EPA targets cigarette litter bugs Steve Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au SMOKERS flicking lit cigarette butts from their cars are those most frequently fined each year by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria – especially on the Mornington Peninsula. They are among thousands fined for general littering: Last year, the EPA issued 12,984 litter infringement notices state-wide. Over a fouryear period, nearly 1000 fines were issued on the Mornington Peninsula. As the summer tourism season approaches, the Mornington Peninsula will host thousands of day trippers and holiday makers at its many attractions. But, EPA statistics show that it’s also the season for litterbugs with an increase in reports over December and January. “We see a significant increase in litter reports as summer arrives on the peninsula,” EPA southern metro manager Steve Lansdell said. “This summer we want to make sure the message gets across loud and clear; littering is not on. What is thrown on our streets can end up in our bay and do tremendous environmental damage. “If you see someone littering please let EPA or council know, especially if it’s a lit cigarette thrown from a car causing a fire hazard. EPA can issue a fine of up to $645. If the matter goes to court and is unsuccessfully challenged, magistrates usually take a very dim view with significant fines being imposed. One case in Broadmeadows earned the culprits $2400 in fines and $3500 in costs.” But it’s not just those flicking their butts out the window who are doing damage to the peninsula reserves and foreshore. “We’ve also recently in-
vestigated reports of illegally dumped waste at public parks at Hastings and dumped excavation material at Baxter,” Mr Lansdell said. “It’s disappointing that people show such disregard for this beautiful part of the world. Everyone knows not to drop litter. We learn that as soon as we start school, and everyone certainly knows they shouldn’t drive into public parkland and dump their old lounges, TVs and used baby nappies. “Unfortunately, identifying the people is often difficult without witnesses. “As we come into summer we want the community to stay vigilant, take photos if it’s safe, and report what they’ve seen by calling 1300 372 842. The fire risk this season is high and everyone can help by reporting litterers and cigarette throwers. “To make a litter infringement stick, we need the car’s details, including registration number if a car was involved, and details about where and when the incident occurred. If we don’t know about the offence EPA can’t act. The public is our best eyes and ears.” Mornington Shire mayor Cr David Gill said the peninsula’s wildlife was at particular risk. “Illegal dumping poses a serious threat to our wildlife and can lead to contamination of land, waterways and groundwater,” Cr Gill said. “There are plenty of ways to do the right thing with a long list of items able to be disposed of for little or no cost at our resource recovery centres. “It’s not hard to do the right thing: anyone who isn’t able to get to the centre can use their rates vouchers to book a kerbside collection.” More information about EPA Victoria’s litter reporting program is available on epa.vic.gov.au
Group says Minister ‘shows contempt’ over Kaufland bid Steve Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au STATE planning minister Richard Wynne had “shown contempt” for Mornington Peninsula Shire residents over the proposed Kaufland supermarket development, the Mornington Environment Association says. The group’s president Margaret Howden said the minister had disregarded the “community’s rights and responsibilities in determining what we believe are shire-appropriate developments for us”. The German giant has earmarked a site next to the Bata factory on the corner of Nepean Highway and Oakbank Road for a 4000 square metre “hypermart” which is outside the town’s retail precinct. Mr Wynne has appointed an advisory committee to assess the planning application – effectively removing it from the checks and balances of the shire’s planning process. “The [shire’s] planning controls have been developed by the community members of Mornington,” Ms Howden said. “The [Kaufland] proposal, on the edge of our Green Belt, will degrade that which the Labor Government and the shire have sworn to protect. “The gigantic structure will apparently be surrounded by 430 carparks, with signage 20 metres high and 60 metres long. It will predominantly and permanently dominate the green gateway skyline. “We call on all ratepayers to stand up and support the shire by objecting to this proposal.” Kaufland spokesperson Didem Brennan said the advisory committee process initiated by Mr Wynne was “legitimate, transparent and accountable and encourages public engagement”. “Under Section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 Kaufland is allowed to seek planning approvals from the responsible minister to which any interested party can make a submis-
sion and seek to appear in front of an independent panel of experts,” he said. “Kaufland is making significant investment and employment decisions which require a degree of certainty that a traditional planning pathway through six individual councils could not provide. “Cases such as Kaufland’s, in which certainty is needed across multiple sites at one time, are one of the reasons such a panel process exists.” Mr Brennan said the company – which operates mainly in Europe – hoped to be “a part of the community for the long term”. “Regardless of the prescribed planning process, Kaufland will continue to engage with local councils in whose communities we are seeking to invest,” he said. “We look forward to engaging further with community organisations and business groups as we continue on our path towards store openings.”
Big deal: An artist’s drawing of a Kaufland mega market. One is proposed for Mornington’s “gateway”.
Kinder teacher wins big at awards
Happy days: Banyan Fields Kindergarten teacher Nicole Bechaz was rapt to be recognised as Teacher of the year at the Victorian Early Years Awards. Picture: Supplied
BANYAN Fields teacher Nicole Bechaz has been recognised as Teacher of the Year awards at the Victorian Early Years Awards. The award ceremony is run by the state government Education and Training department. Mrs Bechaz said she was “overwhelmed” to receive the accolade. “There was such a high calibre of people in the room. To be recognised for the work that we’re doing with children and within the local community is a huge achievement,” she said. The Banyan Fields kindergarten teacher received the award for demonstrating innovation and exemplary practice in early childhood education. One of the initiative that earned Mrs Bechaz the award was the speech program to help children who attend the kinder, particularly those with additional needs. “The ‘Let’s Chat’ Oral Language Program has been instrumental in increasing parents skills and knowledge around the importance of early reading,” Mrs Bechaz said. Mrs Bechaz will receive a $10,000 grant to be spent on professional development. “I plan spend the grant money attending an international conference with a colleague in Canada led by Dr Bruce Perry, a leading expert in trauma and the effects on neurological development,” she said. Banyan Fields comes under the umbrella of the Community Kinders Plus organisation. Their CEO Jane Spencer said “Nicole is an exceptional teacher and an inspirational leader. This is the third year that CKP has had one of their early childhood teachers awarded the Victorian Teacher of the Year. I’m so pleased Nicole has been recognised for her incredible work and what she brings to early childhood education.” Frankston Times
27 November 2018
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