Stormwater trap pit lid - Preston Market 23 Feb 2013
"We rubbish our streets we rubbish our creeks"
What's beneath this pit lid and whats this got to do with your beaches in the outer South East?
30 years of free T-shirts, talk and hard yakka by volunteers like the Merri Creek Management Committee (who did this moasic in 1996) have failed to protect our bays and beaches from Melbourne's trash because of cost shifting, negligence and second rate infrastructure.
Click here to see more (and whats below the pit lid)
What's beneath this pit lid and whats this got to do with your beaches in the outer South East?
30 years of free T-shirts, talk and hard yakka by volunteers like the Merri Creek Management Committee (who did this moasic in 1996) have failed to protect our bays and beaches from Melbourne's trash because of cost shifting, negligence and second rate infrastructure.
Click here to see more (and whats below the pit lid)
Sewerage overflows foul Frankston and Kingston Beaches
Bay beaches a bed for bugs The Age March 30 Georgia Wilkins and Dewi Cooke The Age collected three months of data from the Environmental Protection Authority's daily beach reports and found that, from December to February, Frankston Beach had the worst forecasts in the bay, with a recording station at Frankston Life Saving Club hitting 16 days of ''poor'' quality, and six of ''unacceptable'' quality. Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bay-beaches-a-bed-for-bugs-20120329-1w192.html#ixzz1qY4UzhG8 |
Casey Council in secret deal over harassment complaint Herald Sun March 25, 2012 Peter Rolf "THE boss of one of the biggest local councils in Victoria has struck a secret deal with a former female employee who sued the council accusing him of sexual harassment" http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/council-in-secret-deal-over-complaint/story-fn7x8me2-1226309127675 And also (full story with source document) "NEAR FATAL ATTRACTION: Powerful Casey council boss Mike Tyler’s unwanted sexual attentions nearly drove council worker to suicide" VEXNEWS ⋅ March 28, 2012 "In this case, it appears the scandal was not referred to the council, even in confidential session, until many months after it was settled, and even then none of the sordid details you will see here were passed on to the councillors." http://www.vexnews.com/2012/03/near-fatal-attraction-powerful-casey-council-boss-mike-tylers-unwanted-sexual-attentions-nearly-drove-council-worker-to-suicide/ |
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Below - Map of mean water movement in Port Phillip (EPA Publication 1378, Port Phillip & Western Port Receiving Water Quality Monitoring etc)
Link - Read this report for more info on water movement in the Bay |
Frankston Council ravages iconic Kananook Creek Reserve
Locals gobsmacked by council clearing - "We want answers"
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From this (yet to be cleared)-
To this - (great site lines for a bike path)
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Twin tower proposal for Mentone Bowl site sparks church outrage
Mordiallioc Chelsea Leader 4/4/11
Pace Development Group has submitted plans to Kingston Council for a $30 million development that includes an 8 and a 12-storey tower for the historic Mentone Bowl site on the corner of Nepean Highway and Warrigal Roads Mentone. Father John Walsh of St Patrick’s Catholic Church and Primary School in Childers St says the church and school would be "dwarfed by the apartment towers" and says "the ‘‘ridiculous’’ development would ruin the area." Read More |
Wanted - good home for Dandy's iconic piggy.
Dandnong Weekly 4/4/11
Victoria's oldest animated neon sign is the Dandy Ham and Bacon sign. To baby boomers who grew up in the south east it should be as familiar as the clock faced "traffic lights" that once graced the Nepean Highway at Chelsea. Mr. Pig is in mothballs post his relocation from the renovated Dandenong Market. The Council is calling for suggestions for his relocation. Read More |
Melbourne Water invites your say on your local and regional waterways
source - Melbourne Water website
Welcome to Melbourne Water's online forum where you can tell us what you think about your local waterways, and what we can do to make them better. What you tell us here will inform the development of our new Healthy Waterways Strategy, which will guide investment in rivers, creeks, wetlands and estuaries in our region from July 2013 to June 2018. So use the forum and/or survey below to tell us what you value most about waterways you know. Be among the first 100 to take part and you will receive a free Healthy Waterways Kit. Make sure you sign up for the appropriate catchment forum if your comments relate to a specific area. Find your catchment using the "Which catchment do you live in?' tool on the right of your screen. If your comments don't relate to a specific region, then join the general forum. Follow this link for further information |
Debt and welfare burden hits outer burbs
Age 3/4/11 (Farrah Tomazin "Melbourne's outer suburbs are at a ‘‘tipping point’’, with an
unprecedented rise in the number of families facing bankruptcy or
seeking financial counselling, food vouchers or emergency housing every
week"
The paper reports Melbourne’s population is growing "faster than any other Australian city" and finds that that welfare agencies in some key growth corridors including Casey and Cardinia are "having to support more struggling families than ever". The Casey North Community Information and Support Service gave away food vouchers to more than 373 households in February. Read more (Age) |
Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve - Parks Victoria's proposed fenced shared user pathway. (dog wars take 2)
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Davidson slams desal deal in Age
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Cranbourne Gas-leak residents win $23.5m payout
Age March 25, 2011 Hundreds of residents affected by a methane gas leak in Cranbourne will share more than $20 million in compensation paid by Casey Council and the Environment Protection Authority Read Age story Background and interviews Gas-leak win threat to councils
Jason Dowling and Adrian Lowe Age March 26, 2011 "Hundreds of residents of the estate - who were forced to evacuate after dangerously high levels of methane gas were detected in their homes in September 2008, due to methane gas leaks from a former landfill nearby - are poised to collect up to $130,000 each as part of the proposed Supreme Court settlement." Read Age story |
Hooded Plovers Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis.
Mayday 25/3/11 There are about 500 Hooded Plovers left in Victoria. About 50 of call the the south-east's Nepean National Park beaches home. This season about 150 eggs were layed but only 9 chicks fledged. The species is cited as being endangered by the Federal and state governments. DSE's Flora and Fauna Guarentee Action statement says "Breeding success is very low to extremely low on beaches frequently visited by people and dogs" Malcolm Brown from the Friends of the Hooded Plover says we can do better and that Parks Victoria should ban dogs from national park beaches while the birds breed. Strangly, DSE's Action statement advises "On the recommendation of DSE and the local conservation society, and in response to other public comment, the Shire of Phillip Island has banned dogs during the breeding season on five beaches used by Hooded Plovers".. hello Parks Victoria, is any one home? More on Hooded Plovers & Mike Hast's full interview with Malcolm Brown Audio - Malcolm Brown grab "Its not hard to control dogs in a national park" |
Bandicute - safe and sound at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens
Southern Brown Bandicoot - (Isoodon obesulus)
Once common across the south east. Just one of the suite of small marsupials that have dissapeared from our landscape ove the past 50 years. Photo - Alison Kuiter |
This young southern brown bandicoot was photographed at the Cranbourne Botanical Gardens on Wednesday 16th
March. They are regular visitors to the picnic area.
