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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd September 2015

Canterbury Road Industrial Estate

Plans are underway to commence a Melbourne Water wetland in the Industrial Estate on the North Bank of Mordialloc creek above Wells Road bridge. Revised plans for the proposed wetland are designed to preserve a significant remnant of Herb-Rich Plains Grassy Wetlands. A Living Links tour of Long Beach Trail/Centre Swamp Drain showed highlighted Melbourne Waters recent plantings between Yammerbook Reserve and the Aspendale Gardens Oval.

Green Wedge

The Green Wedge is once again under threat –this time the arable market garden land could become a Memorial Park/cemetery. Letters have been sent to the Age and local newspapers deploring the latest attempt to disrupt plans for the long awaited Sandbelt Open Spaces Parkland for this section of the South East Green Wedge.

Bay Trail

With the first section of Kingston’s Round the Bay trail bike track completed- Charman Road to Mentone Lifesaving Club-it was felt that MBCL should seek consultation with Council officers involved with completion of the trail to Mordialloc Creek. This will involve siting the trail in a difficult section -MLSC to Mentone Parade – containing remnant vegetation i.e. Nodding Greenhoods. Approval was given by the OIC for a discussion of areas of concern along the route with the officer overseeing the work and a fruitful discussion took place in September. At least seven bus stops and numerous light poles make this a difficult stretch and may require some back-of -kerb sections and some sections on existing granitic shared paths.

Melrose Street, Mordialloc

Mordialloc – A Middle Ring Suburb is under attack with Melrose Street residents faced with further development of Parkdale Plaza. The oldest dwelling in Mordialloc,- heritage listed Henwood Cottage in Park Street, is to have additional development likely to receive approval. The old Timber Yard in Albert Street has changed hands again, now seemingly owned by enthusiastic young Asians ,who claim to have sold 39 of the 68 apartments in Casa Del Mar , yet to receive Council approval. Interesting to note that six heritage homes, lovingly renovated in Barkly Street ,have not yet been demolished although approved for multiple unit development.

Beaumaris Fossil Cliffs and Ledges 

Another attempt is being made to have the cliffs and sea ledges selected for the Victorian Heritage list. Date due for submission is November. Members of supporting groups, including MBCL, were invited to Government House in August in recognition of the work of volunteers in Landcare throughout Victoria. Judy represented MBCL and enjoyed the experience immensely.

Rare Win!

Environment minister, Lisa Neville has ordered Kingston Council to remove any reference to “protecting private bay views from its coastal management plan and to ensure it continued to plant a variety of trees” including over storey species i.e. Banksias and She-oaks. Council can now support natural regeneration of existing coastal banksia and black she-oak. New plantings will be promoted in cases of environmental vandalism.

Against the Grain

Former president/secretary of Kingston Conservation & Environment Coalition, Bill Hampel has written a book, Against the Grain, in which he introduces 14 Victorian farmers and describes how they are restoring their land while responding to the threat of climate change.

Bill devotes much of the book to giving a context for climate change, sets out the science underpinning climate change and discusses Australia’s response to it in terms of the media and politics. Published by Rosenberg Publishing 2015, soft cover, 280 pages RRP $29.95. Sounds like a good read.

Cheetham Salt Field

Geelong Envirornment Council is appealing for assistance because the Moolap Wetlands Park may be threatened with development. This wetland is a unique foreshore site consisting of 465 hectares of coastal saltmarsh and wetland habitat with significant environmental, archaeological and social values. The Moorlap wetland habitat supports migratory and non- migratory shorebirds and although not yet listed under the RAMSAR Convention, it has a crucial function on the western side of Port Phillip Bay, Lake Connewarre & Swan Bay in the survival of shorebirds and waterbirds already facing the loss of habitat along their migratory paths. Coastal Saltmarsh (Ecological Vegetation Class 9) provides critical habitat for the EPBC Act 1999 listed Orange-bellied Parrot. Coastal Saltmarsh is present in the wetland and adjacent Point Henry sites and is of high significance as it is endangered in the Otway Plains Bioregion Smaller closed areas of Submerged Herbfields dominated by beaded Glasswort. Development will affect tidal and hydrological patterns and vegetation growth patterns.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th August 2015

At The End of A Busy Year

Special thanks to committed environmentalists who support, not only our group, but keep us informed about conservation work by other groups. Walter and Nina perform a valuable role here by attending meetings and or/working bees and reporting back to MBCL. Judy, our President, has been instrumental in alerting us to the significance of the Beaumaris fossil cliffs and sea ledges and linking up with Sandringham /Beaumaris residents seeking to protect the cliffs from further marina development. Penny is a member of a local committee working to protect Heritage features such as the Mentone Station Gardens. Stephen, our measurement man, is invaluable in checking work on the Bay Trail and has found that there has been deviation from plans leading to encroachment into a much used park near Charman Road.Tony Collins kindly attends alternate MBCL meetings to keep us up to date with the valuable work which Council undertakes in sports grounds and Parks. Last, but certainly not least, grateful thanks to our most efficient Treasurer and especially to Fiona, IT specialist extraordionaire,without whom this newsletter would not have appeared this month!

