By David Gill* HAVING one person in charge of boundaries and names for wards on the Mornington Peninsula leads to the possibility of the first political gerrymander in Australian history. The electoral structure review panel which is about to announce details of 11 wards on the peninsula was appointed by and is accountable only to the Local Government Minister, Melissa Horne. The new wards will replace the six existing wards and be in place for the October council elections. There is no apparent way of splitting the shire into 11 wards that improves the existing boundaries in the best interests…
Browsing: Mornington Peninsula
MORNINGTON Peninsula Police are ramping up their “lock and leave” message following the many car break-ins at holiday hot spots over the Christmas and New Year period. Acting Sergeant Matthew Young of Mornington police said Acting Sergeant Matthew Young at Mornington police station said that there had been 115 thefts from motor vehicles on the peninsula in December. All vehicles were had been unlocked. Most of the increased offending was occurring in the Rosebud area due to a sharp rise in visitor numbers over summer and increased occupancy of holiday homes and short-stay rental properties. “This increases the number of…
Council ‘a joke’ over Potter show secrecy What an absolute joke the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has become (All clear for transparency hub and Thumbs down for Potter Performance, The News 9/1/24). Clearly, the planning for the Potter event has been underway for some time, shrouded in secrecy, involving details disclosed at a closed council meeting with councillors being asked to sign non-disclosure agreements. Many residents will be totally opposed to The Briars wildlife sanctuary being used in this manner, rightly so and no doubt the reason for the secrecy. If it was good enough for the people in Brussels…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors are being urged to overturn their policy of only asking the state government to reduce speed limits on five or six roads a year. Cr David Gill said council’s adoption of setting such low targets was “our worst road safety decision in my time as a councillor”. His move to have no limit on approaches to the government puts him on course for a head-on clash with council officers who have said making the requests were “too onerous with little recent reward”. Gill says Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne has used the peninsula as…
THREE decades of the Mornington Peninsula’s surfing history are being carried around in a mobile museum. The seven new surfboards in the museum represent the pointy end of surfing – the evolution of boards used and preferred by surfers. Dillon Milenkovic said it had “always been a dream” to order new surfboards from all local manufacturers “and see what eventuates”. His wish was granted through a $10,000 “creative arts” grant from Mornington Peninsula Shire and a decision to focus on the history of surfboard making and design. The craftmanship and innovation shown in the completed “new but old” boards is…
ANYONE who has ever struggled with their weight will know the emotional rollercoaster involved in the weight loss journey and the importance of being supported. The Mornington-based healthy eating group, Take Off Weight Naturally (TOWN), celebrates its 25th anniversary in February – a quarter of a century of helping people stay healthy and manage their weight. The not-for-profit group has more than 40 members who meet at Mornington Bowls Club on Wednesday mornings, providing friendship and support in a non-judgmental environment. TOWN clubs encourage weight loss by promoting a nutritionally balanced diet and giving encouragement and practical advice on how…
THRILL seekers are being told not to jump off the rocks into the bay at the Pillars, Mount Martha. The safety advice follows two recent incidents where jumpers have been seriously injured while attempting to jump. On Friday 12 January a person was airlifted to the Alfred Hosital with suspected neck injuries. One week earlier a 20-year-old man was taken to hospital with neck pain after attempting a jump and being rescued by emergency services. Just weeks before that a 12-year-old girl attempted a pin jump from the cliffs and broke both legs and her ankle. She was being filmed…
YOUNG people and the “wider community” will be able to choose one of three Aboriginal names for the yet to be completed $13 million southern peninsula youth hub at Rosebud. The name will be chosen from three suggested by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation: Tounnin Wominjeka (warm welcome); Umarko Wominjeka (all, everyone welcome); and Kartnuk Bullito Wongonon (joy everywhere, all about). The hub is expected to open in November and the shire will later this month and in February seek the opinions of youth groups and schools. In a report to council’s 19 December public meeting, shire officers said…
PARENTS are being urged to be alert to the symptoms of meningococcal after a recent case in Frankston and another believed to be on the Mornington Peninsula. The mother of 18-year-old Lachy Wright posted on a Mount Eliza Facebook site that her son had complained of a sore throat two weeks ago and within 48 hours was fighting for his life and placed in a medically induced coma. Lisa Wright said her son was rushed to Frankston Hospital where he was diagnosed with meningococcal disease and given a five per cent chance of survival. She said the doctors and nurses…
THREATS to the sustainability of Western Port’s ecosystem and its international importance as a destination for migratory birds have led to the federal government knocking back plans for a terminal to assemble wind turbines at Hastings. The announcement by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek on 18 December will be a blow to the state government which allocated $27 million in its 2023/24 budget for the offshore wind turbines to be built at Hastings. However, the state and the Port of Hastings Corporation had acknowledge the need for an environmental effects statement (EES) process before the terminal could be built. Plibersek said…
