Tag » Green Wedge

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th November 2019

PFAS in Dunlops Drain

PFAS in Dunlops Drain which flows into Mordialloc Creek. Letter has been sent to the EPA. EPA first contacted August 28. No response for eight weeks so a letter sent- still no response. The matter raised again at the Mordialloc Creek Community Meeting December 2011. Reports on the large amount of plastic entering the creek via local drains in the industrial area.

Golf Clubs

Golf clubs are under threat from developers seeking to extend housing development into the Green Wedge. Residents are concerned about Kingswood although still used as a golf course, severe pruning of grass is causing concern as a walk with Jeff Yugovich and residents indicated.

LXRA Tree Planting

Crossing removals on the Frankston Line has resulted in removal of all the indigenous vegetation around the line and stations as work is carried out. It was alarming to find in the Council Agenda a report on LXRA work, an artist’s impression of a completed station surrounded by palm trees which are not indigenous to the Bayside suburbs. A letter has been sent to Head of LXRA, Kevin Devlin and Sonya Kilkenny, local ALP member requesting that any future planting around stations be indigenous trees only. No response from either party’s corresponded with.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th November 2018

Committee of Management Mordialloc Creek

W. Grahame reported on this meeting which was held at the Mordialloc Motor Yacht Club. Melbourne Water, Kingston Council Officers. DEWLP. Boating and Fishing Club Members were in attendance. Issues raised were moorings. Sea Scouts lack of boat launching facilities.

Heritage Listing of Pompei Site and Mordialloc Creek Environs

Discussion about Heritage listing for not just the Pompei site and large boat building shed but also the creek environs from the mouth to the railway bridge has been postponed until February 2019. A local heritage consultant thought the whole area was worthy of this listing because of its long fishing and boat building history. While the big shed could become a boat building museum this seems unlikely to happen.

The Grange

P.MacGuire-White reported on drainage run-off from sports ground hard surfaces outside the Grange boundary effecting the vegetation within the Grange.

Green Wedge

Reports of a victory at VCAT with a large Coptic Church being refused. The planning permit sought was not only for the Church, with a tall tower and dome, but stables for horses, sports grounds, etc. The refusal was based on the fact that the church would be more useful in an urban setting rather than on a 40 hectare block of land planned to encourage small size farming activity according to Green Wedge policy documents. With Planning Minister Wynne’s victory in Saturday’s election the Green Wedge may become even more secure!

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st August 2018

Bay Trail

Bay Trail went to a VCAT Hearing in July. The opposition presentation included a Barrister and an expert witness for vegetation. It was thought that the Council presentation was somewhat lacking in some aspects. Awaiting the result of the Hearing

Bonbeach and Edithvale Level Crossing Removals

Also awaiting the Advisory Committee’s conclusions. Kingston Council’s Drainage expert, Alan West’s excellent report on the drainage work already carried out in Edithvale (drain replacements) was received unfortunately at the conclusion of the Hearing but is a great resource to have on hand.

Mordialloc Bypass

RAMF continue’s with their campaign. Perhaps with all the rail and road work announced by the Andrew’s Labor Government recently the unnecessary freeway may be considered to be of less importance and drop down the list!

Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park seems to be heading for a VCAT Hearing. Some support is being organised by a number of objectors who consider that the destruction of a Memorial Garden containing mature trees in memory of a dedicated conservationist, Jack Cuthbertson, shows lack of respect as well as realising that mature trees are a valuable resource as climate change is making its presence felt with climbing temperatures and drought.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th July 2018

Correspondence

A letter received from DELWP re Insurance Arrangements for Incorporated Volunteer Groups offering to indemnify MBCL for public liability claims which may arise as a direct result of volunteering activities. Following discussion it was decided to sign up but with a proviso that “we accept the offer on the basis that any claim made that our organisation is NOT responsible for the excess of any potential forthcoming claim”

Green Wedge Planning Provisions Review

A copy of this review was received and appears to be a comprehensive document with DEWLP seeking answers from strategic planners about uses in the Green Wedge. DELWP required succinct answers to questions such as :- Emerging planning issues in the Kingston Green Wedge and Stakeholders in the Kingston Green Wedge. It is hoped that Green Wedge Planning Provisions will not be weakened as a result of this review.

