NEWS DESK
Dolphins: steer clear Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au POLICE have been given details of a jet-ski rider using a mobile to record chasing down a dolphin in the bay off Mornington. Unknown to the jet -ski rider one of the Dolphin Research Institute’s dolphin watchers was watching from the cliffs off the Esplanade near the Royal Hotel. The volunteer took photos of the jet-ski both in the water and later when it was loaded on a trailer at the Fishermans Beach boat ramp. The incident happened about 5.15pm on Tuesday 28 September. Regulations stipulate that jet-skis must stay at least 300 metres away from dolphins. The DRI volunteer said the dolphin was part of a pod regularly recorded off beaches between Olivers Hill, Frankston and McCrae. “They are a precious group which occasionally have calves with them,” the volunteer said. “I felt angry seeing the offender chasing down one dolphin in particular. Large splashes from the dolphin would indicate it was moving quickly as it tried to escape. “At one stage the dolphin disappeared, the offender stopping and looking about to then take off at speed again when he spotted the dolphin. “He was standing up, hand outstretched, taking photos or videos, almost running over the dolphin.” After the jet-ski moved towards the boat ramp the dolphins continued moving out to deeper water. “Were they feeding before he appeared? Do they have calves? These intelligent creatures were certainly stressed at being run down by the fast-moving jet-ski. This type of harassment may cause this dolphin pod to move on. “This is not an isolated incident. Surely, it’s time we all do our best to ensure the safety of our dolphins. What a sad day it would be if they left the area.” DRI executive director Jeff Weir said the dolphin pictured in front of the jet ski was part “of
Shire ‘no’ to ‘village’ maximum height of the buildings was to be eight metres. The council received 56 objections against the application. “As a new council we’re quickly getting used MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has knocked back a proposed retirement village in to making decisions on significant planning applications that take a great deal of time, an Mount Eliza. Plans for the proposed $160 million open mind and careful consideration,” said Cr Beachleigh “retirement community” at 33 Steve Holland, who successfully moved that Jacksons Road, included 105 independent liv- the planning services committee refuse the aping units in 12 buildings. plication. Parts of existing buildings would have been “In this instance, there were also more than demolished and vegetation – including 63 trees 50 objections to consider. – removed. “In judging the application on its merits – the The former Peninsula Health Mount Eliza scale, site context, local character, vegetation Centre on 3.4 hectares dates back to the 1920s. loss and other factors including heritage and At various times it was a children’s hospital traffic – council decided to refuse to grant a and a geriatric hospital. Most of the buildings permit.” were demolished in 2019 but three remain – all The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said the comwith heritage value. pany had shown it was prepared to listen to Melbourne-based developer Hengyi Pacific reportedly paid Peninsula Health $17.5 residents, for example, by removing the cafe and reducing access to the foreshore. million for the site in 2019. Cr Sarah Race said the proposal offered a Hengyi general manager Simon Manley said the company would appeal the knockback at range of housing sizes and styles adding to the potential for a “vibrant mix” of age groups in VCAT. “I will note we had support from the mayor the area. “We have an ageing population that and a number of other members. However, it needs affordable housing options allowing was clear that the committee … hadn’t spent them to remain living in the area,” she said. the time to review and understand the proposal Cr Holland’s motion was to refuse the prothat we would expect for such a major applica- posal on grounds including non-compliance tion which, ultimately, provided the outcome as with the built environment and heritage, disindicated,” he said. tinctive areas and landscapes, urban and buildHe said, “keeping everyone happy is hard for ing design, neighbourhood character, and the any application for this site”. area’s design and development overlay. Hengyi hosted an information session at It said the design, scale and vegetation loss Mount Eliza Community Hall in April before amending plans for a proposed bar and social was an inappropriate response inconsistent lounge and altered the landscape plan. Other with the context of the site and character of the area. changes were made to the traffic layout and Also, that the proposal was seen as being detforeshore access. rimental to the character and scenic qualities of The company proposed building nine onebedroom, 41 two-bedroom, 47 three-bedroom, the coastline, and that it failed to conserve and four four-bedroom apartments and seven two- enhance the area’s significance and breached bedroom single-storey terrace houses. The heritage values. Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au
a small, unique community that resides between Oliver's Hill [Frankston] and Dromana”. “Pursuing dolphins in or on vessels can cause disruption to important natural behaviours such as feeding, socialising, nursing and mating and could have long-lasting effects,” Mr Weir said. “The common dolphin community in this area are unique globally and are particularly vulnerable to disturbance given their small home range. “Our situation in Port Phillip is quite remarkable with common dolphins, a normally oceanic species, coming to live in our bay with the bottlenose dolphins. It's remarkable because resident dolphins in many places globally, and in Australia, are struggling to survive in their polluted coastal environments. We must protect what we have.” Mr Weir said members of the public were “vigilant in keeping records and reporting concerns” when they see dolphins being disturbed. The DRI has introduced a Dolphin Distancing program to encourage boat and jet ski owners to follow the rules. Details: dolphionresearch.org.au Reports of dolphins being harassed can be made to DELWP on 136 186 or to Crimestoppers.
