MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh will invite a meeting with Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny expressing growing community concern over a proposed redevelopment of Arthurs Seat Eagle.The $25 million plan involves expanding the popular tourist attraction including adding a new observation tower, a pedestrian bridge over Arthurs Seat Rd, a function centre, a luge ride attraction and an “experiential interpretive centre” – all of which would be delivered over three stages.However, a petition launched by “Save our Seat” last October has warned that Arthurs Seat state park was in “grave danger” if the plans went ahead. “Private developers are planning…
Author: Brendan Rees
A CONTENTIOUS citizens’ panel aimed at helping shape the peninsula’s future at a cost of $150,000 to ratepayers has been given the flick by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors.The panel, established in 2022, has seen 150 members participate in “gaining valuable insights into the many challenges facing council” as well as developing a community vision to 2040. Through the forums panellists provided councillors with “a rich data source to assist them with their decision-making” as part of “deliberative consultation” as stated in the Local Government Act. Last year the budget allocated to the 2024 panel was $140,000 with each panellist receiving…
PLANS for a new housing estate near Mornington racecourse that would see 250 homes built has gravely concerned residents who say it would impact their amenity and cause traffic issues.Mornington Peninsula Shire has received two planning applications that propose to subdivide land into 57 lots and 59 lots that border Racecourse Rd, Watt Rd and Carbine Way. Named the “Woodbyne Estate”, the proposed precinct would cover 13 hectares, with the permits including the proposed removal of the council-owned Watt Rd plantation reserve, creation of reserves for new public open spaces and removal of vegetation.The combined permits apply to privately owned…
HOMEOWNERS near where a landslide occurred in McCrae have been warned to stay away as the potential for the slope to move may continue for days or weeks to come.Authorities are investigating after the landslide occurred on the morning of 14 January, destroying a home after it slid down a cliff and leaving one man hospitalised.Emergency services were called to the incident on Penny Lane, on the corner of Point Nepean Rd, about 8.45am after the house collapsed. A council worker aged in his 50s was taken to Frankston hospital in a stable condition after sustaining lower body injuries. It…
A $2.9 MILLION redevelopment of the Rye foreshore promenade is set to transform the area, featuring a new open space and two plaza areas.The plan, which saw a tender awarded to undertake the project at the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 17 December meeting, will see the eastern car park next to the pier replaced with a public open space.It will also include the construction of two plaza areas either end of the foreshore promenade, as well as a network of paths, seating, barbecues, and landscaping.To make way for the new open space, existing walkways, bollards, fencing, walling, and furniture would be…
A MOTHER has spoken out against what she describes as unfair parking fines being issued to parents outside Sorrento Primary School, claiming they are nothing more than a “revenue raising” tactic by the Mornington Peninsula Shire.Sari, who asked not to use her surname, said she and other parents had been targeted last year for parking in Kerferd Ave for just a few seconds or minutes while they collected their children from school. Sari said while there were about three to four “kiss and go” parking spaces, this was “not enough” for the growing school population with the nearby Ocean Beach…
A DIVISIVE trend of people setting up cabanas and tents to reserve prime beach spots on the peninsula has prompted mayor Cr Anthony Marsh to call for the behaviour to end. “If you come and set up (at the beach) with the intent of going off and doing other stuff and returning half a day later, that’s totally inappropriate,” he said.The issue has attracted global attention after it was revealed early beachgoers were reserving coveted beach spots at Safety Beach with cabanas, tents and chairs before wandering off and returning later. It has sparked debate on social media as to…
PETER Clarke, the newly appointed president of the Mornington Peninsula Beach Box Association, has wasted no time in outlining an ambitious agenda to ensure the region’s beloved beach environment is improved.The McCrae resident, who officially began his new role this month, expressed an unwavering commitment to ensuring the peninsula’s beaches remained clean, safe, and sustainable – noting a particular concern with an increase in beach erosion, as well as high tides impacting retaining walls.“Obviously the owners of the beach boxes have got a particular unique interest in making sure that that environment is looked after,” he told The News, adding…
A PLAN to transform a huge beachside Dromana site, including a former holiday park, into 69 homes has been approved despite strong community opposition.Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have given the green light for the 1.7-hectare site to be developed at 105-113 Point Nepean Rd that comprises eight allotments of varying sizes, one of which was formerly used as a service station and the Kangerong Holiday Park.The plans, endorsed at council’s 17 December meeting despite receiving 79 objections, proposes a mix of three and four-bedroom residences across two-storey buildings, each providing private open space and garages that have two car parking…
A PLAN to introduce paid parking along the peninsula foreshore appears all but set to be scrapped after a trial was slammed by residents and business owners. The controversial trial, which began December 2023 and lasted only nine months, saw visitors charged $6.20 an hour or $19.50 a day to park at Sunnyside Beach, Mt Eliza, Schnapper Point (near the pier), Mornington and near Flinders pier. Parking was, however, free for peninsula residents who had an e-permit. But it quickly became a burden for beachgoers, who reported confusion over the new system, not to mention a negative impact for businesses…
