NEWS DESK
MPs urged to think globally, act locally THE Mornington Peninsula is on the front line of the impacts of climate change, a situation not lost on organisers of a climate action open letter to politicians of all persuasions. The group says the peninsula’s ocean and bay frontages and extensive bushland make it vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather, such as bushfires over the 2019/20 summer, and severe storms which struck on Friday 29 October. Letter organiser Amy Gregorovich, a volunteer with Environment Victoria, said: “Our communities have gone through an immensely difficult period with bushfires, the pandemic, and more recently huge storm events. “This pandemic has taught us that we can’t avoid big global threats. Leaders at all levels need to step up to make deep and urgent cuts to greenhouse gas emissions. This is necessary to ensure we avoid the worst climate impacts whilst supporting communities to adapt and thrive. “Urgent action is required to support every local community and every industry across Australia to transition to net zero emissions to slash climate pollution this decade.” In its open letter to the federal government her group of concerned residents, brought together by Environment Victoria as part of a bigger campaign, are asking MPs to “plan for a net zero emission target now”. “Our community’s mental, physical, and economic well-being depends on our leaders embracing
Hospitality courses CHISHOLM TAFE is offering courses in hospitality which may go some way to filling trainee staff shortages on the Mornington Peninsula. The Serving Up Skill courses to be held this month in two sessions aim to help provide staff for businesses about to face an influx of holidaymakers over summer. The second course, over four days (13-17 December) at Rosebud campus, costs $700. The college says financial assistance, support and funding options may be available through an employment service provider or from the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation. The course covers the responsible serving of alcohol, safe food handling, introduction to coffee and simulated cafe practice. Students must be aged 16 and above and scholarships may be available. Details: email workforce.solutions@chisholm.edu.au
Campers return
Plan now: Concerns about climate change have prompted action from Marcus Maginness, Amy Gregorovich, Robyn Ruhl, Pip Coulthurst, Christine Power and Suzy Allain; front: Victor Komarovsky, Elaine Smith, Lucille Watterson and Hayley Perry. Picture: Supplied climate action to aid in our post-COVID recovery,” Ms Gregorovich said. “While Mornington Peninsula Shire has declared a climate emergency, action at the state and federal government level is needed to support and bolster council efforts through statewide and national plans.”
The group launched the letters around Victoria in mid-November and is asking “concerned residents” to sign them. “By signing this letter, you will be joining community members, private industry groups and not-for-profit organisations in calling for federal MPs
and prospective election candidates to take fast and fair climate action,” Ms Gregorovich said. Organisations, business, or community groups wanting to sign the open letter can get in touch at openletter. southeast@gmail.com Stephen Taylor
CAMPERS are returning to the Rye and Sorrento campgrounds reopened following the severe storm that lashed the Mornington Peninsula on Friday 29 October. Tree inspections at the Rosebud and McCrae campgrounds have been completed with crews finishing clean-up works and undertaking final checks on the facilities and infrastructure. The campgrounds will reopen on a staged basis over the next two weeks: McCrae sections 5, 6 and 7 will open Wednesday 8 December; Rosebud sections 10A, 11 and 12 will open Friday 10 December, and sections 4, 9, 10B, 13 and 14 will open Monday 13 December.
what’s on december 14 racing, drinks, food
december 29 lawn bars, food trucks, kids activities, DJ
january 1 Clip Clop Club Family Day, kids rides and attractions, DJ, lawn bars, food trucks
december 14 - january 29
january 9
MORNINGTON R.C.
racing, drinks, food
january 29 buy tickets at mrc.racing.com
lawn bars, food trucks, kids activities, DJ
Southern Peninsula News
8 December 2021
PAGE 17