Tag » Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th June 2012

Living Kingston 2035

The meetings were well attended by MBCL / KCEC members – much to the chagrin of certain councillors who commented that attendees were mostly environmentalists! It was comforting to hear others expressing the same concerns about inappropriate development in suburban streets and increasing traffic congestion as a result. Encouraging also to have a staff member at our table who was passionate about water sustainability. Kingston has been recognised as being in the vanguard with ground breaking initiatives in that field.

Union of Australian Women

The UAW invited a speaker from The Climate Institute to explain the impact of Australia’s carbon price on sections of the community e.g. low income family, single parent, middle income family, single person, pensioner couple, etc. The case was made that the impact would not be as severe as it is portrayed by some politicians. The Institute is willing to speak to any groups interested to learn more about carbon pricing.

Bay Trail

The Leader has finally printed Stephen’s article based on the FOI report about the unsuitability of the promenade as a section of the Bay Trail. Kingston CEO stated that “the cost to upgrade the entire promenade was far beyond the scope of the council”. Rod’s DVD about the back of kerb favoured route for the Bay Trail is now up on Youtube. We have discovered other supporters of the back of kerb option and hope to liaise with them soon.

Waterwatch

Bronwen reports no change in water quality tests. The large brown plume from Mordialloc creek after steady rain recently was clearly visible as it moved, as usual, towards Mentone due to south westerly wind. Sat June 2nd Mordialloc Creek Working Bee was a productive session removing weeds on the north bank near Jack Grut reserve.

Mordialloc Creek Master Plan

Wal reported on the dredging work in the creek. All small boats between the rail and road bridges will have to be moved while dredging is occurring. A 50 by 20 metre concrete slab has been placed in Attenborough Park to provide a stable base for the dredge and trucks removing dredge spoil. It is hoped to finished the work in October when vegetation will be replanted to replace that which has been removed.

Mornington Freeway Extension

This issue has reared its ugly head again after lying dormant for many years. The Resurrection is due to AGRA continually agitating for the freeway believing that it would relieve traffic on Wells Road. Since this road was first mooted by VicRoads in 1985, four residential developments had been built adjacent to the proposed route of the freeway and will therefore be affected by noise and air pollution. Flyovers over Governor Road and Mordialloc Creek will destroy the tranquility of the creek, wetlands and Braeside Park. Submissions can be forwarded to VicRoads until July 13.

The Collins Report

Changes to the draft plans for Yammerbook are currently being considered by the committee before being sent to Melbourne Water. Quotes will then be obtained for paths and viewing platforms.

Floods. SES/MW have developed a partnership in building a community flood response in the Central Region. This includes community education and consultation.

Friends of the Grange AGM July 11th at the Clarinda Centre at 7.30pm. Speaker and showing a DVD of the control burn.

Recent audit of Kingston’s Street Management  by Energy Safe Victoria. ESV  intends to check on all Councils to ensure compliance with regulations.

Bradshaw Park is proposing a name change to Bradshaw Bushland Reserve.

A new Cyclone fence along the railway line is needed. Sharing cost of some will be investigated.

FESW Wetland Plant and Weed ID with Dr. Graeme Lorimer (Biosphere Discovery Centre) discussed role of Phragmites australis’s (Common Reed) role in removing nutrients in the creek and waterways. The reeds are important in preventing bank erosion and providing habitat for ducks and indigenous water rats.

Carrum Foreshore Precinct

MBCL / KCEC were impressed at planting and reveg work after our successful escorted tour of the precinct. However we question the need for a toilet at the northern end when there are toilets nearby at the Life Saving Club. The toilet would be across the road form houses which already suffer from anti-social behaviours especially at night in summer time.

Further Loo Blues

Cr Dundas wants the heritage listed toilet at Mundy Street car park demolished and a unisex disabled persons toilet installed instead. It seems the recently renovated heritage building will remain but the unisex toilets will be installed somewhere along the foreshore at Mordialloc, Mentone and Carrum.

Wind Turbines

The Leader interviewed MBCL secretary re: Kingston’s green energy program. While use of solar panels was praised it was also stated that there might be a role for a single turbine in selected areas. This provoked a heated reaction from a resident which in turn was rebutted by a Mentone resident! (Leader 25 June)

Playgrounds

An excellent article on The Age June 9, re: children’s playgrounds. The city reporter claims that children should be able to play in the dirt, ride bikes, build cubby houses and splash around in the creek. That is how children yearns to play according to a unique program that asked young people what kind of outdoor spaces they desire. They want challenging bike paths, lots of hills they could roll down, rocks they could scramble around, places to hide and branches and leaves to build treehouse and cubbies. The ideal place for this type of playground will be the George Woods Reserve wouldn’t it?

Masonic Hall

Necessary repairs have been done. Rear courtyard wall has been demolished for unknown reasons and before the community has been able to view the building.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd May 2012

Bay Trail

Special thanks to Stephen for successfully accessing the confidential FOI report on the bay trail which confirms the independent engineer’s report that the promenade option would be too dangerous, expensive and environmentally damaging to the cliff face for a recreational bike path. Stephen was also successful in putting the bike path DVD on Youtube and sending article re: the bike path to The Leader. Very well done indeed!! Thanks also to Sandringham Bugs whose idea it was for the DVD. A great result.

Correspondence

Nina has written supporting a Wildlife Corridor stretching form Darwin to Adelaide. MBCL sent a sub to Victoria’s Greenfields Mineral Project Development 22nd July. The Committee’s report confirms our fears that mining companies want to ‘fast track’ or remove environmental legislation. Of the 60 submissions received, 30 were in favour of mining, 26 expressed concerns for the environment. Of these only eight were environment or land care groups. MBCL was one of the eight. Fortunately the EDO and EV were well represented. VEAC invited submission for a Marine Investigation possibly because mining could take place in Marine Reserves also. KCEC write to DSE objecting re: Council’s proposal to again plant Canary Island date palms around Hazel Pierce Reserve at a cost of  a quarter of a million dollars.

