Fears for pier’s future Support for THE Dromana community is “devastated” by the closing off of the pier amid concerns that the lack of a response from Parks Victoria means its future is in doubt. The Department of Environment Lands Water and Planning has fenced off the last 40 metres of the concrete structure because erosion underneath has made it unsafe. The lower landing is still in good condition and is open for use. Cr Antonella Celi said the community was “very concerned about the state of the pier and [in not getting] a response from Parks Victoria or the state government about its repair or redevelopment”. “The community is devastated that the pier has reached a point of such neglect and fears losing it altogether if Parks Victoria does not take action soon to commit to its redevelopment,” she said. Parks Victoria last year engaged the community in a planning for the future at Dromana pier project and a report that detailed options for its redevelopment. However, the report noted there was no current commitment from Parks Victoria to replace the pier. “It’s about time Parks Victoria took action to save the Dromana pier and the state government
COVIDSafe Peninsula
Safety concerns: Dromana pier is closed to the public. Picture: Supplied
committed to redeveloping and replacing the pier with a preferred option and a construction timeline,” Cr Celi said. “The community has been advocating for the redevelopment over the past decade and, since the Dromana pier engagement summary report was released, there has been no further response from Parks Victoria on any decisions going forward.” The report is at: engage.vic.gov.au/community-vision-dromana-pier Stephen Taylor
Mornington Peninsula Shire has appointed two new COVID Education Officers for six months to help businesses, community groups and event organisers establish COVIDSafe plans and practices. State government has partnered with local government to provide additional resources to help businesses and community groups protect customers, staff and the public. COVID Education Officers will help local organisations keep up with changing requirements and implement practices to ensure they can operate safely.
The role of Education Officers is to: • help businesses, community groups and event organisers put in place or update their COVIDSafe plans • provide resources and templates to help with COVIDSafe plans and practices • promote COVIDSafe practices within hospitality, community venues and small retail settings. When it comes to COVID-19, we can’t afford to be complacent. Everyone must do their part so we can open up again including getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Widespread vaccination will mean less need for restrictions - allowing our businesses to open up and get us back to a thriving local economy.
Beach box group seeks leniency Continued from Page 5 “This was a significant case for council and a successful claim would have had negative consequences for all Victorian councils and seriously impacted their ability to deliver services to the community,” Cr O’Connor said. Mr Davis said about 80 per cent of the owners of the shire’s 1250 beach boxes were members of the association. “We’re pretty well connected state and federally and the state has indicated that it will
communicate with the shire on this,” he said. Cr David Gill said bathing box owners paid on average $30 a week “for the privilege of using an outstanding public asset for their exclusive use with the bonus of selling their licences at market value as if it were an investment property” (“‘Locals only’ rule for beach boxes” The News 2/6/20). “My belief is that these licence fees are for a luxury item and should also be at market value.”
For more information on staying COVIDSafe or to contact our COVID Education Officers: mornpen.vic.gov.au/COVIDSafe 5950 1000 or 1300 850 600
Do You Want to Contribute to a Dynamic Hub that Nurtures a Sense of Community? Rye Community House is looking for people to join our board of governance to contribute to the building of a sustainable organisation with strong strategic, governance and planning. We welcome expressions of interest from people with links to small business locally, and local social service providers with strong local links and/or skills in marketing and fundraising, IT, HR and risk management. For more information contact: boardpresident@ryech.org or phone 5985 4462 Rye Community House 27 Nelson Street, Rye Monday to Friday 9am-3.30pm Ph: 5985 4462
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Southern Peninsula News
13 October 2021
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