NEWS DESK
Shire climbs aboard bid to ‘save’ pier MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council is so “deeply concerned” about Parks Victoria’s plan to demolish the historic timber section of the Flinders pier that it has applied to Heritage Victoria for an interim protection order. The mayor Cr Despi O’Connor last week wrote to Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne asking her to use money allocated to demolish the pier to “restore this historic and muchloved landmark”. She pointed out that the depth of community anger and concern was reflected in a petition being run by the Flinders Community Association which had by then attracted more than 30,000 signatures. Meanwhile, Flinders Community Association has described the Flinders pier marine ecology assessment commissioned by Parks Victoria as “seriously lacking scientific rigour”.
The assessment could be used to support the authority’s plans to demolish the inner section of the historic Flinders pier (“Seadragons to survive pier demolition – Parks” The News 21/9/21). The community group has described the report as “speculative and based largely on supposition”. “The weedy seadragon, which has been the focus of both sides, has since been found to be a unique species to the Mornington Peninsula which further complicates demolition plans,” association spokesperson Charles Reis said. “The Parks Victoria assessment also notes that young seadragons have been observed aggregating in shallow protected areas at Flinders, but stops short of stating whether or not these were near the piles.” The community association is
concerned the assessment does not consider the effects of restoring and leaving the pier in place. Mr Reis said the marine ecology assessment was a “disappointing waste of public money”. Parks Victoria regional director marine and maritime Jo Richards said the assessment would help “understand any potential impact, assist in identifying mitigation strategies, and inform appropriate responses” for the proposed pier works. “While commissioned by Parks Victoria, the report was prepared by an expert environmental consultancy with over 30 years industry experience. “We are confident the report is scientifically sound and that the overall footprint of any effects of the proposed pier works is considered to be minimal compared to the size of the surrounding coastal habitat.”
Extra time to certify pools, spas POOL and spa owners on the Mornington Peninsula have more time to get their safety barriers inspected and certified as compliant with Mornington Peninsula Shire guidelines. Planning Minister Richard Wynne last week acknowledged the challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, including limits on building inspectors visiting homes, and extended the deadline for a first certificate to 1 June next year. Subsequent deadlines have also moved back to June 2023 and June 2024. A five-month extension from the original 1 June deadline last year
was granted until 1 November 2020 because of the effects of the coronavirus and also its impact on council staff workloads. (“More time to register pool” The News 9/6/20). The safety measures aim to reduce the number of drownings of children under five. Over the past 20 years 27 youngsters have drowned in private pools and spas in Victoria. The coroner reportedly found that, in at least 20 of these cases, a non-compliant safety barrier was likely to have played a role in their deaths. Owners must register their pools and spas for a one-off fee of up to
$79 (“Pool register date looms” The News 19/5/20). Failure to register by the due date can result in a $363 on-the-spot fine. Once registered, the council will inform the owners of the date by which they must organise their first inspection and certification of suitable safety barriers. Owners must also have a registered building surveyor or inspector certify the continuing compliance of their safety barrier every four years. Stephen Taylor
Awaiting lights in Bungower Road MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is conferring with the Department of Transport and United Energy to have pedestrian lights activated in Bungower Road, pictured. But it’s taking a time… “This process is taking longer than anticipated due to the impacts of COVID-19 and working with various external agencies to activate the lights,” Advocacy, Communications and Engagement team leader Joanne Donelly said. Work on the lights, near St Macartans Primary School, started in March. The lights and associated works, funded and managed by Mornington Peninsula Shire, are said to have cost $400,000. It is believed the Department of Transport approved works prior to
construction but delayed activating the lights over concerns the nearby Mornington Tourist Railway line crossing does not have boom gates. It runs once a week. “The slow progress, and the lack of communication and co-operation between the two authorities does not instil much confidence that the traffic problems will be resolved in Bungower Road any time soon,” resident Ken McBride said. “If the crossing is supposed to be safer for pedestrians, and with schools returning, it seems ludicrous to have the lights there but not activated.” A Department of Transport spokesperson said it would “continue working with Mornington Peninsula Shire to ensure the new signals can be switched on as soon as possible”.
Too many workers face this every day It’s never ok
worksafe.vic.gov.au/itsneverok
Mornington News
16 November 2021
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