NEWS DESK
Teamwork key to success with park plan Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A PROJECT seven years in the making and described as an “excellent example of the council, government and community coming together to deliver state-of-the-art facilities” in Mornington is awaiting state government approval. The Alexandra Park Pavilion redevelopment in Main Street will involve the co-location of allied health and medical suites from The Bays hospital into new buildings also housing existing cricket, football and netball clubs and recreation facilities. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council last week submitted a combined planning scheme amendment and planning permit application to Planning Minister Richard Wynne. “We’re looking forward to a prompt and positive response from the minister, enabling the innovative colocation of allied health services and recreational use at Alexandra Park,” Cr Anthony Marsh said. The council is providing $2 million to the $5.2 million project, the federal government $2.6 million, and the AFL $100,000, while members of the Alexandra Park Project Group have contributed almost $900,000 from their own pockets over several years – $400,000 for new rooms, $130,000 for the masterplan, and $350,000 for the “best cricket nets on the peninsula” with the key driver being long-time Mornington Cricket Club member and builder Michael Filippone.
Deal almost done: Alexandra Park Project Group treasurer Martin Scanlon and president Michael Wunderley have lived and breathed the proposed development for the past seven years. Picture: Gary Sissons
The master plan being drawn up by James Millar Architects will consider improved ground lighting, public toilets and spectator areas, upgraded player amenities and female-friendly facilities. The pavilion will have extra storage space, a larger social space with kitchen and bar to be used by sporting and community groups. Project group treasurer Martin Scanlon and president Michael Wunderley have lived and breathed the development for the past seven years. Mr Scanlon said he had “never
known a project that had received so much goodwill from the community” with foundation member honour boards to be erected once the buildings were complete. He said combining medical facilities from The Bays with sporting and activities groups was farsighted. “The two groups each have 100 years of history behind them and we saw an opportunity to combine them in a central Mornington location with better facilities,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it all
happening and to see the connection with all the community groups.” Mr Scanlon said several years ago there were plans to sell Alexandra Park. “I think it is great that it was never sold as it remains a pivotal part of Mornington,” he said. The Bays Healthcare Group said it was “proud to be a part of this true community partnership, joining with the shire and local sporting clubs to deliver health, wellness and rehabilitation services”. “With a history of 90 years and counting, we look forward to serving the people of the Mornington Peninsula with high-quality, holistic healthcare services for generations to come,” CEO Jade Phelan said. Alexandra Park is opposite the hospital and planned comprehensive cancer centre. “Patients and the community will be able to access physical rehabilitation and healthy lifestyle programs, vital to improving their recovery and enhancing quality of life,” Ms Phelan said. “The Bays’ orthopaedic surgeons, sports specialists and allied health professionals will be available to treat the broader community in an approachable environment familiar to many through their use of our local sporting clubs.” The project’s timeline will depend on Mr Wynne’s approval of the permit and planning application, possibly by December. This would be followed by tendering in March 2022, contracts signed in June and the 12-month building schedule starting between July and September.
COVIDSafe officers TWO COVID-19 education officers have been hired by Mornington Peninsula Shire for six months to help businesses, community groups and event organisers establish COVIDSafe plans and practices. The shire has also partnered with the state government to provide extra resources to help protect customers, staff and members of the public in the pandemic. The officers will help their clients put in place or update COVIDSafe plans as well as provide resources and templates to help with plans and practices. They will also promote safe practices among those in the hospitality industry, at community venues and in small retail settings. Details: visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/ COVIDSafe or call 5950 1000 or 1300 850 600.
Eco living online KEEPING backyard chickens is the subject of an online workshop next month. The 10.30am-12pm Saturday 2 October session will also cover local laws and guidelines. The cost is $20 a person. A free 7.30-8.45pm, Monday 11 October workshop hosted by Adjunct Professor Susan Burke, will discuss active hope for environmentalists feeling drained from advocating for climate action, conservation or environmental justice. She will cover “active hope”, how to maintain psychological wellness, and suggest ways to help regain strength and motivation. Bookings: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ ecolivingworkshops Details: Jacqui Salter at environmentaleducation@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
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Back In Motion Balnarring 6/2-8 Russell Street backinmotion.com.au/balnarring Mornington News
21 September 2021
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