Victoria National Park Association

AGM Tuesday 6th October ground floor meeting room 60 Leicester Street Carlton, 7pm. Nibbles and drinks provided.

Mordialloc Creek

MBCL made a submission to Melbourne Water’s Draft Flood Management Strategy for both Port Phillip and Westernport Catchments. Mordialloc Creek has been the centre of flood events since European settlement – major floods occurring in 1934 and 1952 and more recently in 1994. Kingston Council has been carrying out major drainage work which may help alleviate local flooding in future, however the fact that approval is still being given for developments on flood prone land in the Mordialloc Creek catchment means that run-off from increasing hard surface areas means that flash flooding will continue and probably increase locally. Check the attachment for a report on a working bee in the Mordialloc Creek reserve.

Legal Liability for Damages Following Approval of Development on Unstable Land

This matter was in response to a Notion of Motion presented by Kingston’s Councillor Cr West – a request for an assessment from lawyers of what Kingston Council’s (i.e Councillors and rate payers ) legal liability would be if Kingston Council staff and Councillors approve developments on known flood plain or unstable ground and damage occurs. Advice from lawyers was in part that Council should liasise with Melbourne Water Corporation in relation to the adequacy of the existing identification and mapping of flood plains within the municipality.

Port Phillip Conservation Council

Speaker at the PPCC AGM 7pm Monday 19th October at Long Beach Place, Chelsea Road, Chelsea. Guest Speaker will be Carolyn Ewers, Marine and Coastal Ecologist and doctoral candidate at Deakin University’s Centre for Integrative Ecology. Topic :- Blue carbon hotspots: Distribution and abundance of blue carbon in Victoria and focuses on understanding the dynamics of carbon sequestration in saltmarshes, mangroves and seagrasses to maximise carbon gains in coastal ecosystem restoration projects. Anyone interested in this topic is welcome to attend.

Bay Trail

In addition to the loss of 9 metres of parkland during the construction of the northern end of the Bay Trail (noted by Stephen), during the replacement of toilets and rejuvenation of Dixon Street and Antibes car parks the proposed route of back-of-kerb bike path seems to have been ignored by placement of the toilet blocks, new kerbing and revegetation by council foreshore staff. There has been a total lack of public consultation (as opposed to discussion with a carefully selected few) over the progress of the Bay Trail construction.

Green Wedge

At the last meeting of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Committee a progress report was given on planned uses in the GW. Certain Kingston Councillor weren’t happy with a previous report supporting retention of green wedge boundaries and uses and voted for Meinhardt consultants to review the previous report. Fortunately Meinhardt consultants supports Kingston’s Green Wedge Plan 2012 :preferred land uses environmental and natural resources.

Melrose Street, Mordialloc

In the State Government’s most recent residential planning schemes, Parkdale Plaza, abutting Melrose Street is the only area in Melbourne that is requesting that a section of the Plaza change from commercial to residential. While this is strongly supported by the residents, the tenants of shops in the Plaza are not in favour. Residents living in close proximity, (virtually across a narrow street from the back of the businesses) will have even greater aggravation from increased noise and traffic, Council supports the change but the State Government is dragging its feet over the outcome. A Panel Hearing is to hear the application next month.

Indian Temple

Somewhat of a Surprise to find that an Indian temple has been operating for a couple of years in what, from the Frankston railway line, appears to be a galvanised iron, vandalised and graffited shed! However the interior has apparently been refurbished to the required standards. The area is primarily a boat building, launching and maintenance site for small boat owners and is to remain so according to the City of Mordialloc (now Kingston) Structure Plan in order to retain Mordialloc’s fishing village atmosphere. During King tides, southwesterly gales and high rainfall in the catchment the creek overflows its banks and the area is flooded.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservaton League – Minutes – 3rd June 2015

Green Wedge

There appears to have been some light at the end of the tunnel with the report from Barry Ross, Secretary, defenders of the Green Wedge after a deputation to see the Planning Minister, Richard Wynne.  Sustainability Victoria has now acknowledged that the Kingston/Dingley Waste Hub should be located in an industrial area.  However the Minister is still considering the Alex Fraser lease application for a further 15 years for the concrete crushing business to remain on Heatherton Road.

Bay Trail

Will certainly cause headaches for builders further down the track.  Nice new concrete curbing at the Antibes car park will have to be removed when the Bay Trail reaches that point it seems!

