FOUR men have had their boats seized and are facing various charges for allegedly overfishing squid at the southern end of Port Phillip Bay. Fisheries officers as part of Operation Jazz will allege that the men used a boat on two separate days to take more than the individual daily bag limit of 10 squid. They say the men made several boat trips in one day, taking squid on each trip, which is referred to as multi-tripping. Operation Jazz ran from October to December during the peak squid spawning season when large aggregations gather around the southern end of the…
Author: Stephen Taylor
SIX young Mornington Peninsula performers are getting ready for the musical theatre experience of a lifetime. Aussie All-Stars members Leikny Middleton, Baylin Carradine, Chloe Mason, Tamika Buckby, Miki Looker and Zac Krause will be part of a 41-strong musical troupe touring the United States over three weeks in January. The six performers will join Junior Theatre Celebration Australia, in partnership with Music Theatre International Australasia and youth performing arts tour provider Travel Gang, for the US tour. They will head first to New York for a performance piece as part of Madagascar Jr: A Musical Adventure. There, they will attend…
RYMAN Healthcare is confident the special use zoning of its proposed Mt Eliza retirement village site will allow it to build 300 two-and-three-bedroom apartments housing 500 people. The company last week reiterated its position that the former Moondah Estate – which it bought for almost $40 million in 2016 – was not constrained by green wedge development restrictions. It believes the 8.9 hectare site, previously home to the Melbourne Business School, is ideal for a proposed aged care ward, high dependency ward, and 10 four-storey apartment blocks. Others disagree. Mornington MP David Morris, who went to both of Ryman’s community…
A SYLLABUS mix-up at Peninsula Grammar School, Mt Eliza had the community buzzing on Friday. Principal Stuart Johnston said he “unreservedly apologised to students and their families” over the error, uncovered in October, in which material taught in two units of a VCE subject was not part of the official course. In a statement, Mr Johnston said the school had “identified differences in cross-marked grades awarded to students of the visual communications design course offered by the school”. “These errors were due to both teacher error, and failures in our oversight processes in the faculty,” Mr Johnston stated. “We deeply…
RYE dancer Aleksander Hughes gave himself a fitting ninth birthday present last week by winning a raft of Australian championship titles. The Boneo Primary pupil took out 11 events at the 2018 Australian Dancesport Championships at Hisense Arena, Friday 7 December. The winning list is as long as Aleksander’s talent: He won in a variety of styles, including a prize for juvenile couples dancing with his partner, Isabella Macri-Mikai, 11, with whom he trains five days a week at Star Studios, Bentleigh, under instructor Meagen Alderton. Aleksander’s efforts earned him Australian champion in Recreational Sub-Juvenile Boy Standard, New Vogue and…
AN impenetrable thicket of weeds and scrub at Hastings that has been inhospitable to wildlife and a setting for antisocial behaviour is having a make-over. It’s all part of a collaboration between a team of work skills participants and Advance Community College. Together, they have breathed new life into the wasteland adjacent to the Hastings Community Hub. Over the course of the year participants in a federal government Work for the Dole scheme have set about regenerating the area and transforming it into open woodland with paths and secure habitats for plants and wildlife. Invasive pittosporum and ivy have been…
RYMAN Healthcare’s second “community information day” at its Kunyung Road, Mt Eliza, site late last month was aimed at “road-testing” its final proposals before they begin negotiating local and state government planning approvals processes. The New Zealand aged care provider, which bought the 8.9 hectare Moondah Estate in 2016 for almost $40 million, plans to build a retirement village with an aged care ward, high dependency ward, and 10 four-storey apartment blocks. Ryman opened its first retirement village in Melbourne in 2014, with Moondah Estate its fourth site in Australia. At the time, the company’s development manager Andrew Mitchell said…