"The Gardens are ringed by a predator proof fence. There is a strict fox and cat control program and, no dogs or bikes..... sounds like a good recipe for making lots of baby bandicutes... maybe Parks Victoria should try this at The Pines, Devilbend, Langwarrin, Frankston Reservoir and Braeside Park and we might have lots of animals and reptiles re-inhabiting these areas." - AK In the 1970's the southern brown bandicoot was commonly seen at golf courses and in many reserves from Cheltenham to Frankston. Its last refuge south of Melbourne was the Pines Flora and Fauna reserve in Frankston. In 1997 Sally Kimber (Deakin Uni) live captured 14 individual bandicoots at this site. A year later the population was described as being the biggest on the peninsula. A recent comprehensive survey found a single hair. Experts blame foxes for its demise. They say the reserve's management has been inconsistant with the reserve's status and that the animal's current situation in the Pines is a question of negligence. (More coming on bandicoots in the south east) |
Marine parks black hole - $38.1 million aquitted by DSE 2003/2010, Auditor General finds only $3.8million spent by Parks Victoria
Mayday 8/3/11
“Environmental Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)” is 44 page report prepared by Victorian Auditor General, Des Pearson. It offers a scathing insight into the workings of the two key agencies responsible for the management of Victoria’s natural assets, public land and biodiversity. This is the fifth report detailing systemic failure in biodiversity management and administration since 1995.
The report finds that $37.1 million was paid to Parks Victoria over a 7 year period to manage the Victorian Government’s Marine Protected Areas but that only $3.8 million was spent on their management. It also finds that the balance of the money, ($34.3 million) was diverted to works that Parks Victoria couldn’t identify. Ramifications cited by the AG include biosecurity, enforcement and management.
“Environmental Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)” is 44 page report prepared by Victorian Auditor General, Des Pearson. It offers a scathing insight into the workings of the two key agencies responsible for the management of Victoria’s natural assets, public land and biodiversity. This is the fifth report detailing systemic failure in biodiversity management and administration since 1995.
The report finds that $37.1 million was paid to Parks Victoria over a 7 year period to manage the Victorian Government’s Marine Protected Areas but that only $3.8 million was spent on their management. It also finds that the balance of the money, ($34.3 million) was diverted to works that Parks Victoria couldn’t identify. Ramifications cited by the AG include biosecurity, enforcement and management.
- "it is evident that the existing funding to marine parks has been redirected to other priorities in Parks Victoria. A critical action is to clearly identify the ongoing funding for marine parks from within the budget received from DSE and articulate the labour resources that regions and divisions must maintain’.
- …despite the initial intent and established program, resources for the delivery of the marine program have declined as resources have been redirected to other priorities across Parks Victoria. Accordingly the Marine NVM Funding Case developed through this process identified the resource requirements to deliver priority programs established for marine values management, effectively $4.6 million dollars per annum’.
Mayday SENews Updates 2/3/11
"The Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby has slammed calls for a fence
to be built around a new (Mount Eliza) coastal reserve to prevent access by gay men".
Read Gay furore looms at Mt Eliza beach(Mornington Leader 28/2/11 Developer threatens to pull pin on Section 173 Agreement - has he regegged on community commitment? Read Mt Eliza Coastal Reserve deal under threat (Mornington Leader 28/2/11) Download developers flier offering land, vegetation study and remediation Read January Mayday Story & view document archive |
Norman Lodge (photo - MEAG)
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Casey urban designs ignored flood threat says expert
Dr Alan March of the University of Melbourne says greater credence needed to be given to flood modelling by planning authorities in Melbourne's south-east. "A lot of the time, there hasn't been [flood] controls over land," he said. "The developer hasn't been required to consider it in the way they design. And the council hasn't had a trigger to think about the way they do it." That 'trigger' came a month ago when areas of Casey were inundated on the weekend of the 5th, putting many roads and businesses out of action."People are surprised when floodplains flood, but look at the topography - it's a floodplain. "As the population boom continues in the south-east, flood problems are likely to worsen." Read more in Casey Weekly 28/2/11 |
Focus shifts to long-term flood plan for Bangholme
"For the most part it’s back to normal for flood-affected Bangholme and Dandenong South residents. Engineering services director Bruce Rendall said he expected the clean-up to cost council more than $100,000. The focus now shifts onto the long-term, despite a range of stop-gap measures already in place or in the pipeline." Read Dandenong Leader 28/2/11 |
Brian's (un)happy holiday snaps of Portsea Beach -(photos Brian Walters SC)
Victorian Government Water Company spills dump sewage & litter on beaches & paddocks
- Residents want to know, "Are we protected from riverine flooding & sewerage spills?" Mayday 21/2/11 On the night of Friday the 4th of February and the morning of the 5th, black water from Melbourne Water's Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) flooded Thompson’s Road Bangholme between the East link overpass and Frankston Freeway and inundated the paddocks to the south. The area drains to Kananook Creek and from there to Seaford and Frankston Beaches. On the afternoon of the 5th a filthy plume eminating from Kananook Creek extended from Oliver’s Hill to Frankston Beach. People were swimming and paddling, dinghies were being launched at the Frankston Yacht Club and several jet skis were observed leaving the creek. On the 10th of February, the EPA advised Mayday-SENews that Melbourne Water had not notified the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of the ETP spill. However, Melbourne Water say it’s the EPA’s responsibility to issue beach warnings. Amazingly, with EPA enterococci counts spiking at Carrum, Mordiallioc, Aspendale and Mentone, Frankston Council, without querying EPA test results post the deluge, gave Frankston Beach the all clear for weekend bathers. To the immediate north, Kingston City Council is reported by Leader news as having spent spent over $100k picking up trash and sharps from its beaches which eminated from drains managed by Melbourne Water. In 2005, Frankston Council and Parks Victoria spent simmilarly post an inundation event which Melbourne Water quoted as a 1 in 100 year event. Additionally, there were two major discharges of raw sewerage in the region. One in the vicinity of Edithvale and Wells Roads saw the extensive inundation of properties in Soden Road Bangholm. Another occurred in the vicinity of Homestead/Greenpatch Drives Bangholme where one resident is complaining of open sores having had contact with what he later found to be effluent. These overflows were reported by South East Water to the EPA on Sunday the 6th. Other "spills" are known to have occurred at Patterson Lakes and in other parts of Kingston - none have been reported yet by the metropolitan media. Read full story Sewage dangers hosed down (there were none) - Frankston Weekly EPA Beach Test Results (Download) Dandy Leader EPA Bangholm Story - "Bangholm contamination no worse than beach" (Download) Kingston's $100k plus beach clean up bill (Mordiallioc Leader) Early estimates put Cardinia Council’s flood damage bill at more than $5 million. (Casey Leader) AUDIO - Soden Road Bangholme - 19 days of silence over sewerage inundation - Ch7 investigative report 25/2/11 |
Above Eastern Treatment Plant from Thompson's Road Bangholme Below Dandenong Creek at Pillars Crossing 5/2/11 -
(photos Alan Hood above & Parki below) See full story for more images |
FLOODS - Water water everywhere
