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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd December 2009

Happy New Year To All

Trust that a wonderful break has been enjoyed and all are refreshed ready for an eventful year ahead with an election pending.A review of the Planning & Environment Act will have serious repercussions for local government and the community’s protection of residential and environment amenity so be prepared for action!

On a brighter note , congratulations to Brian on his marriage to Pat . MBCL members were honored to be invited guests to a charming wedding and reception.

A speedy recovery to Pat Millsom who is having a spell in hospital.

Correspondence

Correspondence has been received from Tom Whitfield on Carbon Trading , Sustainabilty and Fuel Reduction. Letter to Robert Doyle from W.Grahame. Minutes of Friends of Bradshaw Park and Friends of Kingston Heath Reserve..

Forthcoming Event

Friends of Mordialloc Catchment and Friends of Kingston Heath will combine for Plant Propagation at Bonbeach Depot Nursery Saturday 6th February 10.00am – 1.pm Mobile 0438 354 491

Population

Prime Minister Rudd’s acceptance of a population for Australia of 35 million is finally being subjected to scrutiny in the media. The Federal Labor Member Wills, Kelvin Thomson, has a 14 point plan to stabilize Australia’s population at 74 million with the refugee intake at 20,000 per annum an increase from the present approx 13,700. He suggested that letters be sent to three politicians from each of the three parties and include his 14 point plan. As he says it will make it virtually impossible to reduce greenhouse emissions if the population increases.

The ageing population argument used by Rudd to justify increasing the migrant intake can also be dismissed as migrants will also age.

Waterwatch

Waterwatch is continuing this year with another member, Bronwen, volunteering for training. Brian undertook an investigation of the Yammerbook lakes site where lack of plant growth had been noted on the water and soil areas close to the water’s edge.Testing for water pH and acid sulphate soil.revealed quite alkaline results and acidity in bare sandy soil 3-4 metres from the water. Results have been passed on to Tony Collins. An excellent piece of scientific investigation! Tony reported that council is looking at plans to extend Yammerbook wetlands.

Wal congratulated Tony on the extension of the wetlands at Epsom residential estate.

Foreshore Encroachments

Foreshore encroachments at North Aspendale are a continuing problem as residents extend their gardens and infrastructure onto the dune system. Trail bikes are becoming a problem on shared paths particularly along the creek banks and Long Beach Trail. Council is considering installing gates where possible on shared tracks. Meanwhile ring the police if offenders are seen.

Namatjira Park wetlands are being reorganized.

Coast Care Coast Action

A decision will need to be made if the forum proposed for March is to go ahead as it will need to be advertised well in advance. It would be helpful if the State Government’s report on the impact of climate change on Port Phillip Bay and associated development was released. However recent scientific studies of melting ice shelves in the Arctic and Antarctic suggest that sea level rise is inevitable.

Woodlands Wetlands

Nina and Brian report that the three lakes are in need of attention because of weed growth, introduction of carp into the lakes and bow and arrow hunting of rabbits to name some of the nefarious activities occurring in and around the wetlands. Letters have been sent to Melbourne Water CEO alerting him to this matter.

Mordialloc Creek and Environs Master Plans

are underway and for once it seems that council is prepared to accept suggestions from the community before plans are presented fait accompli! A Munir Vahanvati ,Urban Designer at Kingston Council is the person to whom ideas could be addressed. Unfortunately the old chestnut, like a bridge over the creek to the island from Hazel Pierce Reserve, is likely to be on the agenda once again. Apart from restricting passage of water craft, access to the island would result in continued vandalism of moored boats. Also important to stress the impact of climate change and sea level rise in case there are plans to increase infrastructure around the creek environs.

Bay Trail

Cr West organized a meeting with Bayside and Kingston Mayors, Bayside Conservation Society and MBCL reps to discuss a workable coordinated plan for the completion of Bayside’s section of the track and connection with the Kingston stretch at Charman Road. Despite all present being drenched in a cloud burst positive ideas emerged.

