Correspondence
Reports Received:
- Regulations for Personal Water Craft (Jet Skis)
- Kingston Environmental Report
- Transport of Industrial Waste. Prescribed Waste Transport Regulations Soon to be released: Marine & Coastal Study (Areas to be nominated for marine parks and aquaculture in Port Phillip Bay.)
- ARUP Transport Study.
Wetlands Hain’s Property
John Phillips, Group Property Manager, Portland House, reports a slight modification to their plan for residential development of rural land in the Green Wedge, the so called Hains property. Housing will occupy 38% of the site. This will permit a slight increase in the buffer zone. The complete wetland will cost $7 million to construct before the 600-800 residential estate goes ahead. 2 million cubic metres of earth will have to be moved to provide fill for the residential section of the site. The resultant hole will become a”lake”with a clay lined bottom to prevent the upwell of saline groundwater. Some experts claim that a clay lining will not prevent the intrusion of saline groundwater. Such questions need to be addressed before Council gives approval for this controversial development.
Mordialloc Creek
As part of the Hains wetland development Melbourne Water announced that as of Xmas 1997, there would be 2:1 split in water flow between Patterson River and Mordialloc Creek. Patterson River will receive 2/3 of the flow: Mordialloc Creek 1/3. MW claims that because Mordialloc Creek is a tidal estuary boating will not be affected! Consultants reports also raises questions about the effectiveness of the proposed wetland system in treating both high and low flow stormwater run-off. The report goes on public exhibition in February.
Activity Node Mordialloc Foreshore
The Victorian Coastal Strategy was released in December. Mordialloc is one of the Bayside sites classified as an Activity Node. An Activity Node is designated to be the area where there will be a concentration of recreational, boating and commercial activities. Food outlets will be encouraged as will developments by private firms such as Mirvac! Kingston Council has engaged consultants to prepare a Foreshore Strategy for Mordialloc. This is another development to be watched lest we lose our limited public open space on the foreshore to commercial development.
Vale Community Days
Kingston Council Officers have refused to provide $15,000 for the Community Day which the (former) Mordialloc Council funded for 25 years to enable community groups to raise funds and publicise their activities and local residents to enjoy a day of free entertainment.
The Mayor, Cr Nixon, “persuaded” Kingston Council officers to provide tents and tables for community groups to use on Australia Day at the Scullin Oval, Mordialloc. Despite the horrendous weather MBCL stalwarts occupied a tent for three hours, gave away free environmental material and information about proposals for Mordialloc Foreshore. Residents eagerly signed a petition opposing high rise development around Port Phillip Bay. Sale of original watercolour cards $56.00. Proceeds to MBCL.
Open Space Strategy
The City of Kingston has engaged consultants to prepare an Open Space Strategy. Mordialloc, Mentone and Parkdale rely heavily on the foreshore and creek reserves for their open space. The loss of Epsom Racecourse and the Hain’s property through industrial or housing development, as well as development along Wells Road will mean that residents will be deprived of essential parkland at a time when dual occupancies and units mean the loss of trees and gardens in our suburbs.
Mordialloc Precinct Traffic Study
A study of Mordialloc shopping centre and environs will commence early 1998. This is also an issue which needs to be carefully monitored.
As you can see 1998 will be busy year with proposed developments which will impact on our Bayside environment! MBCL welcomes input from concerned residents and is delighted to have interested people attend our monthly meetings.