Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st October 2008

200801
Oct

Vote of Thanks

To Member for Mordialloc, Janice Munt for her letter to the Mayor, Bill Nixon, commenting on Kingston Council’s “going alone” and not working with the State Government todevelop a green wedge policy as most councils with green wedges have done. Excellent letters in the Independent congratulating Janice on her support of the green wedge and from presidents of KRAMMED and Chelsea Historical Society reporting the continuing rampant unit development in bayside incremental change areas.

Grant Applications

It was decided to take advantage of the invitation from, Mark Dreyfus to apply for a volunteer grant for the purchase of small equipment. We also had the pleasure of agreeing to support Mordialloc College’s Junior Landcare Grant Application.

Democracy Under Threat?

A move to ban councillors from voting on issues they care about most is too extreme and will harm democracy lawyer Julian Burnside claimed. However the threat may have been averted because of community anger. A demo took place on the steps of parliament Tuesday .1.30pm.Included amongst the throng– a number of council hopefuls.

Bayside Council’s Banksia Bulletin

Bayside Council’s Banksia Bulletin has an excellent article, page 10,concerning the importance of shrubby understorey as habitat for small birds and suggests local species such as wattles, sheoaks, banksias and tea trees !!!

Waterwatch

Monitoring is continuing with results so far not indicating serious problems with water quality in Mordialloc Main Drain below the outlet from Waterways wetlands.

MBCL was invited to be part of a meeting with Melbourne Water officers concerning the proposed wetlands to be constructed on industrial land upstream from Wells Road bridge.

This will involve dredging the creek to a depth of 1.5 metres upstream of the bridge to encourage greater waterflow in the creek.However we were informed that Melbourne Water plans to release some water into the creek at Pillars crossing but this needs to be done carefully so that farmland is not flooded nor Waterways wetlands overloaded .A bke path on the levee bank was discussed!!o

Kingston Foreshore Reference Group Demise

Even though there was no show of hands at a council organized meeting to decide whether the KFRG was still necessary it seems that those members in favour of disbanding the group achieved their aim. Nina has written to the CEO, Cr Petchey &officer responsible pointing out discrepancies in the report which ignored the fact that half those present were in favour of retaining the group.because of its value in informing members of projects, activities and speakers.The CEO has indicated he will be encouraging the community to become aware of climate change challenges for Kingston possibly leading to establishment of a stakeholders group. Cr West suggested that a new group could be called Land and Biodiversity at a time of Climate Change.!

Kingston Heath Reserve

There is a wetland remnant in this reserve which is to have a botanical garden including Banksias. A children’s playground will be added. Also disussed – it has been discovered that there is sufficient water in the Settlement/ Dunlop/Dingley drains to irrigate farm land in the non-urban area (Green wedge). Farms in that area would reduce the travel time to take produce to city markets.

Desalination Plant

Hearings are under way at Pakenham at present. It is expected that waste from the plant will be pumped into the ocean harming marine life and creating a ‘dead sea’ for kilometers from the plant caused by the release of toxins.

Chicquita Park

The developer has breached the open space conditions and, it seems, council can’t,or won’t,fine or in some other manner penalize him for the breaches. It is clear that Kingston Council would have saved itself a lot of grief if it had bought the park when the Defence Department offered it to council. Coincidentally one of the councillors most opposed to buying the park is standing in the Centre Ward in the forthcoming election.He retired from council some years ago. It will pay to check preferences carefully when voting!!

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Committee and City of Kingston are jointly drafting interpretive signage. Funding is being sought for stage 2 of the Master Plan to create an island wildlife refuge.

Friends of Bradshaw Park

Friends carried out October plantings of grasses and red gums. The Friends would like the unattractive depot style fencing round the park upgraded.JennyKavanagh is having a tree change and moving to Castlemaine . A treasurer is therefore required.

Long Beach Trail

Trail bikes, motorized scooters and bicycles are being ridden on trails in the area. How long before they discover the Bay Trail??? Report any sitings to the police on 000.

Bush Areas

Bush Areas are to be assessed soon, or reassessed under the Inland Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)

B-Doubles/B-Triples

The State Government will permit these trucks to use some arterial roads in the Metropolitan area. Councils have raised objections because of damage to roads and bridges. At present Beach Road has a curfew on weekend and nighttime use of the road by trucks but the possibility of it becoming a ‘scenic boulevarde’ as advocated by six bayside Majors in 1986 now seems doubtful.

