NEWS DESK
The point for a camping holiday Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au CAMPERS will be able to savour the delights of a night under the stars at the Old Quarantine Station at Point Nepean from mid-next year. A camp ground is being prepared among the moonah trees as part of the latest phase of the Point Nepean National Park masterplan approved in 2018. (“Plan for Pt Nepean’s future” The News 22/1/18.) Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said at the time that the plan was about “better protecting and con-
serving the Point Nepean National Park – but also making sure visitors can make the most out of this incredible area. “We’re employing new staff and introducing new camping areas to make sure all Victorians can visit this iconic destination – while maintaining its rich history and environment.” Parks Victoria agrees: “We think Point Nepean is a great place for a low-impact camping ground like this one,” district manager Julia Street said. “It will help more Victorians connect with the park and strengthen their support for conserving the natural and cultural landscape for future generations.” The $4.5 million camping ground will have
pre-pitched tents on platforms on the lawn outside the Quarantine Station, established in 1852, and will be designed for those new to camping, Ms Street said. Caravans will not be allowed. “The historic isolation hospital ward will be repurposed to include toilets, showers and a camp kitchen.” The camping ground is expected to open midnext year and run from spring to autumn each year. Bookings can be made through the Parks Victoria website. The second phase of the project will include an expanded camping ground, with tents to the south of the Quarantine Station, as well as a reception, lounge and barbecue deck. It is still in the planning stage. Point Nepean defence and quarantine station is included on the Victorian heritage register for its archaeological, aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific and social significance to Victoria. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning approved the plans for camping as it regards them as “low impact and will allow for continued recreational use of the site”. It said conservation and restoration works would be required on a number of heritage buildings at Point Nepean and significant trees and the broader landscape would need to be protected.
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Western Port News
21 July 2021
Burglary charges DETECTIVES have arrested a man over alleged aggravated burglaries and thefts at two Mount Eliza properties, Monday 12 July. A Warragul man, 38, was picked up at Dandenong a week after he allegedly entered two Old Mornington Road properties and stole items, including $150 cash, speakers, Sony PlayStation, laptop, iPad and radio valued at $4000. He was charged with aggravated burglary, burglary, and two counts of theft and remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court, 29 July. Detective Sergeant Jason Hocking, of Somerville CIU, said he believed the man was involved in the two burglaries in Old Mornington Road. In one of the alleged robberies a furious home owner chased the man around his backyard with a shovel until he escaped – leaving a shoe, torch and knife behind. The Old Mornington Road resident spotted the boot open on one of his cars in the driveway about 9am after he returned from a walk. Realising something was amiss he grabbed the spade and ran into the backyard, shouting to older children inside to “call the police”. A man – caught on CCTV and with a hidden accomplice peeking from a neighbour’s property – straddled a side fence during the hubbub and escaped, leaving the items behind. Residents reported various sightings of two men and detectives are asking anyone with information to call them on 5978 1300 or crimestoppers.com.au