Kingston Conservation and Environment Coalition

Issues to be discussed will include Statement of purpose, constitution, fees, Friends Groups involvement,

Initially will meet after MBCL meeting but depending on the issue and/or interest of other groups may meet at another venue. Will KCEC make the running with the Coast Care Coast Action forum for example?

Business as Usual?

One of the alarming facts emerging from the greenhouse emissions debate is the assumption that now that the financial crisis has abated it will be“ business as usual”. Increased productivity is being touted as essential if Australia is to continue to “grow”

while making a minimum reduction of 5% in greenhouse emissions. Authors who have addressed this issue are David Spratt , Climate Code Red : the case for emergency action. He states that ‘politics as usual’ and ‘business as usual’ is incompatible with how much we can ‘safely’ emit.

Tony Kevin is author of Crunch time in which he claims that ‘our political elites refuse to make rational policy connections between the economy and the natural environment …. Instead disruptive global warming has now been rolled into a policy siding as the national policy train roars on in desperate pursuit of revived economic prosperity.” And our Planning Minister, Justin Madden, would like to remove the ‘environment’ from the Planning and Environment Act in the current review!!! Please find time to make a submission due February 12th.

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 – 7th October 2009

Forthcoming Events

Port Phillip Conservation Council Inc Annual General Meeting 16th November, 8.00 pm at 47 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock.

Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Inc Wetlands Discovery Day Sunday November 22nd 11.00 – 3.00 Duck Inn Edithvale Common also a Wetlands Photography and Art Competition. Walk Against Warming.12 pm, 12 December 2009, State Library, Swanston Street, Melbourne.

Mordialloc Neighbour House 19th November Guest Speaker: Associate Professor, Michael Buxton School of Social Science & Planning RMIT. 7.30 pm.

MBCL’s Celebratory and Thank You Barbecue

25th October was well represented by former Mordialloc mayor & councillors, Peter Scullin & Michael Buxton, current councillors, a Coast Care Coast Action rep, seven former MBCL presidents and many stalwart members who have supported MBCL through demanding conservation campaigns over the last forty years. A major victory in 1975 was the prevention of DVA concreting Mordialloc Creek resulting today in a restful wildlife corridor for our enjoyment .

Mordialloc Creek (Mordialloc Catchment)

Friends of Mordialloc Creek’s task on Saturday 3rd October was weeding a section of vegetation on the north bank along old Wells Road. The bush crew have adopted the Bradley method of vegetation consolidating good areas and working outwards.

Coomoora Woodlands

A campaign has been launched to try and save the reserve threatened by the Dingley freeway extension which will destroy a third of the Reserve. The Reserve contains many indigenous species and mature trees. Two scar trees and an Aboriginal mound are just outside the Reserve. Rosemary, Wal, Nina and Brian attended the meeting.

Bayside Environmental Friends Network Coordination

Barbara Jakob was invited by council to bring together 17 friends groups, schools,land care groups, foreshore protectors and climate change campaigners. Barbara explained how she manages to coordinate activities such as planting sessions, trail paths, plant information events and discovery days involving. schools, traders and women’s groups.Encouraging young members is important.

Kingston Conservation and Environmental Coalition

KCEC is still waiting for Kingston Council to establish a climate change group as promised when the Kingston Foreshore Reference Group was abandoned by Council. Federal Government’s report on the impact of climate change on coastlines around Australia should make interesting reading for local government planners and developers.Buyer beware???

Is Kingston Council considering climate change when drawing up landscape plans for the mouth of Mordialloc Creek, the island, Hazel Pierce Park and Pompei site???

Centreway Mordialloc

Landscaping is almost completed with Banksias planted but unfortunately other plants installed are not indigenous to the area .Indigenous planting was designed to create a link between the station forecourt and the foreshore.,

Major Transport Projects Facilitation Bill

Major Transport Projects Faciliation Bill passed through parliament. Although referring to transport the exemptions can also apply to eleven pieces of legislation (ACTs) including Coastal Management, Conservation Forests and Lands, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and others. The Planning Minister effectively becomes the decision maker. This may have an impact on the EPBC Act also. Nina attended the EDO transport policy meeting.

