NEWS DESK
Limits to safe riding during lockdown
Strategy to lift food output
Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
A FOOD economy and agroecology strategy is designed to help shape the Mornington Peninsula’s agriculture and food industry. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is researching and consulting on the strategy to support growth in the agriculture and food industry and build resilience to climate change through sustainable farming. The project will examine the peninsula’s agriculture, food and beverage industries at an economic, social and environmental level. It will consider the impact of recent drawbacks, such as the bushfires and COVID-19, on the industry. The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the sector, worth about $1.3 billion, was a key contributor to the peninsula’s economy. “We’re now in the community consultation phase of the project and I encourage primary producers, green wedge landholders, industry representatives, food manufacturers and distributors to contribute and provide your knowledge and expertise to help shape the strategy,” he said. The first round of community consultation closes Friday 21 August. Those involved in the industry are urged to complete short surveys at mornpen.vic.gov.au/agrofood Hard copy forms are available by calling 1300 850 600. Details: visit mornpen.vic.gov. au/agrofood or email agrofood@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
CYCLING within five kilometres of home for an hour a day is allowed under tougher COVID-19 restrictions, but the reality is that there are few safe biking options for residents of Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha. Mornington Community Safelink Group’s Graeme Rocke said none of the existing trails were connected, meaning access to trails from people’s homes “may present road safety risks”. His call for safer riding areas was amplified by the death of a 41-year-old woman cycling along Frankston-Flinders Road, Shoreham, Monday 3 August, and injury to a cyclist knocked down by a car on the corner of Nepean Highway and Eliza Terrace, Mount Eliza, Sunday 2 August. “There is really only one good trail – the Harrap Creek Trail which is relatively short and runs from behind the bowls club in Civic Reserve to Craigie Road,” Mr Rocke said. “For most people the Peninsula Link trail is outside the five kilometres which will also cripple use of other Mornington Peninsula trails.” Mount Eliza residents were able to access only part of the Peninsula Link Trail as just getting there takes up part of the exercise limit, Mr Rocke said. “Mornington residents can only access the Harrap Creek Trail which has no connecting links with other trails or pathways and is relatively short. Road safety issues may arise getting to the trail. “Mount Martha residents can access the Harrap Creek Trail and possibly
POLICE, ambulances and concerned motorists in Nepean Highway, Mount Eliza on Sunday 2 August after a cyclist was hit by a car. Picture: Ian Button
the northern end of the Bay Trail at Safety Beach. Access to the Bay Trail for most Mount Martha residents is unrealistic.” Mr Rocke said Mornington Peninsula Shire recognised that existing paths across the peninsula were not connected and safe bike riding options
were limited. “Many other Melbourne municipalities have wonderful trails and pathways – but not here on the Mornington Peninsula,” Mr Rocke said. “We need better bike trails and pathways which interconnect.” The Mornington Community Safe-
link Group Facebook link is: fb.me/ morningtonsafelink and the petition for improved pathways is at change. org/morningtonsafelink Bike users can comment on the shire’s draft Ridesafe Strategy 2020 at mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Haveyour-say/Have-
AGL Crib Point Gas Project Information Session The AGL Crib Point Gas Import Jetty & Pipeline Project is proposed to increase the supply of natural gas to southeastern Australia. However there are potential impacts on the protected Western Port Ramsar site, listed migratory species, listed threatened species and ecological communities. The State Government has now put an Environmental Effects Statement on public exhibition until August 26 and we’re encouraging all residents to have their say on this proposal.
For more information visit: engage.vic.gov.au/crib-point-IAC Council will adopt a position on the proposal at its August 17 planning meeting. A free online community information session will then be held to outline Council’s position and provide advice on how to make a submission.
Community information session: Wednesday 19 August 2020, 5–6pm Go to the below link and follow the instructions. bit.ly/2E45Fml
Mornington News
11 August 2020
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