Aldi Supermarkets

Delivery trucks are upsetting residents in Carrum and Southland because of noise disturbance when deliveries are made at midnight, 3am or dawn. A warning here for reisdents in Mentone and Mordialloc who are in line for an Aldi supermarket next door! Planning Officers advise that hours of delivery are between 7am and 10pm.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd September 2008

200803
Sep

Reports Received

Kingston Cycling & Walking Plan 2009-2013 (plus Kingston’s Leisure Planners comments on MBCL and Johanna’s subs!) Standing Committee’s on Finance & Public Administration into Port Phillip Bay Channel Deepening. Select Committee of the Legislative Council on Public Land Development. The Labor Government’s inquiry into management and disposal of public open space. (Kew Cottages, Chiquita Park and Green Wedges referred to.) Climate change and infrastructure – Planning ahead is available form DSE or on the web. Changes to Native Vegetation Provisions in Planning Schemes. New provisions and exemptions came into effect 15 September 2008. Copies may be obtained from Dep. Planning & Community Development.

Forthcoming Meetings

VLGA Annual General Meeting to be held 2 October in the Ground Floor Meeting Room, 60L Green Building, 60 Leicester St. Carlton. Topic for discussion:- Strengthening Community Organisations: Why it Matters Locally. 7.00pm.

Tony Collins, Kingston Parks & Urban Design has agreed to attend our November meeting. He will be most welcome.

Cycling & Walking Plan

According to the report the proposed cycle path will be located on the south levee bank of Mordialloc Creek as far as Bowen Road. Interesting to read the comments from submitters on the shared cycle/walking plan – neither cyclists nor pedestrians are in favour of a shared path because of the possibility of accidents arising from speeding cyclists and/or meandering pedestrians.

Waterwatch

Mordialloc Creek water quality monitoring at the Bowen Road site continues with Brian and Nina’s return from the UK. They report that salinity was low although the water was quite turbid possibly due to rain.Would it be interesting to look at tide levels to check that influence on water quality or salinity? Melanie is keen to record bird sightings.Testing is now to take place on the second Wednesday of the month rather than the first because of the MBCL meeting in the afternoon.

Bay to Rail Station Forecourt and Centreway Mordialloc

The official opening of the station forecourt occurred September. Unfortunately there is already evidence of graffitti on the slats of the seat under the Canary Island palm. Nina has suggested additional bike racks at the southern entrance to Centreway. We have suggested a continuation of bike racks at the station. The spiky back rest of the slatted seats is not popular with everyone and could indeed be dangerous.

Secondhand Site in Albert Street

Secondhand Site in Albert Street is being cleared. Is this to be the next four storey ( or more) in Mordialloc as per the Mordialloc Structure Plan?

530 Main Street Mordialloc

The VCAT Hearing for the NQR site development is listed for 20 November. At present there is a VCAT Hearing for the Le Gym site in Mentone – another Pace development with similar problems to the Mordialloc site. E.g insufficient underground parking ,potential horrific traffic problems because of the rail crossing and busy Balcombe Road. The four storey development includes 39 units, a hotel and an Aldi supermarket.

NQR has opened a shop in Chelsea but is not leaving the Mordialloc store as soon as originally intended. There will need to be a meeting of the objectors prior to the VCAT Hearing.

Mordialloc Creek Dredging

All quiet at the moment. No leaks possibly due to the forthcoming council elections.

Kingston Foreshore Reference Group

The committee members met expecting to be part of a review of the Terms of Reference. However it seemed that the hidden agenda was to dispense with the group despite the good work undertaken in the three years of its existence and the ongoing work required- for instance the matter of climate change and sea level rise. The CEO certainly expressed his view that there will need to be community involvement in planning for the impact of climate change on the foreshore houses and infrastructure. Despite this it seemed that some members wanted to go off and do their own thing on the foreshore – without too many pesky greenies checking them out! Any mention of planting trees on the foreshore gives these people a severe case of apoplexy!

Climate Change References

Two further items well worth reading are Now or never: A sustainable Future for Australia? by Tim Flannery in Quarterly Essay and Blue Covenant – The Global Water Crisis and the Coming Battle for the Right to Water. by Maud Barlow.