DPCDS Population Forum

27th October was attended by Walter G. and Jill Quirk at Glen Waverley. Wal also reported on the latest moves at Wonthaggi where the local hotel is being purchased by the Govt? or developer? to house the desal workers!

Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron Extension

Ironically MBCL came into existence because of a marina proposal in Beaumaris Bay in 1969. This was refused by Mordialloc Council when Jack Iggulden exposed a fraudulent survey being carried out by the developer. Now BMYS plans to fill the Bay with a massive bluestone wall, hard stands against and as high as Beaumaris Red Bluff cliffs plus a new club house. BMYS has written to Planning Minister Madden asking that an EES not be required for this development. PPCC, MBCL and Beaumaris Conservation Society have all written to the Minister requesting the there is a need for an EES because of the significance of the fossil bearing cliffs, cultural significance because of the Heidelberg painters and, of course, Aboriginal sites and waterholes along the cliff face.

Population Growth

So far only one far sighted Federal politician has had the foresight and courage to challenge the Prime Minister’s claim that Australia could live sustainably with a population of 30 million extra people. Kelvin Thomson, Member for Wills, made a speech in Parliament and been heard on Radio National on this topic. Does the Prime Minister actually understand what climate change is about if he assumes that 30 million more people won’t affect our ability to lower greenhouse emissions?

Bike Path

Kingston is to have a shared bike path along Governor Road between Boundary Road and Springvale Road. This will enable cyclists to ride to Braeside Park and through Waterways. However there is no completion of an extension of the bike track along the SOUTH LEVEE BANK of Mordialloc Creek between Wells Road and the now completed Bowen Road. This extension would also allow riders to continue through Waterways to Braeside.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd September 2009

Forthcoming Events

Victoria in Future 2009. Tuesday October 27th Novotel Glen Waverley 9.30am-12-30m. A DPCD Community event.

AGM of Port Phillip Conservation Council 8pm Monday 16th November at 47 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock. MBCL is entitled to have two members attending.Could we confirm names, please, or their deputies?

A reminder that there will be a Friends of Bradshaw Park excursion to the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve October 17th. This Reserve is under threat from the Frankston Freeway project. Coomoora

Reserve is also threatened by the Dingley extension to Westall bypass. A meeting at Springers October 7th 5.30pm where VicRoads will outline their plans for Coomoora Reserve.

MBCL’s 40th birthday

To acknowledge MBCL’s 40th birthday and in appreciation of members consistent support a barbecue will be held at the above address 25th October. It is hoped that some of the original members may be able to attend.

Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron

Proposed expansion involves three storey hard stands against the cliffs and a new three storey club house higher than the existing road.Wet berths will be sheltered by a rock wall construction out into the Bay. Waste from maintenance work boats will be trapped in an interceptor pit before being released into the Bay. The Squadron has written to Madden requesting that an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) be dispensed with. Beaumaris Conservation Society has written to Madden requesting an EES before approval is given for work to commence. It is ironic that MBCL came into existence in 1969 because of a proposal to construct a marina in Beaumaris Bay!!

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th August 2009

Forthcoming Events

Annual outing of Friends of Bradshaw Park October Saturday 17th to The Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve . Bring your own lunch Contact number 9583 8682

Annual General Meeting of Environment Victoria September 24 6.00-8.00pm Ground Floor ,60 Leicester Street, Carlton.Friends of the Grange Open Day 12th September. Tee planting & sausage sizzle.Annual Open Day at Yammerbook Nature Reserve 5th September 10am – 1.00pm. Port Phillip Conservation Council AGM November 16th Captain Frank Hart will speak on the proposed Frankston marina : Iconic development, delusion or disaster.?