Mordialloc Creek Master Plan

A meeting on Lambert Island to discuss the next stage of creek dredging was told that all the wooden boats in the section between the road and rail bridges would have to be removed. A problem for owners because old wooden boats may not survive long periods out of the water. Dredging commences at the Chute Street boat ramp which will be closed. Concern that red gum and banksia saplings were removed from the creek bank in Attenborough Park. Council has fined the contractor and money will go to replanting when dredging ins complete.

Green Wedge

Inga Peulich, MP’s questionnaire invites people to “tell me your views on Kingston Green Wedge.” Unfortunately questions were of the push polling variety. Final copy of the green wedge is now available. Will council adopt the report as is or accept it for consideration? KCEC and other groups have responded to an article in the Moorabbin Leader where a land owner was seeing to increase the value of his land by pressuring Council to have it rezoned out of the green wedge. It is claims that the Bailieu Coalition Government wants Kingston’s green wedge to stay in place!! Can it be??

Melias as Street Trees

Joan presented material from the World Wildlife Foundation describing melias as of Asian Origin – likely to “jump over the garden wall”. Kingston Council is planting melias extensively throughout the city. It is claimed that an “elite” version of melia doesn’t produce the poison berries that they normally do, however the tree will require regular pruning due to the width it will grow. Disappointing that indigenous trees are being overlooked.

The Vision Thing

Council has devised ten topics to shape the future of Kingston and invited residents to attend forums to represent their views. MBCL reps have attended several. Living environment, built environment, free moving and accessibility city and recreational spaces are of interest to MBCL/KCEC members.

The Collins Report

Melbourne water have given in principle support for a revised draft consultant’s plan for Yammerbook. Tony presented a large aerial photo of Yammerbook displaying the lakes and revegetated areas.

Kingston council participated in a Benchmark Survey to assess park users satisfaction with a  range of activities in parks and ranked sixth out of 17 councils surveyed.

An Ecological Control Burn took place in Bradshaw Park on Friday 13th April.

Construction in Namatjiria Park wetlands and storm water harvesting system is scheduled to be completed in early June 2012. 13,000 aquatic plants and water bodies will be the responsibility of Melbourne Water. New seats, bins, new drinking fountains, boardwalks and a new bridge will be installed to span the width of the new wetlands. Council invested $200k in the $5 million project.

Brian asked about the route of a road adjacent to Rowans Woodland.

Penny reported that The Grange now has a camera to record growth of plants.

Carrum Foreshore

During the foreshore tour for KCEC/MBCL members April 17th plans for Carrum foreshore were explained. Need for erosion control was to be addressed with a  high bluestone wall built on the footprint of the Carrum Motor Yacht squadron building. A boardwalk will be built on top of the wall making it quite high. Of concern to residents is the installation of toilets at this point within 11 metres form the nearest house. Toilets will be available in nearby Carrum Lifesaving Club. The Patterson River mouth is a popular drinking spot for young people in summer. Because of the height s of the wall people will be able to see into the windows of nearby houses. This is the same situation to that existing at Gnotuk Avenue, Edithvale where anti-social behaviour makes residents lives miserable in summer.

Pre-election Survey

Suggested that a candidate survey be prepared for the forthcoming council election. MBCL files contained a KCEC survey for an earlier election and may be of some use in preparing the 2012 version. Members could be thinking of useful questions prior to MBCL/KCEC meetings when the final drafts will be discussed.

The Lamington Tree

They are progressing with the MBCL website at present concentrating on current issues. Hopefully historical material will be sorted and added to the site before long. The company is prepared to maintain the site. Bicycle track material will be some of the first information to be added – including the DVD

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th May 2011

Volunteer Grants

Mark Dreyfus Federal Member for Isaacs advises that Volunteer Grants of between  $1000 and $5000 are now open. Applications close June 8 at 5pm. Any ideas?

Mordialloc Historic Walking Trail

Nanda Krottje, project Officer for the City of Kingston, Leisure and Culture, invites queries (and hopefully) suggestions. Ph 9581 4575

Mordialloc Creek Foot Bridge

Nina has been mining the files and found some interesting material about the pedestrian bridge over the creek linking the George Woods Reserve, Mordialloc to the Long Beach BikeTrail in Aspendale. Constructed in 1982 by K.V.Johnston Construction Pty Ltd the bridge has a 40 m span pin arch structure that follows in the tradition of timber arch bridges established by the 50 m span Greensborough Bridge built in 1975. Having rehabilitated the once highly polluted Mordialloc Creek, Chelsea and Mordialloc Councils felt that a timber bridge better reflected their aspiration of restoring natural qualities of the area. It was never intended that the bridge should be painted and it is disappointing to find that just as the paint was wearing off, the bridge has been re-painted!

Beach Road Tree Planting

Kingston Council is offering residents the choice of three types of indigenous trees to be planted in the nature strip along Beach Road. And yes, you’ve guessed it! Someone is letter boxing the area claiming that trees will “affect the views of residents’! Joan has also been mining the files and found some disturbing facts about the Melia azedarach, White Cedar, also known as Persian Lilac, currently being planted in our nature strips

Waterwatch

Bronwen has new equipment and also has a new helper, Anne, a lady from Aspendale as well as Darren. However phosphate levels were lower this month because the weather was only 12 degrees and phosphate readings are affected by temperature variations.

Mordialloc Creek

Nina and Tony reported on Mordialloc Creek/Wells Road Storm Water Treatment work to reduce pollution of the creek and also provide alternative water options for street tree and park watering. Nina reports that a bike trail has been cut through the vegetation near Old Wells Road .

Yammerbook

Reports from Tony and Nina on the progress of Stage 2 Master Plan for the reserve. Council is still awaiting approval from Melbourne Water for this work to commence. In the meantime water testing has been arranged by council and a flora and fauna survey is being undertaken by Ecology Australia.

Bradshaw Park

Council agreed to retrofit the existing fence with mesh. Stainless steel mesh has been attached to the fence on the highway side. Two swing gates and two mesh vehicle gates are also required.