Kingston’s Non Urban Area

The recently reported methane gas hazard at Cranbourne should give pause for thought given proposed plans to build warehouses and factories over filled sand quarries in Kingston’s northern section of the green wedge. Plans also included a residential estate.

Desalination Plant at Wonthaggi

Another excellent article in the Age 25 September highlighting the flawed water projections carried out by DSE .Their water projections were based on three drought years from 2004 to 2006 whereas it is claimed that statistical analysis over at least 10 years is necessary to get an accurate picture of rainfall and the need to spend $4 billion on a desal plant and a north south pipeline. Of concern also is the sale of the plant to a foreign company leading to privatization of our water supply.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

A very pleasant Saturday morning 6^th September was spent at the Reserve weeding and planting in enjoyable company. Vegetation on the western boundary of the Reserve is now quite noticeable. Work on the northern bank of Mordialloc Creek has been rewarded with an abundance of trees and bird life. A number of those present expressed their delight with the creek environs as a relief from the built environment.

Office Equipment Grant?

Federal Member for Isaacs advises that grant funds are available to community groups for office equipment etc. Any Suggestions?

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 9th July 2008

200809
Jul

As the Year Closes

Thanks are sincerely offered once gain to that gallant band of MBCL members with whom time has been properly spent volunteering in a diverse range of parks, reserves, foreshore and creek frontages. The results can now be seen in this little world, this demi-paradise,as the trees and plants reach maturity thanks to the happy few, the band of brothers (and sisters) who have done the state some service, thanks to their dedication. (Apologies to Shakespeare)

Forthcoming Events

Melbourne Water publication Creek Connections lists a number of training.education & workshop opportunites throughout August, September and October. Of interest are the Waterwatch Training workshops available. Now that MBCL has commenced monthly water quality monitoring others may like to join the Waterwatch training course.

The Environment Defenders Office is offering VCAT Planning & Environment Appeals training for community & environment groups. The workshop format would consist oprogram presented by EDO lawyers with a maximum of 15 to 20 participants.

Mark Dreyfus, Fed. Member for Isaacs, has forwarded copies of the Climate Change & Environment Budget Overviews for 2008-09. Grants are being offered to community projects in six areas of national priority for the Caring for our Country program. Any suggestions?

An invitation has arrived for the 2008 Port Phillip & Westernport Landcare Awards & Celebration Saturday September 6^th, 9.30am ZINC Federation Square Melway Ref 1B,Q11.

Please RSVP to the PPWCMA by August 29.

Waterwatch Program

Judy presented a report on the 2^nd July Mordialloc Creek water quality monitoring program. Present were Melanie, Waterwatch, Brian Earl, Judy and Mary. All tests except phosphorus were normal. Uncertain why the reading for P was so high. There had been heavy rainfall and high wind so that the water in the Mordialloc Main Drain was actually flowing up stream beyond the testing point. Thus P from Dunlops Drain, which flows into the creek below the testing point, may have travelled upstream on a high tide.Next test due 6^th August.

Bowen Road

Bown Road construction has commenced. This road will connect Waterways residential estate with Wells Road and Governor Road. It should also provide a connection for a bike path to be constructed on the south levee bank of the creek thereby enabling cyclists to ride off road from Mordialloc to Braeside Park through Waterways.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Official opening 5^th July,2008. Aboriginal heritage and custody of the land was recognized with acknowledgement that Yammerbook was the Aboriginal name of Jimmy Dunbar, the last full-blooded male of the Bunurong people. Nina, who was instrumental in researching the history and naming of the Melbourne Water land, spoke at the official opening. Steve Compton, a member of the Bunurong Land Council in attendance, suggested that Yammerbook may have been buried at Attenborough Park- making this park a rather special place.

Concrete Crusher Panel Hearing

Brian gave a report on the Panel Hearing into Alec Fraser’s second attempt to site a concrete crusher in Kingston’s green wedge on Kingston Road, Clarinda.While the panel’s report hasn’t been released as yet , Kingston Council, 29^th July, approved the re-zoning of the northern section of the Green Wedge to allow for future waste recycling and industrial activities in the area if Government approval is given for the re-zoning

Tradewinds Lane, Carrum

The Ward councillor sought to have this little floodway park rezoned so that part of it could be sold for housing thereby providing funds to provide a library in Carrum. However residents objected strongly since the park is used by residents and as a walkway for students to Patterson River College. Fortunately the move was defeated in Council.The park remains, with the CEO recommending that funds for the library be sourced elsewhere.

