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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 7th November 2012

Happy New Year to All

Hope that everyone has had a restful break ready to face another busy year with a Federal election in the offing, the State Government introducing horrendous planning policy and VCAT increasing fees making objections to inappropriate planning decisions impossible for ordinary folk.

The Environment Defenders Office is inviting submissions objecting to the increased VCAT fees. Subs due 15 February.

Submissions

Submissions have been sent urging the Federal Governemnt to retain control of EPBC environment policy rather than hand this power over to State governments. Nina made submissions re Public Housing Development and support for a dog ban in our National Parks. A submission went to VEAC’s Marine Investigation referring to Rickett’s Point Marine Sanctuary and the Beaumaris fossil site. Judy has done sterling work by contacting a Museum of Victoria involved with research work at the Beaumaris fossil site. This could result in an exciting outcome. Discovery of patches of Plains Grassy Wetland EVC’s at Melbourne Water wetland site on the south bank of Mordialloc Creek and at the Dingley Bypass site. MW have postponed work ont he creek site until further studies have been undertaken. There will be a Preliminary Conference with VicRoads to discuss an optional route for the Bypass at Dingley.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 3rd October 2012

Environment Victoria

Following Mike Power’s visit to our October meeting it was decided that we would participate in EV’s Reclaim Victoria’s Environment campaign by holding a street stall in the Main Street. Actions taken by the Baillieu Government have seen a reduction in protection of significant environmental features throughout Victoria. These include the Coastcare program slashed, approving an open-cut gold mine in the heart of Wombat Forest near Daylesford, returning cattle grazing in the Alpine National park, urban sprawl continuing with an announcement of six more suburbs for Melbourne covering productive farmland and green wedges. There are already approx. 100 policy reversals and no end in sight. Equally disturbing is the Federal Government’s decision to hand over national environment approval powers to State Governments, six of which have Coalition governments.

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Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 5th September 2012

EPA Works Approval Application

EPA has received an application to issue works approval or licences which permit work which will result in a discharge of waste to the environment, or an increase or alteration in existing discharge. Alex Fraser Asphalt Pty Ltd, Dandenong South, is applying for this licence to develop 250,000 tonnes per annum of hot mix asphalt facility.Where will this waste be discharged? Into Dandenong Creek which flows mainly into Patterson River or will some waste enter Mordialloc Creek?

Members Overseas

Members currently touring overseas will soon be returning. Card from the Earls in the UK advises that the English Green Wedges are also under threat. A conservative govt disease?

Waterwatch

Bronwen’s waterwatch partners have abandoned the cause unfortunately. Work may begin soon on another wetland on the north bank of the creek on industrial land above Wells Road bridge. This may cause silt to flow down stream – hopefully not re-silting the dredged areas down stream from Chute Street boat ramp to the mouth of the creek. Dredging work is proceeding on time and on budget. The Mordialloc Creek Committee’s aims are fortunately in line with environment values supporting retention of boating works and maintenance on the Pompeii site rather certain developments proposed for the site in Mordialloc Structure Plan. The Committee would also prefer to see shade trees on the Hazel Pierce Reserve rather than Canary Island Date Palms classed as invasive weeds in the DSE Invasive Weeds document.

MBCL Web Site

Discussion about what should appear on the website bearing in mind that Tom and Tatania will be responsible for adding material and maintaining the site while involved in their own business. It was suggested that suitable material could be collected and every three months passed on to Tom via Lew. Material to be added could be listed in the newsletter.

Council Survey and Election

Survey results have been compiled and a list of existing and potential Councillors who responded have been passed on to the local papers.

The Collins Report

Tony stressed to watch out for Myrtle Rust which is infecting a wide variety of trees and plants in suburban gardens, parks and countryside. It is thought that the Rust comes initially from nurseries. It is important to report to the Department of Primary Industry and sightings of the pest.

Arctic Sea Ice Melting

The polar cap is shriveling at unforeseen speed according to Professor Steffen (Sunday Age 23 Sept. 2012). “The most radical projection is about 2016 and probably the most conservative projection is about 2030 when the polar cap will be ice free.” Greenland has lost nearly all its ice and some residents are looking forward to mining the previously buried resources. “The speed of events is why scientists are so worried. The only way to stop these thresholds is to cut greenhouse emissions triggering these changes and there are a few signs of that taking place.” It seems most unwise therefore, for the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy to approve development in coastal areas. He believes that no one need worry for 20 years and after that the next generation will have to deal with the outcome!