The Collins Report

Council was involved in discussions with ESV and other councils to consider a staged transition to achieving the new Electric Line Clearance regulations .Found that this authority was more conciliatory while still demanding line clearance. Lines to be bundled rather than have numerous lines destroying neighbourhood vistas.

Heatherton Rec Reserve Storm Treatment Project similar to Mordialloc Creek project is aimed at minimizing use of potable water.

Chicquita Park landscape works are continuing, and following some community interest, aim to include residents in planting planned for June.

First Avenue Clayton playground and park upgrade with tree planting as part of the offset project from the Dept of Transport.?

Bicenntenial Park Chelsea has lost a recently installed 6 metre picnic table.

Bay Trail

Despite positive moves in Bayside regarding completion of the Bay trail back-of-kerb, Kingston council is still considering four options rather than take advantage of Transport Minister Mulder’s offer to permit narrowing of Beach Road lanes where significant vegetation is threatened.

Banksia Woodland, Bonbeach

As a result of recalcitrant Bonbeach residents wanting all vegetation removed from the foreshore so that “their views” will not be impeded Kingston’s Coastal Management Plan is in abeyance.

Green Wedge Issues

Capital Golf Course in Kingston’s green wedge is seeking approval for a residential development on this land.

Parks  

The Grange has seen early flowering of wattles, multiple butterflies and other insects.

Rowan Woodland has also seen great growth due to plentiful rain.

Mornington Yacht Club

Mornington Yacht Club is proposing a large marina for 190 boats in Mornington Harbour . It will include a 210 metre concrete wave screen wall rising 4 metres above high tide and buried at the base of the sea bed. Negative impacts include loss of amenity, views obstructed and visual surroundings totally altered. Popular Mother’s Beach will no longer be a safe or pleasant swimming beach due to increased sand accumulation and water pollution. Views of the bay will be obstructed by the massive concrete wave screen. There is already a huge, largely unoccupied marina at Martha Cove Harbour. This appears to be massive over kill to try to protect 190 boats at the expense of the enjoyment of many hundreds of visitors and residents to Mother’s Beach.

Fun for our Fiftys

An expo 4th and 5th June at Kingston City Hall with exhibitors such as the developer Lowe Constructions and Ian Ryan How to obtain the best price for your home when selling. They wouldn’t be trying to persuade the over 50s to sell and move out of their stand alone homes with backyard and garden and move into one of the dog kennels being constructed locally so that their developer mates can make a killing, would they?. Would they???

Coal Seam Gas Mining

Exploration licences have been granted to explore in the Ninety Mile Beach , The Gippsland Lakes and the Strezlecki Ranges in Victoria

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th August 2010

Forthcoming Events

Step back 200 years. Open Day and Spring Planting .Saturday 11 September 9am –Noon . The Grange Heathland Reserve ,Clayton South, Melway F8.

Friends of Kingston Heath, Farm Road Cheltenham. Working Bee Sunday 3rd October 10-12 noon. AGM 5 October 10am Uniting Church Herald Street, Cheltenham.

Kingston Conservation & Environment meeting at Mordialloc Neighbourhood House, Wednesday 8th September at 7.30pm. 457 Main Street, Mordialloc.

Draft Tree Management Policy

Watch out for this policy to be released by Council for a formal public consultation process. It is proposed to select tree species for planting based on their suitability to the site, climatic conditions, biological diversity, performance and potential to contribute to the landscape.This may include exotic species – hopefully not along the foreshore. Note that the aim is to increase tree coverage throughout the city which will help reduce the heat island effect due to urban development resulting in increased hard surfaces.

On the other hand – the Natural Resource Area team will be removing large non-local indigenous trees on the north side of Mordialloc Creek near the Wells Road bridge. This project is part of the Living Links project and will allow for the establishment of new plantings.

Kingston Parks Report

Despite staff shortages and wet weather all vegetation targets were achieved. Congratulations to the hard working team! Oxalis is the main problem. Epsom Grasslands are sensational at present. Tea-trees permitted on foreshore.

Waterwatch

Bronwen and Alan will meet with Melissa from Melbourne Water to begin testing creek water at Bowen Road. Bronwen suggested testing above the Waterways wetlands at Springvale Road and compare the result with the water tested below at the re-entry point into the Main Drain. Nina reminded us that Melbourne Water has advised that we are welcome to test water quality in the Woodlands water bodies (lakes and wetlands). Could be interesting!

Dredging Mordialloc Creek

Low flow of water in Mordialloc creek is still a concern for the local boating fraternity. A well attended meeting of Mordialloc Creek Community was held 27 July. Dredging to remove a build up of silt will cost approx. $8 million dollars. Disposal of acid sulfate dredge spoil is adding to the cost of dredging the creek. Glen checked water flow from Dandenong Creek at Pillars crossing and found that no water was flowing into Mordialloc Creek thus contributing to problems down stream where boats are sitting on silt until high tide.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Interpretive signs were finally installed 12 July.Signs explain Bunurong culture and territory plus the current program of bush and wetland renewal. Nina and Walter featured in photos of the launch in the Leader. Nina devoted many hours of research to provide accurate information for the interpretive sign.

Bradshaw Park

The new low and open fence installed around Bradshaw Park is still causing concern with Mentone and Mordialloc Village Committees taking up the issue of more appropriate fencing to protect the reserve from litter blown into the park and to prevent development of goat tracks.

George Woods Reserve Playground

Lack of adequate consultation between new council staff and environment groups has once again occurred (as in the Bradshaw park fiasco) over a proposal to remove an existing playground and create a district or large regional playground behind the kindergarten and scout hall on Governor Road. This area has been referred to as an arboretum since 1990 when a plan for foreshore planting was presented to Mordialloc Council and accepted by the State Government Minister for Planning & Environment. The planting proposals were the result of a survey carried out by SGAP and MBCL members.

The present site of the playground is ideal since there is plenty of room for expansion, there is a bus stop nearby and is clearly visible to passing traffic on Governor Road and from the Chute Street Boat ramp car park.A toilet is also accessible as part of the car park. To locate a large playground behind the scout hall and kindergarten will mean the removal of the mature established trees. This area will not be as clearly visible hidden behind buildings and one of the most pleasant parts of the George Woods Reserve will be destroyed.

