POLICE investigating a series of copper thefts from Mornington Peninsula sports clubs are urging anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.Football clubs at Balnarring, Hastings and South Mornington have been hit in recent months, with some hit more than once as thieves target copper wires and copper water pumps.Two weeks ago, Hastings Tennis Club was hit for the second time, with thieves taking copper from three lights poles.Coach Reece Driscoll said it was a sad blow to the club and the community. “It’s terrible that community clubs are being targeted like this, it’s costly, and for us it means we can’t…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
Development levy would only add to housing costs Mornington Peninsula Shire’s proposed building development levy of 3.3 per cent should not be introduced (Views sought on 3.3% development levy, The News 23/4/24). Rental housing or assistance with housing is not a council responsibility. Social housing is a state government and federal government responsibility. The federal government already provides rent assistance for low-income renters.The need for accommodation is common across the country and has largely been created by federal govt immigration policies – it is the responsibility of government to fix. A council impost of a development levy would add to…
MEMBERS of the Capel Sound community say they are fed up with being ignored by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Community lobbyists are calling for more financial input into the Capel Sound “village” shopping area, amid claims that years of “neglect” have left the main shopping area in desperate need of a revival.The shopping area on Point Nepean Road has one of the most enviable locations on the peninsula, opposite the unspoilt foreshore and mid-way between Mornington and Portsea. But traders and residents say it doesn’t get the recognition or financial backing it deserves.Proud resident and community activist Terry Wright, who…
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a two-vehicle collision in Tuerong last night. It is believed the driver of a Mazda hatchback was travelling along the Mornington Peninsula Freeway when they collided with another vehicle on the Nepean Highway about 9pm. The driver of the Mazda hatchback, a 33-year-old Mt Waverley woman, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment. Her passenger, 27-year-old Bundoora man, also sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. The driver of the Toyota Camry, 37-year-old Oakleigh South man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for observation. His…
YOUNG environmental warriors from Rye Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary, Sorrento had the opportunity to learn about biodiversity and environmental protection under the tutelage of Mornington Peninsula ecologist Gidja Walker OAM. More than 60 children across three sessions attended the walk and talk about the formation of the bay, and the geology of the area and how that influenced vegetation that grows there.The Rye school’s principal Lachlan Featherstone said it had been inspiring to see the children listen intensely to what Walker was saying and ask pertinent questions. “They have certainly learnt a lot from this session”, he said.…
IN an environment where family violence, parental separation and child safety are in the spotlight, navigating the Family Court is more important than ever. The Peninsula Community Legal Centre says separated parents need to understand the family law changes around parenting orders that come in on 6 May.Family law is the number one problem the centre – which services Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula – deals with, as more than half of its clients request help with family law matters. Many involve family violence. While most separating parents make their own parenting arrangements, parents can apply to the Federal Circuit…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Koala Conservation Group volunteers dug into the season’s tree planting program on Friday (3 May).The tree planting day in Balnarring also marked Wild Koala Day with animal enthusiasts and conservationists from around the world raising awareness of the pressures on koala habitat and health.The volunteer peninsula koala group is dedicated to increasing the tree canopy on the peninsula and protecting koalas and other wildlife. First published in the Mornington News – 7th May 2024
MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO won a thriller against Mt Eliza last weekend to improve their record to 4-1. The Sharks travelled to Emil Madsen Reserve to take on the Redlegs. The two sides were equally matched all day, with the lead standing at just 11 points Sorrento’s way at three-quarter-time.After a tense final term, Sorrento managed to drag themselves over the line. Some accurate goalkicking helped them wrap up a 13.15 (93) to 15.5 (95) win. Leigh Poholke scored four goals for Sorrento. James Brigden, Nicholas Jamieson, James Hallahan, Myles Poholke, and Dylan Clarke were named in their best.Sorrento have…
SOCCER PENINSULA Strikers left no doubt about their promotion credentials when they comfortably accounted for neighbouring Skye United 4-0 in Saturday’s derby showdown at Centenary Park. Eleven minutes in and a Taylan Geylan cross was steered home by Tom Wood at the near post. Veteran striker Wayne Gordon’s solo run came to an end when he was tripped in the 24th minute and Skye’s hopes probably ended there too. Gordon’s neatly curled free-kick left Skye keeper Callum Hope grasping at thin air. The killer blow came seconds after an audacious long-range effort from Ethan Goulding had beaten Hope only to…
WITH an estimated $1.5 million needed over the next five years to fix “ageing infrastructure” Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is now looking for ways of making money from its golf course at Mount Martha.The expressions of interest (EOI) campaign comes nearly four years after council hired consultants and sought ideas from the community for ways to “develop a vision and long term plan” for the 50 hectare, 18-hole course (Golf course future to the fore, The News 4/11/20).The latest move to find ways of paying for the golf course off Forest Drive was agreed to at council’s 29 April public…
