NEWS DESK
Drinking takes a dive at The Pillars PERMANENT bans on alcohol are among a range of tough rules designed to crack down on anti-social behaviour at youth hot-spot The Pillars. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bryan Payne said the bans at the popular rock jumping spot and surrounding streets have been introduced in time for the warmer months and the holiday season. “These bans will help prevent the types of illegal behaviour that have become widespread at The Pillars through reducing alcohol-related incidents, improve public safety and amenity and protect the environment and overall community interest,” he said. “Council continues to work hard to protect the safety of people and the amenity of our local residents.” The permanent alcohol ban follows a six-month trial from November 2016 to April 2017 after which the council increased powers for police to seize alcohol and fine drinkers. It comes alongside traffic counts in Deakin Drive, Marguerita Av, the Esplanade service road (off Marguerita), Two Bays Crescent and Lempriere Av, as well as an investigation into the installation of pedestrian counters at
three main entry points at The Pillars. Other new measures include counts of parked vehicles in surrounding streets; patrols and enforcement of parking infringements; weekly hand litter collections in Marguerita and Deakin avenues; rubbish collection in response to complaints logged with the shire and rapid response to collect litter from residents that collect litter onsite at The Pillars. Solar powered 40km signs will also be reinstalled.
Justices on call EXTRA days have been added for justices of the peace and bail justices to take affidavits, statutory declarations and to certify national and international documents at Mornington Peninsula police stations. The times are: Frankston - weekdays 10am-3pm; Mornington - Mondays and Thursdays 11am- 2pm; Rosebud - Mondays and Thursdays 11am-2pm; Hastings Wednesdays 5-7pm; Carrum Downs - Mondays and Thursdays 5-7pm. Justices may also be found by searching the internet for “find a JP Victoria” or call 1300 365 567.
Dead whale left on the rocks Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A DEAD whale found washed up at the base of the Jubilee Point cliffs at Sorrento back beach Monday 27 November will be left to rot. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Parks Victoria decided last week “after assessing all the options” to leave the Bryde’s whale where it was. “Moving a whale is a complex task and many options were discussed, including moving the whale offsite to either bury on a beach or in landfill, cutting up the carcass and even exploding [it],” DELWP spokesperson, Dan White said.
“None of these were safe options as they pose unacceptable risks to the community, environment and staff.” Diamond Bay beach has been closed to swimmers and a 300 metre exclusion zone has been set up around Jubilee Point. Mr White said whale remains were protected by law and must not be interfered with. Pathogens from the whale carcass could be harmful to people and there is an increased risk of sharks feeding near the beach. “We have decided the only viable option, at this stage, is to leave the whale where it is and allow it to naturally decay,” Mr White said. “The sheltered nature of where the whale is means the decay process will take some time –
potentially many weeks. We will continue to explore options to assist in the decomposition process. “The whale (Balaenoptera edeni) has already begun to emit a strong odour, which will increase as it decomposes. The odour is unpleasant, but not toxic, and will likely impact the areas around Sorrento – particularly properties south of Melbourne Rd between Ronald Av and Ivanhoe St. “Afternoon sea breezes, common to the area, may spread the odour inland. Residents in the impacted area [should] keep windows closed and washing off the line during the afternoon or on days of southerly winds.” Entangled whales can be reported to the emergency hotline 1300 136 017.
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Southern Peninsula News 5 December 2017
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