P.S .There is a very large district playground in the Peter Scullin Reserve.

No Parking Beach Road

An Elwood group has letter boxed Beach Road residents with a petition opposing a clearway along Beach Road as agreed to by Port Phillip and Kingston Councils. These councils have agreed to a six month trial period. A spirited discussion took place and it transpired that a majority of MBCL members do not agree with a clearway! Perhaps as the price of fuel increases we will all be pumping up tires and donning lycra!

Green Wedge Issues

Blood pressure rose after reading the headline in Business Age 31 July that “Kingston residents to pay for green wedge land” by Marc Pallisco. The report stated that Kingston City Council will “bulldoze and transform a green-wedge-zoned area described as one of its most important natural assets for shops, offices, factories, houses and apartments.”

Fortunately a correction appeared the following week when City of Kingston advised that community based initiatives included market gardens and projects revolving around recreation and a chain of parks were planned instead.

Timber Yard Development

Development seems likely to go to VCAT because “of council’s failure to determine this application for a planning permit within the required statutory time frame.” Planning issues are overdevelopment of the site (including height, scale, visual bulk and mass, neighbourhood character, heritage concerns, car parking and traffic concerns. To be built in three stages including, 11 dwellings, 94 units and a three storey office and retail development.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th July 2010

VCAT Hearings

Members have been attending VCAT hearings concerning local residential developments that will have an impact on environmental and residential amenity. 9 Bear Street decision disappointingly approved an intensive unit development including a number of bedrooms without windows resulting on reliance on reflected light from other rooms and reliance on mechanical ventilation for the entire building. Hardly environmentally sustainable living, rather developments like this, encouraged by government, resembles third world housing.Entry /exit onto busy Albert Street will increase traffic congestion close to a railway station, bus stop and school. The large timber yard development, also on Albert Street, will add to this congestion. Trucks use this street to access industrial sites at Braeside. An oversize MacMansion in Bertram Street on the north side of an existing single storey dwelling will preclude the use of solar panels and sunlight into habitable rooms of this home. A single dwelling does not require a planning permit under today’s planning regime so there are no grounds for objections.

Waterwatch

Happy to report two new recruits for the Waterwatch team – Bronwen and Alan have begun training. An oil spill was reported in the lower reaches of the creek Wednesday. Some concern about print company, Rollspack, seeking to increase its solvent emissions and discharge of waste to the environment at Braeside. Some of this waste will be discharged to the sewer system. Community rally 11am Sat July 31st requesting that the creek be dredged.

Kingston Parks Report

Stage 2 of the Master plan to determine priorities. Linkages of Mordialloc Creek, foreshore, Braeside Park and Eel Race Drain to cover recreation and habitat.

Heatherton Park and Moorabbin Reserve have had working bees and planting days. Concern over Chinese Elm trees planted in Heatherton Park.

Braeside Park will have a National Tree Day planting 31 July.

Friends of Mordialloc Creek’s National Tree Planting Day Sunday 1st August. Meet near the Jack Grut Reserve 10-1pm

Aspendale Gardens Residents Association

AGRA met 12 July to discuss Yammerbook completion Stage 2, Mordialloc Creek Industrial development between Waterways & Wells Road bridge and secondary drain wetland corridor from Mordialloc to Edithvale wetlands. Brian Earl and Scot Watson carried out Yammerbook soil and water tests December 2009 and found the soil was quite acidic but the water was alkaline.Further tests were carried out after rain . Liaison with the appropriate agencies before further work is undertaken was suggested.

Extension to the Kiosk Mordialloc Creek

The current lessees of the Tour de Café have applied to have two pergolas erected on the west and north side of the kiosk to provide shelter. MBCL members felt that this was the thin edge of the wedge and would lead to a more permanent expansion and privatization of Crown land . Members remember the ‘incremental creep’ of Windows on the Bay onto the foreshore after being given permission to only occupy the footprint of the existing small kiosk /change rooms,1984. (We have long memories)

Heritage Issues

Hertiage issues were raised in relation to the 9 Bear development in Mordialloc’s heritage precinct including the Masonic Lodge, St Nicholas Church (also undergoing alteration ), the primary school and water tower.The unit development will detract from this historically significant part of Mordialloc. The State government’s enforcement of high density housing in activity centres around transport hubs means that older suburbs will lose the character of their neighbourhood because most of their historically significant buildings are located around railway stations.

Museum on the Pompei Site

was also discussed. Wooden boat building was an important draw card to Mordialloc for people from all walks of life It is gratifying to learn that council intends that this site will be retained as a boat hire, maintenance and repair precinct as part of the Mordialloc Structure Plan.

Climate Change & Biodiversity Reference Group

Clime Change & Biodiversity Reference Group has been formed Representatives from MBCL and KCEC are part of the group. The precautionary principle is being used in VCAT hearings now when an applicant seeks to build on flood prone land . Mordialloc has 11,000 flood prone properties. A recent case reported in the Planning News, July 2010, involved a property in Mordialloc – two double storey dwellings on a site 400 metres from the coast.Although Kingston’s drainage engineers “had not expressed concern” the Tribunal took the precautionary measure and directed that the application be referred to the flood plain manager.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 13th June 2010

Bereavements

Sadly we report the death of Ron Pearson, a long standing member of MBCL and a number of other environment groups including Braeside Park where he was a regular member of the plant propogation group. His vast knowledge of Australian plants was of great assistance to MBCL in encouraging council to introduce indigenous plants in revegetation projects along the foreshore.

Paul Michael Walsh, partner to Johanna van Klaveren, died suddenly 18th June. Paul was a great reader and brilliant with IT in all its manifestations.He will be sadly missed and not only by his work colleagues.

Return of Intrepid Travelers

Three MBCL members were away in May roistering in Scotland and Europe. Your secretary was impressed with the excellent rail transport in Europe where it is possible to board a train in East Berlin and travel at 200 kms per hour to Schipol air port in Holland -and Victoria isn’t any closer to having a rail line to Tullamarine. Bicycle paths are well used in car free streets with three year olds confidently riding two wheelers alongside their parents. No tower blocks in the heart of the old cities – heritage buildings are jealously preserved.

