Shire lowers iron curtain of secrecy over payout
I thought question time at the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meetings meant that the public could ask a relevant question of the council and would receive a reasonable and sensible answer.
At the public meeting on Tuesday 18 October, I found out how wrong I was.
Two questions were asked about the reasons behind the shire’s proposal to give the operators of the Tyabb airfield $350,000 (“‘Secretive’ $350,000 payout to aero club” The News 25/10/22).
The CEO responded that these would be answered later in the meeting when the matter of the termination of a 20-year-old agreement between the shire and the airfield operators would be discussed.
However, when the time for subject was reached there was no meaningful discussion or explanation. It was obvious that the decision to pay out the $350,000 had already been made, in secret, prior to the meeting.
One courageous councillor did attempt repeatedly to extract a reasoned explanation from the CEO but was met with incomprehensible and meaningless jargon. It was clear that the public was not to know what the basis of this secret deal was
I stood up and objected and was roundly chastised by the mayor. In disgust, I left the meeting, only to be pursued by the mayor and the CEO into the lobby of the shire offices. As an 83-year-old, ex-serviceman who has fought for his country I was not in the least bit perturbed. However, the event does raise serious questions about the behaviour and propriety of our council and councillors.
Shire residents deserve transparency and reasonable answers to their questions during the public question time, not evasion and gobbledygook.
Democracy or dictatorship? I leave readers to decide if an iron curtain of secrecy has fallen across our shire.
David Lines, Somerville
Travel problems
These areas do indeed need attention and perhaps more frequently (“Bumpy ride for wheelchairs”, “Parking problems” and “Sack the council” Letters 4/10/22). If not, longer lasting pothole repairs would be wonderful.
This would make road use less painful and detrimental.
Transition from car to business would also be safer and smoother without the need to negotiate auto traffic.
Fran Williamson, Baxter
Time to volunteer
I am so upset with the situations seniors and disabled citizens find themselves.
They desperately need help which they are entitled to, from Mornington Peninsula Shire and alternative providers.
How would you like to have only one shower weekly, no house cleaning and no one to visit to take you out for a while?
The price of meals on wheels has increased, but the quality of some not as enjoyable as previously.
If shortage of staff is the problem, surely someone in government has the brains to encourage long term unemployed to be thoroughly trained to help. You have to start somewhere.
This is a disgraceful state of affairs, and you should all be ashamed of yourselves for not acting earlier.
I have many relatives and friends who reside on the peninsula, most of them born here, who have willingly contributed to several organisations to help those less fortunate.
Our time on Earth is not always for very long. I urge those who fritter the days away to do something positive to help those in need.
You might even enjoy the experience.
Shirley Higgins, Mornington
Saving Western Port
It is comforting to read that there are others beside myself who are awake to the increasing industrialisation of Western Port (“Election pitch to ‘save Western Port’” The News 25/10/22). In several previous letters I have raised this as a covert plan by the Labor Party to convert the peninsula from a traditional Liberal to a safe Labor seat by growing the industrial hub at Hastings and attracting new blue collar residents who would be employed there.
Western Port is a unique nursery for marine and other wildlife. It is no longer “untouched”, but it is not yet a lost cause like the Port Philip side which has become an extension of suburbia.
The defeat of the AGL proposal [for a gas import terminal] is not the end. We need to remain vigilant and vocal. The hydrogen terminal brain fart has not gone away.
The census of wildlife is not encouraging but it is not yet critical.
We must keep the pressure up against Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s appetite for more rate revenue and property developers’ even greater appetite for profit.
As far as Western Port is concerned there is no such thing as “good development”. No development should be the goal to preserve what is left. If the residents of the towns on the Western Port side cannot do without services available on the other side, they can always move to Rosebud.
The mothballing of the proposed train line to Baxter is a step in the right direction in my book because once that is done there will be a clamour for a further extension to Stony Point.