Mayday 11/2/11 Extensive flash and riverine flooding occurred in both the Dandenong Valley and Kooweerup Swamp regions. The Eastern Treatment Plant flooded last Friday night (4/2/11). Effluent was discharged to local drains and to Frankston and Kingston Beaches. No health warnings have been issued. Melbourne Water say it's the EPA's responsibility. Requests for details from the EPA remain unanswered. Homes & critical community infrastructure were flooded in Dandenong, Rowville, Keysborough, Noble Park, Cranbourne, Hampton Park, Narre Warren South, Berwick, Lyndhurst and Pakenham and other places. Kooweerup was evacuated and there are reported to be extensive crop losses. Willow Lodge retirement village was threatened by Eumemmering Creek and cars were "drowned" in Frankston Dandenong Road. With 1/3 of the rain recorded in December 1934 event, the levy bank at Pillars Crossing (where Dandenong Creek is channelled to Paterson River) came to within 200 millimetres of overflowing. Storm water pumps failed in Seaford, Carrum and at Willow Lodge retirement village where a cabin was lost. Melbourne Water blame a 1 in 500 year event. Mayday says that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to relive it. More to come - see links for photos Alan Hood's photos Casey Floods Feb 2011 Facebook page (thanks RD) Cranbourne Leader Leader photos Keysbourough & Noble Park Leader photos Dandenong Casey Weekly - Kooweerup stories and photos Pakenham Gazette flood stories Flood Impacts Yarra Ranges (Samantha Dunn's Face Book Page) Impacts on Chelsea - Chelsea SES Up to 20 tonnes of rubbish washed on to Kingston beaches - beach closed (Mordy Leader14/2/11) 1934 flood stories |
1934 flood line in Kooweerup - Alan Hood
Dandenong Creek post peak at Pillars Crossing Bangholme - Alan Hood
Army Duck Mcleod Rd. Carrum 1952 (Chelsea Historical Society)
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Frankston Council silent on McClelland Drive land clearing
Mayday 11/2/11 For the second time in three years a 3 hectare site at 565 McClelland Drive Langwarrin has been cleared of all native vegetation. The Green Wedge site is adjacent to the sensitive Pobblebonk Wetlands. The site was first cleared in July 2007. Nearmap images indicate that the site was again bulldozed sometime between the 20th of November the 24th of December 2010. Frankston Council has not responded to requests from this publication for further information or a similar request made by the Defenders of the South East Green Wedge who have called on the Council to impose maximum penalties. It is understood that subsequent to the 2007 clearing Frankston Council prosecuted the owner who was given a good behaviour bond, fined, ordered to reinstate the damaged wetland areas and allow natural regrowth to occur. The site is zoned Rural Conservation Zone 3. and covered by Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1. The main objectives of this zoning is to protect the rural break between Frankston and Langwarrin and to protect remnant native vegetation. The maximum penalty for illegally removing vegetation in Victoria is $136,000. Unconfirmed reports say that the property's owner Hasstta Holdings Pty Ltd. may be seeking to have the property rezoned. See other images |
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Council rates rocket in Victoria post local government reform
An analysis undertaken of rates and waste management charges levied by 67 of 79 of Victoria's council's and shires reveals that Council rates across the state have sky rocked well and truly beyond inflation. Over the 10 years between 2000/2001 and 2010/2011 the average rate notice is up 94%. The Reserve Bank's inflation calculator benchmarks inflation for the period at 34%. The research was undertaken by Dr. Alan Nelson from the Southern Peninsula Rate Payers and Residents Association In 2000/01, the median rate for the municipalities surveyed was $705. For 2010/11 it was $1371. Topping the list of increases in the period in the outer South East is Bass Coast at 144% with Frankston second at 110%. In June 2008 the Victorian Auditor General Des Pearson tabled a report entitled "Performance Reporting in Local Government". Mr.Pearson found that "the councils’ performance statements generally fail key tests of usefulness. They contain information that is largely irrelevant and inappropriate to users’ needs. The failure to include critical performance information and explanations makes it difficult for ratepayers and residents to hold their elected representatives fully accountable". |
Carers missing out
Hundreds of grandparents who are primary carers for their grandchildren could be missing out on vital Centrelink payments because they do not know they are eligible. Centrelink says with the cost of living today, caring grannies should see what they are entitled to. Story coming on the Grumpy Grannies support group. Read more Leader News 27/1/11 |
Myxo virus hits pet bunnies - call for deregulation of vacine
Four of Michelle Blake’s 11 rabbits had to be put down in the past two weeks after they contracted myxomatosis and she fears the other seven will face a similar fate. Michelle has launched a petition pressing the State government to allow the vaccination of domestic rabbits for myxo. Read More Cranbourne Leader 27/11/11 |
Transport grief continues in growth corridor
Peak hour traffic has been at a standstill for more than a week on the Monash Freeway near Clyde Rd, Berwick. One man said he had been trapped for more than an hour last Thursday. “It’s just like the old days before they spent billions widening it to make sure this wouldn’t happen. Read More Cranbourne Leader 27/11/11 - Nadja Poljo |
Kingston CEO calls on State for kinder cash
A boom in kinder enrolments is stressing kinders in Kingston. Enrolments are up more than 100 this year & 41 kids are unplaced. Mentone, Parkdale, and Mordialloc are hardest hit. CEO Nevins calls on the State Government to fund more kindergartens and teachers. Read More Mordiallioc/Chelsea Leader 27/1/11 Jesse Wray-McCann |
People Smuggling - the Dandenong connection
"The biggest Australian-based smuggling operation is believed to be run from a series of nondescript shop fronts in Dandenong, home to thousands of Afghan refugees, many of Hazara ethnicity. It is believed to have generated tens of millions of dollars in profit in the past two years." Read More Age 29/1/11 |
Mayday-SENews
See Below for: Can solar energy deliver power and hot water in the dark? Hastings Port operator busted Community Bank for Hampton Park SEITA prosecuted for enviro offence in western subs AMP Investments short sheets retail tenants in Cranbourne on leases |
Can solar energy deliver electricity and hot water in the dark?
Mayday 281/08 “Of course.” says, Stephen Bradbury, Executive Director of Frankston based Solar Flare International Limited. “Our Thermal batteries store heat during the day that is drawn on at night to generate power, heat water, space heating and cooling.” The principle has been successfully applied to base load solar power stations in South Australia, Spain, the United States and Middle East but not on a domestic scale. The thermal battery was invented by two men from Frankston Victoria. Read More |
Trial thermal battery at Mount Eliza
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Hastings Port operator busted for OH&S related discrimination
THE Port of Hastings stevedore, Patrick Stevedoring, has been convicted and fined $180,000 after being found guilty of discriminating against a worker who raised health and safety concerns at the Geelong dock. Peninsula Weekly 26/1/11 |
Community Bank push in Hampton Park
Former Cranbourne MP Gary Rowe and the Hampton Park Progress Association push for community bank branch of the Bendigo Bank. 80 per cent of profits go back to communit projects. Carrum Downs Community Bank branch has returned more than $1 million to the community over the past 11 years. Casey Weekly 26/11/11 |
Dust and odour top EPA complaints in Hobson's Bay
THE Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) received more than 800 from the Hobson's bay area last year. “In 2010, EPA had three successful prosecution outcomes against SITA Australia Pty Ltd and Swift Australia (Southern) Pty Ltd,” Star Williamstown/Altona/Laverton (26/1/11) |
Pakenham Stock agents "rustling" cattle for Flood Relief
GIPPSLAND farmers are being urged to donate a cow for three special sales that will assist Queensland farmers affected by floods. The eight stock and station agents at Pakenham are organising sales of donated livestock on 14, 15 and 17 February. Pakenham/Berwick Gazette (26/1/11) |
More waste management woes in Casey
Cranbourne residents have threatened to take Casey Council to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal if it fails to shut down the Cemetery Road transfer station, which they say is causing health problems. Read story Cranbourne Weekly 26/1/11 |
AMP Investments curtails leases in central Cranbourne from 5 years to 1 year.