MORNINGTON chamber of commerce is lamenting the Grinch who stole its Christmas decorated tree after just one night outside Empire Street Mall. Chamber marketing and promotions co-ordinator Alexandra Levy said the theft of the $300 three-metre tree decked out in ribbons and Christmas lights was “so sad”. “As a chamber, we cop it because people say nothing gets done and yet, when we do something, this happens,” she said. “We decorated it on the Tuesday (4 December) and it was gone by the Wednesday. “We had decided to go down the more sustainable road by buying a real tree rather…
LONG-TIME Mornington boat builder Hart Marine is about to cast off and set sail for Yaringa Boat Harbour in Western Port. Owner Mal Hart says his business has outgrown its Yuilles Road, Mornington base and will be moving its manufacturing and marine servicing headquarters to Yaringa. Mr Hart said he was waiting on state government approval of new leases before completing the arrangement with Yaringa owner, Stefan Borzecki. He said Hart Marine would lease the southern half of the Yaringa complex which includes the hard stand area next to the channel, the boat lifter and the marine services area. The…
THE Futurefish Foundation has applauded the state government’s move to create a fishing and boating department – and again criticised Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for daring to suggest it was in a position to negotiate with the government on boat ramp control. Described as a first for any state, the department to be headed by MP Jaala Pulford aims to “recognise the growth and popularity of recreational fishing and boating and how important that community is to this state government”, Futurefish Foundation director David Kramer said. “Having a dedicated portfolio for fishing and boating will make the transition of bringing…
NEW Nepean MP Chris Brayne received a congratulatory handshake from defeated independent Simon Mulvany after the declaration of the poll at the Australian Electoral Commission offices at Dromana in last week. Mr Mulvany was the only one of four losing candidates to attend Wednesday’s declaration, the official acknowledgement of Labor’s stunning victory. The coloured electoral map now shows the surviving blue Liberal seats sandwiched between the red of Labor in Nepean and Frankston. Mr Brayne’s election turned history on its head and has cast doubts on the Liberals’ hold on the federal seat of Flinders, currently held by Health Minister…
THE rescue of a young woman overcome with exhaustion while surfing off Pt Leo may see her rescuer honoured for bravery. Novice surfer Justine Fullarton, 19, who was on holiday from Queensland, was 250 metres from shore at the “Mystery Left” break with a male friend, Tuesday 11 September, during a day of high off-shore winds and strong currents. Becoming fatigued they separated and her friend, also 19, was able to return to shore. Ms Fullarton, who said her “arms went dead” after paddling frantically, could only manage to hang onto her board as the currents swept her further out…
THE state government would have to guarantee the same level of financial support and maintenance of Mornington Peninsula’s six public boat ramps as was provided by the council or any change to their management would not be supported. This comment comes as Mornington Peninsula Shire reels from a blast by the Futurefish Foundation slamming the standard of its boat ramps. (“Peninsula boat ramps in disarray, says fishing body The News 6/11/18). The shire has six ramps: Five on Port Phillip at Schnapper Point, Fishermans Beach, Safety Beach, Rye and Sorrento, and one at Hastings. Two sand ramps at Mt Martha…
AN “enthusiastic amateur artist passionate about drawing” is giving those participating in Sorrento Community Centre’s drawing classes a welcome new perspective. Teacher Leigh Hullin said skill instruction at his “drop in and draw group” was tailored to the needs and wishes of participants, who are flourishing in the creative and supportive environment. Lessons focus on using line to create two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional forms, on using shading and tone to establish realistic forms, on understanding and using principles of perspective, and, understanding common rules for composition, he said. Mr Hullin said what began as a trial class in Term 1…
STATE planning minister Richard Wynne had “shown contempt” for Mornington Peninsula Shire residents over the proposed Kaufland supermarket development, the Mornington Environment Association says. The group’s president Margaret Howden said the minister had disregarded the “community’s rights and responsibilities in determining what we believe are shire-appropriate developments for us”. The German giant has earmarked a site next to the Bata factory on the corner of Nepean Highway and Oakbank Road for a 4000 square metre “hypermart” which is outside the town’s retail precinct. (See Super store could ‘destroy’ gateway The News 5/11/18). Mr Wynne has appointed an advisory committee to…