Meetings Attended

A number of MBCL members attended the Victoria Governments Community Cabinet held at Mordialloc Secondary College Monday 24th August. Seated at Planning Minister Madden’s table Brian and Barry were able to discuss green wedge issues. Judy expressed concern that Beaumaris Motor Yacht Club have asked the Planning Minister not to require an EES for this disastrous development.Mary asked the Premier whether he considered that five years of monitoring the bund in the Bay by PoMC was satisfactory or whether there should be continuous monitoring to ensure that the bund didn’t disintegrate over time releasing toxic contaminants into the food chain.

Rotary Club Invitation

MBCL was invited to speak at the Mordialloc Rotary Club Meeting 12th August.Judy outlined current activities and Mary spoke about the League’s origins and campaigns fought including a marina in Beaumaris Bay 1969, grading Mentone clay cliffs, Esso pipeline across the Bay 1974 and realignment & revegetation of Mordialloc Creek 1975.

Mordialloc Creek

Erosion of the north bank of the creek between the rail bridge and boat ramp may be caused by the wash and excessive speed of jet skis observed by Nina and Brian. National Tree Day saw 30-40 people planting on the north bank of the creek . 1500 trees, shrubs and ground cover were planted. Great effort!

Yammer Nature Reserve

An interpretive sign is nearing completion thanks to Nina’s research into the Bunurong people whose land this is. Funding has been obtained for Stage 2 of the project to create an island habitat in the salt water lake. Two resident black swans and white ibis have been seen fishing recently.

Attenborough Park

Concern has been expressed about lack of consultation re planting in the park. Earlier Master Plans drawn up by David Digby stressed the importance of planting indigenous species of trees and shrubs instead two Moreton Bay Figs were planted initially.The Statutory Planner informs us that there is to be a Master Plan for the creek mouth, Hazel Pierce Park, Pompei site and Attenborough Park in which case why was reveg work undertaken before yet another Master Plan was completed? Nina concerned about lack of process in planning.

Canary Island Palms

Canary Island Palms have been planted along the path between McDonald Street and the station entrance – west side- again no consultation. The eastern side of the line is planted with native species.

Parks Report

Tony arrives and gives a comprehensive report on work in parks i.e.each reserve is broken down into management zones with maps to indicate zones. Weeds a problem.

Chicquita Park is to be replanted. Cr West queries planting Bossea in the Bull Ring.

Federal funding has been received to place a tank in the Doug Denyer Reserve for bore water to be filtered through existing wetlands before flowing into the creek.

Living Links : a co-ordinator is to be employed to work with Kananook Creek and Frankston Council.

Kingston Heath Reserve lake is a most successful addition to the reserve.

Centreway Stage 2

Stage 2 is underway in Mordialloc. Seating, paving, bollards, lighting and Banksias will become part of the Bay to Rail Project. Traffic and buses will be disrupted while work is underway.

Climate Change

Wal is interested in forming a climate change group perhaps similar to a community group operating in Bayside with Council support. Boroondara also has an active group involved in a Transition Towns campaign aimed at developing positive solutions to climate change and peak oil in the local community. The idea is to connect with other groups and build bridges to local government . In an attempt to build a bridge to our local government I spoke to a council officer who lives in Boroondara. He said that some Kingston council staff had attended local government organized Transition Towns meetings in other municipalities but did not seem to know if any of the ideas discussed at these meeting were being put into practice in Kingston.

Green Wedge Issues

Planning News journal has had some great articles on sustainable development of communities in the urban growth areas using Officer as an example. Rather than continue with in-fill development in middle ring suburbs which destroys housing diversity, why not provide housing around rail lines in the urban growth areas.? VicUrban plans to develop infrastructure before houses at Officer. Schools, shops, community centres, and businesses will be constructed before high rise development in the activity centre and stand alone housing with space for growing vegetables and trees. Farmland will be encouraged to operate so that food can be produced locally as far as possible thus saving travelling long distances to market.