POLICE are urging visitors to the Pillars at Mount Martha to be aware of the dangers of jumping from the rocks after a man was injured on Friday 5 January. The man, in his 20s, is believed to have been injured while jumping off rocks into the sea at the Pillars, a popular tourist spot that was once closed due to the risks involved and the high number of accidents. Emergency services and paramedics rushed to the scene about 4.40pm where they treated the man for neck pain and took him to Frankston Hospital. He was believed to be in…
MORE than 600 cats and nearly 100 dogs were euthanased by Frankston Council’s contracted animal shelter in the first six months of 2023. Between 1 January and 30 June, RSPCA Peninsula in Pearcedale admitted 874 cats and 160 dogs resulting in 69 cats and 21 dogs being euthanased. Mornington Peninsula Shire’s animal shelter and pound put down 38 cats and four dogs – it admitted 210 cats and 228 dogs. The latest statistics on the fate of animals who enter shelters and pounds released by Animal Welfare Victoria show the Lost Dogs Home Casey, which provides animal shelter services for…
Secrecy over Potter show highlights council failings There is no doubt about the huge public opposition to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council secretly giving The Briars wildlife reserve over to Warner Brothers/Fever for two months to conduct their Harry Potter show. Secretly doing a deal with a multinational entertainment group to stage a major event that will dramatically affect Mount Martha residents and pose huge environmental problems for The Briars slaps in the face of the “transparency and consultation” that we expect from our councillors and council executive. The public only found out about it when tickets went on sale four…
THE sound of singing is ringing through halls around the Mornington Peninsula as more people seek social connection through community choirs after years of COVID-related withdrawal. Singing together has long been recognised as a way to facilitate social bonding, but it is also known for improving mental health and happiness. The musical director conductor of new community choir, Vox Peninsula’s Jill Linley, said singing together had many health benefits and gave singers a social outlet some might otherwise not have. “It’s great for the soul, and people get so much joy out of it – plus we perform in the…
MORE than 13,000 people had signed a petition by last weekend to stop an interactive walk-though Harry Potter event at The Briars wildlife sanctuary, Mount Martha. Residents, visitors and wildlife advocates fear Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s decision to allow Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in a wildlife sanctuary will harm animals and the environment. Up to 3000 visitors are predicted to attend the event nightly during April and May. The petition started by Save Our Briars Sanctuary (SOBS) urges council to move the event away from the wildlife sanctuary. Thousands of tickets have already been sold and late last…
DIVISIONAL Response Unit members from Southern Metro Region have seized firearms and drugs from a rural property on French Island. Detectives went to the Mosquito Creek Road property on Thursday 4 January at about 8.30am, as part of an investigation into the illegal possession and use of firearms. A 36-year-old man was arrested before warrants were executed by detectives with support from the Dog Squad and Water Police. A search of the property uncovered 11 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition and alleged methylamphetamine and cannabis. The French Island man has been charged with various offences including unlicensed person possess…
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding an assault in Sorrento on Saturday 23 December 2023. It is believed a male victim outside a venue on Ocean Beach Road was “coward” punched and knocked to the ground about 12.11am. It is also believed that the victim may have sustained a mild concussion and other potential facial injuries. Police are hoping to locate the victim to assist with further investigation into the matter as no reports were made on the evening. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au First published in…
POLICE are investigating an incident in Tootgarook involving illegal fireworks and flares on New Year’s Eve that caused significant damage to a house and left a 57-year-old woman trapped inside. Tootgarook carpenter Jon Croft is being hailed a “hero” after he raced to the burning house in Alma Street just after midnight to help the disabled occupant escape through a front window. Croft was walking with his wife Amy just after midnight when he heard fireworks and flares being let off and soon after heard calls for help coming from a house. Croft told the media he could see a…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is pressing ahead with investigating a publicly accessible online “transparency and integrity hub” that could cost $200,000 to $350,000. The “selected council data, stories, reports, and curated information” available on the hub follows council’s below average results from last year’s community satisfaction survey. A report to councillors by customer and transformation manager Patrick Dillon said data on the transparency and integrity hub “may” also include “detailed financial records from the council and its stakeholders; asset management data (the shire’s capital works program); procurement data, and more”. “This online hub will allow visitors to explore and visualise data,…
The North and South lifts located at the Marine Drive Underpass, Safety Beach have been closed due to mechanical issues and will remain closed until mechanical repair works and/or replacement can be completed. The upper-level glass foyer doors have also been locked and relevant signage has been positioned. Pedestrians are asked to seek alternative options. Should you have any concerns please email Cambridge Management Services via email at – customercare@cambridgems.com.au or afterhours Martha Cove Security, 03 5987 1010.
