Call for comment on The Pillars Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A PLAN to oversee public access to The Pillars and identify ways to manage its hordes of visitors while protecting cultural and environmental values is up for public comment. Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges that the effect of visitors on the vulnerable site – and its impact on residents – is “still a major issue for council”. The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said given the increasing popularity of the site “we need to protect it from further impact”. “This plan aims to achieve this.” Input for the plan has so far come from DELWP, Parks Victoria, Bunurong Land Council, Victoria Police, VicRoads, Ambulance Victoria, Mt Martha CFA, Mt Martha LSC, Life Saving Victoria and the community. “From feedback we’ve received to date, measures implemented by council have reduced the impacts to local residents,” Cr Payne said. “We encourage the community to continue providing feedback on issues associated with … the site as well as providing comments on the draft plan.” Strategies to control visitors over summer included installing 40kph speed signs; warning signs; parking restrictions and No Stopping signs from November-April and alcohol bans.
Boardwalk on backburner NO decision has been made by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on building a boardwalk to link The Pillars with beach access points, and reducing the number of people walking along the Esplanade. Property and strategy manager Yasmin Woods said last week: “At its meeting on 22 May council decided: That it is noted the draft long term management plan makes it clear that council has not, at this stage, considered or made decisions in relation to the boardwalk.” She said actions that have been taken are listed at mornpen.vic.gov.au/thepillars. Bollards were installed along the Esplanade to prevent parking and create room for pedestrians and traffic counts and parking surveys were held at peak times in surrounding streets to gauge traffic impacts. Parking patrols were held three times a day, seven days a week in peak periods and litter patrols increased. Following the public exhibition the feedback will be reviewed and, possibly, incorporated in the plan. Community comment is open until 15 July. Residents can contribute online at mornpen.vic. gov.au/haveyoursay Surveys are also available in hard copy at the shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville. Post to: Jeska Dee, The Pillars Mount Martha Long Term Management Plan, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939.
Cultural experience: An Aboriginal dancer celebrates the year’s achievements at Rosebud Memorial Hall. Picture: Supplied
Reconciliation celebration looks to future
MEMBERS of the Mornington Peninsula’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community celebrated National Reconciliation Week at the Rosebud Memorial Hall, Tuesday 22 May. The Warringinee Group presented on what has been achieved in the community over the past year and what its members are working towards this year. The group supports cultural diversity and promotes understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said it was “fantastic” to hear from the group about its successes and plans. “We are committed to continuing our active engagement, consultation and partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and business
groups – especially as we work on the development of the new Reconciliation Action Plan 2018-2022.” Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee representative Cr Sam Hearn said it was “wonderful hearing about how the Warringinee Group is working hard on improving health literacy, cultural safety and family engagement”. Deborah Mellett, Aboriginal health coordinator – Aboriginal Early Years, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate achievements. “It has been a great experience engaging with the wider community in our Reconciliation Action Plan community consultations.” Residents can comment on the new Reconciliation Action Plan until 5pm, Sunday 10 June. Visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Surviving and thriving with cancer WHEN Somers local Linda Wilson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer six years ago, she made a decision to live life to the fullest. She has been able to do just that while staying in her local community, thanks to the oncology team at Frankston Hospital. “The five-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is 7%,” explains the 61-yearold mother of three. “Being a nurse and knowing what pancreatic cancer is like I decided from the day I was diagnosed that I wasn’t going to waste a minute of it being miserable.” “I was told my cancer was incurable so I asked the question that you don’t really like to ask – I was told I probably had 6-12 months, if I was lucky.” However just over five years later Linda has beaten the odds, after receiving a number of different treatments at Frankston Hospital. “I’d been on chemotherapy for a while but then the team looking after me felt that particular drug wasn’t working as effectively, so I was prescribed another treatment and now my tumour markers are right down,” explains the grandmother of six. “The treatment is a maintenance program which holds my cancer at bay – it’s still an ongoing fight to keep it that way.” The team at Frankston Hospital is up to the challenge and is doing everything it can to support Linda so she can continue nursing part time and enjoying her favourite past time – fishing in
her kayak. “The oncologist who is looking after me sent my tumour overseas to have it tested to see whether there were any other drugs that could help me or whether any of the clinical trials that are on offer at the moment are suitable for me,” explains Linda. “They have recently found a clinical trial that is suitable for me. However since the treatment I’m on is currently working I don’t need to go on it right now. It is nice to know though that there are still other options available if this drug stops being effective.” Linda agrees that she would not be able to keep working and spend as much time fishing and with her family if she couldn’t get care close to home at Frankston Hospital. Demand continues to grow for the oncology service, which is why Peninsula Health is asking the community to Take a Break for Cancer and raise funds to expand cancer services on the Peninsula so that more people like Linda can get the world class care and support they need, close to home. “A lot of people are touched by family and friends who need to access the cancer service,” explains Linda. “It’s very important people support their local hospital.” Take a Break for Cancer today by hosting your own fundraising event or making a donation online at takeabreakforcancer.org.au.
Wednesday 20 June 2018 • 12 pm – 2 pm $65 per person/$600 for table of 10 Functions by the Bay, Young St & Plowman Pl, Frankston Take a Break for Cancer with Hawthorn Football Club legends Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico & Gary “Bucky” Buckenara to raise funds for your local cancer services at Frankston & Rosebud Hospitals.
Buy your tickets today www.takeabreakforcancer.org.au
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Western Port News
5 June 201821/5/18 PAGE 6:2613 pm