Moorabbin Seven Storey Social Housing

Moorabbin Seven Storey Social Housing on the corner of South Road and Nepean Highway abutting the busy Frankston rail line.Housing for low income (or no income)

people usually seems to be located some distance from shops, schools and transport, or as in this case, in a heavily trafficked, noisy, polluting location unsuitable for children since it will be some distance from parks. There is a serious lack of open space in this building and lack of facilities for sport or entertainment ,apart from the pokies in the hotel across South Road. The one and two bedroom apartments may be suitable for people who work and so are not trapped in the building all day as people without an income will be, unable possibly to afford frequent rail travel.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st July 2009

New Members

Welcome to new members Helen Stubbs and Joan Firth and to Tony, Kingston’s Park Supervisor keeps us informed of projects underway and in the pipeline, and to Lee James from the NRA team.

Congratulations

To Nina for a well deserved Appreciation Award from Kingston Council in recognition of the many conservation activities in which she is involved and especially the research work undertaken to establish the Yammerbook Nature Reserve.

Meetings Attended

Nina attended the Living Links meeting at Beaumaris and reported that recreational, natural and cultural information has been collated to create living links between assets in the Dandenong Creek Catchment. Funding could become a problem – sponsorship is sought.Tony will send MBCL plans of the catchment area.

Brian and Wal attended an Urban growth boundary meeting at Cranbourne (changes to) and were concerned at the bureaucrats present complacent acceptance that “We have 800 years of coal therefore we don’t need to worry”!

Mary attended and spoke to the submission on Changes to Urban Growth Boundaries at the recent Panel Hearings.

Desal Plant. Wal reported on the meeting at Wonthaggi “to bury democracy”. Melbourne houses have been letter boxed. Wal has presented MBCL with excellent short DVD’s explaining the

environmental impact, energy consumption and cost to the community of this ill-conceived project. Members are encouraged to borrow the DVD’s from MBCL secretary.

Submissions

Changes to Urban Growth Boundaries submissions were prepared and forwarded also a submission re loss green wedge due to Moorabbin Airport development.

Waterwatch

Judy and Brian undertook Mordialloc Creek water quality testing at the Bowen Road site and reported that there was slight turbidity possibly due to recent rain – otherwise nothing unusual. Bowen Road works have been completed. Judy fears that with cars travelling over the creek to access Aspendale Gardens the tranquility of the site will be lost and bird life disturbed.

Parks Report

Tony Collins, Parks Superviser presented a comprehensive report outlining water conservation initiatives for sports grounds and parks in conjunction with South East Water.Piped water will go from Carrum to Kingston, the Peninsula, Cranbourne and Cardinia.

Golf courses in Dandenong and Kingston will benefit from this scheme. Staff changes at Kingston included Rebecca Cohen on maternity leave replaced by Lee Halkias from the NRA team. Parks upgrades include Highett Sports ground planted with warm season grass, Kingston Heath soccer ground will have a synthetic surface, Parks staff are supporting the Friends of Moorabbin Reserve at Linton Street.

Mordialloc Creek and Environs

Nina and Brian reported a crack in the Mordialloc Creek bridge underpass retaining wall. Reported to Council. Shared bike path under Wells Road bridge- work has been completed. Shared path is only 2 metres wide so will this be sufficient width for foreshore bike path??? George Woods Reserve playground is to be upgraded at a cost of $100,000. NRA team claim that there is bank erosion between the Chute Street boat ramp and railway bridge caused by the mature pines along the bank. These are to be removed and replaced by River Red Gums which are indigenous to the area. It is likely that wash from fast moving water craft may be the reason for erosion.

Attenborough Park

Revegetation work in Attenborough Park has been completed although the Master Plans for Hazel Pierce park, and the Pompei site have not been put out for public consultation.Banksias, casuarinas and Monterey Cypresses have been planted but surprisingly two Moreton Bay Figs were also planted. These are not indigenous trees.Will the community have a say as they have for Kingston Heath Reserve? Will the community have any input to plans for the George Woods Reserve?