STATE government decisions have been identified in a shire planning scheme review as the major threat to the effectiveness of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme. The scheme, which began in May 1999 – two years after the amalgamation of the shires of Flinders, Hastings and Mornington – aims to allow Mornington Peninsula Shire to be more strategic and streamlined in responding to the peninsula’s special planning needs. It was described by new mayor Cr David Gill as “one of the most important documents developed by the council as it provides the foundation for the preservation of the unique environment of…
MORNINGTON police have promised to “follow up” after a 65-year-old man – recently released from hospital – was allegedly threatened, abused, harassed and intimidated while taking a stroll in Tanti Park last week. Charles Smith*, who is in a weakened state while recovering from cardiac surgery, is so fearful after the frightening incident that The News will not reveal his real name. About 6pm, Monday 12 November, Mr Smith was on his daily walk and admiring colourful plants in a front yard of a court-side house when he was accosted by the resident who demanded: “What are you doing nosing…
SMOKERS flicking lit cigarette butts from their cars are those most frequently fined each year by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria – especially on the Mornington Peninsula. They are among thousands fined for general littering: Last year, the EPA issued 12,984 litter infringement notices state-wide. Over a four-year period, nearly 1000 fines were issued on the Mornington Peninsula. As the summer tourism season approaches, the Mornington Peninsula will host thousands of day trippers and holiday makers at its many attractions. But, EPA statistics show that it’s also the season for litterbugs with an increase in reports over December and January.…
A MAN described as “Mr Mt Martha” passed away on Tuesday 6 November. John Pingiaro, 95, played a big role in the growth of the district as a founding member of Mt Martha Fire Brigade in 1951 and as an early member of the Mornington Yacht Club in 1946. He was a Life Member of Mt Martha Fire Brigade, Life Member of the CFA, received a 70 years’ service award in 2013 and a Queens Fire Brigade Long Service and Good Conduct medal, in 1974. In February this year, as a spritely 94-year-old, Mr Pingiaro took part in the Gold…
A CHARMING photograph of a Mt Martha grandfather and his granddaughter marching in the Mornington Anzac Day parade last year has been chosen as the 100 Years of Repatriation stamp. And recognition of the photographs’s quality and relevance to the theme has given Mornington amateur photographer Peta Heffernan one of the greatest thrills of her life and created a bond between them that will last a lifetime. Her picture of decorated veteran Major Alec Weaver, 98, and Able Seaman Liz McCallum, taken in Main Street, was released nation-wide last month as an Australia Post stamp and postcard representing 100 years…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is concerned about a potential shortage of police over the busy holiday period. New mayor Cr David Gill last week flagged his intention to hold “positive discussions with senior police and the government after the state election (Saturday 24 November) to ensure that adequate police numbers will be allocated to the Mornington Peninsula over summer”. This follows claims that police could be understaffed and unable to cope with an emergency situation. “Over the Christmas holiday period the population on the Mornington Peninsula explodes almost overnight: from 163,000 to 225,000-250,000 people,” Cr Gill said. “On top of…
A SECOND sewage pipe break near Mt Eliza beach on 1 November brought South East Water crews scurrying down with an excavator to cover a spill into Earimil Creek. This follows a similar spill in September in which a broken pipe sent raw sewage cascading down the Earimil Steps escarpment into the creek. (“Sewage flows to Mt Eliza beach” The News 17/9/18). Engineer and Mt Eliza Association for Environmental Care president Des Berry said the first break occurred at the start of the underground pipe at the Earimil Lookout carpark. The second broken pipe is 15 metres south of the…
THE Futurefish Foundation has slammed the standard of Mornington Peninsula’s boat ramps as a shambles. And it has called on the major political parties to remove the management of boat ramps away from the Mornington Peninsula Shire, as well as the multitude of committees of management, which “claim to look after the smaller boat ramps”. The foundation says it is “time for the management of all the peninsula’s boat ramps to be brought under one single boat ramp authority”. Futurefish Foundation director David Kramer came out swinging last week, saying: “It is a joke having the Rye boat ramp under…