Cycling and Walking Track

Wal prepared a plan for a bike track along the south levee bank of Mordialloc Creek connecting to Braeside Park and eventually over Springvale Road to link up with the Dandenong/Patterson River trail.

Your Water Your Say

Wal gave a detailed report on the problems with the desalination plant at Wonthaggi. There are underground mining shafts containing methane under the site. Will there be an explosion? There is black coal under the proposed plant.The plant may last only 20 years because of corrosion caused by salt. Pipes and pylons will traverse farming property and the lovely Strezlecki Ranges

Screens on Mordialloc Foreshore

Screens were to be erected on Mordialloc foreshore at the spot where trees were vandalised in January.The screens have yet to appear. It seems that certain councillors are still reluctant to approve anything which they think may block residents view of the beach. The same councillors are still opposed to trees growing taller than two metres being planted on the foreshore for the same reason, so no trees will be planted north of Harding Avenue, Bonbeach This area was, pre-European settlement, a Banksia woodland. Fortunately there is a regenerating Banksia woodland north of Patterson River as far north as Harding Avenue.A Kingston Coastal Management report is to be released during August for public comment until September. Do try to get a copy and respond if you are concerned at the approach being taken towards Kingston council’s foreshore management in contrast to the neighbouring councils of Bayside and Frankston.

530-540 Main Street, Mordialloc

After five meetings about the proposed Aldi supermarket, shops and units the developer is going to VCAT. The main issue is the fact there is only one entry/exit point into Epsom Road thereby causing traffic problems for residents.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th February 2008

200806
Feb

Forthcoming Events

Mordialloc Historic Walking Trail Suggested sites of interest are being called for by 1^st March. See enclosed leaflet.Friends of Kingston Heath Reserve meeting 10am April 8^th Uniting Church Herald Street, Cheltenham. Environment Defenders Office Tilting at Windmills April 19 9.30am – 4.00 South Yarra Senior Citizen Centre Introduction to Planning & Environment Act 1987. Le Gym Action group meeting at the Comfort Inn Mentone Hub 7.30pm Wednesday 5 March 2008. This group would like support. Contact Martha 9583 9205.

Bay Trail

The bike path is underway with work occurring in the Bay Street car park. This has resulted in the removal of three car parking places beach side of car park. Similar work appears likely in Rennison Street car park.

Attenborough Park

Nina reports that car parking on the grass and under cypress trees is continuiung in the park from the bridge works to the toilet block. Parking correlates to level of patronage of Doyles complex – higher on Thursday to Sunday and when there are local events such as the Wine and Food Festival. Doyles van parks regularly on the site. This issue has been reported to relevant council officer who reported that law enforcement staff don’t work after 7pm when major parking irregularities occurs. This matter was also reported to Mordialloc Village committee. Warren Ashdown, Council officer attending, stated that he would deliver a report at the March Village Committee meeting to be held on Lambert Island! Community members can attend Village Committee meetings as observers.

Mordialloc Creek

A cheque has been forwarded to Melbourne Water to purchase the kit. Melanie will be contacting MBCL members who have volunteered to undertake water quality testing upstream of Wells Road bridge. Melbourne Water plans to extend wetlands between Waterways and the Wells Road bridge may impact on the program when work begins.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve Committee

Committee are seeking funding from council for Stage 2 works for the lake area to create an island sanctuary, dog pond , fencing and signage. A plan first revealed in the Independent newspaper to reshape and dredge the creek from the rail bridge to Wells Road, remove Phragmites to make it accessible for watercraft was presented to an AGRA Committee by Cr Ronke recently. The plan also proposes to realign the levee banks around the George Woods Reserve, Mordialloc College Sports grounds and Browns Reserve. Proposed dredging of the creek would mean destruction of much bank revegetation recently completed by volunteer groups, council NRA staff and funded by companies such as Alinta.

Proposals to link Yammerbook and Centre Swamp Drain by breaching the south bank of the creek to create wetlands may have some value. Cost $6 million. The island opposite Chute Street boat ramp at present a bird habitat is designated for removal.