Foreshore Happenings

The Monterey Cypress near the Lifesaving Club on the foreshore has had some of the dead branches removed by Council staff. Remaining branches appear healthy despite the tree being poisoned by vandals.Work has been carried out on the Parkers Road drain which enters the Bay near Parkdale kiosk. This section of foreshore is extremely narrow and badly eroded.

Climate Change

Despite Kingston CEO expressing an interest, in 2008, in setting up a climate change group nothing has eventuated, whereas City of Bayside has a Bayside Environmental Friends Network consisting of 17 Friends groups, landcare groups, schools, foreshore protectors and climate change campaigners.Would MBCL members be interested in networking with Bayside Environmental Friends. Discuss! Other ideas? Does Kingston Council have plans to deal with rising sea level and its impact on the vulnerable foreshore south of Mordialloc Creek? Is there any restriction on development in this area.? Will the Byron Bay scenario be repeated around Port Phillip Bay? Letting nature take its course has been recommended by Byron Bay council – or moving out of million dollar mansions threatened with the eroding foreshore into relocatable homes is the other alternative in this case.

Blue Wedges

Blue Wedges reports that storms, April 26 2009, caused extensive damage from Portsea to Seaford with collapse of a sea wall at Williams Road beach Mt Eliza and Kananook Creek flooding higher than in living memory. The EES and SEES Channel Deepening Inquiries both heard that tide heights would increase as a deepened entrance would allow more water to flow in and out of the Bay. Meanwhile climate scientists are in agreement that sea level rise is happening faster than expected and that we should prepare for “one in a hundred year” storms every twenty years or even sooner.Lack of rainfall in the Murray Darling Basin has caused the destruction of the Coorong and its bird life. A similar fate is likely for Gunbower on the Murray. DVDs are available illustrating this wetland’s wonderful flora and fauna now at risk.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd June 2009

Meetings Attended

Nina attended a Living Links meeting at Beaumaris. Stage One has been completed with environmental, social, cultural and recreation information provided combined into grids. Information collected from the Dandenong Creek Catchment will be found on a Living Links web site.

Walter attended the Planning Backlash rally on the steps of Parliament House June 10th. The Rally was organized by the Coalition of Concerned Councillors angry about the erosion of our democratic rights as the State Government takes over planning power from councils.Mary attended the Panel Hearing – New Residential Zones for Victoria to listen to the submission from Kingston Council. Walter & Brian attended a Climate Change meeting at Chelsea Heights to hear Mark Dreyfus and Dr Graeme Pearman claim that there is an urgent need for political action to reduce green house gas emissions. Mary attended a Climate Change rally on the steps of the State Library, 13 June where the Greens leader, Bob Brown spoke passionately about the need for Government action .

Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Storylines

Mara, Judy, Sue and Mary traveled to Eaglehawke to attend the premiere of the Environment Victoria project featuring ten story tellers relating their relationship with the Murray River especially Gunbower.DVDs are available from EV. Well worth a look!

Verity McLucas, Mara’s daughter, was one of the organizers of the project.

Waterwatch

Nina and Brian continue to monitor water quality in Mordialloc Creek on a bi-monthly basis down stream from Bowen Road. Road works may curtail this activity until construction is finished. Creation of a wetland in the Industrial Estate between Wells Road and Waterways has commenced-a continuation of Melbourne Water’s plan for a series of wetlands along the full length of the north bank of Mordialloc Creek up to Pillars Crossing.

Attenborough Park

Stephen described Council’s plans for upgrading the park following completion of bridge works. Pleasing to note that the plan includes planting Banksias, casuarinas AND Monterey Cypresses because of their historic significance and because these trees have been a feature a the entrance to Mordialloc for over a century.There will be a Master Plan in 2010.A concrete shared bike path is to be constructed rather than a granitic surface which erodes causing dust to affect bearings in cycles.Cr Dundas queried the salt impact on cable fences around the park and along Beach Road. Galvanised cables can rust in six months.Nina queried the location of the Aboriginal garden which is now much closer to the widened highway.

