VOICE
DRYSDALE &
CLIFTON SPRINGS
January 2015
BUS ROUTE SCRAPPED, PAGE 3
North Bellarine's Independent Newspaper
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Servo anger Car show classic
Tim Warrener and son Kade enjoy the Classic Car Show in Drysdale on Sunday. For the full story and more pictures, see inside.
LUKE VOOGT
DRYSDALE and Clifton Springs Community Association (DSSCA) has called on VCAT to review the City of Greater Geelong’s (CoGG) support for a proposed service station between Jetty Road and High Street, near the Portarlington Highway roundabout. Frustrated by what they believe is a lack of community consultation by CoGG and Milemaker Petroleum, the organisation has also launched a community petition opposing the project, which so far has about 400, according to DCSCA’s Sarah Carroll. According to DCSCA secretary and retired mechanical engineer, Neil McGuiness, notification of the proposed development consisted of 14 days during the Christmas holiday last year and six letters to adjoining land owners. “It’s inappropriate to advertise it over the Christmas break as most people would be
busy with family and would find it difficult to respond,” he said. “They still got 12 objections by the end of that period.” Approval was granted on August 21 by CoGG, despite 47 objections, Mr McGuiness attended a Council hearing on that day, along with other members of the community who raised their concerns. “They seemed to be ticking boxes rather than listening to our concerns and having a meaningful community consultation,” he said. “Most of us had no idea the permit had been granted – most still don’t know about it,” he said. “(Appealing to VCAT) is the only resort we have with Council having already signed the permit.” Clifton Springs resident Bob Penfold described the notification as scant over the Christmas holiday last year and he said was surprised that nobody knew about it given it was a “major addition” to the area. Continued page 3.
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Voice Drysdale & Clifton Springs News
Bus route cut THE route 81 bus from Drysdale to Ocean Grove is set to be axed from Geelong’s network after a recent Public Transport Victoria (PTV) review of the system. “It was very disappointing the route has been cut,” said Paul Westcott, of the Geelong Public Transport Users Association. The route is the only bus service in Geelong which connects north and south Bellarine. In its latest review of the efficiency of public transport in Geelong, PTV was forced to make “cost neutral” amendments to the network, said Mr Westcott. “The problem was that the route restructure got no new money from the previous state government,” he said. This meant to add new routes and increase frequency for others, some routes needed to be reduced or cut completely. “They were looking at the least patronised services and this is the least patronised in Geelong,” said Mr Westcott.
Stephanie Palmer, Alex Wiseley, Jordan Oliver, Sarah Pavey and Fenn Wilson are not happy about the bus route cut. With only five services a day, Mr Westcott said a lack of frequency may have led to lower usage. “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg thing; if you don’t have a good service people won’t use it and if people don’t use it you won’t get a good service,” he said. Commuters travelling by bus will now have to pass through Leopold to get from one side of the peninsula to the other. Mr Westcott said the route could remain, if it was timed to connect more effectively with other services. He said PTV had done a good job of improving
connectivity overall in Geelong in their review. “We hope with the new government people will get behind putting in more money for new services – one that’s going to attract passengers,” he said. Mr Westcott said axing the route was unlikely to have a major effect on roads connecting the two towns, such as Grubb Road. “It will impact traffic of course, but not by much because the use of the service was low,” he said. “Sadly, most people using the service have no alternative.” Hannah Pavey, 18, lives
in Drysdale and uses the bus to visit her friends from school in Ocean Grove. “I guess I’ll just have to catch a bus to Leopold or Geelong, and then to Ocean Grove,” she said. “It’s going to be very inconvenient.” Ms Pavey is one of many young people in the Bellarine, who will be effected by the closure of the service. “A lot of my friends that live here use it to get to Ocean Grove and a lot my friends live in Ocean Grove,” she said. “I really don’t want to see it go.”
Bicycle decorations ABOUT 20 cyclists joined Erik Vosloo and Luke Lethbridge for a very festive bike ride on December 23, decorating their bikes in colourful lights to get into the Christmas spirit. “Cycling has a bit of a competitive edge to it and we try to steer away from that,” said Mr Vosloo. One couple rode with their child in a little trailer in tow, which was covered in lights, while another adorned his front wheel with mini Santas. “Everyone put in quite a lot of effort with the lights,” said Mr Vosloo. “It was a lot of fun.”
Students congratulated ST IGNATIUS College congratulated several students for their outstanding ATAR scores this year. Their scores were as follows: Monique Campbell 96•70, Nicholas Vella 95•10, Lily Matthews 94•25, Michael Peace 92•20 and Alexandra Borley 91•10.
