Mornington News 7 September 2021

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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 Rescue’s 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 “live out his time” in his favourite gum tree. Animalia Animal Rescue’s Michelle Thomas said the “old boy” 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. “There was nothing wrong with him, though”, Ms Thomas said. “He was happy and healthy. “Koalas are in every reserve and they are always on the move.” 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 “parklets” will again be part of summer trading on the Mornington Peninsula. Mornington’s 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.

“Restaurants and cafes were [earlier this year] thrilled to be able to serve more people while still complying with regulations after months of being closed,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. “We surveyed all businesses in Main Street and 67 per cent voted to close Main Street again,” Cr O’Connor said. “We are looking forward to seeing the street filled with people dining, shopping and listening to music. “The 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.” Cr O’Connor said research had shown that foot traffic generated a higher spend than vehicular traffic. “The more people who come to our shopping precinct for food, the more likely they are to spend in retail businesses,” she said. “We will make sure

there are still the required number of carparks for people with disabilities and that access is maintained on the footpaths.” 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 (“Council’s $1m towards COVID recovery’ 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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