Angry residents derail trail debate Continued from Page 1 Cr West said she had been the target of a “smear” campaign due to her support of the Bay Trail. She said “this is a logical time to do it if we’re ever going to do it. Before Christmas I visited Altona, at the foreshore at Altona there are trees on both sides of the road. There’s something special about our section of Bay Trail that people who live on it are entitled to think they can govern it.” Cr Tamsin Bearsley interjected, and said it was “defamatory” to call residents entitled. Cr West said “residents here are demonstrating their sense of entitlement. That’s not defamatory.” “We had a thorough community consultation program, meetings where questions were answered, and a vote determined by council. “This decision is made in the best interest of the community. It is made with preserving foreshore vegetation in mind. I think this is mainly part of a bullying campaign against me and possibly other councillors.” The mayor Georgina Oxley threatened to call security on members of the public gallery after repeated heckles and jeers towards Cr West during her speech. Shouts of “disgrace” were heard from the gallery, and Cr Staikos asked for a gallery member who made an inappropriate comment toward Cr West to make themselves known. Cr Oxley’s casting vote as mayor saw the motion of rescission carried. She said she didn’t “see any piece of evidence” of illegal activity. “If there are members of council or community members that feel that is that case, it is their right to go to IBAC. Members of the community have done so, and received letters back from IBAC saying there is nothing to investigate,” she said. “The process has been made openly and transparently. In my personal opinion this is a stunt. This issue has been designed to particularly smear some councillors. I am confident in the process council has followed.” Cr Brownlees said “one of the comments made
Mordialloc freeway objectors make voices heard
on [29 January] was about this being another attempt to stop the Bay Trail. It’s not about stopping Bay Trail at all, because work has already begin, it’s on its way as was decided in the resolution. This is about issues of transparency, accountability, respect, and acknowledgement of the communities’ opinions and views.” “If we have nothing to hide we have nothing to fear.” With the Bay Trail investigation called off after over an hour of debate, a second item on the agenda was to be debated stating that “council confirms that the Beach Road Boulevard plantings be for the entirety of Kingston’s section of Beach Rd, from Bayside’s border through to Mordialloc.” As four councillors had abandoned the room by this point, the meeting was adjourned for Monday 18 February, 6pm. Cr Tamara Barth was absent for both meetings.
Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au RESIDENTS opposing the Mordialloc Freeway have made their voices heard in anticipation of a public hearing on the matter on 25 February. Residents against Mordialloc Freeway Group (RAMF) president Scott Fothergill said he had been “buoyed by the recent support” of residents opposing the project. A joint Inquiry and Advisory committee was appointed last year to consider the Environmental Effects Statement of the proposed Mordialloc Bypass. A directions hearing was held by this panel on 31 January at the Dingley Hotel. RAMF member John Stavrinidis, operator of JV Marine in Braeside, said “the freeway is going to affect my business to the tune of about 50 per cent. “They are moving the traffic away from my business on Springvale Road, which affects my ability to make a living, and it’s going to have negative consequences to my peace and tranquillity in Waterways as a resident,” he said. The Residents against Mordialloc Freeway Group will make an oral presentation in response to the EES report during the public hearing period beginning 25 February at the Dingley Hotel. The public hearing period is expected to last up to three weeks. More information can be found at engage. vic.gov.au/mordialloc-bypass-ees-inquiry
Backtracking on trail investigation: Cr Rosemary West believes a “smear” campaign is being led against her after Cr Geoff Gledhill introduced a motion that led to an explosive Bay Trail debate. Pictures: Supplied
Get closer to the heart of every conversation. Not only do conversations get easier with InseraTM hearing aids, everything sounds just the way it should. Whether it’s the music playing, or a friend’s voice across the room, you’ll know exactly where sounds are coming from and pick up on the emotional undertones that go with them. And that makes listening easier and more enjoyable.
FREE 2 week
hearing technology trial*
Try Wear Love
Risk Free Trial the hearing aids
Hidden Hearing invite you to trial the latest in hearing technology • FREE hearing assessment valued at $145 • Be fitted with trial hearing aids on the same day • No cost, no commitment & no risk
Call to book your free trial
Work Home Play Wear the hearing aids with no cost or commitment Personalised for you Decide if you love the hearing aids or simply return them and owe nothing
*Terms and Conditions apply. Moxi Fit (RIC) are used for the technology trial. Your (ITE) if you are eligible, will be custom made after the trial. Individual results may vary. ^ Offer ends Sunday 31st March 2019 © 2018 Unitron. All rights reserved
Moxi Fit by Unitron
Insera in-the-ear
• Mornington • Rosebud • Seaford • Toorak Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
13 February 2019
PAGE 3