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservaton League – Minutes – 1st April 2015

Mordialloc Creek Catchment

Four Friends of Mordialloc Creek Catchment and two Council rangers attended a working bee Saturday 11th April planting the north-western perimeter of the Epsom Wetland with Water Ribbons for frog habitat, Swamp Goodenia groundcover and Swamp Melaleuca. A dead Murray River Short-necked Turtle was found with its head bitten possibly by a dog,domestic cat, feral cat or fox. Query raised about ensuring that tall shrubby vegetation being kept well back from wetland edges to reduce predation on birds and water creatures.

Bradshaw Bushland Reserve

Ecological burn was conducted, 31 March in the centre of the reserve without incident, to stimulate the germination of local native plants, some of which may not have been seen for many years. Railway fencing replacement will start soon.

Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations

Nina Springle, Greens MLC for SE Region, Victorian Greens Ellen Sandell ,environment portfolio, and Samantha Dunn, local Government portfolio will work together towards achieving better native vegetation protection.

Special Meeting on Public Transport Issues 

Wednesday, 20 May , 7pm at Mordialloc Neighbourhood House, 457 Main Street , Mordialloc. Hosted by local environment groups, KCEC and KRA in association with Public Transport Not Traffic (STOP)  Discussion will include government plans for level crossings in Kingston and how this may affect residents.

George Woods Reserve

A new kindergarten is being built in this Reserve plus a large playground on the Aboretum, a pleasant, grassed area with a variety of Australian trees. Unfortunately some of these trees have recently been cut down. The suitability of the site for a children’s playground has been raised with Council. It was pointed out that the playground will be concealed behind the kindergarten and the Scout Hall therefore not visible from the road whereas an existing small playground, the other side of the launching ramp car park, is visible from a busy road and close to toilets with ample room for a large playground to be constructed on this site. The new playground will require a new toilet and other facilities.                                                   .

Beaumaris Fossil Site and Sea Ledges

Dr Vicki Karalis reports that a revised version of Judy’s (MBCL) submission to the National Heritage Register with contributions by Dr Tim Flannery, Dr Stephen Fitzgerald and Dr John Buckeridge is being compiled. These gentlemen, plus Professor Michael Buxton, have met with members of the Andrew’s Government to acquaint them with the significance of the fossil site.

Green Wedge

Walter was a member of a group who met with Labor Member for Mordialloc, Tim Richardson. to discuss the importance of retaining the Green Wedge for food production, recreational activities and open space for an expanding population. The group included Jane Stubbs, leader Environment Victoria. The C143 Panel Hearing into the Green Wedge held recently included land owners seeking residential permits for residential development. Barry Ross, an experienced defender of the GW, spoke extremely well, “nailed them on every point!” It is felt that the GW , with a change of Government ,is safe for the moment.

Mordialloc Bypass

Walter has alerted Get Up, Environment Victoria and Tim Richardson,ALP of the Napthine Government’s pre-election support for yet another freeway to the Mornington Peninsula. Construction of this freeway would require an overpass over Governor Road, Waterways wetlands, Mordialloc Creek and in close proximity to residential development on the other side of the creek. The alternative to a freeway is to divert addition traffic to Springvale Road.

Bay Trail

Work has commenced at the northern, Charman Road end of the Bay Trail. Vegetation is being removed with gusto. It was disappointing that Stephen’s detailed measurements of the traffic lanes and gravel verge were not used at the Panel Hearing ,as evidence that additional seasonal parking which Council is kindly providing for the Mentone Lifesaving Club, is unnecessary. In fact, is in contradiction of Council’s Coastal Management Plan.

Mordialloc Life Saving Surf Club Development

Despite reassuring noises made when MBCL raised concerns about possible loss of mature vegetation in front of the new LSC building, our modest suggestion of realigning one of two wide lanes leading to the beach to protect vegetation, it was claimed that it was not possible. Wide lanes and vegetation removal is required for observation purposes. This despite the fact that this two storey building will be built on the highest point of the foreshore, a pleasant, sheltered , grassy sand dune popular with visitors as a sheltered picnic spot.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

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.

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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

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd April 2014

Correspondence

Suggested that MBCL buy the DVD Australian Coasts based on Neil Oliver’s English BBC Coasts program. Oliver actually filmed Beaumaris fossil cliffs and parts of Brighton Beach with Dr Tim Flannery. A Coastal Guide to the nature and history of Port Phillip Bay has been published and may also be worthwhile purchasing.