Parks in no hurry to fix jetty Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A BOAT owner wants Parks Victoria to replace or repair the timber jetty inside Mornington harbour that it closed one year ago. Paul Hasenkam, of Mount Eliza, says Parks should increase annual mooring fees and use the extra money to maintain the jetty. He says the jetty and stone wall area should always be open to the public. “Normally, lots of kids fish off the jetty as, during rough weather, it’s more sheltered than fishing off the breakwater,” he said. Mr Hasenkam has asked Parks to provide financial details of all its piers and jetties to determine what income they generate and what fees and charges are needed to cover costs. “It’s likely that little or none of the fees have been reinvested back into the Fishermans jetty’s maintenance program in the past 10 years, which may have prolonged its lifespan and ongoing serviceability,” he said. Parks Victoria has not renewed or is not making berths available along the stone wall near the Mornington jetty. but has allowed six long-term boats to keep their moorings. Fees to berth inside what is known as Fishermans jetty are $989 for 2020/21 and outside the jetty $1487. Fees to berth along the stone wall are $124 for 2020/21. Mr Hasenkam has also written to Fishing and Boating Minister Melissa Horne and sent off a freedom-of-information request to Parks Victoria for all income and expenses relating to the jetty over the past 10 years. “Parks replied that there is no revenue from the jetty and they don’t separate expenses for the 40-something piers they manage,” he said. “I find it astounding that they have no charter of accounts detailing the revenue and expenses for each pier. It’s a failure in basic accounting princi-
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Frankston Times
12 October 2021
COMMUNITY consultation on Mornington Peninsula Shire’s strategy to manage floods and stormwater closes Sunday 17 October. With responsibility for 90 per cent of the drainage system on the peninsula, the shire says it is committed to managing and reducing the risks of flooding which are being exacerbated by climate change and increasing urbanisation. The draft strategy aims to reduce the risk on homes and businesses of increasing rainfall, rising sea levels, storm surges and inland flooding. The strategy will provide information on how to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding through planning regulation, strategic mitigations, a well-informed community and smart technologies. “Flooding is a natural phenomenon and we all have a responsibility to prevent and protect our community,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said when encouraging community feedback on the draft strategy. To complete an online form and view the draft strategy visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/floodstrategy Email submissions with the subject line Flood and Stormwater Strategy to: water@mornpen. vic.gov.au
Money for music
Locked and bolted: The Fishermans jetty at Mornington has been closed since October last year. Picture: Gary Sissons
ples and may relate to their inability to maintain the piers efficiently.” Mr Hasenkam said this was a “terrible outcome” for the local community. “The jetty is not managed by locals with a direct interest and it would seem that Parks is lacking that capacity to maintain and properly manage the assets that it is responsible for,” he said. “From the condition report, I doubt there have been any programs in place for the maintenance of Fishermans jetty, even though all moorings have been occupied. “I wish to work through this openly so that we may find a positive solution for the local community, particularly as the government lifts the
Input flood strategy
[epidemic] restrictions gradually, we move into summer and, hopefully, return to some normality in all of our lives.” Acting regional director marine and maritime Graeme Davis said Parks Victoria recognised the economic and social benefits of Fisherman’s jetty but that “ensuring public safety is our priority”. “The jetty will remain closed to all, including fishers and boaters, except about six berth holders, while we continue to prioritise the repair and renewal of local port assets for all Victorians to enjoy,” he said. “We continue to work with the existing six berth holders to facilitate managed safe access where possible.”
MUSIC lovers on the Mornington Peninsula are being invited to provide feedback on a municipal music plan. The plan asks those who play, sing, produce or just enjoy music to let Mornington Peninsula Shire know what their most memorable music experience was and what they would like to see more of, including live performances. The shire last year asked those in the music industry what they needed, what their fans wanted and what it could do better to support music on the peninsula. Feedback helped form the draft music plan, which is on public exhibition until 1 November. The plan includes support for musicians and businesses, activities and cultural places and spaces.