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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st February 2017

Mordialloc Creek

Interestingly after heavy rain beaches around Port Phillip Bay were polluted particularly Mentone beach and not so much Mordialloc beach – the usual culprit. Mordialloc creek carries drainage from industrial areas in Braeside and the old tipping sites from which leachates can enter the drainage system and flow into the creek. On this occasion perhaps the large Melbourne Water drain outlet at Mentone Parade may have contributed to beach pollution with drainage entering the Bay at this point and flowing northwards to Mentone beach.

Mordialloc Lifesaving Club

Had a quick inspection of the new LSC and found that there is more concrete surrounding the building than expected. Apparently this is to provide entry and parking for the large surf boats that will be stored in the building- one of the main reasons for the size of the building occupying limited foreshore open space. The large rusty looking iron ramp construction will require removal of more foreshore vegetation early in the New Year when it is to be delivered and placed in position. Fortunately the south end of the building has been left unconcreted and hopefully will remain a pleasant grassed area for public use. The nicest aspect of the inspection was seeing a little family of blue wrens hopping around in the dry grassy area!

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th December 2016

Happy New Year to All

Let’s hope it is a peaceful and environmentally satisfying year as well. Trust everyone has had a chance to rest and relax in preparation for coping with the outrageous rants from the occupant of the white house. What a contrast to the calm, gracious, intelligent former occupant.

Good News

It seems that the EPA has been given teeth at last to cope with pollution hazards. 21 problem sites have been listed in Kingston. There are 298 sites on the Priority Sites Register where clean up notices have been issued due to pollution of groundwater and land – a potential risk to health and the environment. This problem is due to Kingston being historically home to landfill sites 17 of which are now on the Priority list to be cleaned up.

Grange Heathland Reserve

Penny reported that gas extractors from nearby landfill sites are being located in the Grange which is a carefully managed Nature Reserve. Surely a more suitable site could be found for the extractors.

Mordialloc Bypass Project

Due to pressure from Aspendale Gardens Residents Association the extension to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway is back on the agenda despite less expensive alternatives . Impact on Braeside Park and Waterways with an elevated roadway over Mordialloc Creek is concerning. Discussion when Walter and Jenny Warfe met with Government officers recently was congenial. The freeway is not a high priority for the Government.

Mordialloc Creek  

Interestingly after heavy rain beaches around Port Phillip Bay were polluted particularly Mentone beach and not so much Mordialloc beach – the usual culprit. Mordialloc creek carries drainage from industrial areas in Braeside and the old tipping sites from which leachates can enter the drainage system and flow into the creek. On this occasion perhaps the large Melbourne Water drain outlet at Mentone Parade may have contributed to beach pollution with drainage enterting the Bay at this point and flowing northwards to Mentone beach.

Mordialloc Life Saving Club

Had a quick inspection of the new LSC and found that there is more concrete surrounding the building than expected. Apparently this is to provide entry and parking for the large surf boats that will be stored in the building- one of the main reasons for the size of the building occupying limited foreshore open space. The large rusty looking iron ramp construction will require removal of more foreshore vegetation early in the New Year when it is to be delivered and placed in position. Fortunately the south end of the building has been left unconcreted and hopefully will remain a pleasant grassed area for public use. The nicest aspect of the inspection was seeing a little family of blue wrens hopping around in the dry grassy area!

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

A car park of 34 spaces is proposed for this reserve but residents are concerned feeling that additional parking is for the benefit of parents dropping off and picking up children at the nearby school and that after hours, antisocial behaviour is likely to increase in the park. A bus stop on Wells Road is an alternative means of reaching the park or the school.

Esplanade Brighton

The partial demolition and works to the existing blue stone wall, and removal of native/indigenous vegetation has distressed a dedicated group of Bayside residents because of the impact on the dunes and vegetation which has been described as being “ so precious, so conservationally valuable that not a square metre of them should be disturbed.” (Brighton’s other golden mile.in the Age 26 Nov. 2016)

Unfortunately Bayside Council has decided to grant a permit with four pages of conditions . The plans must show that removal of indigenous vegetation is to be replaced with a similar extent of indigenous coastal vegetation , etc , along these lines. The proposal to replace the lifesaving club with a larger building wasn’t discussed in this document.

George Woods Reserve Playground

The playground is underway with the Moreton Bay Fig Tree still in place. It apparently will not be removed although we have been assured that all new planting in the area will be locally indigenous. Nina claims that extra lighting is not needed around the playground because of the high towers lighting the rail siding nearby. Toilets will not be provided for the playground because of cost and difficulty of sewage work. Toilets at the Chute Street boat ramp will have to be used –which is why we claimed that a site closer to these facilities would have been the best location for the playground and would have left the Arboretum intact.

Level Crossing Removals

A meeting of the Public Places and Environment Committee was held 14 December 2016 at Council to discuss this proposal. Two academics from RMIT,supporters of

Sky Rail, were present and spoke as did a member of the Frankston anti- sky rail group. Both had convincing arguments for their positions. Some feel that an elevated rail line in surroundings that are predominantly low rise housing will blight the suburbs south of Mordialloc Creek, but the high water table in this area will create drainage problems –apart from the Bonbeach to Carrum section of the line which will have to be elevated to cross Patterson River. The three completed trenched stations, Bentleigh,Mackinnon and Ormond are extremely ugly and will become more so because the State Government has decreed that Ormond station will have a 10-16 storey building on top of the station – and other stations may have four storey buildings above the station.

Bay Trail

Cr West has presented a motion to council requesting that the proposed indented parking areas along this section of the back- of –kerb bike track be removed from the plans.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc

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.

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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.

