Capel Sound set to get OK Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au THE contentious decision to change Rosebud West to Capel Sound will become reality if councillors back a staff recommendation. The call for change follows months of discussions, meetings, submissions, editorials and a public vote via a mass letter-box drop. Letters and surveys were sent out on 7 December with a 5 February closing date for surveys and submissions. Of the 5600 letters sent to residents, ratepayers and community groups, 1902 responses were received (or 33.9 per cent). In summary, 1065 replies favoured the change – 19.02 per cent of the total posted – or 56 per cent of those received back. There were 837 votes against the change, 44 per cent of those received back. Most of the letters posted – 66.14 per cent –
Punch injures man A “COWARDLY attack” on a Frankston man has appalled detectives. The 44-year-old was walking alone on Murawa St, Frankston, 7.15pm, Sunday 27 March, when he was knocked to the ground by a roundhouse punch and robbed of his wallet. He sustained a broken jaw and spent several days in Frankston Hospital receiving treatment. The offenders – described as “two young males” – ran away while their victim lay on the ground. They were seen earlier that day congregating with others on Frankston-Flinders Rd, near Towerhill Rd. Police are appealing for witnesses. They should call Leading Senior Constable Lauren McNiece, at Frankston CIU, on 9784 5555, or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
were not answered. An online petition of 356 signatures also opposed the name change. The vote was reportedly held in accordance with the Guidelines for Geographic Names 2010 Version 2, which gives the council the power to recommend to the state government that Rosebud West become Capel Sound. The recommendation would then be sent to the Registrar for Geographic Names for final consideration and approval. Pro-Capel Sound proponent Terry Wright said his group had “worked hard to get all residents and ratepayers to respond to the council’s survey, irrespective of their opinions”. “This involved two letterbox drops across the 3500 residences. We’re pleased with the number of people who took the time say what they thought.” “This is not about the short-term,” he said. “Change is always inconvenient. But we strongly believe people will look back in 10, 20, 50 and
100 years … and be grateful the community had the foresight and made the effort to make what is an important change. “Clearly, the people of McCrae, Blairgowrie and St Andrews are grateful someone made the effort in their communities.” The Office of Geographic Names has told council it is “of the opinion that council should consider proceeding with the proposal as there are more in favour of a name change; this represents a majority decision”. “As council is the naming authority, it is council’s decision as to whether to proceed with the proposal based on the survey results.” A group of Rosebud West property owners last year said that “the proposed name change aims to improve the pride that residents and businesses have in their locality. The name of Rosebud West communicates nothing of the special nature of the area and assumes it has no character in its own right”.
Loans for low income earners AN office has been set up on the Mornington Peninsula to help low income earners buy household necessities. The StepUp project is run by not-for-profit Good Shepherd Microfinance, part of the Good Shepherd network. The group will provide loans for those with a Centrelink health care card or pension card or who qualify for family tax benefit A and can prove they have lived at their current address for more than three months. There are no fees, but a low-interest rate is charged. “We have been providing loans around Australia for 12 years,” financial security manager Sally Edwards said. “We’re thrilled
to be extending this program to peninsula residents.” The small loans provide an alternative to pay-day lending, where people can get trapped in a cycle of debt, she said. “Loans have been used for items such as fridges, washing machines, furniture, computers, medical expenses, vocational education and second-hand car repairs.” Good Shepherd staffers help applicants collect documents for assessment and completion of their application for finance from the National Australia Bank. Borrowers can access $800-$3000 on terms of up to three years. Details: Stacey Correa 5970 7008.
Pest control CONTROLLING pests will be the main topic at this year’s Growing Connections Biodiversity Forum being held by the Western Port Biosphere, councils, landcare and community groups. Professor John Woinarski, deputy director of the threatened species recovery hub of the National Environmental Science Program at Charles Darwin University will speak on “Reflections on the ongoing loss of our biodiversity.” The Western Port Biosphere will present updates from projects including Growing Connections and Water Stewardship. Member councils, landcare and community group representatives will talk about their activities in controlling foxes, feral cats, rabbits and Indian mynas. Many of these organisations will also host information stands. The free Growing Connections Biodiversity Forum runs 10am-2.30pm Friday 6 May (registration from 9.30am) in the Tarnuk Room, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, 1000 Ballarto Rd, Cranbourne. Bookings essential to admin@ biosphere.org.au by Friday 22 April.
Cats for free CATS are being given away free by the RSPCA from Thursday 14 April to Sunday 17 April. During these four days, RSPCA Victoria will be waiving its usual $110 cat adoption fee. The organisation has more than 200 adult cats at its nine adoption centres and two RSPCA Pets Place Centres. There are also cats waiting in quarantine (at least eight days before being ready for adoption). During the no-fee period, normal adoption procedures apply, including matching each animal to the right family. Every cat available for adoption is desexed, microchipped and vaccinated. RSPCA Peninsula is at 1030 Robinsons Rd, Pearcedale, call 5978 9000 or visit rspcavic.org/ adoptacat
There’s an easier way to keep fit. New 30 min Lunchtime Express Classes ANYTIME FITNESS MORNINGTON LEVEL 1, 105 - 107 MAIN ST
ANYTIME FITNESS.COM.AU PH: 5973 6667
^Access to other Clubs applies after 31 days. ^^Additional costs may apply.
Mornington News 12 April 2016
PAGE 9