Heritage hold-up for skaters ‘80s style’ park CONSTRUCTION of the long-promised skate park at Mt Martha is on hold while Heritage Victoria assesses a master plan for the historic parade grounds near Mt Martha House. The plan drawn up by Mornington Peninsula Shire includes the skate park, “additional pathways, a barbecue shelter, nature-based play space, bins, bike racks and other minor landscaping”, according to chief operating officer, Alison Leighton. Ms Leighton said more than 20 comments had been received about the skate park’s “preferred concept design”. At least one of those submitted comments criticises the skate park plan as being out of date. “We have been looking forward to seeing something at least similar in format to the Balnarring facility - a modern style concept with a bowl as a basic minimum requirement,” a Mt Martha grandfather who did not want to be named stated. “The proposed plan is similar to Dunn's Rd which is an out of date concept. Even two year olds enjoy sliding down the bowl at Balnarring on their backsides.” The man said he regularly drove his five-year-old grandson to the skate park at Civic Reserve in Dunns Rd, Mornington, as well as Hastings and Balnarring. “The population in and around Mt Martha is more than adequate to deserve a facility much better than this
proposal. I am not saying larger in area but please, something that is appropriate in 2015.” “I know this proposal is also a relocation of the original plan and I can't help but wonder if this whole thing is a compromise on what was originally planned. “This proposal is inadequate for bikes, scooters and skateboards ridden by teenagers in particular.” Ms Leighton said the “has been working closely with Mt Martha residents, including workshops with local young people interested in developing a skate park”. She said the community consultation phase had ended. “The skate park plans, along with the more extensive site master plan for the area in the immediate vicinity within the historic parade grounds, are being assessed by Heritage Victoria for works approval. “It is expected Heritage Victoria will decide on this application in November. “Once the works approval has been issued by Heritage Victoria, the shire will tender the works with a view to begin [the six-month] construction next year.” Keith Platt
Christmas lunch MORNINGTON VIEW Club welcomes women to its Christmas lunch meeting, Mornington Golf Club, 11am, Friday 27 November. Details and bookings: 5975 3846.
Beware: con men on the move
Come and try petanque day THOSE interested in learning how to play petanque are welcome to attend a come-and-try day, 10am-3pm, Sunday 15 November, at Mornington Park, The Esplanade. Mornington Peninsula Petanque Club is one of six clubs on the peninsula associated with the Petanque Federation of Australia. Playing requirements are minimal for the game – pronounced pe’tonk – which is played in a social and fun environment.
The goal is to throw metal balls of about 700gm as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet or jack, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. The game is normally played on a gravel surface in parks, or in dedicated facilities. First played in France it is quickly becoming popular in Australia as it can be played outdoors by people of all ages and athletic ability. Details: Barb, 0408 394 546.
THE state government is warning Victorians about a coming spike in the number of dodgy door-to-door tradespeople trying to rip off people. Consumer affairs minister Jane Garrett said summer was the peak time for con men offering cheap "today only" cash deals on jobs such as painting, roof and driveway repairs. In 2014-15, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 486 reports of travelling con men, with reported losses totalling $1.35 million. Reports spike between January and March. Ms Garrett said con men often ask for cash payments up front, then take the money and run. They leave behind unfinished or poor quality work. Victorians are encouraged to report con men to a national hot line – 1300 133 408 – or call police. Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Fyffe of Frankston police said a gang of Irish gypsies several years ago had conned several "vulnerable" elderly homeowners out of tens of thousands of dollars by promising to repair their roofs. The gang extracted deposit money and cash for supplies, returned next day and appeared to do work on the roof but caused more damage, he said. Some con men used fake business cards from a legitimate company. The men were caught, had their visas revoked and were deported to Ireland. Sergeant Fyffe urged residents to be careful of itinerant tradies. Never pay money up front. If the price sounds too good to be true it usually is. "If you need a tradie, look online or in the Yellow Pages," he said.
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Mornington News 3 November 2015
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