Melbourne Water

MORDIALLOC CREEK June Council meeting discussed a Draft Mooring Policy for Mordialloc Creek. Officer Recommendations included the following points:

  1. Authorise officers to cede management of A section to the Crown.
  2. Write a letter of support to DELWP advocating for the establishment of a Mordialloc Creek
  3. Write to Mordialloc Creek Community group advising of points 1&2 of this option as well as offering basic financial administration support.
  4. Authorise officers to provide basic financial administration support…
  5. Advocate for the development of a formal agreement with DELWP for the committee to have operational maintenance exclusive of dredging and any structural asset replacement responsibilities.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd November 2016

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 Tavern

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.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th October 2016

Aboriginal Artefacts at First Avenue Edithvale

Cr West moved a motion in Council as to why the discovery of 16 Aboriginal stone artefacts discovered on this significant heritage site were not presented to councillors in the officer report and whether the Council could preserve the artefacts for display.

Masonic Hall

Masonic Hall has had two groups expressing an interest in this building – one an art House Cinema and the other a theatre group.Unfortunately any group interested in the hall will have to fund the complete renovation of the building. Meanwhile the Council is spending generously on sporting fields and the Moorabbin Reserve for the St Kilda Football Club.

Mordialloc Creek and Environs

Boats moored in the creek at Pompei’s Landing have had a disastrous time, first of all with vandalism that set fire to two boats and then, during the recent gales, a tree branch from the Monterey Cypresses crashing onto two more boats. It was suggested, 5th October, that MBCL become a Committee of Management for this section of the creek. Council will be trying to develop the site as soon as the difficult problem of ownership of sections of land is settled. Of concern is the fact that the Mordialloc Structure Plan has a photo of a two story café/restaurant on the water’s edge of the creek. A little unwise surely given that the area is flood prone.

 

MBCL supports the proposal in the Structure Plan that small boat owners be provided with a building suitable for maintenance of boats during repairs. This building could be sited alongside the Vic Track fence line. Research into COMs reveals that it would require significant funding to prepare a business plan for a three year stint with Government approval.

Coast and Creek Booklet

Finally !! This project is underway. The text is still being edited and a graphic artist is prepared to have a look at the project. This will be an update of what has happened to the coast and creek environment since the second edition was prepared some years ago.

Green Wedge

No word of the proposed cemetery for the South East Green Wedge held over perhaps until 2018 when a new council is elected. The Mornington Peninsula Freeway is once again an election tool for the State Opposition. There has been an application by a company wanting to spread clean fill over green wedge farm land. More information required about the impact of this idea.

Friends of Bradshaw Bushland Reserve

The members of this group had a pleasant trip to the Langwarren indigenous nursery Saturday Day October the 8th.

Inland Rail Line

Walter reported on the visit to his home by a member of staff from Guthrie,Haskin and Davie’s office to discuss this plan for a rail line from Melbourne to Brisbane inland to take freight off the highways. This person seemed sympathetic to the scheme.

Jenny, Len and Walter had previously attended a Government infrastructure workshop to hear what politicians think of this and other schemes.

Council Elections

Bronwen once again prepared a list of questions for aspiring council candidates as she did last year and as many councils are doing this year in some Melbourne’s

72 council’s. Six potential councillors attended and presented their reasons for wanting to stand.

The South Ward is being hotly contested. The Centre Ward has candidates who are opposing the four storey unit development of Mentone’s Edgewater Hotel. Government approval of four storey’s for this foreshore development will set a precedent for four storey’s for Bayside suburbs. when Bayside councils want to retain the two storey height limit.

The Tavern

590 Main Street, Mordialloc is likely to become a three storey Tavern for sport betting and family restaurant – another liquor outlet to add to the 17 café/restaurants with liquor licenses already in Main Street plus 7 bottle shops. Two more cafés are applying for liquor licenses. A related issue to the above is that this development will mean loss of a discount shop which in Mordialloc, is one of the few shops that is not a food outlet. Cr West presented a notice of motion to Council seeking to preserve diversity in our shopping centres.