"We were just told 'take it or leave it'.' My full savings are here in the business. All my lifelong savings are here." Read story Cranbourne Weekly (26/1/11) |
Floods - It happened here in December 1934. - Are we prepared and what have we forgotten?
Mayday 25/1/11
History records the major flood event of December 1934 as being the most devastating on record in the South East and South, West and East Gippsland. There were other major events in 1891 and 1952. The livelihoods of tens of thousands of people was decimated at the peak of the Great Depression. This was despite 50 years of flood mitigation work in the Dandenong Valley/Carrum and Koowerup Swamps. The worst hit communities ranged from Mordialloc to Seaford (see Carrum Carrum swamp flood history link) and the communities of the Koowerup Swamp where Kooweerup residents reported 75mm of water in their streets at 8 am Saturday morning. 45 minutes later was over 2 metres deep. Iona, Catani and other swamp villages were similarly effected as were large areas of the Latrobe Valley. From the Koowrerup area alone, six people were reported drowned and 2000 as being homeless. Across the state it was estimated that by Sunday night about 5000 were in receipt of emergency aid. 800 were from Chelsea where water was later reported as being approximately 7metres deep. Read full story |
Chelsea 1950. 1 in 50 event. Click to see 1934 floodline
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Frankston's Nepean Highway - Golden Mile or Rusty Row?
Mayday 20/1/11 For what many believe should be the south east's golden mile, Frankston's Nepean Highway north of its Central Activities district is proving to be a sticky wicket for developers, the Frankston City Council and the community it services. A quick and dirty survey of the 5 kilometer length of Nepean Highway between Eel Race Road Carrum and Beach Street Frankston reveals over 25 vacant allotments, some with highly visible derelict buildings; many with permits for medium density development that date back to 2002 inclusive of a number consolidated sites, some of which are over 3000m2. Residents point to Frankston's planning scheme as being as being the route cause of the problem and say it stems from Frankston Council's initial decision to earmark the strip for higher density development in 1999/2000 without full understanding strategic decisions implications. Read the story & see more pix |
Another Peninsula Link consortia (Southern Way) Surprise
Mayday 19/1/11 Asphalt supplier Boral has applied to the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for approval for a temporary plant that will supply asphalt for the Peninsula Link project. The proposed site is the Aiden Graham quarry in McClelland Drive Langwarrin which is in the Frankston green wedge. The plant would be commissioned by June 2011 with delivery of product timed for July 2011. The plants capacity is cited as a minimum of 100 tons a week available on demand by road builder Abi Group. The proposal requires the approval of Frankston City Council. The EPA application advises that approval is “pending”. The application was lodged late last week. Read More |
Hills alive with Lavender
Cranbourne Leader 19 Jan 11 Peter Strachan The hills are alive with the smell of lavender around Nar Nar Goon North at this time of year. Lavender farmer Jane Metcalf says its harvest time for more than 15,000 plants at Serendipity Lavender Farm in Croft Rd - and more than the bees are buzzing. Read More |
Australian Fur Seals camp on Peninsula Beaches - let them rest
Mayday 18/1/11
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is reminding beach users to keep their distance from two seals who have decided to camp out on Sorrento and Rye bayside beaches.
The seal on Sorrento front beach has been there for a week and the seal on Rye front beach has been a regular visitor for about 2 weeks. Both seals are healthy.
DSE Compliance Officer Samantha Moore said the seals have caused quite a stir with many people approaching them. “It is important people keep at least 30 metres away from seals. Although a seal may look slow on land, they can move fast if disturbed or frightened,” Ms Moore said.
Mayday note:
One of life's "must do" experiences is a close encounter with the seals in Westernport & Port Phillip - see links on story page
Read More
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is reminding beach users to keep their distance from two seals who have decided to camp out on Sorrento and Rye bayside beaches.
The seal on Sorrento front beach has been there for a week and the seal on Rye front beach has been a regular visitor for about 2 weeks. Both seals are healthy.
DSE Compliance Officer Samantha Moore said the seals have caused quite a stir with many people approaching them. “It is important people keep at least 30 metres away from seals. Although a seal may look slow on land, they can move fast if disturbed or frightened,” Ms Moore said.
Mayday note:
One of life's "must do" experiences is a close encounter with the seals in Westernport & Port Phillip - see links on story page
Read More
Mount Eliza Residents cry foul over Peninsula Shire proposal to fence foreshore public land
Mayday 13/1/11
In November 2010 Mornington Peninsula Shire management recommended to their councillors that a section 173 agreement land contribution of 5 hectares of bush contiguous with the Mount Eliza foreshore be fenced off meaning that effectively it's exclusive access would be reserved for the occupants of adjacent private land. They also recommended a $200k council contribution to the match the developer's kick in for the land's management and that it pay half the costs of an internal access road.
The residents are claiming a foul and that an unjust free kick appears to be in the offing. They point to a 4 page glossy flier personally signed by the developer that says, “There will be a conservation plan prepared by an expert together with a management arrangement funded by each of the land owners to ensure the long term maintenance of the reserve – all at no expense to the Council”.
Read more - (Mayday)
Green Green Grass of his Own - Chris Tatman - Morniington Peninsula Leader 7/01/11
In November 2010 Mornington Peninsula Shire management recommended to their councillors that a section 173 agreement land contribution of 5 hectares of bush contiguous with the Mount Eliza foreshore be fenced off meaning that effectively it's exclusive access would be reserved for the occupants of adjacent private land. They also recommended a $200k council contribution to the match the developer's kick in for the land's management and that it pay half the costs of an internal access road.
The residents are claiming a foul and that an unjust free kick appears to be in the offing. They point to a 4 page glossy flier personally signed by the developer that says, “There will be a conservation plan prepared by an expert together with a management arrangement funded by each of the land owners to ensure the long term maintenance of the reserve – all at no expense to the Council”.
Read more - (Mayday)
Green Green Grass of his Own - Chris Tatman - Morniington Peninsula Leader 7/01/11
Fran Henke's Maiden Print Exhibition
Berwick News 13th January 2011 Nicole Williams Mrs. Frances Henke is looking forward to her first solo exhibition as a printmaker next month. The now retired journalist of 40 yars experience is well known in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula for her sharp and insightful reporting ofthose council's the affairs for the Independant. Mrs Henke has chosen 'Carving Clouds' as the theme for the exhibition, flipping the idea of scary road signs. The former Berwick (now Hastings) resident will show her work at the Libran Dogma Gallery in Narre Warren North and is pleased her first exhibition is in the area where she grew up. Carving Clouds is at Libran Dogma Gallery, A'Beckett Road, Narre Warren North, from 5 February to 27 February |
Costly silence on new offices say Cardinia Ratepayers & Residents Association
Pakenham Gazette 12th January 2011
Gloria O'Connor, President,Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association says that ratepayers in Cardina Shire "Need to know more about the planned new shire offices for which they will ultimately be picking up the tab."
