11 August 2015

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PENINSULA Aero Club members are mourning the loss of a pilot who died Sunday when his twin-seater gyrocop-ter crashed at Cannons Creek.

The name of the man, 59, of Pat-terson River, had not been released by police when The News went to press.

Club president Peter Bernardi de-scribed the fully qualifi ed pilot as a gentleman and said the clubs thoughts are with his family. He had been a member since 2011.

The small craft went down into shal-low water at Rutherford Inlet, between Warneet and Cannons Creek, just after midday. Witnesses reported the sound

Pilot dies in gyrocopter plunge

as like a gunshot and like breaking glass.

The exact cause of the incident is be-ing investigated.

The pilot died at the scene while his passenger, a 37-year-old man from

Hampton Park, was airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

A gyrocopter uses an unpowered ro-tor in autorotation to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller, similar to that of a fi xed-wing aircraft, to pro-

vide forward thrust (Wikipedia).Detectives are appealing for witness-

es to the crash which occurred when the $100,000 aircraft clipped power lines on its way from Tyabb to Toora-din. The line is reportedly 22.5 metres above the high tide mark. Power to the area was cut until late Monday.

Peninsula Aero Club vice-president Jack Vevers said the gyrocopter usu-ally very safe was the only one at Tyabb. He said the pilot was a com-petent and well-respected guy.

He had all the right credentials and has shown excellent airmanship.

Casey Detective Senior Sergeant Terry Rowlands said that despite the threat of electrocution from the dan-gling power line, several local resi-dents had not hesitated in trying to

rescue the crash victims. They were heroes, he said. The men waded and paddled a kay-

ak to the stricken craft and pulled the injured passenger who was calling for help aboard. His condition was described on Monday as serious but stable.

Devon Meadows CFA captain An-drew Swain coordinated efforts be-tween Pearcedale and Langwarrin bri-gades. He said crews had stripped off to wade in to help the rescuers. It was a good effort, he said.

Police spent about 10 hours at the scene before taking the gyrocopter to Cranbourne police station.

Casey Crime Investigation Unit is preparing a report for the Coroner. Any witnesses should call 9705 3114.

Stephen [email protected]

Death crash: A gyrocopter in which a pilot died lies in shallow water at Rutherford Inlet, near Cannon Creek. Picture: Donna Oates, Pakenham Gazette

Cuts for a cause: Showing off their new hairstyles are Balnarring girls Chelsea Poll and Grace Chapman, with Graces mum Georgia, right, holding up the shears. Picture: Alison Griffi ths

Crazy Coconuts come up trumpsCHELSEA Poll and Grace Chapman, both 11, had their heads shaved on the weekend to raise money and peoples awareness of leukaemia.

Their team, Crazy Coconuts, aimed to raise $2000 but managed to triple it to more than $6000 with donations still coming for the Leukaemia Foun-dations Worlds Greatest Shave.

The event at the Village People cafe, Balnarring, was packed with classmates and family friends.

We were overwhelmed by a tsunami of love and generosity from family, friends and our wonderful community of Balnarring who came along to show their support, mum Melissa Poll said.

We had so many kids coming up to us with their little hands full of pocket money. One kinder kid asked his mum to go home for his piggy bank.

And the name Crazy Coconuts?: Graces grandad said they would look like two crazy coconuts afterwards.

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NEWS DESK

DESPITE buying land at Hastings, Puma Energy says it is conducting a feasibility study before deciding on using it for a fuel storage and distribu-tion depot.

No permit applications have been lodged with Mornington Peninsula Shire, although any approval could be required to include detailed traffi c re-ports, fl ora and fauna surveys, cultural heritage and management plans.

The use of the land for a fuel tank farm would appear to fi t In with the state government's stated wish that the Port of Hastings be increasingly used for the import and export of "bulk" goods, such as gas, fuel and, possibly, brown coal.

Puma paid $2.2 million for eight hectares of land In Bayview Rd and is believed to have already holding dis-cussions with Esso Australia about us-ing its Long Island Point jetty to bring ashore its imported fuels.

"Puma Energy can confi rm we have purchased eight hectares of land on Bayview Rd, Hastings. This site has the potential to become a fuel import terminal, however we are in the very early stages of a feasibility study and will not be able to confi rm the site's use until this assessment has been completed," Christie Patten, of Cole Lawson Communications, told The News.

The Brisbane-based public relations

Puma fuel depot decision will depend on study outcome

company said it was too early to give details of the size of the proposed tank farm or how many ships could be expected to bring fuel to the depot.