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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.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd December 2015

Floral Survey of Indigenous Plants

David gave a comprehensive coverage of the survey which he has completed regarding indigenous plants on Kingston Foreshore. Unfortunately he found that there has been a decline in plants in some areas possibly due to drought and the increasing use of the foreshore by the public. Bronwen suggested that the survey be placed on individual websites. Lewis suggested that this important information would make a good press release. Nina, Liz and Bronwen to liaise to produce a media release in February.

Correspondence

Incoming letter concerning the application for a Memorial Park in Kingston’s Green Wedge. A planning permit will be required before this project can go-ahead however the Planning Minister can make a decision resulting in compulsory acquisition if the application is approved.

Mordialloc Creek

Mordialloc Boat Owners and Fishermen will be delighted now that the Andrew’s Labor Government has agreed to provide funds for the installation of new wave baffles at the mouth of Mordialloc Creek. The announcement was made at a meeting on site in December to which MBCL was invited.

An impressive line up of politicians were present as well as Parks Victoria and Mordialloc Motor Yacht Club people. Politicians present were Mark Dreyfus, Opposition Attorney General, Tim Richardson, Mordialloc MP and Ports Minister, Luke Donnellan. Wave baffles are timber structures placed on both sides of the creek to reduce wave energy flowing upstream during severe storms and thus preventing wreckage of boats moored in the creek.

Green Wedge

The Green Wedge Coalition Metting at RMIT in December was attended by Cr West , W.Grahame and M.Rimington. Incursions into Green Wedges in the western areas especially is concerning as valuable farmland is being covered in concrete as residential development expands. Fortunately the GW Coalition has gained a new member with years of planning experience who is prepared to advise on planning issues when required.

It is now being realised that urban sprawl could eat up Melbourne’s foodbowl and see future generations starved of local produce if governments do not protect agricultural land on the cities fringes and outer suburbs according to an independent report by Foodprint Melboourne, a collaboration between Melbourne University and Victorian Eco Innovation Lab. The report warns that 16% of the farmland in Melbourne’s foodbowl may be lost “if current trends are maintained, including up to 77% in the inner foodbowl.” (Melbourne’s Foodbowl: Now and at seven million)

Timber Yard Development

Nina reports that the development of 68 units has some sustainable features and is an improvement on the original plan which had many more dwellings. Penny reported seeing the latest development on Channel 72 at 11pm. However latest report is that Kingston Council has refused the application which now probably goes to VCAT.

Beaumaris Cliffs and Fossil Site

Another ancient artifact, dating back more than five million years ,has been found at this site. This extremely rare fossil was found adjacent to the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron and will be placed in the Museum Victoria’s invertebrate collection. The committee involved in reviewing our original submission to have the Beaumaris Cliffs listed as a Heritage site, has completed the review and sent the submission to the appropriate authorities.

Level Cross Removals

Consultation will be required to decide which method is to be used to dispense with boom gates on the Frankston line so that motorists no longer have a long wait at crossings especially at peak hours. Under consideration are two storey high double or triple rail lines from Aspendale to Frankston, or a cut-and-cover method such as at present being constructed at Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon stations and has been successfully completed at Nunawading station on the Lilydale line.

While it is claimed that the elevated line is cheaper to build it is likely to be noisier and more obtrusive the cut and cover method. Problems such as access for disabled, elderly ,wheel chairs and prams in the elevated model would surely require large, fast lifts as well as escalators for peak hour public transport users especially.

Mordialloc Life Saving Club Landscaping

At a meeting with council officers in December landscaping when the construction of the LSC is finished was discussed.One issue was the removal, or not, of the pleasant, well-used little path from Beach Road(opposite Owen Street) to the foreshore. If this path is removed to allow re-vegetation it means that pedestrians would have to use the Centreway to Foreshore path through the Scullin Reserve, or a path through the car park at the new LSC, or the path opposite Epsom Road to the foreshore . The existing little path is the most convenient access also for cars parking along Beach Road at that point.

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 – 5th November 2014

Beaumaris Cliffs and Sea Ledges

The finalised version of the submission requesting Heritage listing of the fossil cliffs and sea ledges was finally dispatched to Heritage Victoria early November only to be told that reference to historic, scientific and/or Aboriginal occupation of an area was not accepted under Heritage Victoria criterion. Apparently Criteria E applies almost entirely to the built environment. However we were invited to reapply on an A4 page, confining the application to the work of the Heidelberg School of painters who worked in the area resulting in the famous painting of the Beaumaris Cliffs, Slumbering Sea by Tom Roberts, now hanging permanently in ictoria’s National Gallery. Dr Tim Flannery and Dr Eric Fitzgerald ,Museum of Victoria, are featured in the series Coasts Australia discussing the importance of the fossils found in the sea ledges.which will disappear under tonnes of concrete if the Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron is given approval to expand.

Mordialloc Creek

Sad to hear that the 180 year old Monterey Cypress trees planted by the first settlers are diseased and will all be removed. These include four trees in Mordialloc College school ground abutting Mordialloc Creek, the remaining trees in Attenborough Park and in the car park on the eastern bank of the creek where the trees shaded boat owners maintaining their boats. The trees in Attenborough Park provided an attractive gateway to Mordialloc. Artists were attracted to the creek, boats and cypresses with their works featured in many city and regional galleries.

The Bay Trail

Concern that car parking for Mentone Lifesaving Club has been approved utilising the gravel verge which is meant to become part of the bike track. The bike track will then encroach four metres onto the nine metres wide cliff top removing more of the remnant foreshore vegetation. Lengthy discussion ensued re appealing to VCAT taking into consideration costs of such action.

Mordialloc Lifesaving Club

Replacement by a larger multi use building occupying an attractive grassy dune. Vegetation will have to be removed but replaced when the existing building is demolished. Community consultation is to be offered – usually after decisions have already be made.

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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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