Tag » Channel Deepening

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th April 2004

541 Main Street, Mordialloc Decision

The VCAT determination for 541 Main Street, Mordialloc, not surprisingly for we cynics, has approved three storeys with the fourth storey set back, for the old police station site. Those of us attending the four days Hearing believe that Council’s special witness, Craig Czarny, damaged the Council’s case by admitting that he had been engaged by Council to model height limits for the core commercial area between Main St, Beach Road and Owen Street. In his submission to the Hearing the consultant stated that “the plan envisages a maximum height of 4 storeys for the central precinct? Under cross examination by Ms Brennen, for the developer, Czarny stated that his views of an appropriate development of the subject land would be a 3 storey street wall recessive above“. Making four storeys and thus setting a precedent for four storeys in the Mordialloc Activity centre. In their summation the Members found that, “We note that he, Mr Czarny, did not recommend a two storey built form as suggested by some objectors, but rather he conceded that a higher form of development was possible on the site.’ The member continues, “We have taken the step of lowering the building(from 5 storeys to 4) generally along the lines recommended by Mr Czarny.”

Channel Deepening

Three Blue Wedge Coalition members attended a Gateway Process meeting at the Port of Melbourne Authority offices organised by the Government. The ‘gatekeepers’ were appointed to assess
the business justification for channel deepening. The gatekeepers came from Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide! Channel Deepening Meeting at Chelsea RSL Monday 3rd.

541 Main Street, Mordialloc (continued)

Mr Czarny is still employed by council and states in his sub. to the Hearing that “work is underway to determine an appropriate scale (of development) for this and other land in the activity centre” He specifically mentioned in his submission that the arc of Beach Road would be an “appropriate site for higher forms of development. The Housing commission units perhaps? The question then is why are 4 storey height limits still being considered when councillors (we believed) and the community have consistently objected to 4 storeys in Mordialloc? What is the process at work here? Are the councillors and the community’s preferred options being ignored? Who in council is making decisions which ignore the community’s preferences despite the DOI directive in the General Practice Note for Structure Planning for Activity Centres. “Consultation with stakeholders throughout the process is essential…Community engagement is a key element at all stages of preparing a structure plan… Each stage will need specific stakeholder engagement and community consultation.

Mordialloc Skateboard Facility

Despite over 30 objections from nearby residents and others it seems certain that the site in Attenborough Park will be chosen for the 8-14 year olds’ skateboard facility. The park has been the subject of an extensive Draft Master Plan as a passive recreation area. The site is in close proximity to Doyles hotel with people parking on the park in the evening, close to the creek where vandalism of boats is a frequent occurrence, and will increase littering of the area especially if a kiosk is included.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd December 2003

A very successful New Year to environment group volunteers who achieved some impressive results in 2003. Pressure continues, however, as Mordialloc battles to preserve its low rise fishing village character as predators circle seeking approval for five or more storey buildings in the shopping centre and environs. On a more positive note, a revitalised KCEC could add weight to conservation and resident action groups who are seeking, for example, to maintain parks and open space for the benefit of the whole community.

March 16 Melbourne Lower Town Hall 7.30pm “Alternative to Channel Deepening in Port Phillip Bay” Come along and listen to expert opinion on the danger of deepening versus alternative environmental options.

Peter Scullin Reserve Traffic Management Plans

Consultants plans for reorganisation of car parking on the creek bank involved a realignment of the entrance to the car park and would result in removal of vegetation and loss of grassed area in the Hazel Pierce Park. This appeared to be a costly exercise for very little gain. Meetings with officers and the consultant were held to discuss Brian & Nina’s alternative parking plan with seats & grassed area along the creek bank. A subsequent meeting was requested before Council approved their plan, and once again alternative options were discussed. It is hoped that the outcome will mean the retention of the vegetation and grassed area of Hazel Pierce Park.

Skateboard Facility

Once again we are grateful for Brian & Nina’s effort in presenting alternatives to the inappropriate siting of the skateboard facility. The preferred option is the former skateboard site on the Jack Grut Reserve which is safely and easily accessible via off-road bicycle paths from Aspendale Gardens, Royal Palms Estate and Epsom Housing Estate. The foreshore option was ruled out by the Victorian Coastal Strategy policy of excluding non-water related activities on foreshore reserves. A VCAT Hearing set a precedent when a similar request was refused at Rye.

