Mornington
Mornington
Summer stunner
6 December
2016
> Page 3
YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND FOR PENINSULA FAMILIES FACEBOOK:
peninsulakids.com.au mornpenkids
An independent voice for the community
INSTRGRAM:
Your weekly community newspaper covering Mornington, Mount Martha and Mount Eliza For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03
5975 7733 www.conleylu ff.co
m.au
FREE
Tuesday ay 6 December 2016 201 016 6
5973 6424 or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au
The beach mat that changes everything TWO Saturdays ago Jim Kolokithas turned his wheelchair along a strip of plastic matting down to the water’s edge at Mt Martha beach. “It was amazing; a good feeling,” he said. “I got a bit emotional just sitting there.” The emotion was not just for himself, but for the other disabled people who will now be able to enjoy the simple pleasure of crossing a beach to the water. With the new matting being regularly rolled out in front of Mt Martha Lifesaving Club the soft sand will no longer be an insurmountable obstacle for narrow-tyred wheelchairs. Continued page 10 See “Welcome mat for all to the water’s edge” Page 11
Picture: Keith Platt
Shire loses way with path charge Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au SOMERS residents are celebrating their win against Mornington Peninsula Shire’s plan to make property owners pay for more than five kilometres of concrete paths through their town. The landmark decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) may have far reaching effects for the shire and any plans it has to build
THE GRAND MEAL DEAL
Buy a main meal & receive up p to...
$15.95* OFF the th price i off tthe h second main meal Valid to 15/12/16. Monday to Thursday only. Bistro only.
*Applies to meal of least value. Excludes entrees & seniors meals. Excludes online printouts. Not valid with any other discount offer or on public holidays.
Ph 5975 2001 124 Main St, Mornington
new concrete paths on the peninsula. There were tears of joy and relief from opponents of the plan when VCAT declared late Thursday that the shire’s special charge scheme was “invalid”. Michelle Gregory saw the decision as a “resounding victory for democracy at the local level and proof that the little people have a voice if they put their minds and efforts into it”. “Somers people have realised that
they have to fight for the protection and preservation of our precious coastal village,” she said. Infrastructure strategy manager Davey Smith said the shire “acknowledges the ruling handed down by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Council will review the ruling before considering any further action on the matter”. Cr David Gill said it was “pleasing to see local democracy is alive and kick-
IMPROVE YOUR: • Focus • Reflexes • Discipline • Stress management • Self-confidence • Coordination • Concentration
KUNG FU CLASSES CALL
0433 913 213 SEE PAGE 3
ing in Somers, where a community went up against town hall and made a difference”. Cr Gill, elected to Red Hill ward in October, said that despite the win against the shire, he had “concerns about other aspects of our local democracy, especially about the role of councillors in being allowed to represent their community”. Three groups of 325 residents began their David and Goliath-style battle
Denture Perfection As Vital As Your Smile
E X D I S P L AY HOMES FURNITURE & DECOR ON S ALE NOW!
Frankston F k t A Auction ti M Martt 42-54 New St, Frankston
Ph 9783 9613
www.frankstonauctionmart.com.au
28 Perfectly Fitted Dentures and a Happy, Healthy Smile
earlier this year after the shire notified 1245 property owners who received a “special benefit” from the path they must pay between $428 and $1712 to fund half the cost. Lawyer, Somers resident and advocate for two of the three groups opposing the scheme, Chris Atmore, said she believed the win was a “first” in Victoria for residents fighting councilimposed special charge schemes. Continued Page 7
For genuine care, experience & attention to detail. See David Ayton at
Main Street Denture Clinic
• 28 years serving Mornington • Medibank Preferred Provider • Phone Quotes • Repairs in 4 hours • Free Initial Consultation 173 Main St Mornington www.mainstreetdentureclinic.com.au
5975 1675