NEWS DESK
End of summer, The Pillars report THE popularity of The Pillars, a cliff jumping spot at Mt Martha, has led to the banning of alcohol, restricted car parking, dire warnings of death or injury and “the wall” – a fence to try and stop entry. Mornington Peninsula Shire, which has used its officers to book errant motorists and drones to count the number of people on the cliffs as well as paying for the hire of the fence, has called a public meeting for Wednesday 10 April to discuss a “permanent solution” to the problematic tourist attraction. The Pillars has also become a political issue with Labor’s candidate for Flinders Joshua Sinclair saying the 400 metre “temporary” fence should be replaced by a boardwalk (“Pillars a poll issue” The News 26/3/19). A shire news release states that the public meeting will enable residents to “hear about the measures undertaken over the 2018/19 summer period and provide feedback about your experiences about The Pillars during summer peak period”. “Council continues to work hard to protect the safety of people and the amenity of the area for our residents,” the mayor Cr David Gill said. “We look forward to meeting with the community to hear your concerns and to discuss the management of issues relating to usage of the site.” As with most ward-related news releases each of the three Briars ward councillors are also quoted. Cr Bev Colomb: “We thank every-
one for engaging with us on this often difficult matter as we all try to work toward protecting this unique environment and manage all the issues.” Cr Sam Hearn: “Council is aware of issues local residents face regarding The Pillars, especially during the warmer months. This will be a great opportunity to talk about how we are working towards solving these issues.” Cr Rosie Clark: “This project has been shaped by the community voicing their concerns about inappropriate behaviour at The Pillars. We look forward to continuing our efforts with the community and relevant stakeholders to push for the area to be made safer and be more respected.” Views or issues about The Pillars can be lodged online at mornpen.vic. gov.au/thepillars. The public meeting will be held 5.30pm-6.30pm at the council chambers, 2 Queen Street, Mornington. Keith Platt
Beach exposures POLICE are investigating reports of a man loitering and exposing himself near beach boxes at Mt Martha South Beach. Senior Constable Matt Malone said the incidents had been reported over the past three weeks as taking place in the early to mid-afternoon. Witnesses to to any incidents should call 000 immediately, or 8770 1000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.
Flinders MP Greg Hunt at The bay Hospital, Mornington to announce a $12.6 million budget allocation for a new cancer centre and to redevelop the Alexandra park pavilion for health and wellness services. Picture: Cameron McCullough
Bringing cancer treatment ‘closer to home’ CANCER patients could be treated in Mornington within two years. The federal government has allocated $10 million in this week’s budget for a cancer treatment centre to be built at The Bay Hospital. The hospital’s CEO Elena Allen on Friday was “fully optimistic” the new centre could up and running in 18 months to two years if the hospital could raise another $10 million. “I’m thrilled about members of the Mornington Peninsula being able to be treated close to home,” she said. In 2016, 17,470 people living in the Frankston and on the peninsula were treated for a cancer or haematology diagnosis. By 2032, that number is expected to increase to 29,029. Ms Allen said there was already an oncology service at Beleura Private Hospital in Mornington “but what
Shire Council and football clubs “will also contribute a similar amount for a full redevelopment of the current pavilion at Alexandra Park”. He said the pavilion project would include a rehabilitation centre; promote healthy living, wellness and lifestyle choices; provide access to orthopaedic surgeons, sports specialists and allied health professionals; offer opportunities to partner with Peninsula Health in the provision of health and wellness programs; and increased community utilisation of the redeveloped facility. The federal government has previously said money would also go to Rosebud Hospital “for trials to treat cancer and rare diseases closer to home”. Keith Platt
we’re planning is a comprehensive centre, a one-stop shop” that would offer patients surgery, treatment, “recovery and palliation”. The new centre would bring together all services already available at The bays, including breast and prostate cancer support nurses. “We will work with services already available on the peninsula, including opportunities to work with Peninsula Health,” Ms Allen said. Flinders MP and Health Minister Greg Hunt was at The Bays to announce the government’s budget inclusion along with $2.6 million for redeveloping the pavilion at Alexandra Park in main Street, Mornington “for rehabilitation services and new community-focused health and wellbeing programs”. Mr Hunt said Mornington Peninsula
“Budget holds $32m for Peninsula Health Partners” Page 12
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• Mornington • Rosebud • Seaford • Toorak Mornington News
2 April 2019
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