NEWS DESK
Online talk about recycling’s ‘yuck factor’ EIGHTY members of the public are being given the opportunity to talk with experts about the pros and cons of recycling wastewater to a drinkable standard. Water: Recycle or pollute - a community decision, is the title of an online forum being organised by the Clean Ocean Foundation as part of its campaign to improve the quality of wastewater being processed and discharged into the ocean at Gunnamatta from Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment Plant at Bangholme. “With population growth and predictions of more severe drought conditions into the future more likely, the use of water recycling policy is in a critical state of flux around Australia,” Clean Ocean president John Gemmel said. “Community concern and the yuck factor related to the use of recycled water is often cited as a key hurdle to its use,” he said. “Rarely is the potential benefit of recycled water to reduce aquatic pollution even mentioned.” Gemmel said the online forum would enable 80 members of the public listen to and ask questions of experts in areas related to purified recycled water (PRW). “Conducted by Mosaic Labs, experts in deliberative engagement, the foundation hopes this forum will provide a fresh perspective on water recycling and the opportunities for community participation in decisions relating to it.” To join the forum, register at: cleanocean.org/ forum-recycle-or-pollute.html
‘Issues that impact’ VOLUNTEER group Peninsula Voice wants to find out “the issues impacting our community that keep you awake at night”. The volunteer community group says it is committed to creating public conversations “and learning about common issues challenging us and impacting our health and wellbeing”. “Homelessness and housing affordability have been an important focus lately, and we’ve previously looked at domestic violence, gambling
All the elements of success harm, young people and mental health, refugees, neighbouring, loneliness and illicit drug addiction,” spokesperson Meredith Cameron said. “As we plan the final event on homelessness in May, we’re looking forward to future issues we can support.” Members of the public are being urged to help Peninsula Voice discover the issues of concern by completing a survey at: surveymonkey. com/r/3TNRRBS The survey asks respondents to list the top five issues or topics impacting the Mornington Peninsula. The information must be supplied by 26 March with the results being published on the group’s website, peninsulavoice.com.au Members of the public can also subscribe to newsletters or follow Peninsula Voice on social media.
ALL the elements of nature, including the goodwill of human supporters, came together to ensure a successful outcome to the Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula branch’s Let’s Go Surfing event at Point Leo on Saturday 21 January. “Everything aligned again: sun, surf, supporters, sounds. Close to record attendance for our January event, with over 500 registered in total and more than 130 surfers going into the water,” DSAMP president Pea Saunders said. “It was a phenomenal day for all and a spectacular way of demonstrating what an inclusive event looks like.” Saunders thanked “all the wonderful volunteers who enable this awesome surfing event to take place at Point Leo”, including the photographers, DJ Cooper and the Hoodoo Men “for adding to the good vibes”. Somerville/Tyabb Rotary club had “taken on”
the barbecue “to help maintain energy levels”. “Most importantly, a huge thank you to our surfers who make the day incredibly awesome for everyone involved.” The next DSAMP beach day will be held at Point Leo of Saturday 4 March.
Watercraft removal program If you have unauthorised watercraft on the foreshore between Sorrento and Blairgowrie – now’s the time to safely remove it and take it home. Unauthorised watercraft dumped or left on our foreshores is illegal, it’s unsightly, potentially dangerous, restricts public access to the foreshore and is degrading to the environment. Mornington Peninsula Shire and Whitecliffs Committee of Management will begin removing and disposing of remaining unauthorised watercraft on our foreshores from March 2023. We thank you for your cooperation.
For more information: mornpen.vic.gov.au/watercraftremoval 1300 850 600 Southern Peninsula News
15 February 2023
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