Neither the Hastings Port Development Authority or Esso will say if they have been in talks with Puma Energy.

We dont currently have an application in Bayview Rd but have an application at 5 Barclay Cr (which is

off Bayview) to extend an existing fuel depot, the shires statutory planning manager Niall Sheedy said.

An application of his nature [Pumas] will be adver-tised and referred to a number of internal departments for comments as well as WorkCover.

An industry insider says Esso has been approached by Puma which will need a pipeline to its the tank farm.

The jetty used by Esso is owned by the state government but Esso would need to be fully involved in the proposal. The government also owns the jetty at Crib Point, which Dutch compa-ny Trafi gura uses to import petroleum products.

At the end of Long Island Drive are two gates one on Crown land leading to the jetty and one at the entrance to Esso.

An industry insider told The News Puma would likely bring in to Western Port 15 ships a year of about 40,000 tonnes each, a ship every 24 days.

Taking each load of fuel from the proposed tank farm on Bayview Rd opposite BlueScope's mill would require 1000 B-double trucks, each carrying about 40 tonne. There would be 30 truck trips each day to and from Hastings with the ve-hicles likely to use Frankston-Flinders Rd be-tween Hastings and the Baxter on-ramp of Pen-insula Link. This would take the trucks through Tyabb and Somerville.

The state government is already being pres-sured to complete the duplication of Western Port Highway to take industrial traffi c off Frankston-Flinders Rd, which passes through several resi-dential and shopping areas. The road is single lane each way between North Rd at Pearcedale and the roundabout just north of Hastings.

Puma arrived in Australia about three years ago. The Swiss company has embarked on an ex-pansion program that will see it spend up to $250 million on storage and distribution infrastructure as the major oil refi nery companies withdraw from Australia.

Puma's major shareholders include Trafi gura, and Angola's national oil company.

Mike Hast and Keith Platt

NEWS that Puma Energy had bought land at Hastings for a fuel storage and distribution centre came in the same week that maintenance workers at nearby Esso were taking industrial action against longer shifts, roster changes and staff cuts.


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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: David Harrison, Barry Irving, Cliff Ellen, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst.ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News GroupPO Box 588 Hastings 3915Email: [email protected] Web: www.mpnews.com.auDEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 13 AUGUSTNEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2015

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FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt was back in the political fast lane on Monday, in Canberra for the Liberal party rooms vote for a Speaker to replace Bronwyn Bishop.

Three days before that he had been standing at the end of Cowes pier after completing his 19-day Walk for Autism. His walk to raise $25,000 for Amaze (Autism Victoria) and the Abacus Learning Centre, Hastings, took him 500 kilometres through his electorate, which includes the southern Mornington Peninsula and Western Port, including Phillip Island.

While on his walk Mr Hunt was publicly absent from being involved in the controversy surrounding Mrs Bishops extensive travel expenses.

In neighbouring Dunkley, Mr Hunts

Liberal colleague Bruce Billson as-sured ABC radio listeners that Mrs Bishop will do the right thing. This same sentiment was also expressed by the Prime Minister Tony Abbott for the next day or so, until Mrs Bishop announced she was sorry and would leave the Speakers chair. Neither Mr Billson or Mr Abbott would be dcrawn on what they thought the right thing was.

Comparisons between Mr Hunts walk around his electorate if pub-licised nationally - would no doubt have rivalled that of Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull who was all too willing to be seen disembark-ing from a train to Geelong, a stark contrast to Mrs Bishops helicopter fl ight to the same city.

Mr Hunt was also able to miss last weeks Cabinet meeting in Adelaide which preceded the announcement by Mr Abbott of a shipbuilding package that will help unemployment in South Australia. There was no promise to save jobs in Victorias ailing ship-building sector.

The hue and cry surrounding Mondays election of Casey MP Tony Smith to the Speakers chair must have seemed a world away from Mr Hunts stroll around the highways and byways of Flinders.

The walk - likely to exceed its $25,000 target - will have a direct benefi t for those affected by autism.

Mr Smiths party room election was all about politics and appearances.

Keith Platt

Pier ending a far cry from capital worries

Walks end: Flinders MP Greg Hunt, centre, at Cowes jetty on Friday with some of the people who joned and supported his walk, including, Bass Coast Shire mayor Kimberley Brown, Marilyn Myszka, and members of his staff Christian Lee and Samantha Robin.


