NEWS DESK
Fines find their mark at foreshore car parks MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire had by the end of last week collected $178,000 in fees from the three foreshore parking areas included in its summer paid parking trial that started on 1 December. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors were told last week that fines of nearly $20,000 had been issued for infringements at the car parks at Flinders and Mornington piers and Sunnyside Beach, Mount Eliza. The $96 fines had been issued for each of 207 infringements. The summer trial is reported to have cost the shire $1 million. Peninsula residents can register up to five vehicles at one address to avoid being booked, although they must still obey parking times. The latest payment figures were $25,000 higher than those recorded in the previous week. The fines have been issued for parking without a ticket, 197; overstaying a time limit, 1; and no parking at a boat ramp, 9. Parking is free for peninsula residents who have an e-permit and $6.50 an hour for visitors or $19.50 a day at Sunnyside and Flinders. Peninsula residents can obtain a free e-permit from the shire’s website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/epermits The shire says it has received 12,760 applications for e-permits. To pay their parking fees visitors can download the PayStay Parking app and create an account; scanning
Classic times: Brianna Snyders and Tommy Lane after btheir respective wins during Saturday’s Portsea Swim Classic. Picture: Con Chronis
Picture: Gary Sissons the unique QR code signposted at each car park and paying as a PayStay Guest; or call 1300 322 111. The shire says revenue from the fines “will be used to help maintain foreshore infrastructure across the peninsula while ensuring fairer access for everyone. Charging visitors to park “is an opportunity for residents and visitors to the peninsula to continue to share our beaches while more fairly distributing the costs of maintaining these areas”. “The pilot will enable us to test parking rules, trial latest technology and assess the flow on impacts. It will allow the collection of real-time data and valuable community feedback.” Keith Platt
Tragedy and records mark 38th classic swim THE largest number of competitors participated in the 38th running of the Portsea Swim Classic on Saturday. Tragically, Simon Weatherill, the 67-year-old former head of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, died of a suspected heart attack while participating in the classic. Portsea Surf Life Saving Club president Matt Mahon said “thoughts and prayers” were with Weatherill’s family and friends. Tommy Lane, 18, of Brighton, took line honours in the 1.5km classic and 2.5km gold events.
Coming second and third in the 2.5km race were Sam Sheppard and Portsea life saver Logan Brandi. Four hours later Lane won the 1.5km race from Josh Doherty and Jorden Merrilees. “It was a nice strong current, which helped me to go very fast,” Lane said after the race. ‘’I wasn’t really sure where I was in the field, I just had to go for it.’’ Ultra marathon swimmer Brianna Snyders was first female home in 1.5km classic. The 25-year-old Rosebud occupational therapist was
followed in the sprint up the beach by Dominque Hart and Sofia Piaia. In the opening 2.5km gold event, Portsea lifesaver Mackie Hunter was the first female home, with 15-yearold schoolgirl Sophie Jacka second and Catie Boyle third. The point-to-point course, which started at The Cutting near Portsea pier, saw competitors swim across Weeroona Bay before heading west around Police Point, along the Point Nepean foreshore, to finish at Jarman Oval in Point Nepean National Park. Keith Platt
Learn traditional oil painting from the beginning with Lulu Clifton-Evans
Workshops for beginners who would like to learn traditional oil painting but don’t know where to start or how to begin. Also for people who would like to revisit the basics. It will focus on nontoxic solvent alternatives.
Awards:
2023 Thomas Somerscales Trophy, Maritime Painting, Victorian Arts Society
2023 Summer Exhibition Best Painting, Curator’s Choice, Victorian Arts Society 2023 John Dudley Portrait Prize Finalist
2022 Oakhill Gallery Annual Exhibition winner 2022 AME Bale Finalist
CUSTOMISED EXTERIOR SHADING AWNINGS
Email: art@bylulu.com.au Mobile: 0438 438 108 Website: bylulu.com.au
ROOFING SYSTEMS
TRACK BLINDS
CANOPIES
PH: (03) 5975 9366
info@shadesofaustralia.net.au Shop 8A, 1-13 Mornington, Tyabb Rd Mornington. www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News
23 January 2024
PAGE 3