Meetings Attended

STOP Transport Group continues to highlight issues on the Frankston line in conjunction with the PTUA. Southland Station is to be built between Cheltenham and Highett stations, but in a limited format- no toilets, shelters or parking. Of concern is the advertising on train carriages completely covering windows. This obscures clear vision on trains, trams and buses and adds to the advertising blight around stations and rail lines. A letter has been written to the Metro company currently running the trains about this matter.

Port Phillip Conservation Council

Port Phillip Conservation Council met at Longbeach Centre Chelsea, 28 April. Developments on the coast line around the Bay are threatening Arthur’s Seat, Rosebud, Blairgowrie, Rye, Frankston and Brighton Beach. A chair lift and trail bike track on Arthur’s Sea, a swimming pool on the foreshore at Rosebud, a marina at Blairgowrie, a yacht club with a restaurant and retail premises on the foreshore at Frankston without adequate parking and a bike track on the sand at Brighton beach. Should Hastings Port go ahead there will destruction of the seagrass beds and mangroves as well as pollution from oil spills. Beaumaris Yacht Club is seeking an upper storey on the building when concrete cancer is removed. It is proposed that the building can then accommodate a Marine Research Centre – something similar to what is proposed for the Mordialloc Surf Lifesaving Club when it is rebuilt on the primary dune on Mordialloc foreshore.

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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.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th February 2014

Correspondence

Kelvin Thomson’s invitation to join Victoria First. Issues to do with population policy. Joining fee $10.

Walter presented a ten page essay dealing with important political issues currently being debated in the community.

Beaumaris Fossils and Sea Ledge

Nomination for Heritage Listing. Letter received from Canberra advising that MBCL nomination did not meet Cultural and Heritage criteria . We believe the nomination did deal with these issues and asked for clarification especially relating to Aboriginal occupation of the foreshore. Celeste Ward, in her research, dealt with sand drifts and tidal flows in Beaumaris Bay and its effects on the Rickett’s Point Marine Sanctuary . Celeste has given Judy approval to use her material when an application is made for the Beaumaris Cliffs to be included on the Victorian Heritage. Neil Oliver’s Australian version of the BBC program Coasts featured Beaumaris Cliffs!

Public Transport

A new group, STOP, plans to publicise transport issues on the Frankston Line. Concern is that the enormous cost of the east west tunnel, if it is built, will deprive suburban trains, trams and buses of funds to address existing problems such as grade separation at rail crossings or extending train services to Tullamarine, Doncaster or Rowville. STOP plans to lobby passengers at stations and street stalls with information about the cost of the east west tunnel as well as damage to the river environment, Royal Park and Zoo animals. Volunteers are invited to join STOP and assist with lobbying Sandbelt politicians. (Sandbelt Transport Options . STOP)

Friends of the ABC

Friends of the ABC is a group that meets at Café Black Parkdale monthly. The Friends also plan to lobby politicians to prevent privatisation of the ABC, cutting funding and programs. The Abbott Government plans to sell the ABC’s Asia Network which operates on a policy of ‘soft diplomacy’ which aims to show neighbouring countries something of Australian lifestyle and culture.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th November 2013

End of Year Report

Another busy year for members as Federal and State Governments over turn what we all thought would be rock solid environmental protection of National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries, Native Forests, Agricultural land, Ramsar Wetlands, Green Wedges and the list goes on. Pressure from developers has brought about radical changes to planning regulation under New Residential Zones based on a 2003 discussion paper. Better Decisions Faster is the result of work done by the Whitney Committee. We can expect further loss of tees, gardens and backyards in the middle ring suburbs as neighborhood character and heritage features are trashed to accommodate an unsustainable population increase. Despite this bleak scenario members have worked valiantly, lobbying, writing endless submissions, attending meetings and volunteering in native reserves.
Special mention to Penny who attends every council meeting and somehow remains sane, Bronwen who took on VicRoads at VCAT in an attempt to save signification vegetation from destruction when the Dingley Westall Bypass is built, to Judy who prepared a submission seeking to have the Beaumaris Fossil Cliffs and Sea Ledges replaced on the National Estate Register and to Rosemary who has worked tirelessly to protect the SE Green Wedge. And a big vote of thanks to Tom, out MBCL Webmaster for hit tireless work! Must not forget out Treasure who, despite a heavy work load, cheerfully(?) watches over out finances. Special thanks also to Tony who comes along each month with the Collins report and listens to out whinges. Walter’s valuable lobbying and negotiating skills much appreciated.
Good news- a report that Melbourne Water has agreed to incorporate significant remnant vegetation into the wetland to be built along the north bank of Mordialloc Creek upstream from Wells Road Bridge. Again thanks to Rosemary for her quick action to ensure that this result was possible and thanks to Neil Craigie, MW, for happily agreeing to this solution. In the tentative good news department, the first section of the Bay Trail is to be back-of-kerb from Mundy Street car park to Mentone LSC park.

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