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20 February – 5 March 2013
MPNEWS (1300 676 397) or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au
Maddison on a mission 10-YEAR-OLD Maddison Bugeja has wowed the Patterson Lakes Community Centre Gymnastics staff with her determination to be active despite being wheelchair bound. See Page 5.
Flood of protest Picture: Yanni
By Jo Winterbottom OPPONENTS of a residential subdivision on a floodway zone in Chelsea Heights have evoked images of recent catastrophic floods in Queensland to rouse public opposition to the proposal. “Floods don’t just happen in Queensland – your own backyards
could be affected!” announce flyers advertising a public meeting to discuss the proposal on Thursday 21 February. The coalition of environment groups and concerned residents also fears the development could expose naturallyoccurring acid sulphate soils which they say could release sulphuric acid and heavy metal contaminants
into Edithvale Wetlands, Mordialloc Creek and, ultimately, Port Phillip. It would also encroach on a wildlife corridor connecting Edithvale Wetlands with Bicentennial Park and Wannarkladdin Wetlands in Patterson Lakes. The proposal to build 25 houses at 44 First Ave will be considered by a state government planning panel.
Kingston council will determine its position at a meeting on Monday 25 February, just two days before the state government planning panel hearing begins on Wednesday 27 February. Council’s position will determine whether council officers and expert witnesses present at the panel hearing in favour of the development.
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Council resolved at a meeting in December to refer the matter to the planning panel. The planning panel will hear submissions over three days next week and will the make a recommendation to Planning Minister Matthew Guy, who will ultimately determine whether the planning amendment goes ahead. Continued Page 3