Coast and Creek Booklet
Bron kindly volunteered to check text and layout of booklet before forwarding it to the graphic artist for assembly.
Brighton Lifesaving Club
Both Nina and Mary have sent objections regarding a large extension to the Lifesaving Club on the foreshore at Dendy Street, Brighton. While a café is included in the development it is claimed that it will not have a commercial kitchen which would have suggested a public commercial facility. It is debatable whether a café on site is required for lifesavers. However the size and design of the building does not appear to conform to requirements as set out in the Victorian Coastal Strategy for structures on the foreshore. Eg “Discourage the use of coastal Crown Land as a cheap alternative to private land for commercial gain through the inclusion of an 158 seat licensed multi-purpose space and 60 seat restaurant with room for 100 people.”
Masonic Hall
Nina reports that there have been five Expressions of Interests received but proposals do not match criteria mainly financial. Officer response to proposals in a few weeks time.
Successful bidder will be responsible for 15 year lease and all refurbishments.
Mordialloc Creek
A working bee to weed the site near the Old Wells Road (MC4) was undertaken 5th November by Council Staff and volunteers. The idea of a Committee of Management for boat mooring and boat maintenance was discussed at the meeting . It was thought that it would be necessary to find a group of small boat owners, possibly a community group and a council representative to advise. The purpose would be to retain the fishing village/boat maintenance atmosphere around Mordialloc Creek. The danger is that a developer will gain control of the site and residential buildings will be erected. A restaurant “on the water’s edge” has even been proposed despite this being flood prone land.
George Woods Reserve Playground
Concern was felt when it the playground site was fenced off and a tree was being cut down. Reassurance was given that there was only one tree being removed because it was damaged, that many indigenous trees and vegetation would be planted on the site. It is disappointing that a decision by a councillor long gone had decreed that the playground should occupy the arboretum site, the nicest part of the reserve.
Mordialloc Bypass Project
This old chestnut keeps cropping up prior to elections and at present is being subjected to a business study by Vic Roads. Should the bypass be approved using the road reserve Aspendale Gardens, Waterways and a slice of Braeside Park would be destroyed. There are other options less costly and environmentally harmful such as a overpasss where the Dingley Bypass currently crosses Springvale Road and becomes Westall Road.
Green Wedge
Annual General Meeting was held at RMIT 30th November and was well represented by delegates from the nine Green Wedges surrounding Melbourne. Unfortunately nearly all GW’s are threatened with residential development and religious denominations seeking approval to build huge churches, mosques, temples and pagodas in the green wedge. Often there is an application for sports grounds and possibly schools which are approved in a green wedge. Discussion about a policy change to control this incursion into green wedges. Application for a memorial park in the South East Green Wedge has not yet been decided.
The Sporting Globe
177 objectors are concerned about the lack of parking for this three storey restaurant and gambling facility when there are already 18 café/restaurants with a liquor licence in the Main Street, plus 7 bottle shops. Traders are already concerned about the noise, drinking and brawls that occur in the street between the Macdonald Street, roundabout and the southern roundabout at the Creek. There have been mediation meetings but the applicant is not interested and will go to VCAT in March to seek approval.
Mentone Hotel
The developer wants to convert the hotel and car park into 45 four storey units on Beach Road. While claiming to protect the Heritage listed façade and staircase, the upper level will be converted into 12 apartments. A four storey development, if approved, will set a precedent and overturn the existing two storey height limit which has applied around Port Phillip Bay and is supported for most Bayside Councils. The Federal Isaacs
Labor MP, Mark Dreyfus says any plan to allow a four storey development is “ understandably troubling many residents”
Appeal Again St.Kilda Football Club 83 Poker Machines
Objectors are concerned children will be regularly visiting the premises when they are revamped and Kingston will host junior football training sessions. There is also the possibility that St Kilda will have to reapply for the poker machine licence since the existing building will be demolished and replaced with an entirely new building.
Grange Heathland Reserve Wedding Bush Festival
The Grange Wedding Bush Festival was held in November and although not quite as many people those who did attend were interested in the plants and work of volunteers.
New Member
Welcome to a new member, Lisa Hilliard, who is a very active volunteer in animal welfare. There is certainly much to be done to protect both indigenous species and those animals that provide our food. Sad also as people in this street found recently that a pet cat had been abandoned when tenants moved out and left it behind.