Coal Seam Gas Mining

The Union of Australian Women (UAW) at their last meeting had a speaker who has recently moved to Gippsland – right in the thick of the CSG battle. Mairi Neale has provided excellent notes of the presentation available for anyone interested in the environmental threat.

New Planning Zones

Anyone wanting to be informed about the Planning Minister’s assault on our suburbs should check the email for a summary compiled by a Green Wegde member from Macedon Ranges. She outlines the impact not only on urban areas but also on the rural zones and farming communities, small towns and villages. Virtually under Guy’s rules anything goes. Third party rights to object no longer exist.

Port Phillip Conservation Council AGM

Scheduled to be held at 7:30pm Monday 22 October at Long Beach Place, Chelsea Community Center. Guest Speaker will be Dr Graeme Pearman Climate Scientist. Dr Pearman was Chief Scientist at Aspendale Atmospheric Center for many years and has spoken and written about climate change for decades. Not to be missed.

Beaumaris Cliffs

The internationally renowned fossil cliffs have been removed from the National Estate Register. The Federal Government closed the Register therefore significant sites now have no legal protection. The Federal Minister for the Environment suggested we appeal to have the cliffs registered on the Victorian Estate Register and included a most complex document to be completed for that purpose. Geoffrey Goode, PPCC, claimed that the Geological Society of Government has only registered one site for inclusion on the Register. In the light of the State Govt’s recent treatment of the environment this attitude is not surprising.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 1st August 2012

Beaumaris Cliffs National Estate Register

The important Beaumaris Red Bluff Sand Cliffs were removed from the National Estate Register (along with hundreds of other significant sites in 2004) leaving the cliffs without legal protection. Correspondence with Mark Dreyfus and Tony Burke, Minister fro Environment, advised that we could apply for the cliffs inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register. However Geoffrey Goode,(PPCC) found after discussion with the Victorian Geological Society, that it is almost impossible to have any site accepted for listing in Victoria. Documents provided would require an astute legal eagle to deal with them.

Canary Island Date Palms Hazel Pierce Reserve

A letter from DSE A/Manager Environmental Planning Port Phillip Region, advises that the DSE prefers that all re-vegetation on coastal Crown land utilize indigenous species. DSE does not support the planting of Canary Island Palms on coastal Crown land and will advise City of Kingston of this. Canary Island Palms are listed in DSE’s “Advisory list of Environmental weeds of coastal plains and healthy forests bioregions of Victoria.” Letters were sent to Kingston CEO.

Meetings Attended

Wal attended a Beyond Zero Emissions meeting dealing mining emissions as a result of coal exports to China, India. 400 people attended. He also attended a meeting at Beaumaris Yacht Club attended by groups from around the Bay. issues affecting foreshore and waters of the Bay. Beaumaris Bay .

Waterwatch

Dredging work on the section of Moridalloc creek between the rail and road bridges is proceeding on time and on budget. Melbourne Water is planning to begin construction of wetlands on industrial land above Wells Road bridge. This work will connect with Waterways wetlands and may further help in improving water quality.

Green Wedge Management Plan

The plan was approved by Council 27th August with compromises that did not suit all land owners nor the Southeast Greenwedge Coalition. Nor was Lady Hamer happy with the Baillieu Government ignoring Premier Hamer’s plan to prevent development in the green wedges the lungs and green spaces of Melbourne. 6000 hectares of former green wedge land will be subject to plans for development including shops, sawmills, schools and petrol stations. Special thanks to Cr West who has valiantly fought to preserve Kingston’s green wedge for future generations – with able support from Crs Shewin and Staikos.

Council Pre-Election Survey

A meeting organized to meet council candidates was attended by four women who, if elected, will be a much needed antidote to Kingston’s present testosterone posturing at meetings.

The Collins Report

The NRA sites and foreshore were audited in July. We look forward to results as promised at the September meeting. The Horticulture crew assessed approximately 20% of sites managed by the crew to check on plant survival, mulch depth, weed cover, litter and quality pruning. The crew achieved 97% successful result. Rock wall at Carrum built to prevent beach erosion is nearly completed. Yammerbook Reserve has received draft detailed designs from Jeavons Landscapes but need to confirm flood levels with information provided by Melbourne Water prior to obtaining final approval and signing a licence agreement. National Tree Day proved to be very successful for council’s team with 80 people from a wide spectrum of volunteers and public and private schools planting along Mordialloc Creek, Kingston foreshore and reserves. An Interfaith Group planted 600 plants in an hour at Carrum foreshore on Saturday 28th July during National Tree Day.