An alleged thief has been arrested after speeding away from police only to have a little snooze in the middle of a Mornington intersection overnight. Officers first spotted the white Hyundai SUV which was bearing stolen number plates, on the Nepean Highway at Mornington about 1am. Police attempted to intercept the car but the driver sped off erratically. The Hyundai was then found blocking lanes at the intersection of Bentons and Racecourse roads about 2.45am. Responding officers quickly realised the driver was asleep at the wheel. Police struggled to hold in their laughter as they cordoned the vehicle, placed stop…
MEMBERS of the Flinders community are gearing up for the Big Beach Clean Up in early January. The four-day “coastal crusade” will include Balnarring, Point Leo, Shoreham and Flinders beaches. “Our secret weapon is the beach hand bin, a nifty little bin designed by Josie Jones OAM,” Flinders Community Association president Mary Iles said. “Josie starts her day by collecting rubbish on her local beaches and has volunteered over 10,000 hours to improve the water quality in Mornington Peninsula’s bays and she is and is now helping to protect our Western Port beaches.” Iles said a pilot project by Jones…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Councill will step up its pressure on the state government to ensure the urgent release of an estimated 600 kangaroos trapped on private property at Cape Schanck. At last Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr David Gill moved a motion that council takes “all possible actions to ensure that the cruelty toward 600 defenceless eastern grey kangaroos” be stopped immediately. The strongly worded motion, which was passed, attacked the state government for its “indifference” to the kangaroo’s plight. The state government has so far failed to respond to a letter from the council in August asking for more to…
WESTERN Port Community Support has sent a big “thanks” for the support from the community for its annual Christmas Giving Program. CEO Georgie Hourn said the planning and preparation for the program started mid-year and behind the scenes staff worked hard to ensure there was money for hamper contents and gifts for the children. Hourn said the program required hours of work and administration, in particular by volunteers. “We had hundreds of toys and packing hampers ready for collection on Thursday. Our other staff have been out in the community picking up the toy donations from various businesses and community…
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire will increase pressure on the state government to help pay for the repair and ongoing maintenance of the 100-year-old Beleura cliff path at Mornington. The request will be included in calls for help in tackling challenges across the peninsula caused by “coastal erosion, geological instability, severe weather events and climate change”. “As a local council with limited resources, we don’t have the ability to tackle these issues alone. It calls for a state-wide approach,” the mayor Cr Simon Brooks said. Closed for more than a year over safety reasons caused by a series of landslides, the path…
PLANS to hold an international, light-filled Harry Potter-themed show at The Briars, Mount Martha have been labelled “inappropriate” and against the ethos of the wildlife sanctuary’s role to protect wildlife. The international Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is due to open at the Mornington Peninsula Shire reserve in April, it’s only Victorian venue. Promotional material for the interactive show says it will be an “outdoor trail experience inspired by the iconic Forbidden Forest and features creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series. “Mesmerising lights will set The Briars of Mount Martha aglow as fans of all ages…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL AFTER a frustrating two consecutive weekends of rain interruptions and cancellations, MPCA weekend cricket returned with one-day action on Saturday. In the Provincial division, Pines won a tight one against Heatherhill. After winning the toss, Heatherhill chose to bat first. Captain Kristian Miller was the star for his side, scoring an unbeaten 96 from 104 deliveries. Miller didn’t get much support from his batting partners. Heatherhill ended up scoring 9/181 from their 40 overs. Pines openers Kane Hawkins and Nick Christides made good starts during the run chase, scoring 30 and 45 respectively before being sent back to…
Paid parking trial unfair to non-resident carers I have a disability and require carers daily. I’ve been a resident of Mornington for 35 years and a social member of the yacht club for 23 years. It’s one of my few joys. On a regular basis I go to Schnapper Point for a coffee at the cafe or up to the club, however yesterday my disability carer got a warning on her car that she would now have to pay for parking (for taking a disabled resident to their favourite space where they have been going for years). They are driving…
THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will not oppose the Endeavour Group buying the Rye Hotel, despite initial concerns that the proposed acquisition could lessen competition in the supply of takeaway liquor in the area (Competition concerns raised over Rye Hotel sale, The News 27/9/23). The hotel includes accommodation and an adjoining independent drive-through liquor store operating under the Thirsty Camel brand. Endeavour operates BWS Rye and stores in Rosebud and Sorrento. “The ACCC did not have any concerns in relation to accommodation, gaming or meals, given the number of competitors in the area offering these services and Endeavour’s…
NOT-for-profit skate shop Janice Earth is back up and running in Rosebud, months after owner Lenny Richardson found himself “homeless”. The skate enthusiast and competition organiser said a generous supporter and local businessman reached out to him after reading about his plight in The News and offered a shared premises at 1355 Point Nepean Road (Skate ‘promoter’ wants to return, 28/9/23). Richardson says he can now get back to his business of helping others and supporting young people in and around Rosebud, including 14-year-old skater Gil Shachar. Richardson has operated the Janice Earth Community for around 10 years, including organising…