A CONTENTIOUS hand beach cleaning trial launched by Mornington Peninsula Shire has come under fire for failing to meet the “community’s expectations” with reports of litter and seaweed having increased.The shire is currently undertaking a 12-month trial that involves cleaning all Port Phillip beaches solely by hand on a fortnightly basis instead of a mechanical rake, which was found to have only removed about 40 per cent of litter, according to the shire. However, while mechanical raking does create an aesthetically pleasing groomed look, it has been known to leave behind broken bottles, shredded plastic and even hypodermic needles.Deputy mayor…
A HEARTWARMING discovery of a new baby dolphin in Port Phillip Bay has created a whirl of excitement for scientists from the peninsula’s Dolphin Research Institute. The newborn calf, born in the middle of November, marked an exciting milestone for the dolphin community – with the sighting being even more remarkable as Port Phillip is the only bay in the world where common dolphins reside.Ella Hutchinson, the Institute’s Williamson Research Fellow, expressed her delight. “It wasn’t until I uploaded the images to my computer that I realised the significance of this tiny dolphin,” she said. “At first, I couldn’t believe…
A NEW life-saving defibrillator at the Dromana fire brigade was deployed within hours of it being set-up but ultimately not used to save a man who was pulled from the water at Dromana beach.The unit, installed at the front of the station in the middle of December, was accessed by members after a man suffered a seizure in the water, across the road from the fire station.Brigade members, along with paramedics, and Fire Rescue Victoria immediately responded to the call for help after beachgoers rushed to the man’s aid.Dromana fire brigade’s third lieutenant Jason Fevola said the man had been…
AN overflow carpark at the popular Peninsula Hot Springs, which was shut down by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors last month after not having proper permits, is still allegedly being used.The spa and wellness centre in Fingal had made a formal planning application to the shire to continue using the carpark at 170 Devonport Drive even though it had been operating without a permit for the past four years when the existing car park reached capacity, with access via Springs Lane. But the proposal was rejected unanimously by councillors at their 17 December meeting after facing a community backlash, with their…
POLICE have interviewed a 13-year-old girl after a suspicious fire ravaged Hastings train station last month, causing significant damage to the platform’s building.Eight CFA units were called to the fire at the Church St station about 3.45am on 21 December where they found the station “well alight”. The blaze was brought under control within 25 minutes but despite their efforts much of the decades-old station including the waiting area and Myki terminal was destroyed.Victoria Police confirmed the fire was suspicious with investigators having arrested and interviewed a 13-year-old Bayside girl. “The girl has been released and may be charged at…
A COMMUNITY campaign is calling for the removal of road barriers and signage along a scenic road in Red Hill, arguing they are unsightly and “totally disproportionate” to actual crash data.Road barriers were installed along Arthurs Seat Rd between Whitehill Rd and Red Hill Rd in response to safety risks, which was funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program, with the speed limit also reduced to 60kmh. But according to the Red Hill Community Association’s (RHCA) president and leader of the Bring Down the Barriers group Carolynn Massola, “the works are an overkill”, and “totally disproportionate” compared to the…
NINE-year-old Apolosi Fosita of Somerville has had his Christmas wish come to life in a way he never imagined.He was selected as one of only six children around the country to have their creative drawing of a Santa Sleigh feature in Lego’s first-ever picture storybook called Santa’s Summer Sleigh by children’s author Sophie Beer.But the surprise didn’t stop there. Apolosi was also one of three kids chosen to have their design built as a large-scale Lego creation, which was unveiled at Santa’s Summer Sleigh, a magical display at the world’s largest Lego store in Pitt St Mall, Sydney. Apolosi’s creation,…
THERE’S not much Georgie Gibbs can’t do – she rides horses up to three times a week, sings in a choir, is a member of a French speaking group, and plays tennis. And she’s about to turn 90.While the Balnarring woman is showing no signs of slowing down, she is quick to concede, “I’m very lucky to be as healthy as I am”. Just last week she spent a morning equestrian riding at Merricks Saddle Club before a few hours later joining a choir at Flinders Probus Club to sing Christmas carols. “I do indeed [love it],” she said.Born in…
CONCERNS are mounting over the future of the historic Portsea Pier as no immediate action was being taken to repair a damaged section of the 144-year-old structure. The top end of the L-shaped wooden pier has remained closed to the public after being impacted by a severe storm on 2 September with no plans announced by Parks Victoria to repair it. Locals have expressed concern about the pier’s long-term preservation and whether the section of the pier could be lost forever if left neglected.Chair of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria’s heritage committee Professor Charles Sowerwine expressed his concern, noting…
ROSEBUD and McCrae Life Saving Club is celebrating a game-changing revamp with non-slip flooring and improvements to its changerooms and shower facilities. The $50,000 project is being funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire’s local area community capital infrastructure grant.“Our club hasn’t seen upgrades since it was first built in the early 2000s,” club president Jackson Twentyman said, adding not only would the revamp improve the safety of its members but also ensure that they can continue to serve the community with the highest standards.At 26, Twentyman is one of the club’s youngest presidents after taking the reins last July. Previously he…