Natural Resources Report

Lee advises that the Braeside NRA depot is now open and functioning in Industrial Drive. The Bonbeach depot nursery area has been extended with water tanks installed. Twenty Red Gums are to be planted in the Arboretum on the north bank of Mordialloc Creek replacing cypresses which will be removed. Phragmites will be planted to

Reduce erosion caused by watercraft activity leaving the Chute Street boat ramp.

Green Crop Project

Lee reported that planting on the foreshore dunes, 30th May was very successful with 60 volunteers attending & helping to plant 2300 species on top of the sand bag wall. Removing encroaching plants such as lawns from the foreshore was also part of the project. Next planting day will be advertised in the local paper. Nina advises that the Mordialloc health and fruit shops are prepared to display notice of forthcoming working bees.

Friends of Moorabbin Oval are working with the NRA team to plant around the oval.

Replanting is continuing along the south bank of Mordialloc Creek although weed removal and control is the main objective

Bicycle Paths – Wells Road, Bowen Road, Waterways, Bay Trail

Stephen Haines is paying for the construction of a road from Wells Road to, and through Waterways, to enable residents to access Aspendale Gardens. A bike path is to be part of road works. Letters have been written to Kingston Council , unacknowledged and unanswered, suggesting that now might be a good time to construct the bike path shown in Council’s own bicycle strategy, along the south levee bank of Mordialloc Creek between Wells Road and Bowen Road.This path would provide off-road access from Waterways to Mordialloc foreshore, schools, shops and station. A bike track on the levee bank has the advantage of being high enough to give a view across the wetlands to the Dandenongs and won’t become a muddy morass after rain.Not having had a response from Council, a phone call to Stephen Haines resulted in a lengthy discussion about links with other bike paths – Patterson River trail on both banks of the river providing a link to Dandenong to which Stephen seemed interested.He also advised that there is a bike trail through Waterways wetlands open to the public! The plan is to eventuallly provide a link to Braeside Park through Waterways by crossing busy Governor Road.

Bay Trail

Cr Dundas raised an interesting idea of widening the existing concrete shared bike/pedestrian path from Parkers Road to Charman Road utilizing that track rather than attempt to install a bike track on the fragile cliff tops. If this plan is feasible pedestrians would still have the advantage of an informal cliff top path free from cyclists. Significant engineering works would be required to widen sections of the existing path which has a blue stone wall on the beach side but widening might be possible on the cliff side of the promenade.

Glen provided DVDs illustrating hazards encountered in some of the bike tracks constructed by neighbouring councils.

Desalination Plant

Walter provided an excellent DVD outlining the issues resulting from the construction of this controversial project. Members may like to borrow the DVD and consider the implications such as pollution of the ocean, greenhouse emissions and visual pollution of pylons.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th May 2009

Submissions

Submission has been sent to the Federal Government’s National Biodiversity Strategy Review Task Group. Letters sent local papers and printed include praise for Kingston’s Mayor and Local Member of Parliament supporting the Chain of Parks Concept in the northern section of Kingston’s green wedge, and the importance of trees and green roof tops as a means of combating the heat island effect caused by climate change. Letters to Julia Gillard and Mark Dreyfus asking that a population summit be convened .There is an urgent need to reduce the migrant intake because of the dire state of Victoria’s water resources.

Meetings Attended

Nina attended Bradshaw Park working bee 18 April and the Friends of Mordialloc Creek working bee 2 May. Mary attended KRAMMED meeting 27 May and Walter and Mary attended Sustainable Population Australia AGM 16 May. MBCL will be represented at the New Residential Zones Advisory Committee Panel Hearing Monday 1st June. City of Kingston will be presenting their NRZ submission 16th June at Level 1, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne.

Meetings to be Attended!!

A Coalition of Concerned Councillors has been formed to voice strong opposition to Brumby’s takeover of Planning and Development. Steps of Parliament House Wednesday June 10th at 1pm. It is important to attend this meeting if our suburbs are to be protected from 4-8 storeys in our suburban streets.