ABOUT 100 residents packed Balnarring Hall last week for a community information session put on by Arcare. The aged care provider is proposing a 75-bed centre in Brooksby Square. (“Residents up in arms over ‘invasion’ plans”, The News 23/10/18). Brooksby Square resident Jan Eyles, who previously hosted a public meeting at her home to alert nearby residents to the proposal, said the session on Wednesday 7 November attracted a big crowd. “They massively underestimated how many would turn up,” she said. “I think there were at least 100 people, including Nepean candidate Russell Joseph and Liberal MP Neale Burgess, as…
PREMIER Daniel Andrews’ election promise last week to establish more parks and increase protection of green wedges has been welcomed by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. The premier last week promised to “create more green open space than ever before” across Melbourne – including connecting 1881 hectares of parks and reserves between the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and Mornington. He said the state government would look at ways of linking the Edithvale-Seaford wetlands, Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve, Studio Park, Dame Elisabeth Arboretum, Cruden Farm, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna, Baxter Park, Sages Cottages, Moorooduc Quarry and Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. This would enhance…
AN Education Department spokesperson has described as a “serious error of judgement” an incident in which Dromana Secondary College students wore and handled Nazi war memorabilia in the classroom. The students also reportedly handled rifles, helmets and uniforms worn by Australian troops. Particularly gruesome was the passing around of a Zyklon B canister which the Nazis used to gas inmates at concentration camps – often in bogus Red Cross ambulances or mock shower rooms. The incident was particularly distressing to parents and members of the school community in the lead up to last Sunday’s Remembrance Day. An Education Department spokeswoman…
A LONG-SERVING officer has amplified fears the southern Mornington Peninsula is facing a desperate shortage of front-line police this holiday period. The 20-year veteran, who asked not to be named, said Rosebud police station was operating at only 31 per cent capacity at a time when the peninsula was expecting the usual holiday surge to bump up numbers from 180,000 to 500,000 people. The massive influx makes the region especially “volatile”, the officer said. Jam-packed roads and limited access and egress – especially on the eastern side of the peninsula – exacerbate the problem. So, too, do the high number…
FEATHERS were flying in Red Hill last week when neighbours discovered asbestos sheeting was being removed from a disused chicken shed near their properties. Monique Soames said she and her neighbours were outraged at not being warned by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, WorkSafe, or the EPA about the potentially hazardous works on Arthurs Seat Road and had “only come across it by pure chance”. The contractor carrying out the work says it is legal and being done in accordance with his licences and permits. WorkSafe confirmed it had been notified by the contractor but said work had been halted after…
WONDER Woman Walk organiser Helen Powell said she was “amazed and overwhelmed” by the huge turn-out of supporters, Sunday 14 October. The 60 women taking part raised more than $13,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation when they walked along the beach and foreshore from Safety Beach to Sorrento. Ms Powell was diagnosed with ovarian cancer five years ago after just two weeks of minor symptoms and is still being treated for the disease. “I could not believe that I could be diagnosed with such an advanced cancer without knowing,” Ms Powell said. “With little to no symptoms and no…
CRYSTAL Ocean wildlife volunteer Georgia Naylor was horrified to find a fledgling magpie stoned to death at Martha Cove last week. The bird’s distressed parents remained nearby mourning the loss of their chick on the corner of The Cove and Fathom Street, Martha Cove. “I can’t believe a human being could have done this,” Ms Naylor said. “The chick had been repeatedly bludgeoned with a big rock.” To make matters worse her children were in the car and very upset at the disturbing sight. Ms Naylor said birds at that age were too young to fly or find food for…