NEWS DESK
Shire refuses housing plan Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au OPPONENTS of development plans on the former Ranch Motel site at Mount Martha are celebrating its refusal by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council last week. The plan, put forward by applicant George Makool, included two three-storey buildings with a 96-place childcare centre and 53 serviced apartments – including five for social housing – on the 5630 square metre property at the corner of Nepean Highway and Bentons Road. The Makool family previously had the Oasis Cafe on the site which closed in 2016 in a dispute over permit requirements. Councillors unanimously supported Cr Anthony Marsh’s motion to knock back the plan at the Tuesday 13 July council meeting. “There is strong community opposition to the proposal,” he told councillors. “I cannot support a development of this scale and intensity and move to refuse it.” Residents’ spokesperson Hannah Callow had said the site was not suitable for the large development proposed. (“Residents against apartments, childcare plan” The News 5/7/21.) “We are thrilled with the outcome,”
Ms Callow said later. “We weren’t sure we’d get the support we needed, but following the many community objections received, councillors had done extensive research into the safety and appropriateness of the development and could see that it would be detrimental to our community. “The unanimous decision was a huge vote of confidence in our community. Councillors also attributed their decision to the written and inperson submissions received from the community and acknowledged that those who live in the area on a daily basis know it best. “It was really empowering to know that community voices can be heard, especially when we all come together. I thank the councillors for the significant consideration they have given to this issue. “There's still a long way to go, but we’re ready to continue the fight at VCAT and are happy to have the Mornington Peninsula Shire leading the way. “As a group we shared that we’re not against development, just inappropriate overdevelopment. I encourage anyone who wants to stop inappropriate development on the Mornington Peninsula to join the 61 Bentons Facebook group and be a part of the next leg of the fight.”
Learning about land: Indigenous artist and Bunurong man Adam Magennis with commanders Sean Kerr and Stephen Keating. Picture: Supplied
Groundwork for firefighters TAKING part in a Healing Country education day at Devilbend Reserve helped CFA firefighters increase their knowledge of the cultural significance of the land to Indigenous communities. The event was part of CFA’s recognition of NAIDOC Week which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ connection, culture and achievements. This year’s theme was Heal Country. Indigenous artist and Bunurong man Adam Magennis led the activities at the reserve also known as Daangean. He said it was fantastic to see CFA District 8 members leading the way in increasing their understanding. “We’ve been looking at what types
of materials are out on country that our ancestors have left behind, we’ve looked at some of our heritage, some artefacts and some shell remains,” he said. “We’re also exploring our relationships on country with First Nations people and CFA, and what we can do in the future in terms of collaborating on country, such as identifying where our heritage is and how we manage that in terms of planning for fuel reduction burns.” District 8 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Jamie Hansen was impressed by what was unearthed at Devilbend Reservoir. “The biggest take away was how much cultural significance
in the form of artefacts is just beneath the ground,” he said. “We saw some stones and rocks used in tool making that were 10,000 years old and they were dug up from the City of Frankston area which is just amazing.” ACFO Hansen said planned burning could also be improved. “This type of activity, and having this awareness and understanding, will help in their planning to ensure they don’t unknowingly disturb those culturally significant sites.” The crews also helped remove introduced species Spanish heath which aligns with NAIDOC Week’s theme of Heal Country.
Mornington Cosmetic clinic 319 MAIN STREET MORNINGTON T: (03) 5911 7014
elitemedicalcentre.com.au INJECTABLES -Anti-wrinkle treatment -Dermal fillers -Fat dissolving injection -Face Contouring SURGICAL THREADS - Mini Face and neck lifting EYELID SURGERY - Upper and lower eyelid surgery
Call us to book your initial complementary consultation Mornington News
20 July 2021
PAGE 3