NEWS DESK Water plan aims for sustainable future
Nominations open for A-Day Awards
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has invited community feedback on its approach to planning and managing water in the face of climate change and population growth. With the green wedge covering 70 per cent of its land area and 192 kilometres of coastline, water and land management plays an important role in the peninsula’s community, economy and environment. The draft integrated water management plan aims to enhance the peninsula’s water supplies by using alternative water resources, such as rainwater and stormwater, to irrigate and drought proof green open spaces; protect the health of waterways, wetlands and bays; reduce flood risks; increase sewerage connections and improve septic management; connect people with waterways, wetlands and green spaces, and use recycled water in agriculture. The draft plan aims to address climate change, urbanisation, population growth, greater demands for food and changing land use. It aims to bring together the shire, partners in water management, and communities, in overcoming challenges in line with local and state government directions. “Climate change, population growth and urbanisation are presenting challenges to water management,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. “Through our draft integrated water management plan we’re aiming to take on the challenges ahead to make sure our peninsula is thriving, healthy and resilient.” Community consultation closes Sunday 17 October. To complete an online form and to view the draft plan visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/waterplan Email submissions with the subject line Integrated Water Management Plan to: water@mornpen.vic.gov.au
JULIE Saunders earned the Mornington Peninsula 2021 Citizen of the Year Award partly for her role in cooking, packing and delivering three-course meals to around 60 needy households every Wednesday. She and a group of dedicated volunteers made 1200 meals which were delivered to mainly older residents during the COVID-19 lockdown. Ms Saunders also acts as an IP, or independent person. This voluntary position administered by the Department of Justice involves making herself available 24/7 to assist 12-17-year-olds who have been arrested. When a parent or guardian is not available an IP sits with that person to help them through the interview. She is a committee member for many local clubs and a keen historian writing several books on the history of Crib Point. Nominations for next year’s Australia Day awards, including community event of the year, are now open. “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to value a member of our community who has gone over and above in these difficult times,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. “If you’ve consistently put others ahead of yourself, served tirelessly and made a difference in our community, you can be nominated and recognised.” Other 2021 winners were Young Citizen of the Year Phoebe McShane; Community Event of the Year, Senior’s High Tea (Mary Budd); Community Spirit Award Josie D’Alia; Lifetime Achievement Award Michael Wunderly; and Lifetime Achievement Award Colin Blythe. Nominations close Friday 5 November. Nominate online at: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ausdayawards or contact Christine Aslanidis 5950 1137 or christine.aslanidis@mornpen.vic.gov.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s 2021 Citizen of the Year Julie Saunders with the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor at this year’s presentations. Picture: Tanya Fry
Attention Schools, sporting clubs & community groups
Share your opinion:
Pets on the Peninsula The new draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines our approach to animal management services, programs and strategies across the Peninsula over the next four years, including: • Responsible pet ownership • Promoting compliance and enhancing education • Improving animal welfare • Supporting a consistent approach to leash free and dog prohibited areas • Increasing pet registration and opportunities for lost pets to be reunited with their owners • Decreasing dog waste in public places • Reducing dog attacks.
We want to hear from you. Whether you own a pet or not, we encourage you to provide your feedback on the draft Plan to help us understand what’s important to you.
How to provide your feedback Online
Hard copy plans and feedback forms available on request. Email
Western Port News 15 September 2021
DAMP@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Write to us Domestic Animal Management Plan Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939
Community consultation is open until Wednesday 22 September 2021.
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mornpen.vic.gov.au/DAMP
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