In a letter to the Pakenham Gazette she says "Repeated requests for some information about the relocation of shire headquarters have met with silence from administrative sources and, as we know, our councillors, like the proverbial three wise monkeys, are sworn to secrecy by a strict code of conduct, so there is no in point asking them."
Read More
Gloria O'Connor, President,Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association says that ratepayers in Cardina Shire "Need to know more about the planned new shire offices for which they will ultimately be picking up the tab."
In a letter to the Pakenham Gazette she says "Repeated requests for some information about the relocation of shire headquarters have met with silence from administrative sources and, as we know, our councillors, like the proverbial three wise monkeys, are sworn to secrecy by a strict code of conduct, so there is no in point asking them."
Read More
Dirty side of former Cranbourne tip clean-up
Casey Weekly 10 Jan, 2011
Casey resident and mother of two Rachel McNamara’s home backs on to the Stephenson’s Road landfill.
For her, the Brookland Greens saga has been especially distressing. Around the same time as the methane crisis three years ago, her daughter Jamie Lee, 9, developed a brain tumour and recently returned home after being hospitalised for 13 weeks.
As part of the remediation works, an access road has been built close to Ms McNamara's house. For months trucks have passed daily, generating noise and dust. "It's like living in a construction zone."
Read More
Read More about Brookland Greens & class action
Casey resident and mother of two Rachel McNamara’s home backs on to the Stephenson’s Road landfill.
For her, the Brookland Greens saga has been especially distressing. Around the same time as the methane crisis three years ago, her daughter Jamie Lee, 9, developed a brain tumour and recently returned home after being hospitalised for 13 weeks.
As part of the remediation works, an access road has been built close to Ms McNamara's house. For months trucks have passed daily, generating noise and dust. "It's like living in a construction zone."
Read More
Read More about Brookland Greens & class action
Calls for Peninsula Shire to explain executives’ salary ‘secrets’
11/1/11 - Western Port News, 21 December 2010 - Keith Platt
MOST of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s highest paid staff received an early Christmas present in their pay packets.
Senior staff earning $110,000-$199,999 were in line to be given an extra five per cent bonus, based on their total salary package. The bonus is notionally paid for “specific performance criteria”, but several staff – who do not receive the bonuses – say the extra money seems to be paid automatically.
Top earner, CEO Michael Kennedy ($319,000 salary package) had told councilors but it seemed doubtful other senior staff followed their leader.
The Australian Services Union is trying to breach the wall of secrecy surrounding the awarding of bonuses while it negotiates a new enterprise agreement for the majority of the shire’s 660 plus staff.
Residents whose rates have doubled in 10 years are less than impressed.
Read More
MOST of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s highest paid staff received an early Christmas present in their pay packets.
Senior staff earning $110,000-$199,999 were in line to be given an extra five per cent bonus, based on their total salary package. The bonus is notionally paid for “specific performance criteria”, but several staff – who do not receive the bonuses – say the extra money seems to be paid automatically.
Top earner, CEO Michael Kennedy ($319,000 salary package) had told councilors but it seemed doubtful other senior staff followed their leader.
The Australian Services Union is trying to breach the wall of secrecy surrounding the awarding of bonuses while it negotiates a new enterprise agreement for the majority of the shire’s 660 plus staff.
Residents whose rates have doubled in 10 years are less than impressed.
Read More
Ramp rage on Peninsula & Westernport boat launching ramps
Mayday 10/1/11
In responding to study of Melbourne's public boat launching ramps undertaken by Victoria's peak angling group VRFish, a Cranbourne angler and boat owner said "I'm a local government seasonal cash cow."
The VRFish study found that most boat launching ramps between Mordiallioc and Portsea were substandard, that the same applied to Westernport and that seasonal overcrowding is endemic across the region.
Boat owners say that "bugger all" has been spent in the past 15 years on facilities for approximately 170,000 registered boat owners about 48% of whom say Port Phillip is their preferred boating and fishing destination.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston economic development strategies both place heavy emphasis on tourism but don't headline trailer boating in circumstances where industry figures point to local seasonal expenditure by boaties as being 10's of millions.
In October 2008, Heraldsun fishing writer Steve Cooper reported that the State Government has spent $36 million on 91 projects to improve boat ramps and facilities since 2001. Very little was spent in the South East.
Read what Steve Cooper said in October 2008
Waves of Discontent - Leader 10/1/11
Boatie violence rife at peninsula boat ramps Louise Clifton Evans, Leader 10/1/11
In responding to study of Melbourne's public boat launching ramps undertaken by Victoria's peak angling group VRFish, a Cranbourne angler and boat owner said "I'm a local government seasonal cash cow."
The VRFish study found that most boat launching ramps between Mordiallioc and Portsea were substandard, that the same applied to Westernport and that seasonal overcrowding is endemic across the region.
Boat owners say that "bugger all" has been spent in the past 15 years on facilities for approximately 170,000 registered boat owners about 48% of whom say Port Phillip is their preferred boating and fishing destination.
Mornington Peninsula and Frankston economic development strategies both place heavy emphasis on tourism but don't headline trailer boating in circumstances where industry figures point to local seasonal expenditure by boaties as being 10's of millions.
In October 2008, Heraldsun fishing writer Steve Cooper reported that the State Government has spent $36 million on 91 projects to improve boat ramps and facilities since 2001. Very little was spent in the South East.
Read what Steve Cooper said in October 2008
Waves of Discontent - Leader 10/1/11
Boatie violence rife at peninsula boat ramps Louise Clifton Evans, Leader 10/1/11
Casey clean bowls VCAT on Hampton Park subdivision in Supreme Court
Mayday 8/1/10
The Supreme Court of Victoria has upheld an appeal by the City of Casey against VCAT’s approval of a planning application for a 24 lot residential subdivision closely located to the Hallam Road landfill and a concrete batching plant.
In November 2008, Casey Council refused a planning application for the proposed residential development on the grounds of inadequate buffer distances.
In the midst of the Brookland Greens estate methane gas imbroglio that saw residents evacuated from near new homes and now sees the owners of approximately 800 properties seeking damages from an un-indemnified Casey council, VCAT Member Bennett overturned Council’s decision and approved the subdivision proposed by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Read More
Poor Planning - VCAT in need of reform- Case Studies ( Casey media release: 18 Nov 2010)
Read More about Brookland Greens
The Supreme Court of Victoria has upheld an appeal by the City of Casey against VCAT’s approval of a planning application for a 24 lot residential subdivision closely located to the Hallam Road landfill and a concrete batching plant.
In November 2008, Casey Council refused a planning application for the proposed residential development on the grounds of inadequate buffer distances.
In the midst of the Brookland Greens estate methane gas imbroglio that saw residents evacuated from near new homes and now sees the owners of approximately 800 properties seeking damages from an un-indemnified Casey council, VCAT Member Bennett overturned Council’s decision and approved the subdivision proposed by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Read More
Poor Planning - VCAT in need of reform- Case Studies ( Casey media release: 18 Nov 2010)
Read More about Brookland Greens
Mozzies plague Tooradin
Star News
TOORADIN'S mosquito problem won't be swatted anytime soon.Casey council's last meeting before Christmas quashed the option of spraying the mosquito breeding ground of Tooradin and surrounding coastal towns to alleviate the mozzie dilemma.
The large number and size of mozzies have driven residents mad for years, with this month declared as the worst conditions for mosquitoes in about 15 years.
