NEWS DESK
‘Vital step’ in plans to preserve estuary
Senior drivers’ expo
ENVIRONMENTAL group BERG Mt Martha is celebrating what it regards as a “vital step”, in conjunction with Mornington Peninsula Shire, in preserving the Balcombe Estuary reserve. The group has drawn up a case for an environmental significance overlay (ESO) which it says will give greater protection to the 76 hectares. Over the past 18 months the group has been preparing documents and meeting with shire officers to outline the need for the overlay. The shire’s backing was announced at the group’s recent annual meeting, but members were told there was “still a long way to go before the state government signs off on it”, by president Graham Hubbard. A consultant to be appointed as part of a shire planning scheme review will look at the application of the overlay and make recommendations for council to consider. “Rapid urbanisation of the peninsula, along with state government planning changes, has highlighted the need to protect environmentally significant and vulnerable areas in the estuary,” committee member Peter McMahon told The News. “Our remaining areas of natural bushland are extraordinarily precious and require all the means we can muster to protect them.” Over the past 20 years the environment group has concentrated on removing weeds and replanting indigenous species at the Balcombe
A FREE senior drivers’ expo will be held at the Rye Civic Centre, Napier St, 9.45am1.30pm, Saturday 18 November. The half day session is presented by Road Safe South East, Mornington Peninsula Shire, VicRoads, Victoria Police Highway Patrol, RACV, driving instructors and trained facilitators. The emphasis is on advising older drivers on road safety, driving skills, prescribed medicines and road laws. Participants will receive a free one-on-one driver assessment in their own cars and a free VicRoads roadworthiness assessment of their cars. Both are confidential. They will also take part in a VicRoads tyre safety presentation, watch a series of road safety videos and join in the Safe Drive seminar developed by VicRoads. Participants will also receive a book of road rules and have the opportunity to ask questions of members of Somerville Highway Patrol in a Q&A session. Rye Lions Club will put on a free barbecue lunch with salads and morning and afternoon tea, refreshments, cheese, biscuits and cakes. Pre-registration for the free expo is essential. Numbers are limited to 60 people. Call Nancye on 0419 398 695 or 5986 4621 with your name, telephone number and postcode.
Estuary reserves which are regarded as being of regional to state significance, based on the significant diverse flora and fauna they support, and their high habitat value. The discussion paper noted that the area was of cultural significance: the Bunurong, traditional owners of the land, called the Balcombe Creek area Tji’tjin’garook (the voice of frogs). Areas designated of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity almost completely covered the reserves and coastline. The paper referred to diversity of flora and fauna, educational and scientific significance, feeding and breeding of local waterbirds, filtering water flowing in the bay and the area as a tourist attraction. The mayor Cr Bev Colomb, who attended the meeting with fellow Briars Councillor Sam Hearn, congratulated BERG MM for its work. She said she would attend future talks between the group and council officers in support of the planning amendment.
Unique environment: BERG MM president Graham Hubbard, left, congratulates Peter McMahon on his work on the discussion paper calling for the protection of Balcombe Estuary. Picture: Richard Kirsner
Large Vanilla Slice
KR Thin Sausages
2.90ea
4.99kg
$
Lavazza Beans 500gm pkt
6.99kg
$
$
Chicken Breast Fillets
6.59kg
$
Dutch Gouda
12.99kg
$
(clearance stock only)
(skin on)
Mild
John West Tuna 95gm
Large basil fresh bunch
Italian Pork Sausages
79¢
1.50
$
Grana Padana Parmesan
7.99kg
$
12.99kg
$
Double Bake Ham Off The Bone
8.99kg
$
Carved Ham Off The Bone
12.99kg
$
4yo Aged Parmesan
12.99kg
$
Mornington News 7 November 2017
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