Looking for common celebration
I rang Morn Pen Council before Australia Day expressing my disappointment there was to be no encouragement of citizens to gather at the shire’s namesake Mornington Park with any sort of fanfare or entertainment. I asked is there even not going to be a raising of our country’s flag. The indefinite answer seemed to be no.
My point is this: as there are many interests in the 26 January date, let us rationalise our thoughts.
Our Australian way of life can be celebrated at any time of the year. Simply choose another date. I suggest say the 1st March, still warm enough for family picnics and cool enough to enjoy ‘Hog’s prawns and steak on the barbie. We are many who have come across the seas, most escaping conflict, to come to this peaceful beautiful country, seeking peace.
It was long ago that Europeans first arrived on these shores and were not welcomed by the indigenous peoples, and most of us regret the brutality which occurred at that time.
I feel we should not use the 26 Jan for general Australian celebrations out of deep respect for indigenous people, who can honour their ancestors and rename the day what they deem fit, remembering that it was long ago and today together we go forward with respect and love for each other as one humanity on our planet earth.
Monica Martini, Mornington
Old Dog New Tricks
I see repeatedly that “more considerate” (joke) dog walkers have trained their dogs to poop IN THE PLASTIC BAG.
Unfortunately, the dog has not been trained to carry the bag and put it in the bin.
The bag is just left beside the footpath!
I trust these careless dog walkers read this and pick up. Meanwhile three story building approvals, million dollar houses. Money, out of our pockets, into theirs. One day at a time. Breathing easily, slowly, from the diaphragm.
Warwick Spinaze, Tootgarook
No Parking?
As a local to the Mt Martha shops I am intrigued by the council attitude towards people who park their cars on the two median strips at the beach end of Watson Rd.
On most busy days the cars parked there can be fairly sure of a visit from a council officer to issue a $111.00 fine. To me this seems a little harsh given the free-for-all parking that generally exists in this part of Mt Martha.
I have seen cars triple parked on the North side of Watson Rd on very busy days. There is a single sign on one median strip helpfully indicating “Outdoor Dining” but no indication of any parking prohibition.
Unless this is a deliberate revenue raising ploy (a nearly guaranteed $800 for each pass by a council officer) by council then surely it is not unreasonable to add a couple of ‘No Parking’ signs to the existing pole. Maybe then the vegetation will have a better chance to survive.
Dr Ross Hudson, Mount Martha
Thoughts and prayers?
The Mornington Peninsula Council concerns relating to issues from Ryman and protecting the green wedge to the use of jets ski are about as useful as Scott Morrison thoughts and prayers.
Craig Thomson, Rye
Enforcement the key
Our new local State MP Sam Groth wants more no boating zones along the foreshore. That is pointless given that VicPol and Parks Victoria don’t enforce the existing no boating zone which is clearly marked on the map at the Safety Beach boat ramp and by signs on the beach at the no boating zone whilst such zones are specifically covered in the booklet covering matters that must be known when applying for a Marine Licence .
The water police just cruise by the existing zone ignoring the multiple jet skis and other boats that moor in the no boating zone on weekends and public holidays and the vessels that regularly pass through the existing zone.
Our mayor, Steve Holland, wants the 5 knot zone extended out to 500 metres. Obviously he doesn’t know it is already set at 500 metres.
Lee Chapman, Safety Beach
Ryman action needed
When is the Andrews State Government going to appoint an Administrator to the Mornington Peninsula Shire?
Obviously a majority of the Shire Councillors are not interested in truly representing the ratepayers whose interests they were elected to protect.
These Councillors couldn’t be bothered to attend the online meeting called to discuss taking action on behalf of the ratepayers they are supposed to represent! Too busy doing what?
They are paid by the ratepayers, they are supposed to represent, but instead neglected their responsibilities as councillors!
If they are not prepared to act for their employers Andrews should at least act to ensure good governance of the Mornington Shire.
Is it coincidence that VCAT announced approval of the Ryman development in the Greenwedge of the Mornington Peninsula at Mount Eliza when the Councillors were having Christmas doing nothing and too busy to even care about what happens to our Shire?
Are these Councillors now happy their neglect will detrimentally impact on the nearby residents of Kunyung Road, Mount Eliza generally and especially students at the Kunyung Primary School.
David James, Mornington
Footing the bill
Further to “Paved in Gold” (Letters, 24/01/2023) in regards to the Shire footpath project. We live on a busy thoroughfare in Rosebud and were told that we were to contribute (“Your liability for the project”) towards a footpath. It wasn’t on our side of the street or our street address as we live on a corner. Ten years ago we paid $334.14. Regularly we see people using the footpath but I am certain there are just as many who are still walking on the road or the grass. Good perk getting a footpath.
Judi Loughridge, Rosebud
Pell scapegoated?
Pell – an innocent convicted man is the only way to describe the travesty of justice metered out to Cardinal George Pell.
Several protagonists should apologise for such an injustice.
Pell was the strength behind the beginning of the Melbourne Response, pre-empting Towards Healing. His attempts to redress the wrong within the church were ignored.
Those against the man were hell-bent on his destruction.
Although he strenuously denied such erroneous claims from various quarters, the media’s doggedness was relentless.
They deemed him guilty even before the courts came into play. Talk about guilty by the media!
It bared its teeth, and many joined in, believing the written word over the truth of one man and the legal system.
But in all things true, he showed courage and deep Faith whilst in jail to emerge when the seven judicial team stated that there was a high possibility that an innocent person was convicted and that there was not enough evidence to form a standard of proof—a most unusual statement by an appeal court.
Although the police presented 26 charges, not one stood up to the legal process. The media, of course, called foul. No doubt they will continue to pursue the late Cardinal beyond the grave.
There is a survivor network, and they were astounded that Cardinal Pell was found guilty and rejoiced when found not guilty. They are also ashamed that so many took delight in his untimely death. Indeed the Devil at work!
Anne Kruger, Rye
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 in the Mornington News – 31 January 2023
