A path forward
The Friends of the Beleura Cliff Path are collaborating with the shire to convince the state government (DEECA) to help fund the repairs to the two landslip areas on the path. Ninety per cent of the path is safer than it has ever been, but we are concerned about the slow progress towards fixing the landslip areas. We accept that the shire is short of money, but there are vital steps to be done now that would cost nothing.
Study of the direct causes of the two landslips was not included in the $80,000 Stantec Report, which was confined to the wider geotec issues. For example, the drainage system on Kalimna Drive, a short distance behind and above the lower landslip, is clearly a heavy contributor to the ground-water on the cliff in the 2022 October landslip. In heavy rains, the soil on the cliff becomes waterlogged. If large amounts of ground-water from a faulty drain system are added to that, you have a landslip waiting to happen. The evidence is strong that this is what happened in October 2022. You only need to look at the drain on the east side of Kalimna Drive to see this. This drain is a shire responsibility. It must be remade so that storm-water gets carried out of the area.
If this is done, a rebuild of the path will be much, much cheaper.
Peter Nicholson, Mornington
Potter report a ‘Chamber of Secrets’
There were more questions raised than answers given in the review of the Harry Potter Event hosted by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The reviews main purpose was to analyse how the decision to hold a huge sound and light show for months on end within the fenced Wildlife “Sanctuary” at The Briars was recommended by officers and approved by the majority of councillors. In answer to this specific question, the silence was deafening.
The non-disclosure agreement was signed by councillors and officers of the shire with Warner Brothers, not the ratepayers. We are not asking how much profit Warner Brothers, Fever, or affiliated businesses made, nor the “ flow on effect” to the region (a very vague concept although somehow calculated and disclosed with great aplomb), but we have a right to know how much the shire benefited in monetary terms by hosting this controversial event.
The costs have been disclosed and calculated down to the last dollar, including the cost of relocating the event – a totally unnecessary expense had due diligence been followed. The “net” profit of which ratepayers aren’t being given even a vague indication of value will need to be allocated as surplus to the ordinary budget. Where and how will this money be allocated? (The Briars presumably) especially as we were told The Briars exorbitant running costs more or less necessitated this event being held for it to remain viable.
Had the relatively small amount of donated trees not been planted by community volunteers, it would have added substantial cost to the shire. Stop taking this wonderful community for granted and start giving – starting with answers. Enough of the Chamber of Secrets.
Sarah Sampson, Flinders
Too little, too late
ON Monday 16 September, at an unscheduled council meeting, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voted on the shire’s Harry Potter event review and report recommendations. This review was the outcome of a previous resolution by Council ‘… that a review of the processes leading to, and the outcomes of the event being held at The Briars, will be undertaken.’
The review scope, prepared by the mayor (in consultation with the CEO), had just four sections. One was to assess and review the initial decision-making process that led to the approval of holding such a large-scale production in The Briars fenced wildlife sanctuary. A consultant company was appointed to check the final report against the scope.
The consultants point out that the shire’s report provided little detail on two key questions regarding the decision-making process and no sections were dedicated to responding to them. A rather telling omission when this was arguably the main purpose of the resolution and the heart of public outrage and campaign by Save Briars Sanctuary.
Further observations include that the “high biodiversity significance” (ecology report) of the sanctuary should have resulted in the event being considered high impact rather than medium. This would have ensured a greater level of scrutiny. And that despite anecdotal evidence that shire officers sought legal advice in relation to the event proposal, no records or documents were made available.
The shire, and some councillors, continue to commend themselves for approving the Harry Potter relocation out of the sanctuary yet it was Warner Bros Global Themed Entertainment who initiated the move. Perhaps most telling of all is the timing. The Harry Potter announcement and ticket sales were one week before Christmas 2023. The lengthy shire review report was released one business day ahead of the council meeting which was on the eve of council going into caretaker mode for the elections.
Louise Page, Tyabb
What is happening?
Who exactly holds our council officers and their successful tender companies to account? Yesterday visitors from Melbourne were astonished at all the potholes. “Isn’t this a wealthy area?” they exclaimed. I explained that it was, but due to apparent ineptitude, waste, and bureaucracy on the part of our shire, not enough gets done. This was backed up by a few local examples.
Hillview Reserve: the decade-old council sign proudly proclaiming a new play park, has now been replaced by a state one. Work has begun, but when it actually takes place no-one knows. I walk my dog there daily, but no work or workmen are to be seen – only the earthmovers, temporary fence, container, occasionally an empty truck. Meanwhile our rates are paying for the hire of all that equipment!
Up my road a family building business completed their build of two houses by compacting nice little pebbles on the nature strip, as cars will park here. But when the council building inspector came he told them to rip all that up, as the plan had said “lawn”. How absurd – bureaucracy minus commonsense!
Despite the loudness of our shire’s adherence to “sustainability”, building permits are issued to build houses with metal frames, instead of wood. Metal is not a sustainable material.
