NEWS DESK Timely stiches for charities A CREATIVE idea that “sort of just snowballed” led to residents at Martha Cove Retirement Village knitting 351 beanies which, when sold to visitors, raised $870 for cancer research and care of the homeless. The idea came about after resident Sue Johnson and 34 other women – feeling isolated and unable to go out because of COVID-19 restrictions – decided to put their free time to good use. They knitted colourful beanies which were displayed and sold for $5 each over three days at the village. “We all really enjoyed doing it,” Ms Johnson said. “There was lots of excitement when someone sold a beanie. Some visitors even said, $5 wasn’t enough and bought two for $20.” Three feature hats for bowls, golf and scenes from Martha Cove and Safety Beach, will be auctioned “when we all get back together”. Warm idea: Pat Tullberg, Liz Gregory, Sue Johnson and Chris Jenkins knitted 351 beanies at Martha Cove Retirement Village. Picture: Gary Sissons
VCAT showdown for shire and aero club Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au THE Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal has been called in to determine what activities Peninsula Aero Club can undertake at the Tyabb airfield. Issues being investigated are use of the east-west runway, passenger charter services and night flying. Mornington Peninsula Shire and the aero club have long disputed some of the existing planning permit conditions and legislation requires that VCAT be called in to adjudicate. The shire last week issued a statement saying it would abide by VCAT’s decision and “then work with both the PAC and broader Tyabb community to understand any implications from the decision”. Aero club members were rejoicing in February this year when VCAT directed that the club be allowed to move a maintenance shed (“VCAT backs aero club against shire” The News 25/2/20). However, the next skirmish at VCAT between the club and the shire will be to determine much bigger issues. In June 2019, the shire issued a stop work order on businesses operating at the airfield (“Permit row grounds airfield” The News 11/6/19). Most of those issues concerning businesses have been or are in the process of being resolved, but it is the use of the airfield by the aero club that is now under scrutiny. The shire said the latest decision of going to VCAT “is not to close the authorised landing ground”.
ORGANISERS wave to the crowd during this year’s air show at Tyabb. Picture: Gary Sissons “For many years there has been uncertainty and confusion around some aspects of the operation of the Tyabb airfield,” the shire’s statement said. “In an effort to ensure that everybody is clear about the conditions under which the airfield operates ... the shire has lodged an enforcement order application with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to obtain an independent adjudication for the continuing use of the airfield by the Peninsula Aero Club (PAC).” “Council has sought to cooperate and support the airfield where possible over a number of years, both provid-
ing funding for needed infrastructure and most recently in relation to the 2020 air show, and we continue to support the airfield in the important role it plays in our community,” the mayor Cr Sam Hearn and Cr Julie Morris said in the joint statement. “This does not mean that we oppose the airfield or wish to close it down. “On some points however, an independent legal ruling is required. “We hope this action finally brings clarity and certainty for all parties once and for all”. In April 2019, the shire hired a Queen’s Counsel to conduct a “full le-
gal review, in order to provide clear information … regarding the conditions of all current planning permits currently applying to the Tyabb airfield”. The legal report was completed later that year, but findings were never released. By mid-year, relations had deteriorated so much that the club called off its scheduled air show after president Jack Vevers said the club had been unable to reach agreement with the council over a permit for the event. (“Club abandons air show” The News 13/8/19). A week later – following “intense negotiations” between the club and the shire – the air show was “cleared for take-off” and held this year on Sunday 8 March. The shire’s latest statement says it “seeks to ensure fair and safe use of the Tyabb airfield, in a way which protects the amenity of residents and enables the continuing co-existence of the airfield in the community”. “Ultimately, council is seeking the development of an airfield master plan, as recommended in the Tyabb Airfield Precinct Plan, which has previously been supported in principle by the PAC, to provide clarity and certainty about current and future airfield operations.” The shire says a 2011 quote from an earlier VCAT hearing is evidence that it has been seeking clarity about the airfield’s use for some time: “A review of the three permits and associated conditions indicates that there are potential conflicts between these conditions. Not the least being when and what aircraft may operate under the three permissions.”
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THE 10-year-old Crib Point township plan has been updated and is open for public input until 14 August. The plan sets out the strategic vision and direction of the town’s development and aims to protect its character of tree-lined streets and mix of old and new houses. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the plan ensured Crib Point would “continue to have the look, feel and function of a country town on the coast, closely connected with its natural environment”. The original plan from 2009-11 set a long-term vision and guide for the development of Crib Point. It was prepared in consultation with the town’s residents and other stakeholders, following community concerns that out-of-character multiunit developments were emerging. “An update is necessary as the plan is now 10 years old. The original vision remains current, and this update focuses on reviewing the plan against existing state and local policies, conditions and relevant strategies,” Cr Kate Roper said. “Community feedback will help us finalise the document.” To have a say on the plan at an online community drop-in session on Tuesday 14 July register via email: strategic.admin@mornpen.vic.gov. au Or visit Mornpen.vic.gov.au/cribpoint or call 5950 1952 for a hard copy.
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Southern Peninsula News
1 July 2020
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