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Wednesday 16 March 2022
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Politics of the wedge
Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has restated its preference for the peninsula to be “peri-regional”, a classification it says would protect the green wedge and unlock “the significant economic potential of our region”. The peninsula’s green wedge is one of 12 that effectively form a ring around Melbourne outside the urban growth boundaries. Regional areas have rural conservation zones, with fewer planning and use protections. The shire’s statement on Friday follows claims by Liberal and Labor politicians that only their party’s views on its planning status are best for the peninsula, with the green wedge now a political battleground. At the moment the peninsula has green wedge zoned areas, and the Liberal Party says a regional classification, with legislative changes, can provide the same “protections”. Nepean Labor MP Chris Brayne told state parliament last week that the late Alan Hunt, a former Liberal planning minister and father of Flinders MP Greg Hunt, helped establish Melbourne’s green wedge in the 1970s, which was “a key vital planning decision that has [protected the peninsula] from becoming overdeveloped for literally decades”. The Liberals’ regional classification proposal echoes the wishes of business lobby group Committee for Mornington Peninsula, two of whose former members are now standing as Liberal candidates for state and federal parliament. The shire’s (unattributed) statement last week said it too shares “the concerns of [the committee] that the peninsula is disadvantaged by its current metropolitan classification”. In a possibly record-breaking news release (for the eight names it was issued under) from the office of Mr Hunt, the Liberals accused Mr Brayne of having “openly threatened that the Victorian government would act to rescind the Mornington Peninsula Green Wedge if the decision to classify the area as regional is approved”. The “joint” news release from Mr Hunt’s office gave equal billing to retiring MPs Neale Burgess (Hastings), David Morris (Mornington) and Liberal candidates Zoe McKenzie (Flinders), Sharn Coombes (Dunkley), Sam Groth (Nepean), Briony Hutton (Hastings) and Chris Crewther (Mornington). Ms McKenzie was formerly a director of the Committee for Mornington Peninsula and Ms Hutton its executive officer. The shire’s statement said it was a “clarification” of an “interview” broadcast on radio station 3AW but did not quote the interview or name of anyone involved. Continued Page 8
Show day Saturday RED Hill Show drew large crowds on Saturday, with families enjoying the chance to be out in magnificent weather. The show is always a highlight on the Mornington Peninsula calendar, attracting people from all over Victoria. The day was jam packed with things to do, including exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, music and food. And, of course, the chance for children to pat farm animals. Picture: Yanni
COME AND SEE THE CHICKENS ROAMING FREE IN THE PADDOCK!
BARN DOOR SALES MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8AM - 4.30PM AND SATURDAYS 8AM - 12.30PM
Our farm is family owned and managed. We have been producing quality eggs for over 40 years, supplying the public, restaurants and other businesses on the peninsula. Eggs are collected 365 days a year so you can be assured that you are buying the freshest eggs with the best yolk and flavour. Retail and Wholesale from our barn door.
5977 5405
220 Eramosa Road West, Moorooduc. corner of Binnak Way email: admin@somervilleeggfarm.com.au