Barry Rumpf, McCrae
Vote independent
If you vote in the state seats of Hastings, Mornington and Nepean you may need to know about your candidates and what they are not telling you.
There has been an explosion of far-right wing religious preselection tactics in the normally small L Liberal Party branches on the peninsula (“Turf war splits peninsula Liberals” The News 23/8/22).
Some preselected Liberal candidates have American style anti-abortion and homophobic beliefs but have not spoken about these issues which will only emerge as “conscience” votes in parliament.
All Labor candidates support recently passed state government legislation allowing sex workers to operate home businesses in every residential street. This is without the need for permits or any notice to neighbours.
The Labor planning minister has stated that these businesses are allowed to operate next to schools, kindergartens and churches. Councils cannot interfere.
There is no limit on the number that can operate in your street from next year.
Fortunately, we have a choice.
We can vote for moderate Independents who support the values of peninsula residents, not the views of unelected pressure groups within the Liberal and Labor parties.
David Gill, councillor Mornington, Peninsula Shire Red Hill Ward
Sign rules
Little known fact: there are many rules and regulations dictating what constitutes a compliant or legal electoral sign.
You would think that after the many years of campaigning, the Liberal Party would be well versed and adhere to everyone.
It appears, however, that they would rather place these signs in prime positions, without the consent of landowners, exceeding size restrictions, or in direct violation of council’s own electoral signage legislation (as was the case with [Chris] Crewther’s sign on the Mornington footy oval, later removed) and simply hope they have enough time to be seen before they are pulled down.
These signs don’t just advertise the Liberal candidates themselves but the (lack of) values and integrity of the entire party.
Elizabeth Dodd, Dromana
Protect kangaroos
While kangaroos are being cruelly slaughtered across Australia for pet food and footballs, another threat to their ongoing survival is wildlife exclusion fencing.
Properties surrounding Greens Bush on Mornington Peninsula are erecting these fences whether they have stock or empty paddocks. This is under the misconception that kangaroos will compete with livestock for grasses. Wrong. They eat different grasses and assist with pasture health and fire mitigation.
The exclusion fences are pushing kangaroos into smaller areas and onto roads, injuring and killing them. Putting motorists at risk. Planning authorities need to review their rules. We must stop vilifying our national emblem and start seeing them as a valuable part of our environment and a tourist attraction.
Jo Hansen, Rye
Promises, promises
It’s election time, and here we go again – unwanted spam from Sam Groth, Liberal candidate for Nepean.
No “opt out” option, but a handy contact if you want to hear more promises. And where did Sam obtain my personal phone number?
Would you believe, he highlights the Jetty Road [Rosebud] overpass as a major policy initiative and campaign promise?
Never mind that we’ve had 20 years of Liberal rule in Nepean with the same promise.
And the same 20 years of [former Flinders MP] Greg Hunt making the same promise federally.
Blow me down if he hasn’t also discovered that the Rosebud Hospital needs upgrading.
By contrast [Labor sitting MP fort Nepean] Chris Brayne has delivered a rebuilt Rosebud Primary School, Dromana Primary School and commenced Rosebud Secondary School.
The bus service is much improved, with more progress in this regard to come.
And the investigation, business case and master plan have all been completed for our future Rosebud Hospital.
Among other initiatives, it’s been an amazing achievement in four short years.
As far as I can see from Sam, in regard to policy over those same years, was his complaint that he couldn’t play golf during COVID.
Well done Chris. After a tentative start from an unexpected election victory, you have really delivered for your peninsula people.
Mike Wilton, Safety Beach
Acknowledge promise
I am angered at [Mornington Peninsula Shire’s] full page advertisement regarding the Rosebud Hospital not keeping up (The News 25/10/22). Yes, everything is true regarding what is desperately and urgently needed by the shire’s Shout Out for the Peninsula [campaign]. What they haven’t mentioned is that the Liberal candidate Sam Groth is pledging $340 million to redevelop the Rosebud Hospital if he is elected.