WILDLIFE Victoria has issued a warning about the dangers caused by discarded fishing line.The warning followed the discovery of a young grey-headed flying fox that was unable to fly because of injuries from being entangled in fishing line. Grey-headed flying foxes are a threatened species in Victoria.“The fishing line and hooks had done too much damage to both wings that the only option was to humanely euthanise the animal.” Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said. “The wing membrane of the grey-headed flying fox consists of a complex network of veins, blood vessels, muscles and nerves. While it is possible for…
Call to remove ‘forever chemicals’ from water A coalition of more than 50 academics, experts, and concerned citizens have signed Clean Ocean Foundation’s open letter to federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek about PFAS contamination, which is of fundamental importance to Australia’s environment. The letter calls on Plibersek to take a bold leadership stance in relation to water recycling in Australia.The signatories understand that, done well, recycling water to produce purified recycled water can help provide water security, reduce ocean and riverine pollution and reduce energy use. They include Australian Water Association (AWA) Professional of the year 2022 Adjunct Professor Ian…
THE fire danger period will officially finish at 1am on Wednesday 1 May for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.CFA Deputy Chief Officer South East Trevor Owen said all landowners could burn off without a CFA permit once the fire danger ended but needed to be mindful of applicable municipal regulations.“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding and allows Triple Zero call takers to focus their efforts on emergency calls,” Owen said. First published in the Mornington News – 30th April 2024
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is again calling on the state government to “develop a strategic framework” for Western Port. According to the shire the framework should include the restoration and protection of Western Port’s marine environment and catchment area. It would also establish an “ecologically sustainable and thriving economy”.The shire’s meeting was held later on the same day that the business lobby group Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula held a Future Forum which will also see state and MPs come under pressure over developments in Western Port.The shire’s policy update for the Port of Hastings comes in the wake…
PEOPLE are being urged to take number plates and track details of people dumping rubbish on the Mornington Peninsula as dumping rates soar. Rubbish dumping continues to be a major issue on the peninsula, with Snap Send Solve data showing there are up to three times the number of complaints from peninsula residents compared to some other parts of Victoria.Dumping, along with fallen trees and car parking issues, are among the top five recurring complaints on the peninsula.In the south metro region, which includes Mornington Peninsula, there were 320 per cent more complaints about rubbish in 2022 than in eastern…
DESPITE having some reservations about the name, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have agreed to investigate having a “watchdog” citizens panel to look over their shoulders when considering annual council budgets.It is too late for the panel to be established for the coming year’s budget and, if followed through, the watchdog panel would work with a new council after the October elections.Chief financial officer Bulent Oz said an alternative could be to name a meeting of the existing citizens panel “a Budget Watchdog session”. Discussing budget performance and financial goals with the Citizens Panel “will provide valuable insights”, he said. “It…
Compiled by Cameron McCullough A SHOCKING fatality occurred at the railway crossing, between Baxter and Somerville, on Monday night, when Mr. Alfred Field, 45, market gardener, of Mornington, was killed, and Mr. John Twyford, 60, an orchardist, of Somerville, was seriously injured in a collision between a goods train and a motor truck, in which they were travelling to the Melbourne market.It appears that Field, who owns the motor truck, had been engaged by Twyford to convey a consignment of apples to Melbourne, ready for Tuesday’s market.The engine, which it is said was travelling tender first, struck the motor truck…
MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEMT Eliza picked up a big win over Mornington on ANZAC Day last week. Alexandra Park hosted the ANZAC Day match on Thursday. After a close opening quarter, the Redlegs entered the first break with a 14-point lead. They put their foot on the accelerator in the second term and took a 33-point lead into half-time. Mt Eliza continued to extend their lead as the game went on. They eventually claimed a dominant 81 point victory 7.10 (52) to 19.19 (133). The win put Mt Eliza top of the ladder. They are equal on points with four…
SOCCER CHAOS descended on Mount Eliza after Friday night’s controversial ending to the local team’s State 5 home game against Barton United.The trigger for referee Farhad Sharif’s decision to abandon the contest was the dismissal of Mount Eliza’s Nickel Chand after an off-the-ball incident late in the first half. Barton led 1-0 at the time and Mount Eliza head coach Alex Halikias was incensed at the red card decision. Referee Sharif approached the home team’s bench and after an exchange with Halikias sent off the irate coach. Sharif’s report claims that he was racially abused and threatened and it is…
PEARCEDALE artist Merran Berry has joined the Peninsula Studio Trail, which sees artists open their studios to the public next month.Berry, of Favourite Hill Road, also creates sculpture from recycled items and likes to talk about connections between life and art while working in her Potato Shed gallery.Just down the same road is Janice Mills, another artist planning to open her workspace and welcome visitors to the peninsula trail.Visitors to the artists on the trail are invited to have a behind-the-scenes view of works in progress and ask questions about the creation of the works. Artists work in varied mediums,…