Residents at Seaford and Edithvale would be sympathetic.
Read More
TOORADIN'S mosquito problem won't be swatted anytime soon.Casey council's last meeting before Christmas quashed the option of spraying the mosquito breeding ground of Tooradin and surrounding coastal towns to alleviate the mozzie dilemma.
The large number and size of mozzies have driven residents mad for years, with this month declared as the worst conditions for mosquitoes in about 15 years.
Residents at Seaford and Edithvale would be sympathetic.
Read More
Local's angered by Lyndhurst tip expansion
Dandenong Star
The state's biggest landfill is seeking to expand.
SITA Environmental Solutions has applied to build a new soil treatment facility at Lyndhurst, requesting to include category A waste, which includes polychlorinated biphenyls.
Submissions close on 18 January. About 20,000 people live and worked within the 2km buffer surrounding the tip.
Read More
The state's biggest landfill is seeking to expand.
SITA Environmental Solutions has applied to build a new soil treatment facility at Lyndhurst, requesting to include category A waste, which includes polychlorinated biphenyls.
Submissions close on 18 January. About 20,000 people live and worked within the 2km buffer surrounding the tip.
Read More
Tree vandals hit Springvale
Dandenong Star
GREATER Dandenong Mayor Roz Blades has called for community help, after a number of trees were destroyed by vandals. The most recent incident, involving an axe, led to two trees being destroyed in Racecourse Street in Springvale. Last financial year the council invested $504,000 to plant new trees and maintain existing plantings.
Tree vandalism in Frankston and Kingston has also been extensively reported
Read More
GREATER Dandenong Mayor Roz Blades has called for community help, after a number of trees were destroyed by vandals. The most recent incident, involving an axe, led to two trees being destroyed in Racecourse Street in Springvale. Last financial year the council invested $504,000 to plant new trees and maintain existing plantings.
Tree vandalism in Frankston and Kingston has also been extensively reported
Read More
Electric Car Trial in Casey
Cranbourne Star
An electric car is charging up at the Casey Council offices.
The council is trialling an electric car for four months as part of a State Government program, joining other councils in the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA).
The car will run on green power, which is 100 per cent renewable energy.
Read More
An electric car is charging up at the Casey Council offices.
The council is trialling an electric car for four months as part of a State Government program, joining other councils in the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA).
The car will run on green power, which is 100 per cent renewable energy.
Read More
Seaford residents shocked by December development application for Nepean Highway
Mayday Exclusive
The development proposes a 4 story 52 apartment development with basement car parking for fifty eight cars.
To accommodate the development Frankston Council and DSE have given preliminary approval for the exchange of 860m2 of crown land for 675m2 of freehold land. There is a prior permit for 5 town houses on the sites current freehold land. Parliament was told by former Minister Batchelor in November 2009 that " This will more accurately reflect the current use of the land and enable the caravan park owners to continue their operations without leasing land.” There was no mention of its use as a development site for 52 flats, 16 of whose footprint covers crown land yet Frankston Councilors were advised of the "opportunity" in November 2008.
Read More
Mayday Exclusive
The development proposes a 4 story 52 apartment development with basement car parking for fifty eight cars.
To accommodate the development Frankston Council and DSE have given preliminary approval for the exchange of 860m2 of crown land for 675m2 of freehold land. There is a prior permit for 5 town houses on the sites current freehold land. Parliament was told by former Minister Batchelor in November 2009 that " This will more accurately reflect the current use of the land and enable the caravan park owners to continue their operations without leasing land.” There was no mention of its use as a development site for 52 flats, 16 of whose footprint covers crown land yet Frankston Councilors were advised of the "opportunity" in November 2008.
Read More
Hinch sinks boot into "Seaford" Saints over "dickileak" scandal
"Your Number is up"- Derryn Hinch editorial - 28/12/10
In his blog of the 28th of December 3AW presenter Hinch says in " Your Number's Up" - "I’m supposed to be on holidays so let’s try to keep today’s report short, if not sweet. And pose some direct questions to the hierarchy of the St. Kilda Football Club and the AFL. They should rush forward with answers."
Hinch questions the AFL's implementation of its code of conduct and quotes Rina Russo from MACSA, Mothers against Child Sexual Abuse ‘Irrespective of whether the legal age of consent in VIC is 16, the AFL Policy on Child Protection addresses children for their policy as being Under 18! How then can these footballers be cleared by the AFL when they have breached AFL policy? Not to mention its policy on Bullying.’
This is not the kind of shenanigans and jack boot media management that host council Frankston foresaw when it invested about $4m in the Saints relocation to Seaford to lift Frankston's image after Casey & Kingston showed the now Seaford Saints the door in their quest to find a home in the outer South East.
Read More
Frankston Council Saints "Benefits"
Background Story - Frankston Weekly
Saints & Funding deal - Frankston contributes $3.8m - HeraldSun
In his blog of the 28th of December 3AW presenter Hinch says in " Your Number's Up" - "I’m supposed to be on holidays so let’s try to keep today’s report short, if not sweet. And pose some direct questions to the hierarchy of the St. Kilda Football Club and the AFL. They should rush forward with answers."
Hinch questions the AFL's implementation of its code of conduct and quotes Rina Russo from MACSA, Mothers against Child Sexual Abuse ‘Irrespective of whether the legal age of consent in VIC is 16, the AFL Policy on Child Protection addresses children for their policy as being Under 18! How then can these footballers be cleared by the AFL when they have breached AFL policy? Not to mention its policy on Bullying.’
This is not the kind of shenanigans and jack boot media management that host council Frankston foresaw when it invested about $4m in the Saints relocation to Seaford to lift Frankston's image after Casey & Kingston showed the now Seaford Saints the door in their quest to find a home in the outer South East.
Read More
Frankston Council Saints "Benefits"
Background Story - Frankston Weekly
Saints & Funding deal - Frankston contributes $3.8m - HeraldSun
Senior Public Land Consultant Sledges Community Advocates
Mayday Exclusive
In the May/June 2010 edition of journal “Terra Publica” specialist public land consultants The Public Land Consultancy accuses planning and public land advocates Save our Suburbs and the Proctors of Public lands of “negativism” and brands the groups as “nimby-agglomerates”.
The company provides training in public land management and planning in association with major law firm Maddocks.
It’s client list includes, the Departments of Sustainability & Environment, Planning & Community Development, Transport, Parks Victoria, Major Projects Victoria, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, Fisheries Victoria, Melbourne City Council, Melbourne Water, City of Greater Geelong, Port Phillip City Council, Western Bulldogs, and a number of major private sector players.
Read More
In the May/June 2010 edition of journal “Terra Publica” specialist public land consultants The Public Land Consultancy accuses planning and public land advocates Save our Suburbs and the Proctors of Public lands of “negativism” and brands the groups as “nimby-agglomerates”.
The company provides training in public land management and planning in association with major law firm Maddocks.
It’s client list includes, the Departments of Sustainability & Environment, Planning & Community Development, Transport, Parks Victoria, Major Projects Victoria, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, Fisheries Victoria, Melbourne City Council, Melbourne Water, City of Greater Geelong, Port Phillip City Council, Western Bulldogs, and a number of major private sector players.