Yammerbook Car Park

Concern in Aspendale Gardens over the proposal to increase car parking at this reserve. It seems that the car park will mainly benefit parents who are dropping off and picking up students from a primary school. After school hours it may become cause of public nuisance with noisy undesirables parking.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th September 2016

Inland Rail Line

Wal and J.Warfe have produced a detailed 26 page document outlining the advantages of building a freight line inland from Melbourne to Brisbane. This would reduce truck traffic using the highways at present.The report will be sent to politicians.

Mordialloc Creek

Further to the saga of Pompei’s Landing enquiries were made with Melbourne Water as to what would be required should Kingston Council proceed with the Mordialloc Structure Plan for this area. These plans included a two-storey restaurant on the water’s edge of the creek bank –a narrow strip of land used for boat maintenance and launching. Advice given was that because one of Melbourne Water’s roles is flood control and drainage a 30 metre buffer would be required for this land from the creek bank inland. The intensive development outlined in the planning document for this small piece of Crown land would destroy the fishing village atmosphere that has attracted so many artists and visitors to Mordialloc over the decades.

Masonic Hall

The partly renovated hall was open for interested parties to inspect on the 8th September. Nina attended and advised that although few people attended, there was keen interest from one group. The hall would be ideal for them should their bid be accepted. However, the $400,000 that council set aside to complete the renovations, was diverted by Cr Gledhill for use on sporting ovals. Now whoever’s offer is accepted will be responsible for the remainder of the renovations.

Council Elections

Bronwen once again organised an aspiring candidates questionnaire and meeting. Twenty five people attended with some young people planning to stand. Former and present councillors also attended and will stand again. Council business is now held over until a new council is elected.

Green Wedge

Cr West asked that Council strengthen Enforcement Laws for the South East Green Wedge and submitted a list of uses and infringements that have not been checked by council enforcement officers.

It is depressing to realise, that despite Minister Richard Wynne claiming in his letter to Council that he has no intention of changing the Urban Growth Boundaries, a change of Government, or influx of pro-development councillors in future means that pressure for development in the Green Wedge could still occur.

Invasive Animals on Crown Land

Nina has written a comprehensive paper on the Terms of Reference for this inquiry. Deers, horses, foxes,rabbits,feral pigs and goats. Deers do cause havoc in the forested areas around Melbourne. Protected species also cause problems as residential development encroaches on the outskirts of Melbourne. A wombat has taken up residence under a relative’s house in Healesville and feasts off the keen gardener’s plants while a flock of twenty kangaroos can be seen leaping gracefully over paddock fences to enjoy the crop on the other side. Meanwhile in established suburbs residents experiment with methods of deterring possums who virtually kill healthy, mature tea-trees and other trees planted for environmental reasons, one being shade and shelter in the increasingly hot summers we will be facing in the not to distant future.

Gambling Increase in Kingston

due to two forthcoming developments. The proposed lease of Council land- Moorabbin Reserve to the St Kilda football club- will include in the new sporting facilities, 83 poker machines. Approval of gaming machines contravenes Council Gaming Policy which states “ Additional EGM’s or new venues should not be located in areas where activities are focused on children or young people.” It is estimated that 15,000 young people (18-24 year olds) will access this development. This sporting venue will create enormous traffic problems in the narrow streets and for local residents living close-by.

The other gambling facility likely to eventuate in Mordialloc, replacing a useful discount shop, is a Sporting Club Bar and Grill providing a “family friendly restaurant.” The main purpose of this club is sale of alcohol and gambling. Open from 7am to 2am.

Aboriginal Artefacts at Development Site

Cr West asked council officers to provide a report about whether this is a significant site, what council can do to preserve this important heritage site from the approved development, why no information about the discovery of these artefacts was provided in the officer report to councillors and whether these artefacts could be preserved for display?