After contacting the shire regarding my concern, I was informed that they knew of the pledge but did not acknowledge it. My question is why? My other question is who paid for the advertisement.
Marion Harvey, Rosebud
Staffing hospitals
Both major parties promise significant spending to build hospitals, but where are the staff coming from? Time for independent representation, from someone who has actually worked in a hospital and knows what is needed to repair a broken health system.
Alan Wittick, Mount Eliza
Liberal moves
Liberal candidates all over Victoria are dumping the words Liberal Party or any party logos from their campaign material and even changing their colours.
Then there are the pseudo independents trained by Liberals to defuse the voting against them. Elizabeth Woolcock (Nepean) running as an independent who has a long standing relationship with Liberals and [former Flinders MP] Greg Hunt has, at least, been forthright in saying she will suggest Liberals as first preference (“Liberal turns independent for Nepean” The News 12/9/22).
Imagine voting for a party even though they are ashamed of it themselves and will try to trick you with colours and pseudo independents.
To be a Lib or not to be a Lib, that is the question.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Spirits ‘buoyed’
Like many, I am concerned about Ryman Health’s ongoing pursuit of an aged care centre on Reg’s Wedge, in Kunyung Road, Mount Eliza, which I understand is still going back and forth with VCAT (“Call for minister to act ‘urgently’” The News 25/10/22).
My spirits were buoyed by recent discussions I have had with independent candidate for Mornington, Dr Kate Lardner. Kate has taken the time to listen to the community and is ready to continue the fight with us, advocating to stop this development and supporting Mornington Peninsula Shire Council with its bid to have the land rezoned green wedge, while supporting alternative facilities for our aging population at more appropriate sites.
I look forward to having further fruitful community based conversations with Kate and wish her the best on the path to Spring Street.
Greg Banks, Moorooduc
Leave Ryman alone
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council must be ruing the day it asked Planning Panels Victoria to review its C270 amendment. The ill-conceived attempt to frustrate Ryman has been exposed in PPV’s recent report, and I quote interalia “As a result, the panel concludes the amendment was prepared hastily with no strategic research or advice and used [as] a tool to prevent the consideration of the Ryman permit application” (“Call for minister to act ‘urgently’” The News 25/10/22).
Council should now stop pandering to obstructive, unelected groups like Save Reg’s Wedge and begin governing for all, especially the most vulnerable. And council should take seriously the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care and respectfully consider Ryman’s legitimate aspirations to provide dignity to the ageing in the shire.
Will the council now provide a public accounting for ratepayers’ money and staff time spent on its protracted campaign against Ryman? It must run into hundreds of thousands, not to mention the costs inflicted on respondents.
Let us hope that Ryman is now able to press on with its dreams to create this retirement village to provide security and dignity to the many aged citizens who have been watching on forlornly as their retirement dreams were frustrated by the council’s obstruction tactics.
It is a huge relief to those who treasure the heritage of Moondah Estate that Ryman will now be able to fulfil its plan to restore and preserve the James Brice mansion, which was doomed under Amendment C270.
Frank Hoogenraad, Patterson Lakes
Re-warming planet
I will vote for any party that will step in and stop the profiteering and irresponsibility in our chaotic and unreliable electricity supply system with all of the little and big investors and shareholders wrangling for maximum profits; causing a never-ending upward spiral in prices for the powerless consumers, together with insufficient power available at times.
Victorian Labor has announced that it will re-establish a government owned energy company – the State Electricity Commission – and bring power back into the hands of the Victorian people, with profits going back into the network.
That’s a good first step.
It also intends to generate an extra 4.5 gigawatts of publicly owned renewable electricity.
Here, I would like to remind people that 4.5gw of power can be produced, non-stop 24/7, by just 4.5 modern steam turbine generators in the Latrobe Valley; or by about 250 offshore wind turbines mounted on very strong pylons in the ocean; or nuclear.
I also need to point out the fact that the world has only increased in temperature by about one degree since the great 500-year long (documented) planetary very cold snap, which ended around 1850 when re-warming to “normal” started.
