing a first rate sub for MBCL.
Windows on the Bay
One to watch for!. New management has been installed and though the CEO informs us that there has been no request for an extension of the building past experience has seen three extension of the original footprint.Parkdale Kiosk is another example of inappropriate to extensions beyond the footprint of the building on the foreshore.
Friends of Rowan Woodlands
Friends of Rowan Woodlands have been given a grant of $2300 for the erection of a sign board at the Woodlands. This was result of a grant application to Kingston Council.
Peter Scullin Reserve
We have requested information about plans for the Peter Scullin Reserve that MBCL has not seen. It is claimed that the extra barbecues being erected on the Reserve are part of a Master Plan. The CEO said he would forward a copy of the plans. No sign of them three weeks later.It is hoped that now that Tony Collins is in charge of Parks and Gardens we will kept informed.
Waterwatch Program
Judy has completed the training program required to begin water quality testing creek water. Nina and Brian are ordering the kit from Melanie of Waterwatch so all systems go!
Out and About
Your secretary attended a Melbourne 2030 Audit Expert Group at the Telstra Dome Saturday October 20th. This was attended by resident groups,DSE apparatchiks,politicians, etc. Since attendees were mainly unhappy resident groups there seemed to be uniformity in the desire for M2030 to refrain from making Melbourne one of the world’s most unliveable cities due to populaton increase (1000 people extra per week) and lack of water resources MAKING CONNECTIONS. Connecting people, Connecting with waterways at Mt Eliza Centre. Wonderful views, venue and food – and informative discussion. October 23 rd. And finally PARLIAMENT HOUSE to hear the channel deepening debate. Nov 1st.