LETTERS Callous cull of staff
BAR + FOOD + LIVE MUSIC
May 28th MALCURA
I read with dismay about the callous way Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has gone about downsizing library staff in the shire (“End of story for library staff”, The News 10/5/16). I believe staff have been treated with total disrespect. These are dedicated people who are an increasingly essential part of the community with lending books just one aspect of their role. I then see that the council is also intending to contract out leisure centres in Hastings Crib Point, Somerville and Morninton. I understand the need for cost saving in this economy and believe this could well be enhanced by wasting of our rates on such things as a name change at West Rosebud, visits by three people to the climate change talks in Paris and over-budget spending by councillors. I also fail to see why council needs to maintain old buildings when they could be sold and much smaller premises obtained. Does the council understand what makes a community? Welcoming places such as libraries and leisure centres add to the health, education and wellbeing of all residents of all socio-economic backgrounds, ages and political persuasions. Council, please rethink the way you are treating us. Mel Farnbach, Balnarring
Problem with Heads
1625 Pt Nepean Rd, Rosebud West (03) 5986 8118 www.thesoundbar.com.au
It is wrong for environmentalists to blame dredging of shipping channels for the loss of sand at Portsea (“Experts seek permanent fix for Portsea beach”, The News 10/5/16). The shipping channels have been dredged almost ever since we stole this land from the Aboriginals. The real issue is the deepening of the Heads. When you remove six metres of bed rock from the heads with explosives - in a Marine Park where it is illegal for me to even drop an anchor for the damage that my anchor will cause - that is the real problem. Every time this is overlooked the Port of Melbourne authorities rub their hands together. Deepening the Heads means that every high tide more water comes into the bay and, in turn,
more water needs to leave at low tide. Faster moving water can carry a great deal more sand and that equals erosion. If you have a 100mm diameter pipe and increase that pipe by 10 per cent to 110mm diameter the flow rate almost doubles. In the past, bigger ships needed to wait outside the heads for the tide to rise sufficiently for them to cross. Now, they wait until the current slows for them to safely cross the Heads. There are different restrictions for different sized vessels. Currents at the back of the Fort, the man-made island in the bay, were once around eight knots maximum, now they can be up to 12. Charter operators can no longer dock there because of the fast currents that rip through the area. The best way to fix Portsea beach is to reverse the action taken to erode it, replace the bed rock. One solution may for the Port of Melbourne to pay to replace the removed bed rock with concrete blocks. John Gale, Tootgarook
Fines for signs Would it be a good idea if Mornington Peninsula Shire fined people for littering if, after two days, garage sale signs are not removed? They make our towns look trashy and in Rosebud there are still signs up from Easter. The owners of the signs would not be too hard to find as they have provided an address and date .If they can nail or tape them up they should take them down. Carolyn Davidson, Rosebud
Vote follows policy It would be a very odd result if the Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor’s [Cr Graham Pittock] casting vote at a meeting was cast contrary to a council policy or rule. Yet that is what former councillor Ian Lyons from the defunct Mordialloc City Council would have our mayor do (“Council to seek repayment,” The News 3/5/16). Council’s policy on professional development and conferences and seminars has been made clear to all councillors by management on at least five occasions. Such matters in relation to eight councillors have come before meetings of council since 2012. Cr Antonella Celi was present on all but one occasion. More Page 29
Public tasting for Cool Climate Wine Show
PUBLIC TASTING Tuesday 24th May 2016 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Mornington Racing Club (Entry off Racecourse Road) Cost: $25 a ticket (which includes a complimentary tasting glass)
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online from www.coolclimatewineshow.org.au PAGE 16
Southern Peninsula News 17 May 2016
THE International Cool Climate Wine Show is again proud to share a rare opportunity to assess the styles, characteristics and latest trends of inspirational cool climate wines entered in the 2016 show, with everyone. You will be able to taste wines from many classes including sparkling wines, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz from vintages from 2012 to 2015 and older. The depth and breadth of the wine on show is vast. Many wines come from boutique vineyards producing small commercial quantities, so this is your chance to seek out some outstanding but lesser known labels. Some wines are from vineyards where grapes are handpicked and wines handcrafted by winemakers with a passion for exploring terroir and the true expression of the grape. This is a show where like is judged against like, where elegant wines with restrained fruit are seen at their best, and where diversity is encouraged and rewarded.
Compare wines of the same grape variety from different regions; focus on wines from specific regions or sample labels and styles you’d like to know more about. The ICCWS Public Tasting is held at the Mornington Racing Club. It’s designed for wine enthusiasts keen to find new wines for their cellars; for winemakers, educators, retailers and sommeliers wanting to identify trends and discover some real cool climate gems, and also for those who just love a glass of wine. Now, for the best bit. The People’s Choice Award is up to you. Vote for your favourite wine and show the winemaker your appreciation. Also, don’t miss the wine show Awards Dinner at the MRC on Friday, May 27th - an amazing opportunity to enjoy a sensational menu showcasing local produce and featuring the wines of the 16th ICCWS. Places limited - book now on www.internationalcoolclimatewineshow.org.au