Parkdale Yacht Club

Extension of liquor license to midnight six days a week – shorter hours Sunday is causing consternation to residents opposite on Beach Road. 16 objectors attended a mediation meeting 21 February. Johanna represented MBCL . Mentone Hotel is also applying to extend hours to 3am. Parkdale Kiosk has a liquor licence. The Ward councillor also supports Mentone Lifesaving Club having a restaurant. Parking is already a problem along Beach Road.

Recent articles in the media describes violent behaviour outside late night licensed premises.

Local Sustainability Accord

Cr West attended the sustainability meeting of officers from various councils at Kingstson’s Fujitsu premises.The Accord originated from a proposal by Andrew Booth, Environment Victoria and Cr West . Banyule Council is planning to incorporate sustainability in activity centres and emphasized biodiversity mapping involving the community!! CoK please note.

Channel Dredging

The case returns to the Federal Court 3^rd/4^th March when Blue Wedges legal team will present their strongest case for halting the dredging. The argument had been based on the fact that Peter Garrett, Minister for Environment, had only been in the job four days when he was asked to decide on arguments based on 15,000 pages of scientific documentation presented at the SEES panel. In effect it was argued he based his approval for dredging to commence on an assessment of provided by the Victorian Government and advice from department bureaucrats in Canberra. Contributions to the fighting fund are welcome.The bund to contain 2.6 million cubic metres of contaminated clay from the Williamstown channel will spread across six square kilometers of sea bed . Toxins from Yarra sludge will remain uncovered for 140 days until dredging is finished when it will be capped with sand. The sludge contains lead ,arsenic, mercury and organochlorines.

Parks Report

Bradshaw park would like the remnant vegetation on the rail reserve included in the care of the park and for weeds to be eradicated on the rail and highway reserves.

Kingston’s Coastal Management Plan

was released at the Foreshore Reference group meeting. It seems that tall trees are not to be planted at the end of streets to allow views for Beach Road residents. This is totally contrary to a foreshore management plan that recommended that trees be planted at end of streets in the Aspendale to Carrum stretch of foreshore!!! The Victorian National Parks Association warns that time is running out for our coastal plants and animals.VPNA is the only state wide non-government organization campaigning for the protection of Victoria’s marine and coastal biodiversity. VPNA supports community groups along the coast. Perhaps we should have a chat with this organization!.

The NQR Site Mordialloc

Another of Pace’s architectural masterpieces is to be inflicted on the public with a three storey, 40 unit, ten shops,168 underground car parking spaces Aldi supermarket on the corner of Epsom Road and Nepean Highway. Traffic congestion will be horrific. No parking for the ten shops on the highway frontage.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th December 2007

200705
Dec

Happy New Year to All

Trust that everyone has had a refreshing break ready to face another year of Sturm und Drang .The Channel Deepening project is at an interesting stage and Stage 1 a of the bike path beginning at the Parkdale kiosk is underway. So on with the fray!

Mordialloc Creek

Consternation in the ranks when an article appeared in the Independent announcing that there was a proposal to reshape and dredge the creek upstream from the railway line to Wells Road bridge, remove ‘intrusive vegetation’ (Phragmites) and make it accessible for water crafLA subsequent meeting with the Federal Member, Mark Dreyfus on another matter revealed that this was a pre-election attempt to seek funding from the Feds – and since funds were not forthcoming this scheme is currently in abeyance -but worth watching.

Waterwatch

A bill from Melbourne Water for Waterwatch equipment has been received so that the volunteer team will soon be in business checking creek water quality upstream of Wells Road bridge between Waterways and the bridge. Plans to create another wetland along the north bank of the Main Drain on industrial land between Waterways and Wells Road are underway. This is a continuation of Melbourne Water’s 1992 plans for wetlands along the north bank of the creek.

East Link Sculpture

20 metres high. Johanna queries the point of this object costing $5 million. It apparently has the appearance of a building but is just a facade. Could the money involved have been better spent – perhaps extending rail lines to outlying suburbs who have been pleading for public transport.

Melbourne Water Grant

MBCL is a grateful recipient of a generous Melbourne Water Grant. Reports will be sent to Melbourne Water outlining the progress of various projects in which members are involved – especially those activities dealing with Mordialloc Creek.

Yammerbook

Yammerbook is to become part of the living links program incorporating Mordialloc Creek, Epsom Grasslands and the Secondary Drain (also referred to as the Centre Swamp Drain) running from Mordialloc Creek to Patterson River and abutting the Longbeach Bike Trail. The name, Yammerbook has been registered as the official name of the reserve in the State Register of Geographic Names.