National Climate Emergency Rally /13 June 2009 1pm at the State Library.

A meeting of the Public Transport Users Association 15 June 4th Floor Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

KRAMMED’s next meeting 24th June @ 1 Montgomery Street, Mordialloc 7.30pm

Peter Scullin Reserve / Parks and Sports Grounds

Report was presented by two welcome guests to the May meeting – Tony and Stephen from Kingston Parks & Urban Design. Discussion about paths to the renovated toilet block at the reserve resulted in a decision that one concrete would be sufficient. The band Rotunda is to have seats and fencing to prevent Windows customers parking on the grassed area.. Stephen reported that the concrete barbecues and seating have now been painted all over in a sand colour thereby considerably reducing their bulky appearance. Possibility of trees being planted on the Hazel Pierce reserve to prevent parking on the grassed area.. Tony reported on methods of providing sufficient water for the parks and Kingston’s fifty sports grounds. Tanks holding 45,000 litres of water from the Eastern Treatment Plant will be available. The NRA team and Green Corp have embarked a re-veg program for the foreshore . Planting will include replacing Banksias and when they have died Program based on Jeff Yugovich’s density EVCs.Kingston Heath’s Botanical Gardens have been restored and are well worth a visit.Although St Kilda FC still have a lease o Moorabbin Oval the NRA team is continuing re-veg work with Greg’s Friends group.Street tree planting has begun again. Tony and Stepphen were thanked for making time available to keep us informed of projects along the foreshore and creek – MBCL’s major area of interest.

Living Links

Talks are continuing between Melbourne Water, the Catchment Management Authority and Council’s NRA team.A five year has been presented.The plan will cover the area from the mouth of the Mordialloc Creek, Attenborough Park , Pompei’s land, George Woods Reserve up as far as Wells Road. Living Link were sent info about our interests and concerns For the project area.

Airport Master Plan

Cr West reported on the plans for airport development. This will mean loss of the golf club which is part of Kingston’s Green Wedge. There are 500,000 flights per annum in small planes. Most of these are training flights for Indian and Chinese trainee pilots.

Dingley News

Janice Munt announced that the Brumby Government willinvest $80 million to build a new 3,5 km section of the Dingley Arterial linking Perry Road with Westall Road and South Road extension. Interestingly a report by Simon Cropper into Herb-rich Grassy Wetlands found remnants of this rare species on the site of the extension. Info has been passed onto Brian. Brian also lodged an objection to 28 double storey dwellings in Tootals Road. A typical over development of the site which seems to be occurring throughout Kingston in Incremental Change zones. KRAMMED have been to VCAT to a similar over-development in Chelsea with twelve two storey dwellings on block with lack of open space and inadequate parking. This design was modified somewhat.

Channel Deepening

Judy attended the PPCC meeting and gave us a copy of report on channel deepening which PPCC secretary Jenny Warfe had prepared. The EPA admits that high tides have risen 1cm claiming that this was ‘consistent with predictions. Storms on Anzac day created havoc on foreshore infrastructure around the bay – and will continue to dos as the sea levels rise. POMC are patting themselves on the back about the glowing auditor’s report into their activities but as Michael Morehead lawyer for Blue Wedge, said “The report is premature. And the need for bigger ships now seems dubious” as shipping companies realize that smaller ships are more economical after all.

Pace Developments Mentone / Mordialloc

Krammed member, Carmel, attended a mediation meeting re the Le Gym Mentone development now minus an Aldi supermarket and probably four storey’s instead of five, but still with a hotel, gym, conference centre and apartments. Uncertain future of NQR on the development site at Mordialloc. Claims that units are selling at $695,000 for a corner unit.St Nicholas Hall, corner Bear and Albert Street has been sold for $1,5 million according to the Age -for ‘low rise residential development.’

Signage Spotlights Pompei’s Landing

Nina has been trying to alert council to the fact that these lights have been burning day and night. Environment Officers claim that there is no law preventing this unless residents complain. CEO will request light sensors be installed.

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.