NEWS DESK Somers on show THE best of the community will be on show at the Somers Community Day to be held at Somers primary school on Saturday 13 January between 10am and 3pm. The Community Day will give residents the opportunity to question representatives of the shire and a range of service providers and community organisations. And to make sure that no one goes hungry there will also be a sausage sizzle for visitors. Some of the local organisations that will be represented at the day include the CFA, Hastings Police, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Somers Neighbourhood Watch, Somers Tennis Club, Somers Garden Square Petanque Club, and Balnarring Men’s Probus Club as well as the local environmental and Friends groups. Somers Residents Association president Gerry Lewis said the day was “a great opportunity to keep abreast of what was happening in and around the village as a chance for residents to raise concerns they might have about anything impacting on the local community”. “The SRA is there is listen to concerns Somers residents might have and to take appropriate action where needed. Our close relationship with the shire and its officers means we have good access and are able to advocate strongly for our members,” Mr Lewis said. He said the day, organised by the SRA, was now a key part of the local calendar and allowed SRA committee members to meet members and the wider community as well as helping to make people aware of the various social, sporting and service organisations within the community.
Pedal to power: Kayakers and canoeists, like this one at Mt Martha, can rest easy in the knowledge that they don’t need a permit to small electric motors to supplement their pedalling. Picture: Gary Sissons
Year-long power test for paddlers KAYAKS and canoes can be fitted with small electric motors without being registered. The trial aims to reduce red tape for low-powered vessels travelling up to five knots and ends 31 December. The exemption is for kayaks and canoes with electric motors of up to 40 pounds thrust (or one horsepower or 750 watts). “If the trial period shows that the safety of paddlers is not compromised in any way, this exemption is likely to
become permanent,” Maritime Safety Victoria director Peter Corcoran. “This will also enable an easier process for people taking their paddle craft interstate.” The trial is in response to a recommendation from the Red Tape Commissioner to bring Victorian requirements closer to New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. Mr Corcoran said the benefits of motors are that kayakers and other
paddlers can conserve energy and have some assistance in getting home after their trip. “Maritime Safety Victoria reminds paddlers that the addition of a motor presents different risks while operating their craft, including incorrectly fitting a motor that results in the hull no longer being watertight; travelling beyond competence and capability levels; overestimating the capacity of the kayak to handle conditions further offshore that may change without
warning,” he said. Regulations with which paddlers must comply include wearing a lifejacket, carrying a bailer or bilge pump and a waterproof buoyant torch, having the means of calling for help such as a mobile phone and having an alternative means of propulsion, such as a spare paddle. Safety equipment requirements, and guidance on how to fit a motor is available at: transportsafety.vic.gov. au/msv/paddling
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Southern Peninsula News 9 January 2018