Parkdale Yacht Club

Parkdale Yacht Club is applying for an extension of their on-premises liquor licence Monday to Sunday from 11 am to midnight. Sunday 12 noon to 2.30pm then from4.30pm to 6.30pm. Objections to Kingston property Rationalisation Consultants 14 days from 18^th January. KP01/648 A

Acid Sulfate Soil and Fish Lesions

It is well documented that the Yarra River and environs contain acid sulfate soil. If it is disturbed and exposed to air it can eat into concrete and steel and cause fish kills.Could the recent outbreak of fish lesions have arisen because of preliminary dredging in the Yarra which disturbed the ASS? A series of phone calls to EPA and the Department of Primary Industry who are investigating the outbreak resulted in a discussion with the Principal Vetinary Officer responsible for dealing with fish and aquatic diseases. Our query was apparently referred to the EPA and Fisheries Victoria both of whom phoned 30^thJanuary. Neither party dismissed the ASS theory.However the EPA are still conducting water quality tests in the north of the Bay. Interesting to see when the Yarra is dredged whether fish lesions reappear.

Bay Trail

Rod reports that VicRoads want to set back the bike path 6 metres into the foreshore between Cromer Road and Charman Road Mentone to create four lanes in this section of Beach Road. Beach Road was supposed to become a scenic boulevarde with less industrial traffic. Could the sudden need to widen the road have something to do with transporting containers after the shipping channels are dredged?

Parks Report

The Grange is very dry.

Braeside Park An indigenous garden is to be established to be part of the propagation site.

Rowan Woodlands has had an Open Day with Primary students providing posters. Cr Petchey opened the Park.

Congratulations extended to Cr Alabaster in successfully persuading St Kilda football club to settle in Frankston. It is hoped that the Linton Street reserve will be retained as a public open space.

Attenborough Park is currently being used for overflow car parking. The 470 World Championship Yachting Regatta added to the problem from 23-30 January. Nina and Brian reported as many as 80 cars parked on grassed areas of the park. The matter was reported to relevant council officers. Local Law officers are supposed to monitor the area and fine illegal parkers but as the officers don’t work after 7pm when major parking infringements occur it is a somewhat futile exercise. “I can’t physically stop them” an officer responded. What can be done?

Water Gardens

Water gardens seemed like a good idea at the time but residents of Chute/Bear Street are not happy. Kids pick up stone from the gardens and throw them at houses, weeds are reported to be growing through the gravel and some people think the gardens are too deep and therefore dangerous. Or is it a case of more communication to explain to residents the benefit of this drainage system.?

Tree Vandalism

Tree vandalism has occurred once again on the Peter Scullin Reserve with 10 branches tom from a banksias near die promenade Nina reported this to council officers.No sight of large signs warning offenders of hefty fines if caught. Nobody has been caught after a spate of vandalism.

Forthcoming Events

Next meeting of Kingston Heath Reserve Group February 12th Uniting Church Herald Street, Cheltenham

Friends of Bradshaw Park will be propagating in the nursery Bonbeach Council depot starting 10am February 16th. BYO lunch and refreshments.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th September 2006

200606
Sep

Linton Street Park Sell Off

Sale of Council owned land on the corner of South Road and Linton Street, Moorabbin to St Kilda Football Club for a new poker machine venue. SFC hopes to attract more customers to the poker machine facility however Kingston and Glen Eira Councils previously objected to an increase in poker machines in the hotel, corner of Nepean Highway and South Road. If you wish to support the Friends Group seeking to save their parkland you may care to fill in the Notice of Objection enclosed.

Forthcoming Events

Saturday October 14. Planting and Open Day 9.30am-4pm at The Grange. Tree planting, guided tours and sausage sizzle organised by Friends of the Grange and Heathland Reserve. Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands AGM October 8th 2pm at Duck Inn. Greg Bain from Melbourne Water Guest Speaker. Port Phillip Conservation Council AGM October MBCL has two delegates eligible to attend- Stephen and Mara. KRAMMED’s AGM October 25 at 7.30pm at Rennison Street, Mordialloc.

