NEWS DESK
Pedestrians given right-of-way Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A MAJOR section of Main Street, Mornington is about to be turned into a pedestrian mall, at least until the end of February. With state government approval cars will be banned from the street to encourage outdoor dining and shopping between Barkly Street and the Esplanade. Key commercial areas in other towns will also undergo changes to enable more open-air trading, with traffic speeds slowed and some parking spac-
es being used for outdoor eating. Mornington Peninsula Shire says the moves are part of a plan to help peninsula traders bounce back from lockdown. The decision was made by shire officers without the input of councillors during the council elections. A news release from the shire says it worked closely with business and community groups to draw up plans to help shops, cafes and restaurants stay viable and the public stay safe under the COVID-safe regulations. Mornington Chamber of Commerce promotions and marketing manager
Alex Levy said the shire was reacting to public comment and “it’s good they are giving it a try now”. “I did a small survey of traders from a mix of businesses a month ago and the response was fairly positive,” she said. “I didn’t get a huge response, but those I did hear from were supportive. I didn’t hear from anyone against it.” Traffic in Mornington will be diverted onto ring roads and car parks on either side of Main Street, with disabled parking and bus stops moved to the closest suitable spots. Traffic management measures are also now in place around Mount Eliza
and Sorrento, with other towns to follow in coming weeks. Changes include lower speed limits to ensure safety of shoppers and diners. Street furniture, such as benches and bins, have been removed from some towns to provide more space for outdoor eating. “Our number one priority right now is supporting our local businesses to ensure our economy stays vibrant and strong,” shire CEO John Baker said. “Opening up some of our key shopping streets to open-air retail and dining will inevitably mean slightly fewer parking spaces, but it’s vital we do this
to support our businesses. “This will create more space to allow people to move around and keep at a safe social distance, and build confidence for visitors and locals to return to our shopping strips.” Driving slower and parking further away was “a small price to pay to keep our village centres alive”. “I urge everyone in our community to slow down, walk a bit more or hop on your bike, dine alfresco, support local traders and re-connect over summer,” Mr Baker said. Details: mornpen.vic.gov.au/outdoordining
Court’s go against restaurateurs
Food help for families
THE Supreme Court and the High Court last week ruled against lockdown-related cases mounted separately by two Mornington Peninsula restaurant owners. Michelle Loielo may be facing the state government’s legal costs after her failed bid to persuade the Supreme Court that the curfew was unreasonable, disproportionate and violated the human rights of millions of Victorians. Ms Loielo, who runs Unica Cucina E Caffe in Capel Sound, has said that the loss of revenue from the business could lead to the loss of her home. Ms Loielo, of Frankston South, previously told The News that she would seek Liberal party endorsement to contest the 2022 election for the state seat of Nepean now held by Labor’s Chris Brayne (“Court challenge to power of the Premier” 21/9/20). “It is suffocating to think that inch by inch these [restrictive] decisions are being made. I would oppose them no matter which political leader or party was making them – leaders need to be accountable,” Ms Loielo said. Meanwhile, the High Court dismissed Sorrento restaurateur Julian Gerner’s argument that the COVID-19 lockdown breached an implied constitutional right to freedom of movement. Lawyers for the state government said that was incorrect and urged the court to not proceed as the further lifting of restrictions on movement would be announced on Sunday (8 November).
THE 2020 Food For All Christmas Appeal has raised $2087. Donations were received from community groups and Hillview Quarries. Coordinator Di Falconer (pictured with Brian Allen) said the money raised by the annual appeal provided needy families with Christmas hampers and children’s toys. It would also go towards the weekly emergency food-aid plan.
Ferry on course SEAROAD Ferries was last week anticipating running its two ferries on an hourly service from yesterday (Monday) 9 November. “It is a great relief that restrictions are to be lifted and people can once again move around the state,” CEO Matt McDonald said. “During lockdown the ferry service operated a COVID timetable for essential travellers, transport and freight, so we are delighted with the reopening of the state and to once again welcome all Victorians back aboard.” Searoad Ferries daily runs two 60 metre car and passenger ferries between Sorrento and Queenscliff. The crossing time is 40 minutes. Details: searoad.com.au
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11 November 2020
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