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Tuesday 7 September 2021
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FROM a clothes basket to a treetop home, this koala can only look back and wonder at the (good) turn his life took when he was checked out and then released by Animalia Animal Rescueâs Michelle Thomas. Pictures: Gary Sissons
Age no barrier to this koala GETTING on in years, but still active, this male koala was recently released at Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve where he will âlive out his timeâ in his favourite gum tree. Animalia Animal Rescueâs Michelle Thomas said the âold boyâ was brought in for a check-up after being found on the ground by a walker concerned that he was staying in the one place and not moving around as much as he should be. âThere was nothing wrong with him, thoughâ, Ms Thomas said. âHe was happy and healthy. âKoalas are in every reserve and they are always on the move.â The 98-hectare reserve in Frankston South is regarded as a significant area of native vegetation and wildlife habitat. It has extensive flora and fauna species and more than 100 indigenous mammal, bird, reptile, frog and fish species. Details: parkweb.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63
Eating out adds to summer menu Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au DINING out on the footpath and car park spaces turned into âparkletsâ will again be part of summer trading on the Mornington Peninsula. Morningtonâs Main Street, from the Esplanade to Barkly Street, will be closed to traffic from 17 December to 1 February, with restaurants and cafes being able to extend outdoors.
âRestaurants and cafes were [earlier this year] thrilled to be able to serve more people while still complying with regulations after months of being closed,â the mayor Cr Despi OâConnor said. âWe surveyed all businesses in Main Street and 67 per cent voted to close Main Street again,â Cr OâConnor said. âWe are looking forward to seeing the street filled with people dining, shopping and listening to music. âThe repurposing of some car park-
ing spaces at shopping areas is a small sacrifice to make in order to protect and promote the economic recovery of our local food businesses that have had to close their doors for months this year.â Cr OâConnor said research had shown that foot traffic generated a higher spend than vehicular traffic. âThe more people who come to our shopping precinct for food, the more likely they are to spend in retail businesses,â she said. âWe will make sure
there are still the required number of carparks for people with disabilities and that access is maintained on the footpaths.â The council has allocated $10 million towards its COVID-19 economic recovery in the 2021/22 financial year and. This includes $650,000 to re-establish the outdoor dining and township activation program from October to April next year. The shire is also waiving $1 million in fees and charges this financial year,
including permit fees for applications for extended outdoor dining and trading (âCouncilâs $1m towards COVID recoveryâ The News 23/8/21). As part of the footpath dining plan musicians and artists will entertain and inspire creative displays. Details are available at artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au To apply for a parklet or extended footpath dining permit, go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/outdoordining. Applications close Friday 1 October.
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