A MORNINGTON not-for-profit organisation supporting people with disabilities is set to redevelop its site after securing a 50-year lease with the Mornington Peninsula Shire, paving the way for the Mornington Men’s Shed to relocate to the grounds.Connecting to Australia (C2A), which operates The Mornington Hub located at 311 Racecourse Rd, and has served the community for 70 years, was granted the new lease at the council’s 3 December meeting. The project will see C2A expand its service offerings with a café, opportunity shop, short-term accommodation, and modern community spaces. The new facility will also house the support office functions, providing…
MT ELIZA resident Doug Phayer has bravely recounted his harrowing skin cancer journey through a new documentary which explores Australia’s confronting relationship with the sun.Over the course of two decades, Phayer, 70, faced a series of terrifying diagnoses and treatments that ultimately brought him to the brink of death. In the documentary titled Conquering Skin Cancer, Phayer opens up about the toll the disease has taken on his body, describing a journey fraught with pain, uncertainty, and fear.Phayer spent most of his life fishing and was employed as a marine contractor which exposed him to dangerous UV levels. Eighteen years…
ENDANGERED southern brown bandicoots have been thrown a lifeline after being reintroduced to The Briars in Mt Martha in the hope of increasing its numbers to the peninsula.The small nocturnal marsupial has few populations remaining in southeastern Australia due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and changes to the landscape. But the relocation initiative at The Briars wildlife sanctuary has given hope of safeguarding its future on the peninsula, which hasn’t seen any known populations for at least two decades.The milestone project is being led by PhD student John Black, and jointly supported by The University of Melbourne and…
RESIDENTS have sounded the alarm over deteriorating road conditions along Boneo Rd between Cape Schanck and Rosebud, warning that the stretch of road was becoming increasingly dangerous.According to locals, the arterial had deteriorated significantly over recent years, with a “hotchpotch” of temporary fixes described as “patently inadequate” as the repairs only lasted for a short time and other areas of the road started to break up.Boneo Rd is a main arterial serving as a key route for connecting attractions such as the Cape Schanck lighthouse, RACV resort, The National Golf Club, The Ranch adventure park, and National Parks and is…
THE Mornington Peninsula’s Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) has been awarded a prestigious honour in recognition of its primary school ambassador program at the 2024 Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards. The Institute was awarded the Inspiring Community Engagement and Education category during the awards ceremony held on 7 November at the Showtime Events Centre in South Wharf.Since 2001, the DRI’s I sea, I care program has developed senior primary school students into Victorian coastal and marine ambassadors, who have engaged nearly two million people across Melbourne. By peer teaching junior grades about Victoria’s environment, the program provides a platform to engage…
PRIMARY schools have gathered for a block of fun in an inaugural Lego competition hosted by the Lions Club of Mornington. Teams of grade 4-5 students from Mornington Park Primary School, Moorooduc Primary School, and Mt Martha Primary School put their skills to the test after being set a challenge to build the sturdiest Lego road bridge within 90 minutes.The event, held at Mornington Park Primary School hall on 15 November, was part of a Perpetual Lego Bridge Building competition developed by Lions members Graham Read and Denise Tsotras as part of their community support plans. “The idea was to…
A BELOVED piece of Australian military history, the 82-year-old wooden vessel The Plover, which tragically sunk during a violent September storm while moored at Mornington, has been sold via an online auction.The 12-metre boat was swamped by waves at Schnapper Point after tumultuous weather hit the peninsula on 2 September, which saw destructive winds of up to 130kph recorded in the area that also tore apart several iconic beach boxes.Originally built for the Royal Australian Army in 1942, The Plover was a symbol of local heritage, and, until the storms hit, a popular fishing charter boat with Bay Fish N…
A GIANT piggy bank will make its way to Rosebud as part of a charity fundraising effort to support children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.The Very Special Kids Piggy Bank Appeal will see the giant pig visit the Commonwealth Bank Rosebud branch on 28 November with staff selling piggy bank merchandise. Funds raised will support children like five-year-old Eve who still doesn’t have a precise diagnosis other than she has a type of lung and heart condition called interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. Her parents Georgie and Shaun, who live on the Mornington Peninsula, understand first-hand the impact…
A SECTION of the historic Beleura Cliff Path in Mornington will finally reopen to the public in early December for the first time in two years after landslips created a safety risk to walkers.Mornington Peninsula Shire announced it would reopen the top section of the 102-year-old walking route, which hugs the cliffs between Mills Beach and Caraar Creek Lane overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Its reopening marks the return of a beloved attraction, much to the relief of residents who have campaigned tirelessly to save the path since its closure, with many having expressed frustrations that the delay was unnecessarily long.“In…
DROMANA Secondary College has showcased its creativity after students participated in an art competition raising awareness of the threatened southern brown bandicoot. It was the second year running that the school joined forces with the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Community Mornington to be a part of the initiative.The bandicoot, a small, nocturnal marsupial, native to eastern Australia, has seen a significant decline in numbers, with the last sighting on the peninsula being recorded in Hastings about 20 years ago. However, while its numbers were prevalent at the Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Dr Jodi Vermaas of ACF Mornington said the art…