Bay Trail

BIOSIS has completed yet another survey of the significant section of the Bay Trail from the Mentone Lifesaving Club to the Edgewater Hotel. Four options were presented. The fourth option claimed that the back of kerb trail for that section would create less destruction of the significant vegetation. As work continues from Mentone Parade to Mordialloc Creek much of the vegetation along side Beach Road will be destroyed. A public survey found that 80% of respondents wanted a back of kerb route so that the cliff top tracks could used by pedestrians without bicycle traffic.A back-of-kerb trail similar to the Bayside Bay Trail, was always MBCL’s preferred option although a mix of trails in this last section would have preserved more vegetation.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th July 2016

Mordialloc Life Saving Club Substation

Solar panels have been offered to four Lifesaving Clubs in the City of Kingston but Mordialloc LSC seems to have missed out. The excuse being given is that building hasn’t been completed at Mordialloc – “maybe when completed solar panels may be added.” (Bruce Rendall KCC) Why were panels not part of the initial plans which would have removed the need for a sub-station on the foreshore? United Energy now plans to install a second large unsightly pole in Epsom Road.

Pompei’s Landing

In April 2016 Council received advice that the Crown had revoked the Grant and Purpose issued in relation to the Mordialloc Boating and Angling (MBAC) as a result of uncertainty on the location and status of the various parcels of Crown Land that make up Pompei’s Landing. As a result the previous licence is not being pursued and a new licence and grant and purpose process is required.

Friends of Bradshaw Bushland Reserve

Have revised their newsletter, letterhead and brochure and produced very professional material including coloured photos of various plants and trees in the Reserve. It would be great to see the artwork of the boys from Sandringham Technical College back on the fence at the White Street corner.

Mordialloc Creek 

National Tree Day Council Staff, Friends of Mordialloc Creek and volunteers planted trees on the north bank of the creek in the Jack Grut Reserve. This should enhance feeling of being quite some way from the city when walking along the banks of the creek and noticing the bird life.

Tree Protection Policy

Reason for a review of the Council’s Tree Protection Policy was the dispute over the removal of a mature Lemon Scented Gum located in the road reserve outside Bradina Court, Chelsea Heights. This tree was assessed on the 24th June 2016 and was considered a healthy tree with no major structural defects observed . The perceived risk from the tree was estimated as low. Despite this a resident wanted the tree removed on safety grounds. Cr Gledhill resolved at its ordinary Council Meeting 27th June, 2016 “That officers immediately conduct a review of the KCC Tree Protection Policy and Street Tree Policy in relation to the adequacy of its provisions for public safety and risk of property damage.” One of the main objectives of the Tree Management Policy is “To protect, enhance and maintain a safe urban forest.” and in future that Council will “Place public safety as a priority.”

Green Wedge

Dandenong Council is seeking to reduce the lot size of theme park land to enable residential development to go ahead on Springvale Road opposite the Waterways Residential Estate. However the Planning Minister has said absolutely no change to the UGB with regard to the Green Wedge in the City of Dandenong.

Kingston Council Mayor has written to the Planning Minister , Richard Wynne asking that land on Springvale Road be made available for development. Despite on 23 September 2015,it was stated that “ the Minister is not looking to support schemes that seek to rezone green wedge land.”

Masonic Hall

Council Officers have prepared an expression of interest calling for community based organisations to submit proposals for the use of the former Masonic Hall. Certain activities which may appeal to young people or musical /dance groups won’t be considered because of the noise problem affecting the units which have been built next to the hall.

Mordialloc Bypass

If it is to be built, will require a four lane elevated flyover over Governor Road, industrial land, and Mordialloc Creek. It will also be adjacent to the Waterways residential estate and housing on the south side of Mordialloc Creek. The skyrail providing for rail crossing removals will only require two lines.

Level Cross Removals

Penny reports that consultation has resulted in one council officer from each local council attending but is then sworn to secrecy so is unable to enlighten the community!

Toxic problem of Electronic Waste

According to an Age report Councils claim that they have insufficient funds to clean up old tip sites. The article stated that Kingston Council has eleven (11) legacy landfill sites. As we know these sites leach contaminants into water flowing into Port Phillip Bay.