Submissions

Submissions have been sent to Kingston Council Kingston’s Draft Biodiversity Policy, and Draft Boatshed and Bathing Box Policy. Letter sent to the Minister for Transport asking him to consider the narrowing of Beach Road lanes to accommodate the bike track there rather than intruding into the foreshore.
Local Member, Janice Munt posted out 5000 letters in her electorate in a survey to check community opinion about the location of the bike trail. There was a surprising response with 70% approving the verge of Beach Road option!

Mordialloc Creek

Revegetation work on the north bank of the creek has been completed and was celebrated with a sausage sizzle at the Jack Grut Reserve. The work was funded as a result of the EPA requiring a polluting industry to pay for revegetation work. Melbourne Water’s Corridors of Green and Landcare Victoria were involved in the program. There is now a veritable forest on the creek bank!

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd August 2006

200602
Aug

A Sincere Vote of Thanks once again to members for their commitment to the daunting task of trying to combat the cavalier attitude of some local government officials with regard to the environment. For example for the past two years members have spent countless hours researching, debating and surveying residents in an attempt to find the best option for a safe, environmentally friendly route for the Round the Bay bike trail. An invitation to KCEC to make a presentation to councillors September 4 provided a small glimmer of hope!! A trillion thanks to members who door knocked homes for the survey, to Dr Earl and Nina who compiled a statistical report on survey results to E-mail to councillors, to Brian who spent hours preparing a power point presentation and to Stephen for his tremendous contribution in measuring Beach Road lanes to prove that the wide Kingston lanes could accommodate a back of kerb bike track rather than located on the cliff tops.

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Grand Opening Sunday 10th September at Wells Road close to Mordialloc Creek Bridge. The culmination of years of planning to convert neglected piece of land into an important addition to Kingston’s wetlands/parkland thanks to the determination of AGRA, Melbourne Water and to Nina who has found time in her busy schedule to organise the opening Well done all!

Mordialloc Creek

National Tree Day Planting.. About 40 people planted 800 mixed plants- grasses, groundcover and shrubs beneath the existing tree canopy along old Wells Road opposite the factories. Mordialloc College and Yarrabah held their National Tree Day planting along the creek Friday 28-7-06. At Bonbeach 13 volunteers planted 400 plants on the foreshore but not one tree because of Kingston Council’s policy of not planting trees for five years in that location and indeed along the whole 13 kms of foreshore!

Paintball Facility Aspendale Gardens

As a result of a mediation meeting which AGRA and Barry Ross attended (on MBCL’s behalf) the site has been modified because Melbourne Water required the proponents to build bridges over Smythes Drain which runs through the property. The facility will now be located to the north between Smythe’s Drain and the levee bank of Mordialloc Creek. Stephen Hains withdrew his objection so apparently doesn’t consider that it will devalue his expensive Waterways development.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th July 2006

200605
Jul

Looking Forward

As this exceptionally busy financial year draws to a close we are faced with three or four major projects still to be resolved:- the route of Kingston’s section of the Round the Bay bike trail, replanting the Peter Scullin Reserve after the disastrous “ecological thinning” carried out with DSE permission, and Mordialloc’s Structure Plan to go to a Panel hearing due to pressure from developers for increased building heights in some sections of the activity centre. MBCL and members will be presenting submissions.

Mystery of the Disappearing Submissions

On three occasions recently MBCL members have hand- delivered or faxed submissions to Council on the due date, or the day before, to be later informed and/or reported in Council Minutes that “No submissions were received” or that the subs arrived too late! This matter was raised at the Village Committee meeting and will be investigated we were told.

Mordialloc U3A

Mordialloc U3A invited MBCL to speak to the group about Kingston’s open space and parkland. Heatherton Park and Beazley Reserve was part of the presentation but much interest was shown in loss of parkland as well as the Chain of Parks concept. Melbourne Water’s plan to utilise holes left after sand mining for water storage and/or flood retarding basins also created interest.