Climate Change Forum

April 18th was successful with three interesting speakers. Phillip Wierzbowski, from Coast Care Coast Action spoke about pressures on the coast at a time of climate change, Ray Lewis, Care Rickett’s Point spoke, also Lee Halkias , Kingston’s Foreshore Coordinator outlined the NRA teams work and the help which volunteers can give.

Mordialloc Creek Draft Master Plan

The draft master plan for Mordialloc Creek has been released and contains many spelling errors as well as regurgitating discredited plans from previous studies e.g. replacing Canary Island Palms in the Hazel Pierce Reserve after council removed palms a decade ago! Boat owners and users would rather see money spent on maintenance of collapsing walls and mooring posts. Creek also requires dredging urgently. Unnecessary removal of a playground in George Woods Reserve and replacing it with a larger one in the Arboretum is concerning and unnecessary.

Bay Trail

The Mayor Steve Staikos has spoken to the Minister for Roads, Tim Pallas, who will consider three options for the bike track- one along the existing promenade, the cliff top option and MBCL preferred option, back of kerb.Beaumaris Conservation Society has forwarded their preferred option to Minister Pallas also. This involved narrowing lanes in Beach Road between Cromer Road and Charman Road.

VCAT Hearing

VCAT HEARING re 9 Bear Street 4th June. Johanna, Nina and Joanne, outlined the flaws in this poorly, designed unit development at the corner of Bear and Albert Street, Mordialloc. Traffic congestion will occur since the sole entry/ exit point for vehicles is onto busy Albert Street.

Proposed development of the timber yards with 96 units plus shops in Albert Street /Park Street will add to traffic congestion. Concern that Heritage documents are now not kept at the library making it difficult when they could be used in the preparation of VCAT Hearings.Suggest MBCL contact Heritage experts (June Horner?) for advice.

Kingston Conservation & Environment Coalition

Future aims of KCEC were discussed. KCEC could be a “talking post’ keeping members in the loop if immediate action was required and inform members about planting days. KCEC could   organizine speakers when relevant and check with Bayside Council about their proposal to establish and eco-centre.

Dingley Overpass

Dingley Arterial to go ahead through part of the Coomora Reserve. Cr West moved in council that traffic be moved onto Heatherton Road to save market gardens. The extension of Mornington Freeway is being constructed through the Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Working Bee at Epsom Estate

Nina believes that constant changes in council NRA staff means that a working relationship has not been built up on the Epsom Estate to interest residents in protecting the 4 hectares of Herb-rich Grassy Wetland saved from the original 11 hectares prior to destruction by developers.

Bradshaw Park Bushland

Since the new, low, open fence was installed early February 2010 litter is blowing into the reserve and walkers with/without dogs clamber over and under the fence and trample the vegetation. Many walkers don’t bother to use access points as was predicted. Working bee on 15th June.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Planting bee near the northern lake edge 10 April 2010. The interpretive sign which Nina researched and contributed to seems to be on hold.

St Nicholas Church Mordialloc

St Nicholas Church Mordialloc is undergoing changes with a new entry on Barkly Street frontage, and extension at rear for a new hall. Historic architecture such as window arches may be demolished. Some internal features have gone. This is where a firm heritage policy would be helpful.

Mordialloc Creek Low Water Low Water Flow

Boat hire business is unable to launch boats unless it is high tide. This is due partly to a build up of silt and lack of dredging. Staff at the ETP claim that the weir at Pillar’s Crossing is open and allows 200 megalitres per day to flow into the creek. Question is this enough? How much flows down Patterson River to keep the National Water Centre afloat? How much is absorbed ,or is evaporated in Waterways Wetlands? Lack of rain means little water flows in through Heatherton and Settlement drains. Rather than beautification of the creeks the boat owners/users want money spent on dredging and improving water quality in the creek.

Kingston Green Wedge Memorandum of Understanding is Available for Comment

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th November 2009

Forthcoming Events

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council is holding a Remnant Native Environmental Workshop Conference Room 2, Telstra Conference Centre corner Lonsdale and Exhibition Street, Monday 14 December, 10.00am-2.00pm.

Green fields, Brown fields,New fields 7th-10th February 2010. Tenth Australasian Urban History/Planning History Conference, Faculty of Architecture, Universsity of Melbourne.

Saturday 12th December Union of Australian Women Brunch for Peace at Mordialloc foreshore.

Share food and listen to challenging speakers.

Certificate of Appreciation

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of the League’s service and contribution to the City of Kingston through its on-going campaign to protect the local environment. The Mayor, Arthur Athanasopoulos, made the presentation 23rd November at the Council meeting. Appreciation is extended to our stalwart members who are still watching over parks, foreshore, green wedges , creek and open space. Well done all !

Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron Marina Development

A letter has been received from Minister for Planning advising that an Environmental Effects Statement(EES) will be required for the marina development to proceed. Good news. Not so good though is the proposed Frankston 15ha marina. Captain Frank Hart, Frankston Beach Association, has prepared an excellent paper outlining the effects this development will have on the foreshore. The Planning Minister has appointed a Priority Development Panel removing third party rights to object.

Waterwatch

Judy, Bronwen and Brian undertook Waterwatch in November. Further training for Waterwatchers is planned when the course again becomes available.

Coast Care Coast Action

Facilitator Phillip Wierzbowski attended the November meeting to discuss ideas for grant applications. The NRA team were consulted for projects requiring funding. A forum in March with an invitation to the community may result in recruitment of volunteers prepared to give time to projects along the foreshore and creek . Parks Team Leader ,Tony also supported the need to reactivate small groups prepared to work on the foreshore. Kingston’s Coastal Management Plan will guide and direct work on the foreshore.

Tony further reports that Kingston only has 60 million litres of recycled water for sports grounds. To drought-proof the grounds warm seasons grasses are being planted.