Bay Trail

We understand the Vicroads plans to narrow Beach Road to Australian standards as a safety measure claiming that a wide road encourages speed whereas a standard width road would discourage speed. Should the narrowing eventuate it would simplify the locations of Kingston’s section of the Bay Trail on the verge of Beach Road to conform with the successful Bayside bike trail.

Barkly Street

Three storey 24 unit development may go to VCAT 19th November. Matthew Guy’s New Planning Zones will replace Res Zones 1,2,3 with zones allowing three to four storey’s in suburban streets and a a mixture of business activities in Activity Zones. (i.e our suburban shopping strips and housing on the fringe.) Third party objection will no longer apply where a development conforms with the new zones.

Port Phillip Conservation Council AGM

Will be held at 7.30pm Monday 22nd October at Long Beach Place Chelsea Community Center, 15 Chelsea Road. Guest Speaker will be Dr Graeme Pearman. Should not be missed. Dr Pearman, former head of CSIRO Aspendale Atmospheric Center was warning of climate change three decades ago – as were many other scientists such as Barry Pittock also a scientist at Aspendale.

Pompei Site

The site appears to be under threat according to an Age article 30th August “Local Legend’s son in deep water over family’s creek lease.” According to Mordialloc Structure plan no matter what development was planned for the area boating repairs, launching and possibly apprenticeship courses for boat builders were to be retained on site as part of the attraction of Mordialloc Creek and environs. Without boating activity and character Mordialloc would lose the “timeless unsophisticated quality which is perhaps one of its greatest assets.” This is according to Mordialloc Foreshore & Environs Strategy Plan for Mordialloc City Council November 1987 by Tract Consultants. Mordialloc Structure Plan endorsed the proposal to retain structures that would enable small boat owners to repair and launch their boats and if possible to have a museum of wooden boat building.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th July 2012

Mordialloc Bypass

The extension is being actively canvassed by certain residents who think the extension may remove traffic from Wells Road. The MPFE is opposed by those who will be most affected by a proposed flyover – namely Waterways, Palm Grove, Royal Palms and Dingley Village residential estates. MBCL was asked to supply flyers to alert residents. MBCL has had a long standing opposition to the MPFE believing that freeways don’t reduce traffic but encourage greater use of motor vehicles.

George Woods Reserve Playground

Plans to discuss with the kindergarten parents’ committee an alternative location of the proposed regional playground. Kinder parents are claiming they need a larger car park and an extension of the kinder building all of which will mean an encroachment into the Arboretum. The committee also claims that drug taking and vandalism takes place behind the kinder building so lights and cameras are required – and no doubt toilets and barbecues. The corner of Parks and Governor Road is dangerous as B-doubles and other commercial traffic travel at speed at that corner frequently causing accidents. Council has taken a survey of traffic density and speed. MBCL have advocated relocating to the existing playground opposite Bertram Street where there is a toilet and barbecues, clear visibility from road and the car park and housing opposite. A bust stop is nearby. Goodbye Arboretum!

Dredging Mordialloc Creek

Baffles are being installed near the mouth of the creek. Dredging is proceeding in Attenborough Park between the road and rail bridges with dredge spoil de-watered and loaded onto trucks and transported to Geelong.

Waterwatch

No report on Mordialloc Creek this month but Waterwatch reports that Dandenong creek, which feeds into Patterson River, is undergoing a $1.6 million upgrade. Unfortunately this is hampered by excessive illegal dumping of mattresses, building materials, waste from meat and fish purveyors and panel beaters. Fortunately Dandenong Creek is diverted down Patterson River at Pillars Crossing so that Mordialloc Creek should be spared this pollution.

Green Wedge Management Plan

The plan in draft form is available now but the final report is being kept under wraps while plans are being devised within house to allow more development in Kingston’s Green Wedge. Council meeting to release the plan is held over until the August meeting.

Pre-Election Survey

A survey and forum have been organised to be held prior to council elections. Council has organised a meeting to advise candidates of their responsibilities if elected.

MBCL and Mordialloc Village Committee

Both groups have expressed our concern at the removal of trees in the median strip in Nepean Highway from Mordialloc to Moorabin. Trees are to be replaced with grasses such as Lamandra or similar and possibly a few trees. The usual reasons are given for removal of indigenous is that “they have passed their used by date, they are dangerous, etc.” The type of post and wire fence now lining the median strip is called the “shredder” by motorcyclists.