I would have anticipated a temperature rise of three or four degrees by now, 170 years on, and I’m concerned that the planet is not warming up.
Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington
Built out, and up
I ask myself why, knowing I’m talking to a brick wall. Who listens to an 86 year old pensioner? My unit (one of four) backs on to Campbell Lane and the rear of the medical centre, the chemist (both with back access) and another unit, fronting Point Nepean Road, all with rear parking facilities, for now.
Building changes to come very soon will result in new three-storey levels (the medical centre moving apparently and no rear access to my chemist and another three blocks walk to my doctor?) also blocking out my front view of the relaxing Norfolk Island pines and, more importantly, disturbing my midday nap.
Progress yet again, for whom?
Cliff Ellen, Rye
Shopping abuse
I was physically abused by teens at the bottom of the escalators in Mornington Centro.
I called police, who have done nothing, and the [abusers] now know where I live.
They followed me over to my house and told me to be scared in case my house is vandalised.
Spoke with local shop people, and it’s an issue.
Name and address withheld
Greens outdated
Greens Party senator Lydia Thorpe in yet another example of disrespect and self-importance seems to consider herself bigger than the parliamentary criteria for representing the people of Australia.
The Aboriginal community deserves better. Obviously, the leader of the Greens is incapable of checking the appropriate standards of people worthy of working for the good of Australia.
Any person walking into parliament with a clenched fist does not have peace as a priority, but division and disharmony.
It seems the Greens have lost their way. Haven’t heard a word about protection of our native flora and fauna or a word against the inappropriate bowing of councils to developers wrecking natural habitat.
Let’s face it, the Greens are passed their use by date.
Maureen Sharpe, Bittern
Feel like gambling?
It seems barely a day goes by lately without disturbing media reports of record pokies losses or controversial casino practices, and children are continuously exposed to saturation levels of sports betting advertising.
These extremes are newsworthy stories about which we are right to be concerned, but the negative effects of gambling can be more subtle. So subtle, in fact, that those affected sometimes don’t make the connection between how they are feeling or behaving and their gambling activities.
Are you feeling anxious or stressed? Do you have an underlying sense of regret about money lost or time spent gambling? Perhaps you’re having difficulty concentrating or sleeping. Or maybe you’re more irritable or short-tempered than usual.
While these signs of gambling harm may seem relatively minor, they can build up over time, which is why Victorians are being encouraged during this year’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week (17–23 October) to pause and consider whether gambling could be affecting their wellbeing. Details: effectsofgambling.com.au.
Shane Lucas, CEO Victorian, Responsible Gambling Foundation
Time to reach out
I write on behalf of the not-for-profit Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia.
My simple message is that if your readers are impacted in any way by a mental health issue, they should reach out because there is help available.
We have an important project called Finding North that is very user-friendly and is – in simple terms – an on-line initiative which links people with mental health issues with other people facing similar issues so they can offer support to each other.
The time for action on mental health is unquestionably now. We know that a massive 54 per cent of all Australians affected by mental illness simply do not access any kind of treatment.
We know that 3.8 million Australians now live with mental illness – it’s enough people to fill a city the size of Hobart 17.5 times.
COVID has led to an escalation in fear and anxiety. Far too many people at a local level are ending up in hospital emergency rooms … because they simply don’t know where to go to.
We’re urging all governments to invest more in services that help people with mental health issues. We desperately need to make it easier for people to access the very real help that is out there.
We urgently need to address the attitudes and beliefs that can exclude people who have a mental illness from workplaces, communities and social circles. The reality is people with mental illness can live well in the community and do recover if the right clinical and community support is there.
We urge all readers to have a look at our important latest project. Just go to www.findingnorthnetwork.com.au
The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia also has a free phone line to help people – 1800 985 944.
Tony Stevenson, CEO Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
Letters – 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number – can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au
First published the Western Port News – 2 November 2022
