VCAT Hearings
A tremendous win for KRAMMED at VCAT with the proposed three storey development at 334-339 Station Street, Chelsea refused on density and poor design grounds. Janelle’s presentation, as always, was impressive. Peter Soding, representing Council, also impressed with his low key demolition of the proponent’s case. Pity is we didn’t have Pete for 541 Main Street! Gleaming white footpath constructed in Melrose Street unfortunately facilitates ‘Dan Murphy’s’ reasons for seeking an exit for semitrailers into Melrose Street Result of VCAT Hearing uncertain as yet. MBCL has lodged an objection to the use of a flood plain in Chelsea Heights for residential development albeit two thirds will remain as a Melbourne Water flood retarding basin. Three concrete crushing plants proposed for former sand quarries in Heatherton will impact on the amenity with noise and possibly asbestos dust. Three of the major drains flowing into Mordialloc Creek pass through the sites. Further research required to check whether these facilities will also impact on water quality in the creek and Bay. MBCL will be represented at the forthcoming Panel Hearings. A further VCAT Hearing to resolve issues between Council’s understanding of the Chairman’s ruling in the earlier hearing and that of the developer of 541 Main Street, Mordialloc. Nina and Brian hope to be allowed to speak at the Hearing.
Bicycle Path Charman Road to Mordialloc Creek
Bicycle Path Charman Road to Mordialloc Creek has aroused serious concerns with environmental groups in Bayside and Kingston since it is proposed to construct the path on the cliff tops at Mentone and Parkdale rather than on the verge of Beach Road. The plan to demolish established vegetation on the foreshore at Mordialloc to construct a third path has been abandoned by the Council fortunately. There are still negotiations underway between DSE and Council over the use of the existing shared path way on the verge of Beach Road at Mordialloc. Hopefully common sense will prevail.
Foreshore Vegetation
Unfortunately under-storey was removed from foreshore vegetation around the Scullin Reserve resulting in further loss of branches in the recent severe gales. Trees were also lost on the Hazel Pierce Park. We need to ensure that there is replanting with indigenous species and replacement with understorey plantings to stabilise remaining trees.
Mordialloc Pier
MORDIALLOC PIER does not appear to be in the Alcohol Free Zone extending from Main Street to the foreshore. The Pier, we are told, comes under Parks Victoria’s jurisdiction. However a phone call to Parks Vic’s office at Patterson River only produced further puzzlement. The Parks person was unaware of the exclusion of Mordialloc’s pier. Nor could one of Council’s senior managers throw any light on the subject. We await further developments. This matter arose because of the drinking and litter resulting from people on the foreshore and creek precinct celebrating Australia Day.