Read More
Dredging up Problems for Portsea
21/12/10 Weekly Review Helen Grimaux
"Does anyone care that Portsea front beach is no longer and may never be again?
Melbourne has lost an iconic beach and there’s barely a blip on the radar.
Portsea bay beach closed in August and the DSE brought in a bevy of machinery to underpin the pier and prepare a 150-metre wall of rock and industrial-strength sandbags to breach the beach front.
In July, Hotelier Andrew Henderson commissioned nationally renowned coastal engineering expert Gerry Byrne, of Vantree Pty Ltd, to assess Portsea’s erosion. Byrne's report pinpoints Portsea’s complaints as a “prima facie” case of impacts from the bay dredging project. "
Read More
Erosion photos Blue Wedges web site
"Does anyone care that Portsea front beach is no longer and may never be again?
Melbourne has lost an iconic beach and there’s barely a blip on the radar.
Portsea bay beach closed in August and the DSE brought in a bevy of machinery to underpin the pier and prepare a 150-metre wall of rock and industrial-strength sandbags to breach the beach front.
In July, Hotelier Andrew Henderson commissioned nationally renowned coastal engineering expert Gerry Byrne, of Vantree Pty Ltd, to assess Portsea’s erosion. Byrne's report pinpoints Portsea’s complaints as a “prima facie” case of impacts from the bay dredging project. "
Read More
Erosion photos Blue Wedges web site
Animal Rights Activist Speaks out in South East
Mayday Exclusive
Tasmanian animal rights activist Emma Haswell was recently in Frankston and Mount Eliza addressing schools. She also stunned attendees at the South East Center for Sustainability's AGM with her graphic presentation. Emma Haswell has featured on many national and state current affairs programs and Australian Story.
She talks to Jim Kerin about her work, the "power of one" and "leading beyond
authority"
Tasmanian animal rights activist Emma Haswell was recently in Frankston and Mount Eliza addressing schools. She also stunned attendees at the South East Center for Sustainability's AGM with her graphic presentation. Emma Haswell has featured on many national and state current affairs programs and Australian Story.
She talks to Jim Kerin about her work, the "power of one" and "leading beyond
authority"
Libs Promise end to Springvale Rail Nightmare
21/12/10 Dandenong Weekly
THE Coalition state government says it will fulfill its election promise to remove a level crossing next to Springvale railway station.Despite losing to the Labor Party in districts adjacent to the level crossing - Clayton, Lyndhurst and Mulgrave - the
Coalition said it would not turn its back on its $140 million promise.
Read More
THE Coalition state government says it will fulfill its election promise to remove a level crossing next to Springvale railway station.Despite losing to the Labor Party in districts adjacent to the level crossing - Clayton, Lyndhurst and Mulgrave - the
Coalition said it would not turn its back on its $140 million promise.
Read More
Mornington Pier off Limits this Summer
21/12/10 Jo Winterbottom Mornington Weekly
"MORNINGTON pier will remain closed over summer after wild spring weather delayed rebuilding of part of the structure. Parks Victoria last week announced that a small part of the pier - the ironstone cobbled section at the start - would be reopened to anglers and sightseers on December 23 and works would be suspended over January. Locals are concerned that the works have further exposed the harbour to unsafe conditions."
Read More
"MORNINGTON pier will remain closed over summer after wild spring weather delayed rebuilding of part of the structure. Parks Victoria last week announced that a small part of the pier - the ironstone cobbled section at the start - would be reopened to anglers and sightseers on December 23 and works would be suspended over January. Locals are concerned that the works have further exposed the harbour to unsafe conditions."
Read More
Meals on Wheels Mass Produced by New
Partnership
21/12/10 Dandenong Weekly
A SOPHISTICATED new food service that replaces Meals on Wheels started in Greater Dandenong last week.Community Chef, a partnership between Greater Dandenong Council and 13 other municipalities, has begun providing daily meals to about 350 residents.
Under the partnership, the council now part-owns an Altona-based industrial kitchen that prepares the meals and delivers them to a new distribution centre in Keysborough.
Read More
A SOPHISTICATED new food service that replaces Meals on Wheels started in Greater Dandenong last week.Community Chef, a partnership between Greater Dandenong Council and 13 other municipalities, has begun providing daily meals to about 350 residents.
Under the partnership, the council now part-owns an Altona-based industrial kitchen that prepares the meals and delivers them to a new distribution centre in Keysborough.
Read More
Absent Dandenong Councilor Alleges Bullying
21/12/10 Dandenong Weekly
"BULLYING and discrimination claims are behind Cr Maria Sampey's three-month absence from Greater Dandenong Council meetings.
She claims she has missed meetings because of stress caused by the council discriminating against her mother. She also said she was the victim of bullying by two other councilors.
Cr Sampey has also been accused of making derogatory remarks to a colleague."
Read More
"BULLYING and discrimination claims are behind Cr Maria Sampey's three-month absence from Greater Dandenong Council meetings.
She claims she has missed meetings because of stress caused by the council discriminating against her mother. She also said she was the victim of bullying by two other councilors.
Cr Sampey has also been accused of making derogatory remarks to a colleague."
Read More
Renewed Plea to Block Lyndhurst Tip
21/12/10 Sam Bolitho Cranbourne News
A SOUTH-east residents group is calling on the new Coalition government to block plans for a $2million soil treatment plant planned for the Lyndhurst toxic dump. Tip operator SITA has been lodged plans with the EPA to treat category A contaminated soil, the highest category for toxic contaminants.If successful, it would mean soils containing high levels of pesticides, heavy metals and toxins including arsenic, lead, mercury and cyanide could be treated and stored at the site.
Read More
A SOUTH-east residents group is calling on the new Coalition government to block plans for a $2million soil treatment plant planned for the Lyndhurst toxic dump. Tip operator SITA has been lodged plans with the EPA to treat category A contaminated soil, the highest category for toxic contaminants.If successful, it would mean soils containing high levels of pesticides, heavy metals and toxins including arsenic, lead, mercury and cyanide could be treated and stored at the site.
Read More
Councils Sniping at New Tree Pruning Laws
21/12/10 Mike Morris Frankston Weekly
"FRANKSTON and other councils have been urged to refuse an Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) fire-safety demand to lop and prune the larger limbs of street trees under power lines.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has called on member councils - including Mornington Peninsula and Kingston - to refuse the demand as council arborists say this level of pruning could kill the trees"
Read More
"FRANKSTON and other councils have been urged to refuse an Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) fire-safety demand to lop and prune the larger limbs of street trees under power lines.
The Municipal Association of Victoria has called on member councils - including Mornington Peninsula and Kingston - to refuse the demand as council arborists say this level of pruning could kill the trees"
Read More
Rising Sea a Billion Dollar Threat
21/12/10 Age Tom Arup
In Victoria an estimated 45,000 homes are under threat from rising sea levels. Local impacts in the Dandenong Valley, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Casey, and Cardinia local government areas have been mapped for three sea level rise
scenarios.
Read More
Link to maps
In Victoria an estimated 45,000 homes are under threat from rising sea levels. Local impacts in the Dandenong Valley, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Casey, and Cardinia local government areas have been mapped for three sea level rise
scenarios.
