Western Port
West ern Port
Summer stunner
6 December
2016
> Page 3
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Shire loses way with path charge
Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au
Powering to the top
SOMERS residents are celebrating their win against Mornington Peninsula Shire’s plan to make property owners pay for more than five kilometres of concrete paths through their town. The landmark decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) may have far reaching effects for the shire and any plans it has to build new concrete paths on the peninsula. There were tears of joy and relief from opponents of the plan when VCAT declared late Thursday that the shire’s special charge scheme was “invalid”. Michelle Gregory saw the decision as a “resounding victory for democracy at the local level and proof that the little people have a voice if they put their minds and efforts into it”. “Somers people have realised that they have to fight for the protection and preservation of our precious coastal village,” she said. Infrastructure strategy manager Davey Smith said the shire “acknowledges the ruling
A lone cyclist tackles the road’s sweeping bends as paying customers in the Eagle cable car take 15 minutes to get to the top of Arthurs Seat. The $16 million direct link to the 300 metre summit opened on Saturday and the blue gondolas now run 10am-8pm daily (except Christmas Day). Sue Sharples and her grandson Dusty, above, were able to take the easy and comfortable way to the top while the cyclist, right, worked somewhat harder before he could enjoy to the views of Port Phillip. The Eagle runs along the same route as the former 1960s era chairlift which closed 10 years ago following a 2003 breakdown which left 18 people injured and stranded a further 50. Development of the Eagle was not without controversy as objectors unsuccessfully railed against tree clearing, materials used for summit station, fire dangers and the colour of gondolas. Pictures: Gary Sissons
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handed down by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Council will review the ruling before considering any further action on the matter”. Cr David Gill said it was “pleasing to see local democracy is alive and kicking in Somers, where a community went up against town hall and made a difference”. Cr Gill, elected to Red Hill ward in October, said that despite the win against the shire, he had “concerns about other aspects of our local democracy, especially about the role of councillors in being allowed to represent their community”. Three groups of 325 residents began their David and Goliathstyle battle earlier this year after the shire notified 1245 property owners who received a “special benefit” from the path they must pay between $428 and $1712 to fund half the cost. Lawyer, Somers resident and advocate for two of the three groups opposing the scheme, Chris Atmore, said she believed the win was a “first” in Victoria for residents fighting council-imposed special charge schemes. Continued Page 7
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