Petrol station furore Continued from front page. “More and more concerns were discussed by the community and raised with the council but there seemed to be no acknowledgement,” he said. Residents have raised safety and environmental concerns relating to the proposed service station, and are worried it will ruin the “rural ambience” of the approach to Drysdale and Clifton Springs. “People don’t want a big bright corporate logo at the entrance to the town,” said Springdale's Ms Carroll. Mr McGuinness sent a traffic analysis of Milemaker’s proposed service station from Jetty Road to Council, detailing seven major safety
A group of protesters campaign at the proposed service station site at the junction of Portarlington and Jetty Rds on Sunday. concerns relating to its entry and a nearby crest. “I think it’s horrendously dangerous,” he said. “It could easily turn into the death of a cyclist; a car waiting to turn into the
service station might not see a cyclist coming down a hill as they are obscured by the line of traffic.” In it Mr McGuiness detailed “18 areas of conflict” and described
how the service station could complicate traffic. He also noted that Jetty Road is CoGG Priority A for cycle paths and is located on a direct route from four new subdivisions, meaning
a greater volume of traffic in the future. “Traffic at that intersection is already congested at peak hour,” he said. Mr McGuiness raised possible environmental concerns for Lake Lorne to the north east and a large dam to the west. Residents have questioned the need for another service station, but Ms Carroll said she would rather it be placed in the industrial area near Murradoc Road. The Voice contacted Milemaker in regards to the planned service station, but they were unable to respond before deadline. “From a council point of view it’s been dealt with,” said Cheetham Ward Councillor Rod MacDonald.
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Voice Drysdale & Clifton Springs News
Thieves raid surf shop LUKE VOOGT THIEVES broke into Drysdale surf shop Surf Junction for the second time in just two months last Wednesday, smashing a window in the front door and destroying a glass display cabinet. Store owner Naomi Patten estimated the thieves stole roughly $7000 worth of stock, but it’s not just the damage and stolen property which has her upset. “It’s also the amount of time you have to spend cleaning up, on stocktake and f illing in police reports,” she said. “You work really hard and people think they can just come and do this.” Thieves broke into
the store last November stealing a similar amount of stock, and that was not even the f irst time they had targeted the store during the year. “A couple of weeks before that they tried to get through the roof,” said Ms Patten. She has since viewed CCTV footage of the incident and said the thieves were wearing gloves and balaclavas. Since the theft the store owner has received messages and calls from the local community offering support and to keep an eye for the good being resold. “I’ve got a good watch out,” said Ms Patten. RIGHT: Damage to Surf Junction was evident.
Opinions sought for boat harbour CITY of Greater Geelong is calling on Bellarine anglers for their input into a new $250,000 jetty for Clifton Springs Boat Harbour. Last week Council opened an eight-week public engagement process to gauge thoughts
on the upgrade. The jetty will improve a number of identified issues around capacity, access, safety, amenity and water quality, according Coryule Ward Councillor and portfolio holder for Coastal Communities, Lindsay Ellis.
“The Future Directions Plan enables input and engagement from locals” said Cr Ellis. “We are very interested in the communities’ comments and feedback.” The $250,000 upgrade was promised by the new State Government in the
lead up to November’s election. “We want to make sure the new fishing platform provides improved access for everyone and is allabilities friendly,” said Cr Ellis. The eight-week public engagement process
closes on February 15. A copy of the proposed plan can be found at the Drysdale Customer Service Centre or on request by phoning 5272 5272.
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Voice Drysdale & Clifton Springs News
SES volunteers show how the jaws of life work.
Enthusiasts flock to classic car show MORE than 500 cars and bikes and a huge crowd made Drysdale’s Classic Car Show its biggest yet. This was the fourth year the Drysdale Cricket Club fundraiser has been held but they have never seen such a turnout before. “It was perfect car show weather,” said co-organiser Michael Bristow. Mustangs sat beside Austins and Holdens while custom and standard motorcycles from all vintages were gleaming in the sunshine. SES volunteers drew a big crowd as they performed a demonstration car rescue using the jaws of life while regular show band Adventure Playground didn’t disappoint with their well delivered covers. Mr Bristow added thanks to all the volunteers that had helped in putting together the successful show.