Read More
Link to maps
Foster's Push Planning Boundaries at Peninsula
Winery
20/12/10 Mike Hast Frankston News
Main Ridge winery T’Gallant is owned by brewing and wine giant Foster’s Group. Having been issued with a permit for a 60 seat tasting room and being busted for 200 plus on the premises, this Green Wedge hospitality business is having another shot at legitimizing its alleged preemptive expansion.
Read More
Main Ridge winery T’Gallant is owned by brewing and wine giant Foster’s Group. Having been issued with a permit for a 60 seat tasting room and being busted for 200 plus on the premises, this Green Wedge hospitality business is having another shot at legitimizing its alleged preemptive expansion.
Read More
Has Portsea's Iconic beach been Wrecked by
Channel Deepening?
20/10/10 Mornington Leader
Controversy continues over extraordinary beach erosion and swell at Portsea.
Read More
Controversy continues over extraordinary beach erosion and swell at Portsea.
Read More
Visy Strike in Dandenong Ends
20/10/10 Dandenong Leader
Workers at Visy's Dandenong plant returned to work after picket cleared by police
last Monday.
Read More
Workers at Visy's Dandenong plant returned to work after picket cleared by police
last Monday.
Read More
Inghams Reopens Somerville Plant after Fire
20/12/10 Frankston Leader
Ingham's Chickens is one of the South East's biggest employers. Last month it reopened its Somerville Plant after a disastrous fire. The company says it will be employing 400 people by mid 2011 and that its controversial water treatment plant is now best practice.
Read More
Ingham's Chickens is one of the South East's biggest employers. Last month it reopened its Somerville Plant after a disastrous fire. The company says it will be employing 400 people by mid 2011 and that its controversial water treatment plant is now best practice.
Read More
Dog Owners on Short Lead on Kingston Beaches
20/10/10 Chelsea Leader
Kingston dog owners have been warned to obey summer foreshore restrictions or face fines of up to $200. Frankston Council recently refused to extend lead free
areas.
Read More.
Kingston dog owners have been warned to obey summer foreshore restrictions or face fines of up to $200. Frankston Council recently refused to extend lead free
areas.
Read More.
RSPCA Looses Casey Pound Contract
20/12/10 Cranbourne Leader
The RSPCA's rescue centre at Pearcedale has lost out on Casey Council’s tender for pound services.
RSPCA CEO Ms Mercurio said she was “appalled” by the council’s “lack of regard” for the RSPCA and its 15-year association with the city.
Read more
The RSPCA's rescue centre at Pearcedale has lost out on Casey Council’s tender for pound services.
RSPCA CEO Ms Mercurio said she was “appalled” by the council’s “lack of regard” for the RSPCA and its 15-year association with the city.
Read more
Storms Rip Into Aspendale
20/12/10 Chelsea Leader
ASPENDALE bore the brunt of the storm that hit hard in Melbourne's South East last night. There were six lightning strikes in Birdwood Street Aspendale.
See Mordialloc Chelsea Leader
ASPENDALE bore the brunt of the storm that hit hard in Melbourne's South East last night. There were six lightning strikes in Birdwood Street Aspendale.
See Mordialloc Chelsea Leader
Frankston Council to Subsidize Waste Disposal
20/10/10 Frankston Leader
Frankston's only waste transfer station was displaced by Linking Melbourne Authority's Peninsula Link project.
Now its new privately operated waste transfer station at Skye has been closed until site owner Skye Sands can meet the conditions of its operating permit.
Site operators VIOLA have vacated the site.
Until a new facility is found, Frankston Council is subsidizing waste pick ups.
Read More
Frankston's only waste transfer station was displaced by Linking Melbourne Authority's Peninsula Link project.
Now its new privately operated waste transfer station at Skye has been closed until site owner Skye Sands can meet the conditions of its operating permit.
Site operators VIOLA have vacated the site.
Until a new facility is found, Frankston Council is subsidizing waste pick ups.
Read More
800 Casey Property Owners Join Brookland
Greens Methane Leak Class Action
MAYDAY 20/10/10
In a media release issued on the 17th of December 2010, lawyers Slater and Gordon advise that there about 800 Casey property owners are now joined in a class action.
They are suing the City of Casey, the State Environment Protection Authority and others because of methane gas leaking from the now closed Stephenson's Road
Landfill.
The matter is expected to be heard in July 2010. The remediation bill is expected to be close to $100m and possible damages have been estimated at between $150 and $200m.
The City of Casey is understood not to be indemnified and is known to have already purchased one house on the estate.
Read More
Casey Council buys methane effected house - Leader 27/10/10
Additional Info and Background
In a media release issued on the 17th of December 2010, lawyers Slater and Gordon advise that there about 800 Casey property owners are now joined in a class action.
They are suing the City of Casey, the State Environment Protection Authority and others because of methane gas leaking from the now closed Stephenson's Road
Landfill.
The matter is expected to be heard in July 2010. The remediation bill is expected to be close to $100m and possible damages have been estimated at between $150 and $200m.
The City of Casey is understood not to be indemnified and is known to have already purchased one house on the estate.
Read More
Casey Council buys methane effected house - Leader 27/10/10
Additional Info and Background
Mayday 5/12/10
State election round up
EX Bentleigh MP Rob Hudson blames transport for state ALP rout in Melbourne's bay side suburbs. He'll get no argument from Frankston line commuters or the second generation of SE residents waiting for the Dingly Bypass.
In an Age article headlined "Trains drove poll hopes off the rails", the former ALP MP for Bentleigh says the Brumby government's failure to fix public transport problems plaguing the south-east was one of the main reasons he lost his seat and that "Labor needed a strategy for the south-eastern suburbs."
Read More
In an Age article headlined "Trains drove poll hopes off the rails", the former ALP MP for Bentleigh says the Brumby government's failure to fix public transport problems plaguing the south-east was one of the main reasons he lost his seat and that "Labor needed a strategy for the south-eastern suburbs."
Read More
Lyndhurst MP Holding appointed Treasurer
Incoming opposition leader Dan Andrews drops former Treasurer Lenders for former Minister for Desalination and Pipelines Tim Holding.
Read More
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S.E. Election Results
Mordiallioc -
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultMordiallocDistrict.html
Carrum
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultCarrumDistrict.html
Frankston
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultFrankstonDistrict.html
Mornington
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultMorningtonDistrict.html
Nepean
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultNepeanDistrict.html
Cranbourne
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultCranbourneDistrict.html
Hastings
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultHastingsDistrict.html
Bass
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultBassDistrict.html
Lyndhurst
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultLyndhurstDistrict.html
Dandenong
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultDandenongDistrict.html
Narre Warren Nth
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultNarreWarrenNorthDistrict.html
Narre Warren South
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultNarreWarrenSouthDistrict.html
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultMordiallocDistrict.html
Carrum
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultCarrumDistrict.html
Frankston
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultFrankstonDistrict.html
Mornington
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultMorningtonDistrict.html
Nepean
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultNepeanDistrict.html
Cranbourne
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultCranbourneDistrict.html
Hastings
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultHastingsDistrict.html
Bass
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultBassDistrict.html
Lyndhurst
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultLyndhurstDistrict.html
Dandenong
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultDandenongDistrict.html
Narre Warren Nth
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultNarreWarrenNorthDistrict.html
Narre Warren South
http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Results/state2010resultNarreWarrenSouthDistrict.html