Mordialloc Creek Master Plan

A consultant has been appointed for this project which includes Mordialloc creek from mouth to Boundary road, Attenborough park, Hazel Pierce Reserve and the Pompei site. We wait with bated breath for yet a third or fourth plan for Attenborough park! Will the Master plan take into consideration the impact of climate change on water levels in the creek?

Bay Trail

Some good news for a change from the Bay Trail battlefront. The Mayor has responded to our letter October 26 in which he states that council officers are undertaking background work for the alignment of Kingston’s section of the trail to Charman Road. This includes preparing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan.DSE has requested that alternate alignment options be documented and presented for Council’s application for Coastal Management Act Consent. A similar process has been undertaken by Bayside Council for the stages between Cromer and Charman Roads. Bayside Council’s letter 20 November states that “Council restates its preference for the “back-of-kerb” or roadside verge option.”(the same as our option) and “That Council continues consultation with VicRoads to achieve that aim.”

Good news also concerning our request for a continuation of the bike along the southern levee bank of Mordialloc creek up to, at least, Bowen Road – but eventually up to and beyond Springvale Road.Council’s Nigel Brown informed me that there had been consultation with Dandenong council about an eventual link with the Mordialloc Trail at Springvale road.

City of Kingston’s Road Safety Strategy

City of Kingston’s Road Safety Survey was sent to Village Committee members. At the November meeting the VC members asked that someone from VicRoads attend the February meeting to hear traffic issues including Main Street pedestrian

Crossing, speed limit reduction in shopping centre (highway), extension of left lane on Main Street to become designated left turn only into McDonald Street, review of traffic flow at Main Street Roundabout /St Lucia development-Epsom Road, cut through required from Carrier Avenue to the service road at Parkdale Plaza. It should be mandatory for an independent traffic consultant to be present at VCAT or mediation hearings rather than the developer’s pet consultant who invariably gives a “no problems” response whether it concerns lack of parking or potential traffic congestion in suburban streets prior to approval for a major development.

34 Unit Development in Mordialloc Heritage Precinct

34 Unit Development in Mordialloc Heritage Precinct corner of Bear and Albert Street, Mordialloc. This is an over -development of the site with poorly designed, small units, lacking light, space, privacy and noise attenuation and built to the footpath on the corner of two heavily trafficked roads.

Parks Report

The Grange has been clearing up rubbish after a fire. Green Corp workers sometimes have trouble deciphering weeds from native grasses. (They’re not the only ones!)

Yammerbook Reserve

Yammerbook Reserve is still awaiting the completion of the informative sign for which Nina has researched material .

Sustainable Population Australia

Special General Meeting Sunday 29th 2pm at North Melbourne Town Hall. Federal member for Coburg, Kelvin Thomson, will be the guest speaker. The SPA is working with those fighting the effects of excessive population growth encouraged by mining, development and business industries all ignoring lack of water resources.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st April 2009

Submissions

Still time to prepare a submission to Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2020. The draft strategy will guide how governments, the community, industry and scientists manage and protect Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems over the next ten years in the face of threats to the environment from climate change, habitat loss and invasive species. Subs due 29 May.

Submission : Inquiry into train services.   State Government Legislative services has appointed a Select Committee of 7 members to inquire into factors leading into causes of failure of metropolitan and V/Line serves. Subs due 1 June 2009.

New orbital bus route Mordialloc to Altona takes four hours!! Take food and drink.

Meetings Attended

Judy attended a General Meeting of the Northern Bendigo Landcare Group and plans to attend more meetings when she is in Bendigo. Judy also attended the April meeting of the PPCC (Port Phillip Conservation Council.

Nina attended an inaugural meeting of the Living Links project at April 2 at Springvale Civic Centre. Nina also attended the naming of the Mordialloc Creek bridge 21st of April. Bridge work is now completed with bike, pedestrian paths and safety barriers on both sides of the bridge.

Mary, Janelle (KRAMMED) and Brian attended a specially convened meeting to hear Kingston’s Strategic planner explain the State Govt’s policy of New Residential Zones for Victoria.These zones if approved will permit 9 metres (three storey’s or more )development in suburban streets.

Dune Restoration Day

North Aspendale Foreshore Saturday May 30th. City of Kingstson in conjunction with Green Corps will be planting native grasses and shrubs to protect the coastal dune system, offer habitat to native birds and animals, helps reduce greenhouse effect..

Free BBQ. Further info 9 776 0403.

Victoria’s Water Reality and a Growing Population

AGM Sustainable Population Australia Saturday May 16th at 2pm North Melbourne Library .Guest Speaker Dr Ernest Healy – research fellow in the Centre for Population and Urban Research. Melways 2A J10.

Epsom Wetlands

Glen queried whether the parrot feather aquatic weed was the same as the one engineered by Germans to be used in fish tanks. This weed pest is devastating for creeks and catchments.

Artificial Reefs at Frankston, Seaford and Aspendale.

Discussion with Del Guidice, Fisheries Victoria, re material to be used for the reefs. Special environmentally friendly concrete with a life span of over 300 years will be installed 600 metres off-shore. The concrete will be dome shaped with holes to provide living quarters for marine house hunters. I was assured that if the reef proved unsatisfactory it could be removed and would not be left to deteriorate and pollute the environment like the tyre reef installed off Chelsea. There will be a 1km commercial exclusion zone around the three new reefs to enable accurate monitoring of recreational use of the reefs.

Waterwatch

Mordialloc Creek It has now been agreed that Waterwatch water quality testing can occur bi-monthly. Calibration fluid has been supplied for the testing equipment.

Climate Change Network

Finally MBCL’s letter re the establishment of a Council supported climate change community group has been answered by Council’s Manager of the Environment (four months later). He sees no need for a community climate change group claiming that Council is implementing Kingston’s Biodiversity Strategy. However discussion with the Foreshore Coordinator was more positive and suggested that a climate change group with some community involvement may still eventuate.

