NEWS DESK
Fast food not to shire’s taste Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au
In the post: One of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s rejection letters received by an objector.
10 September, to “provide the community with more information and to answer your questions”. (“Q&A ses-
notice of the council refusal last week. Steve Armstrong said: “Even though this has gone to VCAT, it’s still a great community achievement so far. Well done everyone. It just means we don’t give up on the fight yet. It’s not over until it’s over.” Senior planner Rochelle Reinhardt told the planning services committee the proposed use and development of the site was inappropriate, and the applicant had not suitably responded to the applicable policies. She said it was an overdevelopment of the site, and that insufficient information had been provided to assess its creation of light, noise, odour and litter, as well as contamination risks and impacts on neighbouring vegetation.
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Net gain Up they go: The Sorrento Portsea RSL clubrooms under construction. Picture: Supplied
RSL building for the future SORRENTO Portsea RSL is catering to increased membership by adding a billiard room and undercover outdoor function area to its clubrooms. “This will enable us to welcome more people to our many community events including Anzac Day and Australia Day,” club president John Prentice said. The expansion will assist Tom Katz, the club’s “live” music program, to stage more artists and shows
next year. “We are increasing our venue seating capacity to 150 plus standing,” Mr Prentice said. “Our summer shows are booked ready to go. Post-COVID-19 will be an exciting time.” The non-profit Sorrento Portsea RSL is run by volunteers and has a fully self-financed building program.
CRICKET is getting an upgrade at Olympic Park, Rosebud, thanks to $100,000 from the Community Cricket Program. “This funding will inspire even more Rosebud boys, girls, men and women to sign up for Rosebud Cricket Club and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle while utilising this fantastic new facility,” Nepean MP Chris Brayne said. The project includes construction of multi-use four bay cricket nets with retractable netting as well as a publicly accessible cricket pitch.
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POLICE say they are ramping up patrols to prevent out-of-towners flocking to holiday hotspots on the Mornington Peninsula. The aim is to ensure that only peninsula residents or others travelling with a permitted purpose arrive in the area. Police say they will have a “highly visible” presence at checkpoints on arterial roads, mobile vehicle checkpoints and ongoing patrols as part of Operation Sentinel. A note on the police Eyewatch social media page said anyone pulled over at a vehicle checkpoint could expect to have their licence and work permit checked by police and their residential address confirmed. “Police will also be proactively patrolling popular locations, such as beaches, parks and other areas where people are expected to visit, to ensure that everyone is adhering to the current stage four restrictions. “While these checkpoints may cause some inconvenience for local residents, it’s important to remember that they are an important component in stopping the spread of coronavirus and keeping the community safe.” For information about the latest restrictions visit the Department of Health and Human Services at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the hotline 1800 675 398. Or visit DHHS page on Facebook.
TOURISM related businesses in the Mornington Peninsula’s hinterland are being offered free membership of the Hinterland Tourism Association for the 2020-21 financial year. “Coronavirus and social restrictions are having a devastating impact on local tourism and we are exploring new ways to support local businesses during these challenging times,” association president Nelly Shaw said. “It’s important that we keep connected and try to emerge stronger when this crisis is over and as restrictions are gradually lifted”. The volunteer-run association supports its more than 80 members with information about government assistance, virtual networking, business to business e-news updates and local government advocacy. The hinterland includes Red Hill, Red Hill South, Main Ridge, Arthurs Seat, Merricks, Merricks North, Balnarring and Dromana. New members normally pay $154 which includes the updating of member tourism signboards at Arthurs Seat and outside the Red Hill south shopping centre, production of 25,000 tear-off maps and hosted events and social gatherings. “At this stage, we will not be including map production and signage renewal as a free member benefit in 2020-21, however we will continue to keep our members connected and informed with e-news, zoom networking, local tourism representation and social media promotion.” Ms Shaw said. As well the free membership businesses will be listed on the association’s website (mphinterland.com. au) as well as social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@mphinterland). Businesses wanting to receive the benefits of free membership should email info@mphinterland.com.au for an application form.
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SMALL business owners are breathing a sigh of relief after Mornington Peninsula Shire Council knocked back plans to build a large convenience store on a busy corner site at Safety Beach. The council received almost 1000 objections to AA Holdings’ proposal to build a McDonald’s restaurant on the site of the company’s existing BP service station, corner Marine Drive and Nepean Highway. The high level of local opposition prompted the council to hold an online community information session,
sion eyes fast-food outlet” The News 25/8/20) Word of the proposal spread quickly among nearby small business owners who said they feared the fast-food giant would drive them out of business. (“No fries with that” The News 14/7/20). They said heavy traffic and litter would stifle trade and “change the whole dynamics and landscape” of the area. AA Holdings has not commented publicly on its proposal, but it is expected to appeal against council’s decision to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The Beach Patrol Safety Beach/ Dromana social media page lit up with comments when objectors received
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Southern Peninsula News
30 September 2020
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