NEWS DESK
Grant offer to cut single-use plastics
Expansion, but blackspots remain and Blairgowrie, up to Safety Beach, Mount Martha and Mornington. While Telstra regularly makes announcements about its expanding 5G coverage, there are continuing complaints about blackspots. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor David Gill says he has received complaints from “throughout” his Red Hill Ward, including Camp Hill Road, Somers. He said coverage blackspots were also being reported from “across the peninsula in general”.
TELSTRA says it has expanded its 5G coverage on the Mornington Peninsula to Shoreham, Red Hill South and parts of Point Leo and Main Ridge. Regional general manager Loretta Willaton customers in those areas with 5G devices “can get faster download speeds and enjoy greater capacity during those busy periods on the mobile network”. Ms Willaton said there were more than 30 5G sites “on-air” across the peninsula, including Portsea, Sorrento
Cr Gill said the lack of service was “due to poor federal government decision making, which let down our businesses and our community”. “False economy regarding digital technology is a major issue which we cannot afford to ignore,” he said. “I will continue to advocate to the Federal Government and our local [Flinders MP] Greg Hunt to fix the problems that they have created.” Cr Gill said he would ask other councillors to back “a renewed advocacy campaign”. Keith Platt
COMMUNITY groups and sporting club are being offered grants to buy such things as bottles and crockery to lessen their dependence on single-use plastics. Up to $50,000 will be distributed in $1000 to $5000 grants by Mornington Peninsula Shire to organisation’s based in buildings or spaces. “Single-use plastics are a massive problem globally and right here on the peninsula. Plastic litter doesn’t belong on our beaches, in our bays or creeks, yet we see it everywhere we go,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. “As a coastal community, the protection of our bays, creeks and ocean is integral to ensuring our wildlife thrive and supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.” Cr O’Connor said single-use plastic items were often used “out of habit”. “As an organisation, [the shire is] phasing out the use of single-use plastics in our offices, halls, sporting facilities, events and on shire
managed land,” she said. “And now we’re helping community groups and sporting clubs phase out their use of plastics with our innovative singleuse plastics grant.” Cr O’Connor said the shire had committed to sending no waste to landfill by 2030. “Part of this vision is to phase out problematic single-use plastics. By working together, we can make a huge impact on the consumption of single-use plastics. Every action counts. “Elimination doesn’t have to be hard. Start small and work your way through the list in our handy guide to help make plastic free choices, one type of plastic at a time.” Alternatives to single-use plastics included bamboo cutlery, reusable coffee cups and drink bottles, paper straws and bring-your-own takeaway containers. Applications for the grants open 19 April and close 25 June. Details: mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants
Man dies when car hits fence A MAN died and two others were seriously injured when the car they were in crashed into a fence at Tootgarook, Saturday 10 April. Police said the car veered off Point Nepean Road and struck the fence about 2am.
The 19-year-old driver, of Kew, died at the scene. His two male passengers were airlifted to The Alfred hospital in a serious condition. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Commercial, Industrial, Residential - One Stop Flooring & Windows Finishes Centre
COVERING YOUR FLOORING NEEDS SINCE 1975 • CARPETS • TIMBERS • LAMINATES • VINYL • TILES • BLINDS • ENGINEERED FLOORS • HYBRIDS • PLANTATION SHUTTERS • FLOOR SANDING & POLISHING • WALLPAPE R P L U S!
Luxury Bremworth# Wool Carpets and a huge range of Timbers and Oaks available in store
3 ROOMS CARPET
3 ROOMS LAMINATE FLOORING
INSTALLED FROM *
INSTALLED *
$850
with interest free finance
with interest free finance
Shop 9/991 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud, VIC 3939
1300 069 340 www.mikescarpets.com.au
*Conditions apply
CONTACT US for a FREE Measure & Quote CAMBERWELL
|
CARRUM DOWNS
|
Carrum Downs Store Only
OPEN 7 DAYS
$1600
*Conditions apply
#
Connect with us GLEN WAVERLEY
|
ROSEBUD
|
TRUGANINA
Southern Peninsula News
14 April 2021
PAGE 5