MBCL Constitution

The PPCC recently decided to adopt the Model Rules revised by Consumer Affairs in 2012 . MBCL members thought that it might be an idea to check our Constitution also. After some discussion with members it was decided to discuss this matter further at the August meeting. The Model Rules are designed for ease of use particularly for small Associations.

COAST AND CREEK also requires upgrading so that there is plenty of work to be undertaken . Lets hope when the weather warm up we will all feel like leaving the home fires and get active!

The Tavern

The Tavern at the corner of Centreway and Main Street, is coming up for mediation at Kingston Council Offices August 2nd.   A Moorabbin Police Inspector manages a Liquor Accord dealing with local liquor outlets and Casey Council is part of the South East Region Councils who have organised research into the impact of bottle shops on local communities.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st June 2016

Mordialloc Life Saving Club Substation

Sub-Station on foreshore to supply electricity for the gigantic new Mordialloc surf lifesaving club . Interestingly the local paper, the Leader, 29 June,announces that four Bayside lifesaving clubs are being provided with solar panels. Why not the Mordialloc LSC? Letters were sent to Council from MBCL and Nina suggesting that option rather than having unsightly electric light poles on Beach or Epsom Roads or industrialising the foreshore with a sub station.

George Woods Playground

Disappointingly the Council is going ahead with a large playground on the arboretum site in George Woods Reserve behind the kindergarten despite local families preferring an upgrade of the existing playground in close proximity to toilets. No toilets are planned for the new playground because of difficulty in providing infrastructure. There is a trend amongst some councils to adopt the European idea of introducing children to the natural environment by allowing kids to play in the open with leaves, branches, sand and small amounts of water. Rope bridges and flying foxes are featured in some ceases. While this idea formed part of MBCL’s submission to Council but not accepted we were impressed that Andrew Wright took the trouble to reply to the sub with a letter explaining why he felt the idea wouldn’t work in this case!!! Has there been a revolution up at 1230 Nepean Highway???

Coast and Creek Booklet

Discussion about how this project could be

Pompei’s Landing

Much embarrassment and confusion about the status of the land referred to as the Pompeii site according to the Department of Environment Land, Water and Planning. (DWELP) who have informed Kingston Council that it doesn’t have the right to issue new licences for the use of the creek so this right has been retracted until a survey of on-ground boundaries by the Office of the Surveyor-General to clarify uncertainty.

Some concern expressed by members at name changes of parks and reserves which seems to be taking place. The George Woods Reserve now appears to be part of the Jack Grut Reserve as does the Pompeii

Site now part of Jack Grut Reserve. Attenborough Park has been referred to as Mordialloc Creek Reserve whereas the Hazel Pierce Reserve, formerly occuping the area from the Road Bridge to the Pier, now seems extends to the foreshore in front of the Lifesaving Club.

Green Wedge

Four sporting fields are being on the northern section of the Green Wedge on the Din San nursery land for the Hawthorne Football Club. Walter haS seen four politicians about their views on the idea of a Memorial Cemetry in the green wedge.

Inland Rail Line

Walter reported on maps which indicate the route of an inland rail line which would be a mile to two mile in length if built. There seems to be some interest now in such a program so it is important that Australian workers and materials are used in this project.

Government Land Sales

Debbie provided reports on State Government sale of surplus land –mostly school sites. This is concerning because as the population increases more schools will be required. Councils are required to disclose how they plan to use Crown land and if it is not being used it must be sold presumably for development rather than retained to replace open space which is being lost to the public.

Beaumaris Cliffs and Sea Ledges

Letters from both Mark Dreyfus and Minister for Environment at the time, Lisa Neville indicate that they are waiting for an announcement on the EES regarding the fate of the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Club’s application to extend the marina.

The Tavern

Despite Mordialloc Main Street having 17 liquor outlets from cafes, clubs and restaurants seven of these outlets are also bottle shops – two bottle shops, two wine bars, two stores selling alcohol and Doyles hotel with a bottle shop. Bottle shops are the major cause of domestic violence against women according to at least two worthy university studies into this issue . The proposed tavern wants to occupy the useful discount shop on the corner of Centreway and Main Street, Mordialloc.

