NEWS DESK
Cypress removed ‘for safety’s sake’ Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au IT was during a winter storm last year that one of the cypress trees lining the Mornington racecourse members carpark split. The falling limb took out the nearby power lines, causing a fire, and blacking out areas of Mornington. “It was a real wake up call for us” said Mornington Racing Club general manager, Stephen Bell. “We’d basked in the glory of these wonderful trees, but had to accept that the risks they posed may far outweigh the amenity they served.” The club advisory group hired two arborists to conduct a risk assessment on the 28 Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress). “As these trees are located in an area regularly utilised for public events including markets, music events and weekly use by Riding for the Disabled, the club has been working closely with our arborist to manage the risks associated with these trees,” Mr Bell said. “Unfortunately, the two separate arboricultural reports came back saying that these trees present an unacceptable level of risk to the patrons of the site. “They have a high potential for large scaffold limb failure and there are no arboricultural practices that would reduce this risk to an acceptable level. “It was recommended that the removal of these trees be scheduled and that, prior to removal, all activities be excluded from immediately beneath these trees.” The club has scheduled to begin removing the trees from 10 July. “We realise that the removal of these trees will be of significant impact on the immediate landscape,” Mr Bell said. “Unfortunately, there are no other options available that would reduce their risk to an ac-
Trunk call: Monterey Cypress trees lining the members carpark at Mornington racecourse will be removed in the coming weeks and replaced with native trees (right).
ceptable and manageable level.” “Once the cypress trees are removed we will conduct significant redevelopment works in this area. “The improvements will include new fencing
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MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s chief operating officer Alison Leighton has resigned after being appointed CEO of Baw Baw Shire. “I speak for everyone at the shire in wishing Alison all the best in her new role and thank her for the high quality of service and commitment she provided to our council, the community and to our staff over the past 12 years,” peninsula CEO Carl Cowie said. Ms Leighton joined the shire in 2004 and was corporate strategy and projects manager and infrastructure strategy manager before being named infrastructure director in September 2014. She was COO since July 2015 and was responsible for 700 staff and 250 contractors and a $1.7 billion infrastructure portfolio. She is a qualified engineer, an alumni of Harvard Business School, an MBA graduate and a member of the IPWEA (Vic) Board.
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and native trees which will revitalise the entry to the racecourse. The project will cost around $250,000, however the safety of our employees, members and general community who attend the facility comes first”.
MARNIE Turner is the new group president for the 10 branches of the Country Women’s Association for the Mornington Peninsula. The 34-year-old believes she is the youngest person to have held the position. “It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating our 90th birthday next year,” she said. “All those years ago the Country Women’s Association created places for women to go with their children when they accompanied their husbands into town. Thus, starting the first maternal health centres. “Times have changed and people are busy, but one thing remains the same – the Country Women’s Association is about women supporting women and children.” Ms Turner said she wanted to connect with women across the peninsula “especially those feeling isolated in a time when many of us don't even know our own neighbours”. A new branch was being organised for the Red Hill area with a meeting being held at The Long Table restaurant at midday on Saturday 5 August. “Right across the peninsula we’re hoping to increase membership.”
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Mornington News 4 July 2017
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