MOVES are being made to protect one of Somerville’s few remaining historic treasures, Seaton Carew House, from development.Hastings MP Paul Mercurio has been urged to join the community push to retain the privately-owned house for community use.Seaton Carew House was built in 1905. Someville resident Phillip Ross said the 0.58 (1.42 acres) of land “could be developed into a wonderful park and the house could have endless uses for the community”. The property, at 10 Graf Road, is for sale for $1,795,000, and is described as being “ripe for renovation” to bring back its original glory, or for subdivision. The…
ALLIANCES and joint ward representatives will end at the October elections when voters on the Mornington Peninsula will elect one councillor for each of the shire’s new 11 wards.The single councillor wards replace the existing six wards, which have three councillors in Briars and Seawinds, two in Nepean and one each in Cerberus, Red Hill and Watson. The new single-councillor wards are Brokil, Beek Beek, Benbenjie, Briars, Coolart, Kackeraboite, Moorooduc, Nepean, Tanti, Tootgarook and Warringine. The redrawing of ward boundaries follows an electoral structure review in late 2023 by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).The shire was one of 39 municipalities…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking public reaction to plans that could see a 3.3 per cent levy on new houses.The levy would not apply to renovations to existing home; new houses replacing existing ones; granny flats; or public buildings.Calling the proposed levy an “innovative solution to ease the housing crisis”, the shire last week issued a statement asking if residents would “treat social housing as essential infrastructure, much like public open space, car parking and drainage”. It said the peninsula’s “growing housing crisis” was “devastating families and individuals”.While acknowledging social housing as being “largely” the responsibility of state and federal…
Shire should disclose answers to Potter questions Mornington Peninsula Shire’s transparency surrounding Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience at The Briars has again come under scrutiny, and so it should (Events denied sanctuary at The Briars, The News 16/4/24).Heavily redacted minutes have been added to the shire’s website. Councillors who vote one way or another should not be redacted from the minutes, and they must have the courage of their convictions made known.The website also fails to publish the cost to the shire – us the ratepayers – so what is the use of an expensive website that provides no…
AUSTRIAN composer Franz Schubert died at the age of 31 at a time when he should have been at his most productive. He left a symphony incomplete, his famous Unfinished Symphony in B Minor. Schubert was, however, best known for his songs (lieder) and chamber music of which he left the world a treasure trove of work.Somers Chamber Music Society will celebrate the composer’s work with a concert at St John’s Anglican Church, King Street, Flinders on the afternoon of Sunday 5 May. The society’s Homage to Franz Schubert concert features Susan Pierotti, violin, Zoe Knighton, cello and Brian Chapman,…
THE camping area with a difference is being expanded at Point Nepean National Park. The campground, with its pre-pitched “discovery tents” has been popular since opening early last year, with more than 2000 people staying overnight. Thirteen more tent platforms are now being built within the historic Quarantine Station precinct, creating a “woodland” camping area among the park’s moonah trees.Parks Victoria says it worked with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Heritage Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to pass the relevant cultural heritage and environmental assessments for approvals to complete the works. The project is part of a $6.4 million…
MORNINGTON Peninsula communities are being urged not to leave donations at charity bins that are already overflowing, with a recent case in Hastings highlighting the public nuisance element of dumping.In recent months dozens of bags of charity donations have been left around the Deafness Victoria charity bins outside Coles in Hastings, with uncovered items exposed to the weather. Pictures of the mess show the two bins and the surrounding area overflowing with donations which have to be taken to the tip. All phone numbers listed online for Deafness Victoria, the charity raising money for the deaf community, have been disconnected.Coles…
THE usual sounds of nature and an air of tranquility they help produce at Devilbend Reserve, Moorooduc, are set to be shattered by gunfire at any time from next month, May. But the resident kangaroos should have nothing to fear – except the noise – as Parks Victoria has enlisted the help of deer hunters to “reduce” the number of deer in the reserve.Signs posted by Parks in the reserve say deer will be hunted at Devilbend over 16 weeks. The signs say, “effective control [of deer] requires the implementation of coordinated ground shooting operations”. The signs include the logos…
AUTISM crusader Bianca Appleford died on Friday 12 April after a battle with cancer.The mother of four was renowned for her work in the autism field. In 2012 she founded Light-Up Autism Foundation to introduce improved teaching aids into southern peninsula schools so students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and those with other learning difficulties, could more easily stay happy, and focused, in the mainstream system.The Rye resident, who has an autistic son, received an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2020 for “service to people living with autism”. Mrs Appleford had previously been honoured by being…
SOMERS landscape designer Ellen Freeman has won two awards at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show with Eclipse, her entry in the Challenger Achievable Gardens section.Eclipse won a gold medal and the specialist award, Best Use of Plant Life. One side of Freeman’s creation comprises silver and blue toned plants while the other side has purple, red, and black plants. The two sides are separated by a white limestone path and circle. Textures also add contrast between the two halves of the garden, with more matte plants on the lighter half and shiny leaves opposite. Plants chosen by…