Remove the roof for a terrace providing “background music only,” use the second floor for a family friendly restaurant and the ground floor to also provide food, and, of course liquour. The applicants claim that there is adequate parking space for the business to operate from 8am to 1am daily. They assume they will be able to park in surrounding residential streets as well as the existing parking spaces. Loss of the discount shop will mean a trip to Bunnings for small items of household maintenance and hundreds of other little items not available anywhere else in Mordialloc.

MBCL Constitution

The Model Rules for Associations such as MBCL were revised in 2012 to provide ease of use for these organisations. Our president thought it was time our constitution was checked so Penny, Judy and secretary did that and we invite members to check the wording of the proposed revised Purpose of our constitution – if you would be so kind!

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd February 2016

Canterbury Industrial Site

Work has commenced on this site but unfortunately Melbourne Water is no longer interested in incorporating a small remnant of Plains Grassy Wetlands into a waterway to be constructed to purify drainage water before it flows into Mordialloc Creek. The remnant Grassy Wetlands is one of two remnants of this species growing in the forrmer Carrum Carrum Swamp . The other remnant is 4 hectares remaining in the former Epsom training track. A stand of Melalucas is also under threat from the industrial development. Kingston Council is going to VCAT over this issue and Nina plans to present also.

David Bainbridges Foreshore Survey

Bronwen advises that David’s survey has been placed on MBCL’s web site so that members can access it. David said his survey reveals a decline in indigenous species in the Natural Resource Area on the foreshore.

Non-Indigenous Species

Non-indigenous species are still being planted for example -sterile Gazanias close to the Edithvale wetlands. Other non -indigenous species are planted in planter boxes in Edithvale shopping street and at the Child Care Centre. We have remarked on this problem previously. Why are’nt the staff involved planting locally indigenous species and by so doing educating the public to the value of vegetation indigenous to the sand belt suburbs ?

Non indigenous species such as the Banana Passion Vine is causing aggro in Nina’s garden and is an example of the problems that can be caused when nuisance plants are introduced. Megan reports on a virulent stand of blackberries in the industrial site on Canterbury Road.

Removal of Vegetation

Alarming to receive a letter from Council planning department advising of possible removal of vegetation from the site of the proposed Mordialloc Lifesaving Club monolith after we had had a good outcome from our meeting with some of the landscaping staff on site. It appears that a botanist is to be engaged to assess the state of the two historic Monterey Cypresses. One in particular is popular with picnickers who like to sit under its spreading branches.

Level Crossing Removals

Discussion is commencing along the Frankston line as residents try to envisage a two or three line train track on concrete pillars racing overhead every ten minutes during peak hour. Cut and cover method has been employed to remove crossings at Ormond, Bentleigh and McKinnon stations. Mordialloc hasn’t been mentioned yet although Mentone may be in the firing line.

Green Wedge

Whether the Memorial Park is still to be located in the SE Green Wedge is uncertain however a Memorial Park in Gisborne is for sale and according to the owner is juts the place for weddings and picnics. The SE Green Wedge Committee have a new member to assist them. An ex-planner Alan Thatcher is clearly delineating property boundaries in the Green Wedge.

Inland Rail Route Report for PPCC

Walter, Jenny and Len Warfe have presented a case for the inland rail freight route at the Parliamentary Committee hearing last month. If built this rail freight line may do away with the need for a second port in Victoria and would also do away with so many container trucks on the road.

Environment Victoria

Environment Victoria has asked Port Phillip Conservation Council if they would be responsibile for Port Phillip Bay protection . Also monitoring the impact of the sale of Port Melbourne and future dredging that the sale of the Port may entail.

Managing Residential Development Advisory Committee

Residents have until March 14th to make a submission to the committee. It is difficult to find what is the true state of affairs – which areas will be protected from height increases, will there compensatory open space provided- what rights will third parties have to make an objection if they find a loud noisy entertainment centre opening next door in an Activity centre? Etc,etc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.