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New chum says helloWOMBAT Birri made his fi rst appearance at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale, on Wednesday and immediately crossed his enclosure to introduce himself to females Sydney and Tara.The three-year-old hairy-nosed wombat was released by the federal governments threatened species commissioner Gregory Andrews, above, who was visiting to explain the governments threatened species program.Park director Michael Johnson said Birri, from Taronga Park Zoo, Sydney, was a big boy and sure to be a favourite among the parks 60 species of native animals. It opened in 2001. Picture: Yanni

THE cost to the taxpayer of travel by the two fed-eral MPs who represent Frankston and the Morn-ington Peninsula is reasonably modest compared with some of their colleagues.

According to the latest available Department of Finance fi gures taxpayer-paid travelling expenses for the two MPs up to the end of December last year came to $249,249.

The department says the costs relate to 1 July-31 December 2014 and an unspecifi ed time be-fore 1 July 2014. Neither Mr Billson or Mr Hunt rated in the top 10 of MPs with the highest travel expenses.

The bill for Dunkley MP Bruce Billson, who is also Minister for Small Business, was $109,198 while in the neighbouring electorate of Flinders, Environment Minister Greg Hunts travel costs were $140,051.

Mr Billson took one ministerial overseas trip at a cost of $16,390.

He also claimed $7849 (domestic fl ights and Commonwealth car) for his family.

Mr Billson received a travelling allowance of $19,263 while Mr Hunts allowance came in at $20,503.

Mr Hunt went overseas twice in reported period at a cost of $41,952.

His family travel expenses came to $5267.Mr Hunts single biggest fl ight was a charter to

Moranbah, in central Queensland.That trip on 10 June 2014 took him over the

site of the contentious $16.5 billion dollar Carmi-chael open cut coal mining project.

The proposal by the Indian company Adani Mining hit the headlines last week when govern-

ment approval for the mine was set aside by the High Court after being presented with evidence of a bungle within Mr Hunts department which meant there were no provisions to protect the en-dangered yakka skink and ornamental snake.

When announcing approval of the mine in the month following his visit Mr Hunt stressed the remoteness of the area it is the deep outback; it is a sparsely vegetated area and that the mine would be subject to some very, very strict condi-tions.

The falling price of coal and last weeks an-nouncement by the Commonwealth bank of its withdrawal as Adanis advisor may mean that the projects lifetime resource value of at least $300 billion may stay in the ground.

Mr Hunts overseas trips were to Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Germany ($16,780) to attend the 65th meeting of the International Whaling Commission and to conduct a series of high-level meetings; and, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam ($25,172) to conduct a series of high-level discussions regarding the Great Bar-rier Reef World Heritage Area.

Mr Hunts other travel costs included $35,253 for scheduled domestic fl ights (mainly between Canberra and Melbourne or Sydney) and $37, 074 for cars ($6551 privately registered and $29, 612 Commonwealth cars). He also received a travelling allowance of $20,503.

Mr Billson went to Singapore and China ($16,390) to attend an APEC Small and Medium Enterprise ministerial meeting and conduct a se-ries of other high-level meetings.

His other travelling costs included $39,205 for scheduled domestic fl ights (to most states but mainly to Canberra and Sydney) and $21,593 for cars ($9166 privately registered and $14,725 Commonwealth cars).

MPs make modest claims for travelKeith [email protected]


NEWS DESK

WOW, what a night. I can't describe how amazing it felt last night making one of my dreams come true. A mas-sive shout out to Emosi, a couple of great guys.

Thats how Bittern boxer Kane Watts told his Facebook followers after Friday nights third round Aus-tralian title win over Emosi Solitua at the Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington.

Brian Amatruda, Julian Holland, Quincy Amatruda and Ray Giles

my team family have been with me from the start and stood by me!

And thank you, too, to everyone that gets behind me and supports what I do; its much appreciated. I am very lucky to be surrounded by great people.

Watts, 33, and Solitua weighed inside the cruiserweight limit at 89.75kg and 89.90kg.

Fighting over a scheduled 10 rounds it was Watts second attempt at the title, after previously being unsuccessful against Daniel Ammann, in April of 2013.

Still on a high on Monday, Watts said he outwitted Solitua and wore him down.

I had expected the fi ght to go the distance, but got the job done early.

The win takes his record to 15 wins and two losses.

Watts grew up in Bittern and attended Western Port Secondary College. He played for the Hastings Football Club as a forward last year when I wasnt fi ghting so frequent-ly.

Title win: Bittern boxer Kane Watts in the ring after Friday nights win with Paul Gay, Ray Giles, Julian Holland and Brian Amatruda.