Adventure Playground belts out the tunes.
what’s ON music/live events
• Potato Shed, Drysdale - Sleeping Beauty, 13-16 January • Springdale Community Centre Hall - Making waves music/poetry arvo every third Sun of every month 2pm-5.30pm
markets & fairs
• Buy Bellarine Produce Barn - Tuckerberry Farm Saturday-
Sunday 9am-3pm
food/wine
• Jack Rabbit Vineyard - Guided wine tastings and lunch available seven days, with dinner Friday and Saturday Ph: 5251 2233 • Curlewis Winery - Cellar Door is by appointment only. Ph: 5250 4567 • Leura Park Estate Sundays 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Live music, sensational food and wines available Ph: 5253 3180 • Clifton Springs Golf Club - Friday night f raffle. - Courtesy bus operates on Friday and Saturday Nights from 5pm to 11pm. The vehicle covers the areas of the Bellarine Peninsula including Clifton Springs / Drysdale, Leopold, Ocean Grove and Portarlington. To book ring 5251 3391
get active
• Drysdale health Group 27-29 High Street - Strength training for over 50s program. Wednesday 5pm or 6.15. Ph: 5251 2958 • Drysdale Community Health Centre 21 Palmeston Street - Weight resistance training. Ph: 5251 2291 • 'Nothing Serious' bike ride, Saturday 10am from the Pedal
Shed
reading & writing
• Drysdale Library 18-20 Hancock Street -Tuesday and Thursday 10.30am Preschool Story Time -Wednesday 11.30am Baby Time- Nursery Verses
family fun
• The Bellarine Railway - Steam and diesel train trips departing from Queenscliff and
Drysdale Stations.
What’s On phone: 5255 3233 or email: journo@ ocean grovevoice.com
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Voice Drysdale & Clifton Springs Sport
Hawks well placed for top spot MARK HEENAN
Drysdale will be hoping for some big opening partnerships from Kane Taylor (pictured above) and Jason Malcolm (pictured below) in 2015.
DRYSDALE A grade remains in the driver’s seat to claim the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association minor premiership after its faultless 2014/15 season. The current BPCA ladder leader is undefeated after seven rounds with a 6-0 record. Drysdale is one game ahead of second-placed Portarlington, which will have a bye in round 11, and Anglesea and Barwon Heads who round out the top four both on 24 points. The Hawks who had bye in round seven on December 20, will play three of their last four fixtures at home to finish off season. “I could not be happier
FIXTURE Round 8 Drysdale vs Anglesea (home; January 10 & 17) Round 9 Portarlington vs Drysdale (away; January 24 & 31) Round 10 Drysdale vs Ocean Grove (home; February 7 & 14) Round 11 Drysdale vs Barrabool (home; February 21 & 28)
with the situation that we are in,” Drysdale Cricket Club coach Shane Cutajar said. Drysdale face a challenging month ahead in January with two-day fixtures against A grade finals contenders Anglesea and Portarlington. This Saturday, the Hawks host one of the
league’s biggest improvers Anglesea, which has a 4-2 record this season. Anglesea chalked up wins against Wallington, Ocean Grove, Newcomb and posted a 19-run victory against Barwon Heads on December 20 during the 2014/15 season. Drysdale’s round nine game against northern Bellarine counterparts Portarlington will be a twilight clash played over the Australia Day long weekend. The Hawks' two-day game against Demons played at Portarlington begins at the later time of 3pm on January 24. “We look forward to it every year, it is a fantastic concept,” Cutajar said. “It started a few years ago and we alternate the ground every year.”
Voice Drysdale & Clifton Springs Sport
The year that was in Drysdale sport January
Bacchus Marsh golfer Josh Younger takes out Clifton Springs Golf Club Pro Am event on January 12. Young defeated Curlewis Golf Club trainee Deyen Lawson by one stroke and also got a holein-one. Record numbers turned out for Curlewis Golf Club Pro Am. The event attracted a field of 232 competitors with playing appearances from professionals including Jarrod Lyle, Glenn Joyner and Mike Clayton. Drysdale Cricket Club urges the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association to consider using its home ground as the venue for this season’s A grade Grand Final. Clifton Springs mother-of-three Sharon Pederson broke four records in women’s 40-plus age category at January’s Victorian Country Athletics Championships in Ballarat. at January 24-26 event.
February
Drysdale’s Saint Ignatius College hosts swimming carnival held at Kardinia Park on February 26. Saint Ignatius students Sean Beattie and sister Claudia claim an astonishing six records at Carnival. Drysdale Cricket Club finishes home and away season on top of A grade ladder with an undefeated 10-0 record in 2013/14.
March
Drysdale Football Club warms up for their 2014 campaign with three practice matches Camperdown, North Ballarat City and GFL club St Albans before BFL season commences. Drysdale Cricket Club suffers a five wicket loss to Queenscliff in A grade semi-final on March 9. The Hawks are now eliminated from A grade finals race. Drysdale Cricket Club defeats Wallington in BPCA B grade grand final by three wickets. Michelle Davis is named as new coach of the Drysdale Netball Club for 2014.