Then the new council building – snuck in quietly with no say by those who will be paying for it. It might make council officers’ lives easier but might also make council less accessible for the people who employ them. How about using that money for something more urgent?
How many council officers actually live on the peninsula and care about life here? Or maybe the problem is in the selection process – academic skill and cleverness might not be as useful as commonsense, ethics and conscientiousness.
Paula Polson, Dromana
Gambling in politics
It is encouraging to see the Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula support a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia (MP calls for ‘strongest’ gambling reform, The News, 17/9/24). The increased promotion of gambling companies on TV and at football grounds has been overwhelming. Professional footballers on the field have become no different to racing horses on the track.
The problem is that our politicians have been reluctant to reform the gambling industry due to financial donations and gifts and the influence of TV and newspapers who happily accept gambling advertising dollars. According to the 47th Parliament Register of Members’ Interests, our Member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie MP attended the 2023 AFL Grand Final as a guest of online betting company Sportsbet. According to the website Open Politics, the Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP has so far received 27 gifts and hospitality from gambling companies – and she has the power to reduce gambling advertising!
Our elected representatives need to ban gambling advertising in Australia and ban gifts and donations that could influence their votes in Parliament – important decisions that impact on every single constituent. Our politicians earn over $250,000 per year – they can afford their own tickets to the football and horse racing.
What are the odds that Sportsbet will be hosting politicians at the 2024 AFL Grand Final on Saturday?
Dale Stohr, Crib Point
It’s a lousy bungle
Russell Kenery (Unjustified eyesore, Letters 11/9/24) echoed my thoughts perfectly regarding the Red Hill guardrails. As Mark Twain once said, “To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail”. The shire seems to have taken this to heart, over-engineering a solution where it wasn’t needed. While it’s human to make mistakes, it’s even more human to handball the problem to consultants.
Consultants, eager to solve issues, can sometimes create them where none exist. Ignoring the actual crash data for Arthurs Seat Rd, the council’s massive guardrails have ruined the 60kph scenic stretch through Red Hill village – a truly baffling waste of resources. Imagine what could have been done with that money on essential road maintenance instead.
Athan Dolduris, Mt Martha
Gatehouse disgrace
What an absolute disgrace, that we may be losing yet another significate building on our Mornington Peninsula.
Is it total Incompetence by the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Heritage Victoria for not keeping checks on this historical, significant building? Yes, I believe so.
I went back and looked at the promises made in 2007 by the owner, who gave certain undertakings to the people of the Mornington Peninsula Shire in relation to the gatehouse when the subdivision of the said property was allowed. The gatehouse was to be restored, and refurbished within a two year timeline. A $1 million dollar bank guarantee was part of the undertaking. Also, the Gatehouse was to be open to the public several times a year.
None of these undertakings have ever happened. Why haven’t the shire and Heritage Victoria done regular checks on the maintenance of this precious building? We now read it may have to be demolished having had a large tree fall on it.
It seems to me it is just too easy for developers to disregard undertakings in relation to the maintenance of heritage buildings. Is it neglect by stealth? How many more historically significant buildings are we likely to loose? A comprehensive audit needs to be done urgently of other significant heritage buildings to make sure they don’t fall in disrepair and neglect.
Denise Hassett, Mt Martha
Trees For Life
I was heartened to read St Joseph’s Primary School has been named as a finalist for the Tidy Town’s Awards 2024 for their Save the Moonah Woodlands Project (St Joseph’s recognised for environment work, The News 18/9/24). In my eyes they are already winners for being involved in this sustainability program. Most indigenous vegetation on the peninsula has been decimated since colonisation and is allowed to continue by developers who strip the land bare, destroying corridors that impact on the health and survival of indigenous flora and fauna to survive.
Josephine Brand, Sorrento
Visit Pt Nepean
If you haven’t visited Pt Nepean Quarantine Station, you’ve missed the fascinating history of migrants arriving in Melbourne. This is where various procedures occurred to ensure these individuals weren’t carrying any diseases. Point Nepean is steeped in history – its past filled with poignant stories of resilience and courage that have shaped the fabric of Victoria. The hospital, which is still standing, played a crucial role in ensuring the health of newcomers to Australia.
As the years passed, the quarantine station, which was no longer needed, fell into disrepair. Dust and grime took over until, finally, the government decided to revitalise the area. One of the improvements in 2023 was the introduction of glamping, which consisted of four person tents. It was so successful that the season was fully booked from September 2023 to April this year. (More coastal camping at Pt Nepean, The News 18/9/24).
Military forts, intricate tunnels, and remnants of the Quarantine Station are still present, each telling tales of the early settlers and their determined spirit forging a new life in Australia. Knowing and retaining the history of those who came before us is crucial. Today, we enjoy this area because of the determination of many interested in the history of the Pt Nepean Quarantine Station. Its reputation proves its ability to make the area worthwhile and safeguard its survival.
Anne Kruger, Rye