Kingston Conservation & Environment Coalition

Bill has undertaken, with assistance of KCEC members, to broaden the role of the coalition. The first project to be tackled is Council’s olicy of selling off small parks and playgrounds to fund the building of e.g a multicultural centre or expand playing fields. With the rapid increase in unit development in Kingston. there is a need to retain small parks to provide relief for unit dwellers who lack private open space for a garden.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th March 2003

The Agnew Report

Glen has found that the state of the launching ramps at Half Moon Bay, Mordialloc, and Patterson River a problem being too shallow to safely launch his boat containing expensive equipment which he uses for research work for reef monitoring in Port Phillip Bay. Glen has been receiving contradictory reports from Melbourne Water and the EPA regarding frequency of dredging and disposal of dredge spoil. Royal Brighton Yacht Club’s plan to double in size could prove an environmental disaster according to PPCC members. Berths would increase from 190 to 382 and the 30metre breakwater extension cause the erosion of nearby beaches. DNRE, Parks Victoria and the EPA had no objection!!
Glen has been travelling again, this time to Loxton SA, and making comparisons with their coastal development and that occurring in Victoria.

Tree Vandalism

Production of this newsletter funded through Melbourne Water’s Community Grants Scheme
Signs have been placed on the poisoned Monterey Cypress on Mordialloc Foreshore and on poles opposite and alongside the ostentatious duplex being built across the road from the tree. $10,000 reward is offered for information. The vandalism got good coverage in The Age, the local papers and the Mariner.

Channel Deepening

Six MBCL members attended a VCA briefing at Frankston TAFE 11th March. It was considered a waste of time since the Brack’s Government seems determined to ignore all alternatives other than deepening the shipping channels in the Bay despite environmental concerns. 15 specialist EES studies with 12 consulting firms consisting of 120 people and costing $1.9 million will take at least 12 months before the Panel presents its findings to the Minister for Planning for approval. Local Bayside residents are deeply concerned at possible sea level rise increasing the erosion of beaches on the eastern side of the Bay.

Kingston Foreshore Advisory Committee

The first meeting of this committee 6th March, was well attended by MBCL members who were relieved to hear residents accept the need to stabilise the dune system with indigenous vegetation to prevent beach erosion, and ultimately loss of their homes if remedial action vas not taken .This policy has been the long term aim of Kingston’s Natural Reserve Area team. Let’s hope that there is now worthwhile co-operation between all parties.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th February 2003

Congratulations to our President, Brian, as the recipient of Kingston Senior Citizen on Australia Day. And a speedy recovery after a spell in hospital!

Thanks to all those footsore members who have pounded footpaths letter boxing for our “team” who are standing for Council. Let’s hope they all win- the alternatives are too, too horrible.

Correspondence Received

Nina/Brian’s letter to Landscape Officer, Kingston Council re the Proposal to use Norfolk Island Pines and Moreton Bay Figs as feature trees in Attenborough Park. This is not acceptable when Council’s policy, according to their management policy, is to use indigenous species. Also received, Mara’s letter to Lee Eklund re the proposal to locate a kiosk in Attenborough Park and to exhibit this plan at the forthcoming Wine and Food Festival for “public comment”. This could be seen as taking decision making out of the hands of local residents and left to people who have little idea of the issues at stake… such as comm- ercial use of public parkland.
Nina and Brian have also sent a letter to Council commenting on lack of community consul- tation. The letter was quoted in full in the. Independent. Well done! Also received Joan and David’s submission on problems at Patterson River and environs, amongst others car parking on the banks of the river.

Mordialloc Structure Plan

Lengthy discussion on best means of alerting the public of the need to actively oppose the proposed four storey development option for Mordialloc. Can we rely on a local politician statement, “no four storey’s while I’m a member.”? A further public meeting was suggested. Brian/Nina volunteered to investigate Manningham Council’s survey method. The result of the council election could have a major bearing on the four storey debate.

Melbourne 2030

The Mordialloc Structure Plan has become part of increased density proposals contained in the Melbourne 2030 document. This makes it clear that increased density will occur for large parts of Kingston. Kingston’s Residential Strategy and KCC’s submission to Melbourne 2030 indicate approval for increased development at officer and CEO level. Glen Eira’s Strategy is superior to KCC’s in that there is encouragement to retain larger lot sizes thus allowing for a genuine diversity of housing which is sadly lacking in Kingston.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd October 2002

Dates to Remember:- Wednesday 6th November, Council Offices, Brindisi Street, Mentone, 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Council/ community process to address specific foreshore issues. Wednesday 13th November 9.15am -12-30pm St Kilda Town Hall “Metro Strategy-Housing our Future.”
Thursday 14th November 4.30pm-7.00pm Nauru House 80 Collins Street, “What Metro Strategy means for Young Planners”
All these meetings (there are more) have implications for the future of Mordialloc, Chelsea and Mentone all nominated activity centres with high density, high rise development. Please make sure you have your say to local planners and politicians if you don’t want your residential amenity destroyed by over development.
And don’t forget to add December 1st to your diary for the Annual Christmas Barbecue at Bonbeach Depot. Not to be missed!!