Masonic Hall

The Masonic Hall was open to community members, Councillors for inspection. The building has interesting features such as a Baltic pine ceiling to lower hall and steel beams made by a UK company who built Sydney Harbour Bridge and is still operating. Both upper and lower halls have hard wood paneling, staircase and a unique flue ventilation system. Hall is grand in an understated way. Well worth preserving. A reference group of KCC, community members will be formed. An MBCL member has applied.

The Collins Report

NRA Sites and Foreshore Reserves are due to be audited in July. Assessment includes weed over, indigenous cover and number of plants installed, minimum target is 92%. Horticulture audits also taking place with an assessment of 20% of sites looking at plant survival, weed cover and pruning, target 90%.

Upgrade of Long Beach Trail which is heavily used by community and cyclists. Track requires constant resurfacing. parks will look at all gravel paths in open space areas to ensure that they are regularly maintained. Bushfire Mitigation discussion paper by energy Safe Victoria. ESV has requested councils to comment on key issues within the document such as High Bushfire Risk Areas and responsibility of pruning trees in locations that are identified as having a high bushfire risk.

Friends of Heatherton Park and students from Westall Secondary College and Sprint Parks West Campus planted 600 plants 29th June. Following recent rains a number of reserves are so wet that vehicles are encouraged to remain off site until further notice. Friends of the Grange AGM was held 11th July. Guest Speaker – Tony Collins.

Bottle Shops and Poker Machines

Traders in railway Parade, Dandenong have had a victory in opposing a bottle shop in their area and close to a primary school on the grounds of density of bottle shops. 12 extra poker machines were approved by KCC after conducting a survey of residents, 75% of whom said that there were too many EGM’s in Kingston. Council sent out a further survey to residents – for what reason?

Bay Trail

Two residents living on Beach Road are taking an interesting in the Bay Trail but unfortunately not totally in support of back of kerb. Seemed to have been swayed by the tired old argument – there will be a loss of parking. There has been no loss of parking where vehicles have parked kerbside in Mordialloc from the reek to Rennison Street since 1984 occupying one lane without accident or complaint by the same Councillors who are now bleating about “loss of parking.”

55-57 Barkly Street

Went to Practice Day Friday 27th July. Planning Minister Guy’s changes to planning regulations will not provide security from high density development in our suburbs.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 6th June 2012

Living Kingston 2035

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

Union of Australian Women

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

Bay Trail

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

Waterwatch

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

Mordialloc Creek Master Plan

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

Mornington Freeway Extension

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

The Collins Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrum Foreshore Precinct

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

Further Loo Blues

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

Wind Turbines

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

Playgrounds

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

Masonic Hall

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

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 2nd May 2012

Bay Trail

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

Correspondence

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

Mordialloc Creek Master Plan

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

Green Wedge

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

Melias as Street Trees

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

The Vision Thing

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

The Collins Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrum Foreshore

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

Pre-election Survey

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

The Lamington Tree

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

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 4th April 2012

Project Proposals

Discussion re use of MBCL funds to assist with school projects or environmental group work. Judy and Bronwen to liaise with local schools and/or council staff. Recent possibility of -finally- an upgrade of MBCL web site! This could also mean saving important forty year old historical records of MBCL’s involvement with conservation work on the foreshore as well as current issues and submissions.

Melbourne Water Workshop

Where : Living Legends, Oaklands Road, Greenvale 3059. When Thursday 31 May from 10.00am -1.30pm. RSVP 24 May . Draft Strategies witll be available online from 14 May. Feedback closes 30 June 2012. The Healthy Waterways Strategy will replace the current Regional River Health Strategy for the Port Phillip and Westernport region when it expires in 2013.

Correspondence 

Letter sent to Hon Murray Thompson MP re Kingston council decision to approve the dangerous, costly and environmentally damaging bike track along the Mentone promenade. No response. Media release sent to the Leader regarding the FOI O’Brien Traffic consultant report which states that “In my view, the existing promenade is not an appropriate route for the Bay Trail nor could it be made so….It is highly exposed to strong winds and any cyclist colliding with the seawall could go over it. Windblown sand build up could also be an issue for cyclists. ….There is just too great an element of unpredictability in terms of behaviour of various users(of the promenade) for this path to operate safely.”

