NEWS DESK
Green light for $95 million Yaringa plan THE state government has given the go ahead for a $95 million extension of Yaringa Boat Harbour, near Somerville. The $95 million harbour expansion was announced by Planning Minister Richard Wynne yesterday (Monday). The announcement follows public consultation, Commonwealth approval and and conditions from an independent panel.
Eastern Victoria Region MP Daniel Mulino said the project included adding 180 wet berths to the existing boat harbour to be accessed along a new channel, 400 new dry berths, 180 tourist accommodation units, new marine services facilities, 120-seat restaurant and a conference centre. “[It] will mean Yaringa is able to satisfy the growing demand for qual-
ity marina berths, undercover storage, repair and maintenance facilities and tourist accommodation in the area,� Mr Mulino said. “This project will generate new jobs on the site and in the local economy. It’s a win for the region and will deliver a real boost to the Western Port area. “We’ve included conditions to ensure this project is built in a way that
respects the surrounding environment, including the wonderful and important Western Port wetlands.� Mr Mulino said up to 860 jobs will be created during the two-year construction period and about 200 jobs once completed. The improvements would reflect community feedback, with continuing public access to the foreshore and across the site, as well as
space for a horse trail on the northern and western boundaries. “The project will be developed in a way that is sensitive to the surrounding marine environment, including the ecologically important Western Port RAMSAR site,� he said. “It will not impact on the operating hours or potential expansion of the nearby Port of Hastings.� Stephen Taylor
Children, hot cars don’t go together
Kyle Piscopo and friend
John Greenall
Weather no match for style SUNDAY was a day of contrasts for racegoers at the Ladbrokes Peninsula Cup. Sunny and warm turned to rain, windy and cold by the time of the feature race. While the 1600 metre cup was won by Master Reset, followed by Coldstone and Inspector, two-legged entrants in the Ladbrokes Peninsula Cup Style Stakes had been pictured showing off their wares in the warm and dry surroundings of a photographic studio. The 184 style entrants chose what they saw as their three best shots and submitted them to the judges. Judge Janice Breen Burns said that despite the day’s four seasons “the enthusiasm that came through the camera lens proved that the digital entry mechanic was a hit with racegoers�. “The energy and thrill of all those who entered was obvious when looking through the entries,� she said. “What we saw today was a very sleek and elegant selection of women, men and squads.� John Greenall won the men’s fashion stakes, Blanch Milford the women’s and Kyle Piscopo and a friend in the squads.
Blanch Milford
WHO would leave a child alone in a car on a hot day? No-one would be silly enough do that, would they? Sadly, quite a few people do – and this time of year the warmer weather makes incidents even more dangerous. “This practice is completely unacceptable,â€? Mornington fire station officer Simon Mildren said. “Many people are unaware of the high temperatures that can occur in a brief moment of sun exposure on a locked vehicle. It can take only minutes for the temperature in a car to become dangerous and life threatening. “The message needs to be clear: Do not leave kids or animals in unattended vehicles.â€? Mr Mildren said fire brigades along the peninsula had already handled a spate of incidents this spring. “The public does not give this issue the importance it deserves.â€? He offered these tips: ď Ž Never let your kids play with your car keys; ď Ž Never let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them a vehicle is not a play area; ď Ž If you have to put your keys down while you load the vehicle then put them in the ignition or on the roof of the car; ď Ž Call 000 immediately if you have locked someone in a vehicle, as minutes can save lives. Mr Mildren urged people in a life-threatening situation to not wait for the emergency services to arrive. “They should get into the car to help the child or animal, even if that means breaking a window,â€? he said. “If you see a child left alone in a hot vehicle, always make sure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 000 immediately.
“If the child appears to be OK, try to find the parents; if the child is not responsive and appears in great distress, attempt to get into the car to assist the child, even if that means breaking a window.� Stephen Taylor
Eyewatch link to crime and safety MORNINGTON Peninsula residents can access the police Eyewatch page on Facebook to keep track of crime and community safety information. Victoria Police has been using the platform since 2012 and now has 200,000 followers across 22 Eyewatch pages – with the 23rd page focusing on the peninsula. Inspector Karen Nyholm said the Eyewatch page would give police and the community another way to connect. “It’s a massive plus for the community, allowing residents to interact with their local police online,� she said. “We want to give the people of the peninsula an opportunity to contribute to the safety of their community and stay up-to-date with the activity of their local police. “By working together and sharing information, police and residents can make Mornington and surrounding areas safer, as well as more community-minded. “The Eyewatch pages have proven to be a successful tool in identifying offenders, solving crimes and finding missing people.� “Eyewatch should not be used for reporting crime or as a replacement for calling Triple 000 in an emergency,� media officer Luke Zammit said.
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK Western Port News 1 November 2016
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