Talks on future of estuary’s reserves MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is investigating whether more planning controls are needed to protect the environmental values of the Balcombe Estuary Reserves. The estuary is one of the peninsula’s major waterways and regarded as a significant natural asset. The reserves are rich in biodiversity and offer picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing platforms and walking tracks and boardwalk alongside Balcombe Creek, extending from the bay to Nepean Highway and on to The Briars. Other recreation facilities include tennis courts, cricket and football ovals, pistol club, and bowls club, as well as Mount Martha PreSchool and maternal and child health centre. The shire is concerned that, with increasing population, the environment and the recreational facilities of the reserves will come under increasing pressure. A draft Balcombe Estuary Reserve Ecological and Planning Study aims to protect and enhance the biodiversity values of the reserves. The goal is to balance the preservation of the reserves’ ecological values while supporting sport and recreation uses of the area. “We want your thoughts on how we can best balance sport and recreation and the environmental significance of the reserves,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. The shire is recommending a new planning control have the power to limit the impact of future development and vegetation removal on the environmental significance of the area. It recommends small pockets of land be rezoned where the zoning does not match the current or
Simulated rescue: CFA crews cut the doors off a wrecked car. Picture: Supplied
future land use. It is acknowledged that some planning controls protecting the environment may restrict certain community facilities and expansion of sport and recreation facilities. The shire may need to either buy land in or near Mount Martha if these facilities need to expand or dedicate parts of the reserves for recreational needs over environmental protection. A community consultation period runs until Monday 28 June. Those wanting to be involved can visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/balcombeestuary They can then fill out the survey and/or make a submission. Hard copy forms are available at shire customer service centres. An information session is to be held online, 11am-1pm, Monday 31 May via Microsoft Teams. An in person drop-in session is being held 5.30-8pm, Wednesday 9 June, at Mornington Park Pavilion (9 Flinders Drive, Mornington). To RSVP for an information session visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/balcombeestuary.
Rescuers at the cutting edge DROMANA and Langwarrin CFA brigades are among the first in Australia to receive cuttingedge, battery operated road rescue equipment. The three new tools include a cutter, spreader and hydraulic ram. They are battery operated and don’t require an external power source as well as being waterproof allowing greater access to road crash victims, including in drains and waterways. The tools costing $214,000 were funded by the Transport Accident Commission and the CFA. The two brigades are among the CFA’s 21 Road Crash Rescue Principal Providers across the state with specialised equipment to perform rescues. Last year the CFA responded to 4290 vehicle accidents across the state, with 170 requiring help from a rescue crew with about 80 people having to be cut from their cars. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said: “Our firefighters attend thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year so it’s important we have the most up-to-date equipment.
“These new cutting-edge, battery-operated tools will boost our capability and give our firefighters the best chance at saving community members trapped in vehicles.” The road rescue equipment comes as CFA recognises National Road Safety Week which honours those lost on our roads and raises awareness of road safety. Officer Heffernan said the campaign asks us to “pledge to drive so others survive” by behaving safely and responsibly on our roads. “Road trauma incidents not only impact our communities, they also deeply impact our firefighters and other emergency services personnel,” he said. “Many road crashes can be avoided. Every Victorian needs to play their part in ensuring they are vigilant and safe on our roads. “Let’s help reduce Victoria’s road toll by looking out for each other on the roads – your life and your loved ones’ lives depend on it.” Road users are encouraged to take the pledge online at roadsafetyweek.com.au
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Frankston Times
25 May 2021 PAGE 11/5/21 9:32 7 am