April
ROUND 1: Drysdale smashes reigning premier Queenscliff by 48 points in the BFL season opener at Queenscliff. ROUND 2: The Hawks win against Modewarre in their first home match of 2014 by 45 points. ROUND 3: Drysdale suffers an away 35-point loss to Ocean Grove on Easter Saturday. ROUND 4: The Hawks account for BFL rivals Portarlington by 132 points in their Anzac Day clash.
May
Clifton Springs resident and Saint Ignatius College student Grace Campagnolo wins Ocean Spray comp at Thirteenth Beach Golf Links. Drysdale Soccer Club has senior men’s teams competing in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 in the Football Federation Victoria Geelong competition. Drysdale will also have a senior women’s team competing in 2014. The club is forced to play out of temporary home in East Geelong as there is no adequate soccer facility in Drysdale. ROUND 5: Drysdale defeats Newcomb by a whopping 251 points. ROUND 6: The Hawks suffer a 13-point loss to eventual 2014 BFL premiers Geelong Amateur. ROUND 7: Drysdale wins by 45 points at Alcoa Oval on May 17. The Hawks have a 5-2 record after seven rounds. ROUND 8: The Hawks win a thriller by seven points at home against Barwon Heads.
SEPTEMBER: Montana Holdsworth and MP Sarah Henderson.
November
Drysdale A grade all-rounder Brett Harding smashes 169 with bat against Barwon Heads on November 22. Bellarine Secondary College Drysdale campus student Liam Dowie wins gold medal at the GKR Karate National Championships on the Gold Coast on November 23. Drysdale Football Club commence pre-season football training.
December
Drysdale A grade posts 40-run win against Collendina at home in a revised one-day clash at home. The Hawks A grade end yearon top of ladder with 6-0 record in 2014/15. Drysdale residents Andrew Allen, Murray Long and Stewart Toms compete in the 35th annual Echo Rip to River Classic in Ocean Grove on December 27.
JANUARY: Sharon Pederson
June
Drysdale Cricket Club unveils new recruits for 2014/15 including former Wallington coach Darren Cameron. Cameron joins his son Taylor, David Hambrook and David Boyd for the new season. Drysdale Soccer Club Division Three team scores 1-1 draw against Barwon. The team includes 76-year-old goal keeper Everitt Nelson and six 17-year-old Hazara refugees. ROUND 9: Drysdale suffers a 68-point loss to Torquay. ROUND 10: Queenscliff defeats Drysdale by 39 points. ROUND 11: The Hawks lose three games on the trot after Ocean Grove beats Drysdale at the Hawks’ nest by 51 points. ROUND 12: Drysdale returns to winners’ list after it defeats Modewarre.
July
Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Damian Drum visits proposed site of centralised sporting hub in Drysdale located in Peninsula Drive. The new site would house football, cricket, netball and soccer. Drum is joined by Member for Western Victoria David Koch, Ross Deeath from Drysdale Football Club and Camillo D’Alessandro from Drysdale Soccer Club. Drysdale Football Club re-signs John Fitzgerald for another season in 2015. ROUND 13: Drysdale thrashes Newcomb by 235 points. ROUND 14: Geelong Amateur wins by 47 points against Drysdale. ROUND 15: The Hawks lose a nail-biter by two points against Torquay.
August
ROUND 16: Drysdale defeats Anglesea by 44 points in their final home match. ROUND 17: Drysdale claims a 70-point away win against Portarlington. ROUND 18: Drysdale misses out on a finals berth after it suffers a nine-point loss at Barwon Heads at Howard Harmer Oval. Drysdale Netball Club A grade finishes in ninth position with a total of three wins for 2014 season.
September
Drysdale Soccer Club player Bridget Wallace wins the club female team best and fairest award. Drysdale St Ignatius College year 7 student Montana Holdsworth was presented with a sports award from Federal MP for Corangamite Sarah Henderson after her success in soccer.
October
Drysdale Tennis Club hosts club Open Day on October 26. Drysdale Cricket Club A grade start season well with away wins against Jan Juc and Queenscliff. Drysdale A grade bowler Shane Gordon snares 6/17 against Newcomb on October 25. Drysdale Football Club appoints Steve Brown as the club’s new assistant coach. JUNE: Drysdale Cricket Club recruits.
MAY: Drysdale beats Roos.
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MARCH: Drysdale B grade premiers.
SPORT DRYSDALE &
CLIFTON SPRINGS
THE YEAR THAT WAS, INSIDE
Locals in Rip to River
DRYSDALE residents Andrew Allen, Murray Long and Stewart Toms competed in the 35th annual Echo Rip to River Classic in Ocean Grove on December 27. Allen who participated in the 10km Open walk finished the race in a time of 1:49:33 held between Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Ocean Grove main beach. Both Long and Toms competed in the 10km run. Picture: DAVID BIANCO
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