NEWS DESK
Community centre committee steps down Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au THE committee that managed the Patterson Lakes Community Centre has stepped down from its role. A statement on the PLCC Facebook page read that the “members had voted to hand over the management of the Patterson Lakes Community Centre to the City of Kingston.” “The committee has stepped down from its role. The centre currently needs to remain closed because of government regulations on COVID-19. City of Kingston will update you of any changes,” the statement read. A Kingston Council media release read that “the Patterson Lakes Community Centre Incorporation has informed council that its members have voted to cancel the Incorporation and cease to operate as a legal entity.” “As a result, Patterson Lakes Community Centre Incorporated will also be terminating its funding and lease agreements with council. The Incorporation has contacted all members and user groups, including all regular hirers, to notify them that the cancellation of the incorporation has been lodged. Council is working closely with the committee of management through this process. “Council joins with the community in acknowledging and thanking the many volunteers who have served the community at the centre over many years in many roles, providing a welcoming space and opportunities for learning, fun and friendship.
“While existing agreements and processes are being finalised, council will endeavour to contact all existing user groups and service providers. Council will also consult with the broader community, Department of Health and Human Services and service providers on management and use of the site.” Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum founder Cameron Howe said that it was “a disappointing outcome for the Patterson River area.” “It is sad that the efforts and commitment of volunteers have been diminished, who fearing closure sought financial assistance in 2019 and 2020, with the council choosing to only discuss dissolving the association that cemented the current outcome,” he said. “Catering to an estimated population of 18,000 people, the centre had an inability to cover basic cleaning costs, address any wear and tear, replace the 10 year old phone system, purchase a basic P.A system and to advertise their services. “This should be a council for the people and deflecting responsibility is disrespectful, especially given that the focus should be on the community and volunteers.” Queries can be made to council’s team leader of buildings, hubs, and partnerships Gail McDonald on 9581 4422. The committee’s decision will not impact the Patterson Lakes Library at the centre, which is set to reopen once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Picture: Supplied
‘Locals only’ rule for beach boxes Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au NEW regulations proposed for beach boxes will eventually see their ownership restricted to Mornington Peninsula residents or ratepayers. At present, licence renewals for 56 per cent of the 820 beach boxes managed by Mornington Peninsula Shire are sent to addresses outside of the municipality. New regulations proposed by the shire aim to bring beach box ownership back to the peninsula and also limit the number of licences to one a person. Cr David Gill said owning property on the peninsula was a requirement for beach box licences “until recent decades”, making the change “a renewal of a lapsed policy”. He said the “broadened eligibility helped put the licence sale price out of reach of many locals who may have wished to own a licence”. The proposed changes, to be phased in by 2025, also state there will be no extra land made available for beach boxes. Although seen as “an iconic part of the peninsula’s makeup”, Cr Gill said they “decrease public use of crown land, this is not state government policy. He said beach boxes was seen as an investment “which makes the rice of them even higher”. “We should not be encouraging private use of public land as an investment bought by the highest bidder,” Cr Gill said. Beach boxes on the peninsula had also been advertised as weekend rentals, “with some going for $1000 a weekend”, he said. “It seems to me that selling licences on the private market is unfair to our ratepayers unless the licence fee is also based on the market rate. “Our ratepayers contribute about $6 million a year for the upkeep of our foreshore. “I believe we should keep our existing beach boxes but, unfortunately, the attitude that has developed seems to be one of a right rather than
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Frankston Times
2 June 2020
a privilege to have a licence. “We had the situation recently where one beach box licence was sold for $1 million, more than the total for all shire income from licence fees. “This is out of kilter with community expectations, especially when we are debating a luxury item, admittedly often well loved, but still not a necessity. “I do not believe that the sense of entitlement by some licensees Is shared by the 99 per cent of our ratepayers who not only do not own a beach box but contribute $6 million to our foreshores.” The mayor Sam Hearn said the existing Boatshed and Bathing Box Policy was adopted in November 2000, “so it’s fair to say it was due for a review and refresh”. He said the “updated draft policy aims to protect and improve coastal land for the benefit of all users, including boatshed and bathing box licensees”. Other changes proposed include: n A ban on any more beach boxes to be built and no increase in size for existing ones; n Licence holders must have public liability insurance of $20 million; n Existing water and sewerage connections must be disconnected; n Graffiti must be removed within 14 days (or earlier if offensive); n If licences are surrendered to council the bathing box will be demolished and the site opened for the public; n The shire can sell licences cancelled through non-compliance with regulations. Community consultation closes 19 June and can be made at mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay.27/4/20.
WHILE new regulations are being contemplated for beach boxes on the Mornington Peninsula, several at Mount Martha Beach North bear the marks of neglect and the weather.