NEWS DESK
Council offers $2m for COVID-19 relief Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has adopted a $2 million COVID-19 grant scheme as part of its $10 million recovery package adopted earlier this year. The offer of money aims to ease the pain of more than 200 days of lockdown resulting in ongoing financial stress and impacts on wellbeing. The direct payments will be available from next month to eligible businesses, community groups, creatives (individuals and organisations), not for profits and environmental groups. “Council is seriously committed to helping our
community recover from COVID-19,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said. “These grants are just one of the many things we are doing to make a real difference. Information sessions and assistance will be provided to ensure everyone is well supported throughout the application process. “We have expanded some current programs, created new programs and also extended eligibility criteria to ensure great community impact. We have also tightened our internal processing times so we can deliver grants quickly as we work towards a recovered and revitalised peninsula.” The grants’ opening and closing dates are listed on the shire’s website.
COVIDSafe officers TWO COVID-19 education officers have been hired by Mornington Peninsula Shire for six months to help businesses, community groups and event organisers establish COVIDSafe plans and practices. The shire has also partnered with the state government to provide extra resources to help protect customers, staff and members of the public in the pandemic. The officers will help their clients put in place or update COVIDSafe plans as well as provide resources and templates to help with plans and practices. They will also promote safe practices among those in the hospitality industry, at community venues and in small retail settings. Details: visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/ COVIDSafe or call 5950 1000 or 1300 850 600.
“Local economy booster” vouchers are also available. They aim to increase visits and spending at peninsula venues though a reimbursement program for accommodation and attractions in the off-peak season. They are available to peninsula residents aged over 18 and can be used for paid tours and tourism “experiences”, entry fees to attractions and eligible paid accommodation. The shire also has a $100,000 program to support sports and recreation clubs over summer and winter. The shire’s Funding Finder website gives an overview of funding and grants available from state and federal governments, philanthropic organisations as well as the shire.
Reprieve for Otama THE deadline to bring former HMAS Otama submarine ashore has been pushed out to 2 October. Western Port Oberon Association says it has been given a two-week reprieve as it tries to find a way to haul the 1978 submarine out of Western Port and onto land near the Crib Point jetty as part of a marine tourist attraction. Association vice-president Keith Claughton said yesterday (Monday) that consultants were completing plans detailing the work required, timeframes and expected costs of bringing the sub ashore as part of applications for permits from Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning. “If we don’t have approved plans in place to bring it ashore by [2 October] Parks have indicated they will come and take it,” he said. The sub would most likely be towed to Adelaide for scrap metal. Mr Claughton said the association was talking
Eco living online
MANGROVES in Western Port are providing a safe, shallow but temporary mooring to the submarine Otama before it is either towed away for scrap or pulled out of the water on inflatable rollers. Picture: Gary Sissons with a NSW marine salvage company about hauling the vessel ashore on huge airbag rollers at a cost of around $300,000. “What we really have to do is find someone to fund the work – perhaps a tier of government or a wealthy benefactor,” he said. Mr Claughton said having the sub on shore would be “a boon for Hastings and the region as a whole”. “No one here is taking any money; it is all
governed by an Act of Parliament, and we have the RSL, Vietnam Veterans and the Australian-American Association behind us,” he said. Mr Claughton said the association had paid $40,000 to the Navy to have fuel removed from the sub in Fremantle in 2002 before it was towed to Western Port. The 33,600 litres of sulphuric acid-based electrolyte remaining on board is sealed inside two 228.5 tonne batteries serving as part of the vessel’s ballast. Stephen Taylor
KEEPING backyard chickens is the subject of an online workshop next month. The 10.30am-12pm Saturday 2 October session will also cover local laws and guidelines. The cost is $20 a person. A free 7.30-8.45pm, Monday 11 October workshop hosted by Adjunct Professor Susan Burke, will discuss active hope for environmentalists feeling drained from advocating for climate action, conservation or environmental justice. She will cover “active hope”, how to maintain psychological wellness, and suggest ways to help regain strength and motivation. Bookings: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ ecolivingworkshops Details: Jacqui Salter at environmentaleducation@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
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Back In Motion Balnarring 6/2-8 Russell Street backinmotion.com.au/balnarring Western Port News
22 September 2021
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