Dredging Mordialloc Creek

Dredging Mordialloc Creek between Nepean Highway and Wells Road bridge was discussed at a Yammerbook meeting, 25-3-09. Tony and Mark advised that Melbourne Water has stated that there is no need to dredge this section of the creek because current sediment levels and bank alignment pose no threat to flooding or water flow. Mark Dreyfus suggested that funding could be obtained to develop a regional waterways/habitat links plan for Mordialloc Creek Catchment. Funding could come from Living Links/Caring for Country.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Negotiations are continuing between Yammerbook Committee and Council re funding for Stage 2 of the Master Plan to create a habitat island and lake extension. It is hoped work will begin when a Mordialloc Creek Catchment and habitat links program has been devised by council The NRA team has received funding for maintenance of the south bank creek vegetation.

Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology

ARCUE has sent a copy of their newsletter Urban Spotlight. ‘’ARCUE is recognized across Australia and overseas as a centre of excellence studying the effects of urbanization and associated developments on the natural environment.It is essential that this knowledge and understanding be dissenminated to the community to achieve sustainable human settlements.”

ARCUE is expanding their work by providing a suite of consultancy services to a range of clients.The client list includes DSE and the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.Subscription to ARCUE’s Urban Spotlight is free .Telephone. 8344 0146.

Bowen’s Road

Road works have met with some hostility from residents who didn’t realize what was in store for them when they purchased houses aligned to the proposed road connecting Aspendale Gardens to Waterways, and through Waterways to Governor Road and Braeside Park.

Queries also about the impact this road may have on the Growling Grass frog and birdlife in the wetlands.However Mr Haines is not risking having to pay contractors by delaying work!

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th March 2009

Submissions!

There is still time to make a submission to New Residential Zones for Victoria due April 9. Council will hold an information session April 2 designed to explain the NRZs. A limit of 40 persons so need to book. To be held Chelt Council Offices. 6pm – 7.30pm.

VEAC is also calling for submissions for an investigation of remnant vegetation on Crown land and public authority land (greater than 20,000 ha for public authority land ) Sub due 4th May.

Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2020. Dept of Environment, Water and Heritage is seeking comment if you are interested in shaping the future of Australia’s biodiversity management. Sub due 29 may 2009.

Forthcoming Events

Living Links Community Workshop April 2 . 6pm -8pm at Springvale Community centre 397- 405 Springvale Road. To develop a master plan of living parks, wetlands, pathways and open spaces .

Macrobiotic Workshop At Briars park April 4th 9.30am -12.30pm . A Melbourne Water initiative

Council’s Failure to Communicate

Despite being assured that council acknowledged receipt of correspondence within ten days it took three phone calls and a four month wait to get a response to four letters sent in Nov, Dec, Jan and February to the CEO, Mayor and Planning Manager. Finally in March a letter arrived responding to two of the issues.

Waterwatch

Brian and Nina, in consultation with Melanie, have decided to carry out water quality tests in Mordialloc Creek bi-monthly upstream from Wells Road bridge. This site may have to be moved due to construction of wetlands on industrial land on the north side of the creek.

Meeting with Local Member

Meeting to ascertain whether there was still support for the back of kerb option for the Kingston section of the Round the Bay bike track. Adrian attended to give a report on Bayside Council’s decision to reject the cliff top option for their section of the path and continue to lobby VicRoads for a back of kerb track. Other issues discussed included Urban Growth Boundaries. It seems that Kingston Council was given three opportunities by the Minister to present a plan to retain green wedge boundaries but never made a submission. AGRA is concerned that council may be considering changes to the southern section of Kingston’s green wedge. MBCL supports AGRA’s request for early consultation on this matter.

Concrete Crusher

Kingston Council withdrew from Supreme Court action to stop Alex Fraser’s concrete crusher setting up on Kingston Road opposite a large school.Alex Fraser has withdrawn their application for the Tootal Road site. Apparently DSE is not impressed with Kingston Council’s plans for the northern Non-Urban Framework Plan. Working groups have been set up to sort out this problematic planning issue.Chain of Parks should be considered.

Parking on the Hazel Pierce Reserve

This was the subject of one of the four letters sent to council and not responded to! The issue was raised with a council officer also but was informed that he didn’t want posts around the reserve to stop cars parking on the grass claiming that ‘it didn’t happen very often’. It was pointed out that posts/fencing have been placed right along Beach Road and in front of the Epsom Road shelter to stop cars parking there. To no avail. Nina has requested that bollards be replaced around ATTENBOROUGH PARK now that bridge work has been completed. This is to prevent Doyles patrons parking on re-seeded areas and under trees.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Stage 2 of the Master Plan to create an island habitat and dog pond is on hold because COK is developing a regional plan for habitat and recreation links as well as environmental improvements. The concept may include Waterways, the Secondary Drain (Centre Swamp Drain), Mordialloc Creek, Yammerbook, Epsom Grassland.

Committee annoyed because Stage 2 funding was obtained for 2008/9 financial year but the regional concept was not conveyed to the committee.Is the Living Links Workshop April 2 the beginning of the regional concept plan??

Waterways

Melbourne Water will remain responsible for water flow through Waterways wetlands but want the Waterways Steering Committee to take responsibility for vegetation maintenance. The Committee is negotiating with COK re cost of maintenance.

Eastern Treatment Plant

Possibility of Class C recycled water used for sports grounds, parks, gardens and environmental flows. Water would contain nutrients and low salinity levels. Water may be suitable for Yammerbook saline wetlands but how would this water affect Mordialloc Creek? Surrounding councils may be involved.

Epsom Wetlands

NRA rangers removing parrot feathers weed from the wetlands possibly as a result of someone emptying an aquarium into the water! Exotic trees have been removed from the grasslands by NRA .Result of a phantom planter.?

Bradshaw Park

Despite drought and hot weather the park is in fair condition. Friends had a propagation session in February at council Bonbeach nursery.

Frankston Marina

Frankston Marina seems set to go ahead despite very real doubts about the viability of the project and environmental damage caused by inevitable beach erosion . Parks Victoria is responsible for promoting safe boat harbours around the Bay. However this is causing small boat owners considerable angst because of cost of mooring fees likely to accrue. A proposal for a large marina at Queenscliff is another case of where only wealthy yacht owners will be able to afford to use the facilities.A ‘safe shelter from inclement weather conditions’ is a fallacious argument. As G.Goode Eaq says, “ They shouldn’t be out on the Bay in bad weather!”