Waste Transfer Station

Waste Transfer Station, Malcolm Road, Braeside was approved by VCAT despite objections from abutting premises. Southeast Water, Melbourne Water and the EPA did not object despite a triple interceptor being required to trap water used to wash trucks. The interceptor won’t prevent clay sediment or toxic materials flowing into drains, the creek and Bay. VCAT claimed the waste station was an appropriate operation in an Industrial 1 Zone.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd May 2006

200603
May

News that two of our valued members have relocated to Cheltenham. Very best wishes to Ron and Phyllis as they settle into their new home. News also from Penny travelling in China where she reports “everyone is very green conscious. In Shanghai they have 1.8 metres of greenery for every person – trees, grass and ground level plants. In Guilin a developer removed a tree and 10 people rang the authorities to complain!” Kingston Council please note.
Just Received Goolengook Forest Investigation. Submissions close August 4. Booket available for submitters from MBCL if interested. Also Draft for community comment for Sustainable Water Strategy. Forms for long or shorter comment available from MBCL. Petition to request the Legislative Assembly to prepare a new metropolitan strategy and revoke M2030. to grant local planning policies effective control over height and residential density, stop VCAT acting as a de facto planning authority, maintain green wedges, stop usurping public lands and community assets, protect environmentally sensitive areas. Petition forms available from MBCL.

Melbourne Water Beach Outlets

Stephen reported on outcome of meeting to discuss removing drains at Marina Road, Mentone and near Rosella Road, Mordialloc- the Ashmore Avenue Drain. Groynes and jetties covering the pipes were rejected Extending the pipe further into the Bay a possibility as was the idea of a soakage pit for the Marina Road drain but further discussion revealed that the cliffs at Mentone could be damaged. Stephen suggested to URS that the Ashmore Avenue drain could possibly be diverted to Mordialloc Creek since it drains the area east of the rail line. This would remove the drain from crossing the beach.

Invitation

Invitation was received to meet Liberal politicians to discuss with them environmental issues Hon. David Davies, Hon Murray Thompson, Inga Peulich, and Liberal candidate for Mordialloc Stephen Hartney were present as was Hon Geoffrey Connard whose idea it was to arrange the meeting. We are grateful for the opportunity to highlight issues and the site visit of the proposed cliff top bike path. Geoffrey H. raised a number of matters:- loss of parks and open space, foreshore vegetation, dredging the Bay and need to retain green wedges.

Bay Trail Bicycle Path

Cr Alabaster and Cr McKeegan were led along the proposed route of the bike path by Jonathon Guttman. Greg was shocked at the destruction to vegetation likely if the path is located on the cliff tops, and the astronomical cost of the bridges as well as the fact that a concrete path would exacerbate run-off causing erosion of the cliffs. A meet- with Cr Arthur is difficult to achieve. Meeting with Member for Mordialloc has taken place. We are awaiting results.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Newletter – April 2006

200601
Apr

Peter Scullin Reserve

We are deeply indebted to Stephen-Calvert Smith for painstakingly counting the number of trees at the Reserve prior to the removal of all the indigenous coast wattle and boobialla and 45 of the 95 trees 22 out of the 27 banksias, 14 out of the drooping she-oaks. The five remaining banksias are the smallest specimens and every bit of greenery in the entire park up to a height of 2 metres has been shorn. Stephen, in an excellent letter to the Leader asks, “What sort of message does this destruction send to vandals cutting down trees on the foreshore?” We didn’t have long to wait for an answer. Two of the row of spindly she-oaks on the Beach Road side of the Reserve were cut down some time over Easter providing views to a row of units on Beach Road and to the Bay cafe on the corner of Centreway/Beach Road who now boasts in an ad in the local paper, “Our views to the bay have never been better.” While the DSE Conditions for the management of the Reserve states that 80 Banksias must be planted an expert on Banksias says that many of those planted will not survive due to natural attrition and vandalism from those who now have views to the Bay. And all this destruction was caused to provide extra space for a two-day annual Kingston’s Wine and Food event. Meanwhile visitors to the reserve will be deprived of shade and shelter from the weather.

Glen Agnew

Glen Agnew presented a fascinating slide presentation of his 20 years underwater filming of the Parkdale Reef showing the gradual decline of the plant life and fish species. even through it was astonishing to see some of the species inhabiting the reef – the Magpie Perch looking like a Collingwood supporter with its distinctive black and white. stripes. Glen’s presentation was at the recent meeting of KCEC in April. Great to have him back in action.

Rakali Survey

Kingston’s survey of the Rakali will take place between Mentone foreshore and the lower reaches of Mordialloc Creek. Stephen has volunteered to help with the survey. Helen may also become involved. She visits the creek daily and has reported a number of dead water rats on the creek banks or rats with facial disfigurement.