Coastal Planning & Management

MBCL was represented at a Coastal Planning & Management workshop at RMIT where once again successive speakers emphasised that the main threats to the coastline, especially Port Phillip Bay, are climate change, sea level rise and population pressure resulting from “sea change” decisions of people wanting to live on the coast. The proposed deepening of shipping channels in the Bay and Met Strategy, which targets bayside suburbs for high density, high rise development, will intensify the difficulty of managing and conserving the coastline for the enjoyment of everyone.

Kingston Foreshore Forum

Kingston Environment Officers and Team leaders are to be congratulated for organising two Forums dealing with the very different foreshore issues North and South of Mordialloc Creek. Both Forums were well attended with Noel Kesby, NSW Coastal Management expert, graphically emphasising the need for maintenance of the dune system through revegetation if coastal infrastructure and housing is to be protected from increased storm surges. Dr Eric Bird, author of ‘Coasts of Victoria’, explained the need to stabilise the cliffs North of Mordialloc Creek with revegetation programs to absorb groundwater seepage which is badly eroding the cliffs. Dr Bird was surprised that some residents wanted foreshore vegetation removed to improve ‘their’ views since vegetation acted as a wind break and prevented salt winds sand blasting properties along Beach Road. If the cliffs were planted with grass only, landslides would result. Increasing storm surges due to global warming and deepening of the shipping channels will intensify the impact of beach and cliff erosion.

The Agnew Report

Glen reports that Parks Victoria has introduced a policy of requiring a permit and payment for filming in parks especially if films or photos are to be used for publication. Permits are costly depending on requirements (eg. Parks staff assistance) or location. $55 per hour. How will this effect environment groups or individuals who photograph or video underwater locations for information and/or educational purposes? Glen advises that the Melbourne Water drain with jetty on the beach at Parkdale is, like the MW drain at Mentone, causing severe beach erosion on the southern side of the drain.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th September 2002

Correspondence

Submissions have been sent to:- Victorian Channel Deepening Authority, Environment Effects Act 1978 Review, City of Kingston Amendment C32 (Flood Overlays)

Dates to Remember – Friends of the Grange Heathland Reserve Spring Planting Day, Oct 12 9am Noon, Free sausage sizzle.
South of Mordialloc Creek Foreshore Forum Tuesday, 8th October, 7pm -9pm Chelsea Heights Community Centre. Keynote Speaker, Noel Kesby, Acting Regional Director Sydney South Coast. Noel is an expert on coastal dune management. Of relevance to residents living on Kingston coastal dunes.
Dr Eric Bird will be Keynote speaker at Mentone lifesaving Club, Wednesday 9th October, 7pm 9pm Dr Bird is author of The Coast of Victoria: Not to be missed!!

Channel Deepening

MBCL was well represented at Chelsea Town Hall in August when the VCA representatives were closely questioned about the impact of deepening the Rip,on tide levels in the Bay. Due to the sea level rise already occurring, an increased rise in tides in the Bay could prove devastating for the residents south of Mordialloc creek. Recent storm surges have badly eroded the foreshore at Aspendale and Carrum. Alternatives to deepening the shipping channels are Hastings, where deep water berths exist, and the rail lines from Darwin, Fremantle and Sydney. Construction of the Alice Springs to Darwin Railway Corridor is proceeding rapidly. Containers can be shipped to Melbourne from Darwin in four days as opposed to eight days by ship.

Review of the Environment Effects Act 1978

MBCL’s Submission to the EEA was presented at the Panel Hearing at Nauru House, 19th August. Our concern is the need for public consultation to be included at all levels of a proposed project. The Government aim is to ‘streamline’ decision making in the interest of’efficiency’ and ‘certainty ‘for developers. Robin Saunders also presented a submission based on the need for public consultation in decision making. The EEA will probably become part of the Planning & Environment Act…thus making it the size of a telephone book!

Mordialloc Structure Plan

There continues to be concern: that the upper echelons of Council are pushing for four storey developments in the study area despite the community clearly stating that this is not acceptable. Nina asked that the proposed public meeting not be held during the school holidays. We have asked Lee Ekland to mail invitations to all who have made submissions to the Strategy.

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Submission to the Channel Deepening Project for Port Phillip Bay

Author: Mary Rimington

Victoria’s coasts are precious and locations like Port Phillip Bay are an intensively used environment. Activity and processes on the coast, inland in the catchment, and off shore in the ocean, have an influence on the health and sustainability of the coastal environment.

In view of the well documented evidence of sea level rise, the availability of alternatives, and the adverse environmental impact, we are opposed to the deepening of the Rip and dredging of the South Channel to allow larger container vessels entry to Port Phillip Bay.

Our objection to the deepening of the Rip is based on the fact that there is now sound evidence of sea level rise as a result of climate change, and that even a 1-2 cm rise in tide levels will intensify the beach erosion and flooding already occurring on the eastern, most vulnerable side of Port Phillip Bay.

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