Meetings Attended
Nina and Mary attended a stakeholders meeting with council Urban Designer Munir Vahanvati and consultants Taylor Cullity Lethlean re Mordialloc Creek Masterplan. Major – is a bridge being planned for the island ? Walter and Mary met with Tim at Melbourne Town Hall to discuss local government’s loss of planning control. Lord Mayor Doyle has expressed concern about this matter. Cr West organized a meeting with Jonathan, Munir,Fiona and another Tim to argue our case for a back of kerb bike track. Three MBCL members attended the National AGM of Sustainable Population Australia to hear Drs Bob Birrell and Ernest Healy explain how an ever increasing migrant intake will increase greenhouse emissions making it impossible for Australia to achieve a decrease in emissions of 2%.
Submissions
Submission were invited March 31 for a State Inquiry into the Environmental Effects Statement and a Federal Government review of Native Vegetation.
Correspondence
Received from Melbourne Water (Chris Chesterfield) in response to a letter sent in January concerning the condition of the Woodlands Wetlands, Braeside. The letter was based on an inspection by Nina and Brian with a query in our letter about the need for monitoring the water flowing through the wetlands into Mordiallc Creek. While thanking Brian and Nina for playing an active role and keeping Melbourne Water informed, there is an invitation for community participation and monitoring “if there is local interest in water quality results particularly given some of the biodiversity values of the area such as the Red Gum woodlands”
Something for MBCL to think about.
Coast Care Coast Action
Planning for the Future of our Foreshore Forum April 18 at the Mordialloc Lifesaving Club 1.45pm-4pm is progressing satisfactorily with three speakers :- DSE Coast Care Coast Action rep Phillip Wierzbowski, Ray Lewis, Marine Care Ricketts Point and Lee Halkias ,Kingston’s Foreshore Coordinator . Slides, brochures, questions, afternoon tea .
Come along with family and friends and hear about climate change and work by volunteers to stabilize the foreshore.
Bradshaw Park Feral Proof Fencing
FERAL proof fencing was replaced in January with a low post and rail fence much to the surprise and dismay of members and general public. It was claimed that the high cyclone fence was unsightly, needed to be replaced and wasn’t keeping out foxes, cats and rabbits.At a meeting to discuss the issue it was agreed that the situation would be monitored and after six months cyclone netting could be attached to the new fence which would at least prevent some of the rubbish from being blown into the park from the highway.However there have been reports of people not using entrances and leaving rubbish lying around. The danger is that carefully nurtured indigenous plants will be trampled and destroyed after years of work by Friends of Bradshaw Park. Mordialloc Village Committee members were advised that a path would be constructed from the railway line to the highway on the northern boundary of the park.
Removal of Playground Equipment
Removal of playground equipment from eight small parks and relocated where it would of greater use raised the issue of what would happen to the parks once decommissioned given the record of sale of parks by both former Mordialloc Council and later Kingston Council. e.g.Chicquita Park. (Mordialloc Council once considered selling Bradshaw Park and others) MBCL asked that the small parks be retained and planted with trees to reduce the heat island effect, or community gardens for public use. Council is not planning to sell the parks at present we are informed. One to watch!
Natural Resource Area
Lee reported on attendance at a Catchment Authority Conference. Nine Catchment Authorities are to be combined into five entities.An electrical company has donated $30,000 for work on and around Mordialloc Creek, Living Links will be involved. Jeff Yugovich has researched the creek banks and supplied a planting program.
Kingston Conservation & Environment Coalition
KCEC received a letter from a resident who was concerned about the use of Roundup to remove weeds. David explained the use of this product and glysophate. It was suggested that the resident write to CSIRO for further information.
Developments
Timber yard buildings will be removed prior to mixed use development from Bear Street to the creek along Albert Street. Bear Street unit development goes to VCAT June 4. The Pace development corner Epsom Road and Nepean Highway is proceeding with the two level underground car park being excavated. Entrance for the resident’s 38 vehicles on the lower level will be extremely steep. Consultation for redevelopment of Cheltenham shopping centre is soon to occur if anyone is interested.
Bay Trail
Council planners have been beavering away at plans for the remaining section of bike path from Parkdale yacht Club to Charman Road.Cr West ,Stephen and your secretary carried out an inspection of vegetation, car parks and difficult sections prior to meeting with the planners 31 March. Our preference is back of kerb which is certainly possible for most of the remaining sections. Biosis’s high tree count three years ago made tree removal an issue but the drought has decimated much vegetation most of which was planted in 1975. Casuarinas and Banksias are most important according to Biosis. Tea-tree, coast wattle and boobialla regenerates quite rapidly if removed. It seemed to be a productive meeting. Let’s hope some of our recommendations will be taken on board.
Misc.
March has been a frantically busy month for all of us. It is wonderful to have members who are so ready to undertake tasks and share the load. Special thanks to Bronwen who has taken care of leaflets and posters advertising the April 18 Forum. The Mordialloc Lifesaving Club has been renovated and will be an excellent venue. Ray Lewis’s slide show is well worth viewing and Phillip also has informative material.
Easter Greeting to All