Chelsea • Mordialloc • Mentone ...Don’t miss securing that wanted property ✓ Immediate access to Bond & Rent ✓ Move into that property now ✓ Fast prompt assistance ✓ Easy terms and conditions ✓ No upfront fees and charges ✓ Pre approval before finding a property ✓ We can assist with transfer of bonds between properties
YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND FOR PENINSULA FAMILIES FACEBOOK:
peninsulakids.com.au INSTRGRAM: mornpenkids
WE CAN ASSIST YOU WITH IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO BOND AND RENT
✆1300 554 470
An independent voice for the community
Your weekly community newspaper covering news from Carrum to Mentone For all your advertising and editorial needs, call us on 03
FREE
2-4 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea VIC 3196 Fax: 03 9776 2929 Email: info@bondassist.com.au
www.bondassist.com.au
Wednesday 1 February 2017
5973 6424 or email: team@baysidenews.com.au www.baysidenews.com.au
Parking signs not so fine
Above and beyond
PARKDALE paramedic Margaret Murphy received an Ambulance Service Medal on Australia Day for outstanding service to patients. She joined several Kingston citizens recognised for their work in the community. See Pages 4 & 7. Picture: Gary Sissons
Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au
A MORDIALLOC resident whose partner was fined for breaching a four-hour limit at Westfield Southland shopping centre says the parking signs are nonconforming and cannot be enforced. The man, who requested anonymity, said the supposed breach of parking rules occurred in 2012 when his partner received a $70 fine. She refused to pay and he wrote to Kingston Council to complain that the signs did not conform. It took several letters and photographs of the signs – as well as illustrations of what “proper signs” should look like – to have the matter quashed, he said. The council replied saying it had reconsidered the fine and would “treat the matter as a warning”. But, sticking to its guns, the council refused to concede that the signs did not conform – even though it had backed down on the fine. Kingston Council’s planning and development general manager Jonathan Guttmann told The News regulations required signs at entry-and-exit points of parking areas to meet required wording and design. “Southland shopping centre has these signs,” he said. “In addition, further signage – which is provided as a courtesy but not required – is provided throughout the parking areas. “The signs in question are courtesy
2 Course Lunch & wine
only $47
includes ferry travel
sail to queenscliff & dine at roro cafe on the beach Return Ferry trip included. Book online.
FULL DETAILS VISIT SEAROAD.COM.AU/RORO-SPECIAL-OFFERS/ OR CALL 5257 4500
Signs of the fines: The contentious signs inside the Southland Shopping Centre parking areas.
signs only and correct signage is provided at entry-and-exit points as required.” In his letter to the council, the man said: “None of the signs displayed in the parking area [near Coles] comply with Section 204 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2009. “As such, it is my belief the fine has been issued unlawfully.” While agreeing with council advice that motorists have a responsibility to carefully check parking restrictions prior to parking, the man said: “I accept this advice as valid but may I respectfully suggest that it is the responsibility of a government body enforcing parking laws to do so in compliance with relevant legislation.” Westfield Southland shopping centre did not respond to questions about the parking signs before deadline.