NEWS DESK
Council fires up over gas debate Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
Many hands: Shedders getting the job done are Phil Endersbee, Phil Robinson (hidden), and Laurie Oliver. Picture: Supplied
Shedders pitch in for wildlife POINT Nepean Men’s Shed members are using their woodworking skills to make 100 shelter and nesting boxes for wildlife impacted by bushfires in Gippsland. In the picture, above, men’s shed president John Stevenson and members Laurie Oliver and Leigh Norrie add final details to the boxes which were the last of a batch going to Kalimna West, inland from Lakes Entrance. The bushfire recovery program aims to help the animals in their long-term recovery. Birdlife Australia provided a design template, Studio57F1 provided the boxes in kit form, Bunnings Rosebud provided the paint and the Men’s Shed
provided the hardware as well as assembling and painting the boxes. “We have partnered with BirdLife Australia, Studio57f1 and Bunnings in creating nesting boxes,” the shed’s Terry Phippen said. “A local indigenous community group will take the boxes and place them where the need is greatest. “The aim is to provide nesting opportunities for native fauna where their natural habitat has been destroyed. Our effort was a small part of a major recovery program which brought several groups together.”
A CLASH among Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors over climate targets has led to one saying he has been unfairly labelled a “liar”. Cr Steve Holland, who last week failed in his bid to have the council confirm that it would “not abandon natural gas for heating” in the run up to 2040 Climate Emergency Plan deadline, said: “Since the initial vote four weeks ago which progressed plans to phase out gas in new developments, I’ve been accused of lying, playing politics, scaremongering and spreading misinformation for personal gain. “[These] smears, from people who play the man and not the ball, are demonstrably false.” The ruckus involves interpretations of the council’s climate emergency plan which aims for a zero-emissions future by phasing out the use of fossil fuels – including gas – on the peninsula over the next 20 years. The plan, adopted by the council last year, aims to achieve net zero emissions when the peninsula is “powered by an increase in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, phasing out gas and improving energy efficiency in our buildings” (“Map stakes out a climate emergency plan” The News 1/9/20). Cr Holland’s notice of motion called for council “affirm” that it would not support any moves to ban the use of natural gas for heating, hot water and cooking (including barbecues) until “a safe, affordable, efficient and reliable alternative” was available
Cr Holland said his failure to get support from the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor and councillors David Gill, Anthony Marsh, Lisa Dixon, Paul Mercurio, Sarah Race and Kerri McCafferty “confirmed the council’s goal to end the use of natural gas by 2040 ... at least now we know the views of individual councillors when it comes to natural gas”. Cr Holland said he wanted to “make it crystal clear” that the climate emergency plan referred only to shire buildings. “I know some may say it’s aspirational, but the climate emergency plan is referenced constantly when developing [council] policy, including on 15 June when it was referenced to support [the shire joining the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment] and advocating for netzero (gas free) new developments,” he said. “Policy is policy. “I have been told that the CEP only applies to shire buildings. ... If that’s the case then it needs amendment. “I find the dishonesty and secrecy [here] very disturbing.” Cr O’Connor told The News that Cr Holland’s stance was “political”. “We cannot tell people to shut down their natural gas,” she said. “The climate emergency plan refers to shire buildings only – not private homes – and why would we want to harm the most vulnerable members of the community anyway? “[Cr Holland] is scaring people for political purposes; he is being divisive.”
BOWLS JULY MEMB ERSHIP OF
FER
All new indulgent Chairman’s Selection of Steaks and Burgers The Bello family and Team here at Squires Loft Mornington take great pride in what we deliver to your table. We have hand picked a Super Premium selection of steak cuts and burgers to proudly call our Chairman’s Selection. We invite you to our restaurant to indulge in our succulent and mouth-watering steaks and burgers to take your taste buds to the next level and pair with our newly introduced Chairman’s Selection of International wines...
13 mths for the price of 12 * 3 Bowls Greens Summer & Winter Competitions 2 Complimentary Rounds of Golf inc 1 cart** Welcoming Club Atmosphere Member Discounts
*August 1 2020 - August 31 2021. Must pay deposit before July 31. **Midweek Only
OPEN LUNCH FRI-SUN & DINNER TUE-SUN 5976 8482 squiresloftmornington.com.au 104 Main Street, Mornington VIC 3931
TAKE A TOUR
TODAY! RCC_BowlsMemberOfferA4 [VR1]_2-7-20.indd 1
For further information please contact: 03 5950 0800 EMAIL: marketing@rcc.golf Rosebud Country Club – 207 Boneo Road Rosebud www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au PHONE:
Southern Peninsula News
21 July 2021
PAGE 3
2/07/2021 6:38:12 PM