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd December 2008

Happy New Year to All

Trust that everyone has had a restful break and ready to once again face the challenges which I am sure await us. We can perhaps hope that with a new council operating in a different format there will be more consideration given to environmental issues. Congratulations to Cr West on a successful election result, welcome back to Trevor in the South Ward but sadly former Cr Alabaster missed out in the North Ward. His wisdom, experience and support for community values will be missed.

Crown Land Review

Land on both sides of Mordialloc Creek from the mouth to Wells Road bridge is Crown Land. The State Government is conducting a review of Metroploitan Crown Land to identify uses, resources, conditions, values and management. Submissions are due February 16. There is no need for specific detail at this stage but it is important to include any points it is felt are significant – in our case what we consider appropriate for the Pompei site all of which is Crown Land. Under Mordialloc Structure plan it is proposed to permit a four storey unit development, as well as restaurant right on the bank of the creek where Jack’s small sheds are situated. Kingston Council has been given a $250, 000 grant to employ a consultant aimed at devising a plan for the area. Such a plan would over ride the structure plan according to our local politician. Ideally the area should be retained for small boat building, and facilities for repair and maintenance for boat owners. Although plans are available of the Crown Land it becomes rather complex because of the number of leaseholders in the area. Further research is required.

Exxon Mobil

Dec 13 2008 the anchor of a vessel cut through the Exxon Mobil pipeline during a storm in Port Phillip Bay. The pipeline carries ethane from Hastings To Altona with the pipeline crossing Mordialloc beach to enter the Bay. June 17 1972 3000 people rallied on the beach to protest the pipeline fearing its installation might set a precedent for future oil pipelines. An attempt had been made in 1971 for four more pipelines to cross the bed of Port Phillip Bay-disallowed by the Hamer Government.

Mordialloc Creek Waterwatch

Brian and Judy undertook the January testing of water quality in the creek . They reported that water level was very low due to lack of rain thus no stormwater.flowing into creek from major drains. Nina reported that at a meeting of AGRA Melbourne Water gave a progress report on the proposed wetlands on industrial land above Wells Road bridge. NRA staff are concerned at possible loss of indigenous vegetation when work commences on the wetlands. Melbourne Water has no notice of motorized watercraft likely to cruise upstream of Wells Road bridge when the wetlands are completed.Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands are opposed to a policy allowing motorized boats upstream o „fthe bridge.

George Woods Reserve Landscaping

Nina reports that NRA are planning to install a tank in the aboretum near the railway bridge in the park to water plants.The shared path from the rail line to the footbridge over the creek is to be realigned to prevent people taking a short cut across the grassed area leading to erosion and compaction of soil around tree roots.

Mordialloc Foreshore

Pleasing to note how well vegetation in the pig pens south of the lifesaving club is growing despite the drought. The pig pens should be retained to prevent people creating goat tracks through the dunes. Banksias and casuarinas near the playground in the Peter Scullin Reserve are doing well but those near the pier are struggling due to lack of understorey protection from gales.Pleasing to note also that two mature casuarinas opposite The Bay, vandalized after the Peter Scullin Reserve massacre, have been replaced as required by DSE policy.

Channel Deepening

Blue Wedges research has found that overseas shipping companies now believe that smaller ships are cheaper to run than large vessels. A teaching fellow at ANU College of Law , who worked for Freehills during the 2004 Panel Hearing into channel deepening, is investigating concepts of environmental justice within Australian environmental law and using the channel deepening project as a case study. Brad will attend the MBCL meeting Feb 4th.

Bay Trail

Cr Dundas met with MBCL members to inspect the proposed bike path location on the verge of Beach Road, plus a quick visit to Mordialloc Creek. Following the inspection of the bike route Stephen produced some interesting stats concerning car parking.

Beaumaris Conservation Society

Beaumaris Conservation Society met with former pollie, Evan Thornley and Vic Roads to discuss the Beaumaris section of the Bay Trail between Charman and Cromer Roads. Outcome uncertain. VicRoads is planning to convert this section of Beach Road to four lanes. Why?

VCAT Decision RE NQR / Supreme Court Summons

VCAT has approved the development of the NQR site with minor external alterations to the upper levels of units. No change to the only entry/exit point to the development into Epsom Road. The day after the arrival of the VCAT decision two large folders appeared on the doorstep with a summons for MBCL and Ors to appear at the Supreme Court. Kingston Council is taking Alex Fraser and his concrete crusher to court. The EDO is appearing for MBCL and Ors.

Blasts from the Past

Peter Scullin and Dr Michael Buxton, former City of Mordialloc Mayors and councillors – and former members of MBCL, attended Jack Pompei’s funeral and wake – and were astonished to learn that MBCL was still tottering along -after 40 years!

Jim Kerin, organizer of Southern Community Radio, conducted a 30 minute interview after the funeral with MBCL secretary re the group’s involvement with Jack Pompei ,and some of the issues concerning the creek. The highly polluted condition of the creek around 1975-1994 was the main problem during that period.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Nina reports that the Friends group and Kingston council are still negotiating over the wording of an interpretive sign to be erected in the Reserve. The sign will include information about the Bunurong and Jimmy Dunbar, last of his Aboriginal tribe in this area.

Bradshaw Park

Friends are alarmed about illegal advertising signs place on the park’s fence and would appreciate people reporting any more sightings to Council.

Esso/Exxon Mobil Pipeline Saga

In 1969 Mr Warlow, Esso’s chief pipeline engineering lobbyist,addressed Mordialloc Council informing them that the pipeline would not cause inconvenience except that the city would be unable to build or plant trees within the 50 foot/feasement which traverses the full length of Crown Land/creek reserve -including the Pompei site!

Just a thought With the Hasting Westernport container port development likely to go ahead, will there be pressure again for pipelines crossing the Bay?

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.