Beach Renourishment

Meeting held 18 April to discuss renourishment of Mentone beach possibly with sand trucked from Mordialloc beach. Mentone LSC entrance undermined during a severe storm recently. The EES for Beaumaris Motor Yacht Club marina is currently under consideration. If this development is approved there will be damage to the eroding Beaumaris cliffs which unfortunately are no longer protected by the National Estate Register. Mentone beach sand movement may also be affected.

George Woods Reserve

Unfortunately the council has approved a large regional playground in the Arboretum in the George Woods Reserve . This will mean enlarging a car park, removing mature trees, installing toilets, barbecues and seating. The site is secluded and the manager of the kindergarten has referred to the unsociable behaviour occuring at the rear of the kindergarten and scout hall. She is calling for cameras and lighting .The preferred large alternative site is the existing playground at Bertram Street which is visible from Governor Road and the car park, is close to toilets and already has a barbecue in place. Bronwen volunteered to speak to /meet with the manager of the kindergarten.

Green Wedge Report

Patsy Martin from the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) claims that the State Government does not want green wedge boundaries moved and would prefer Springvale Road development area returned to the green wedge. Council discussion in camera raises issues of deals with land owners by some councillors.

The Collins Report

Yammerbook Melbourne Water has reviewed the consultant’s plan for the reserve and will then contact the Committee.

Foreshore Coordinator , Jarrod Megans has conducted information sessions about beach renourishment.

Ecological controlled burns at The Grange .

Clean up at Wells Road and Jack Grut Reserve construction site. Removal of dead trees and establishment of a Rain Garden plus revegetation work.

Council has released its Integration Water Cycle Strategy. The focus is to look at an integrated approach while considering alternative options for water use. Water is stored in tanks both above and underground for use on sport grounds.

Bus Tour

Bus tour for six MBCL/KCEC members ,conducted by Tony and Jarrod, along Kingston foreshore from Carrum to Mentone, April 17. Work carried out by the NRA team  in the section Carrum to Aspendale North was impressive especially regeneration of Banksias. Sand bag retaining walls at North Aspendale appears successful as the bags are almost completely covered by the sand dune. Weed growth on cliffs at Charman Road ,Mentone is a problem. Siting the bike track along the cliff top, Charman Road to Mundy Street, and then down the cliff face to the Mentone Promenade will require removal of much vegetation to try to provide a 400 metre zig zag path down the steep cliff face. ( Refer to consultant’s report Page 1)

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Notice of Investigation : Marine Investigation.

The purpose of the marine investigation is to provide an assessment of management of existing marine protected areas in meeting the purpose for which they were established. Submission period closes Monday 25 June. 2012.

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, Level 6, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. 3002.

Palm Tree Hazel Pierce Reserve

Council has approved an avenue of Canary Island Date palms on Beach Road adjacent to the reserve.In 2006 Council removed the existing 12 date palms from the creek bank of the reserve as part of Kingston’s Coastal Management policy to plant locally indigenous species in the reserve.Banksias and she-oaks   provide shade and shelter and retains Mordialloc’s unique fishing village character. The cost of planting date palms will cost approx. $250,000 and will not only contravene council’s management plan for the creek and foreshore but ignores the fact that DSE’s advisory list of environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria classifies Canary Island Date Palms as environmental weeds.

Mordialloc Rail Siding

Mordialloc Rail Siding looks like an industrial site with lights on all night probably for security reasons. However this may detract from the attraction of proposed 94 unit development next to the rail line!

Grange Heathland Reserve

The Grange has bought a camera to record plant development in the reserve.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League Inc.

Mordialloc Beaumaris Conservation League – Minutes – 14th March 2012

Three Pieces of Rubbish

Walter reports that Port Phillip Conservation Council supports a scheme whereby people visiting bayside beaches take three pieces of rubbish home in addition to their own rubbish. Walter also reports that Beaumaris Motor Yacht Club is presently going though the EES process. It will be an act of environmental vandalism if that project is approves in a National Estate Registered site. Bayside Conservation Society are concerned at the number of trees to be removed for the back of kerb bike track.

Mordialloc Creek Master Plan

The pedestrian bridge form Hazel Pierce Reserve to the island is now off the agenda. Unfortunately an avenue of Canary island palms alongside the reserve is still on the agenda. The State Government has given sea scouts on the island $75,000 for repairs of their club house. All good news. Unfortunately the Arboretum in the George Woods is still threatened with a large regional playground. The Arboretum was planted in 1926 and should be retained a s a pleasant quiet space.

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