The boxer from Bittern earns a new titleStephen [email protected]

He then moved to Mt Martha and later to Brighton to ease his commut-ing times for training at a St Kilda gymnasium.

After joining Somerville Mixed Martial Arts Centre in Simcock St at age 14, Watts says he took up boxing

at 24 and turned pro in 2008.I fi rst went there for fi tness but, as I

got older, I found myself enjoying the boxing so much, he said.

The hard-hitting Watts is promoted by Brian Amatruda who also handles fi ghts for Anthony Mundine, which

may herald a fi ght on that colourful fi ghters undercard.

He is trained by veteran Ray Giles, and former Commonwealth and Aus-tralian champion, Julian Holland, of Carrum Downs.

Antique valuesANOTHER appraisal of antiques and collectibles will be held by Hastings-Western Port Historical Society at its morning coffee at the museum, corner Marine Pd and Skinner St, Hastings, 10.15am, Thursday 13 August.

The cost is $5 a person. One item may be brought for appraisal, with extra items $5 each. Bookings will assist with seating and catering. Call 0490 132 011 or 9781 1141.

Weekend trainsWEEKEND trains will run all night on Friday and Saturday nights on the Frankston line from New Years Eve as part of a 12-month public transport trial announced by the Labor state government.

A world-class city deserves 24-hour public transport. Its good for our econ-omy, for shift workers and for people who want to get home safe after a night out, Ms Allan said. People who live in the outer suburbs and regional areas shouldnt have to miss out on Mel-bournes vibrant night life. This trial is about giving them a safe and affordable way to get home, Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.

The last train to Frankston from Melbourne on Friday and Saturday evenings currently leaves Flinders St Station at 1.05am. Metro Trains will run services every hour all night from Flinders St Station to suburbs and re-gional areas as part of the trial, dubbed Homesafe, but Mornington Peninsula residents will miss out on overnight train transport at weekends with the Stony Point line not included in the 12-month trial.

The governments announcement of the Homesafe trial stated a revamped and improved night bus network will provide services from train stations.


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ROSEBUD police are investigating a Rye school girls missing couple of hours on Monday last week.

The girl, 13, got off the Flinders Christian Community College bus at 3.40pm at the corner of Cain Rd and Pt Nepean Rd and started to walk home.

She later told Rosebud police that she noticed a white van with dark windows travelling beside her and then became aware of a stranger stand-ing in front of her.

Detective Sergeant John Coburn, of Rosebud CIU, said the girls next recollection was waking up on the beach near the lighthouse at McCrae, from where she called her mother at 7pm. She later received a medical examination.

The girl has no idea how she got there, he said. She feels she may have been taken in the van but she has no recollection of it. Fortunately

she has no injuries and is well.Parents of students at the college were notifi ed

of the girls disappearance on Tuesday. Principal Nick Haines said the student was approached and was taken by a person(s) in a vehicle and was found several hours later.

He described it as a serious incident of sig-nifi cant concern for parents.

This incident highlights the concern the col-lege and community have for student safety when travelling to and from school. I strongly urge students to walk to and from the bus in the company of another student or adult and exercise great caution when approached by strangers.

He said the college was relieved and extreme-ly thankful that the girl is safe at home.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or Rosebud CIU 5986 0444.

Police appeal over girls disappearance

Weapons query: Detective Al Hanson with the axe and a handgun allegedly used in the 7-Eleven robberies.

FRANKSTON Embona Armed Robbery Squad detectives are seeking public help in fi nding the owner of an axe allegedly used in violent robberies at two peninsula 7-Eleven service stations late last month.

They believe the axe was stolen in a previous aggravated burglary and used to commit other offences. Finding its owner could help them in their inquiries, they say.

The axe and a handgun were allegedly wielded by two balaclava-clad offend-ers arrested and charged with armed rob-bery and car theft last week over the raids which terrorised lone store attendants in the early hours of Wednesday 29 July.

Detectives try to trace axe owner


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FAMILY violence campaigner, Australian of the Year and peninsula resident Rosie Batty will sign copies of her new book in Mornington in early October, the fi rst signing following the biographys release.

Rosie Batty: A Mothers Story tells the harrowing story of her son Luke, who was killed by his father at cricket practice in Tyabb, a story known by most Australians, and what has happened in the 18 months since.

Ms Batty has become the national public face of family violence before and after her selection as Australian of the Year and galvanised public opinion behind a call for more to be done to combat a

rising tide of domestic confl ict.Publisher Harper Collins insisted

on the fi rst book signing being on the peninsula and asked Peninsula Voice to organise the event, which will be held at Peninsula Community Theatre on 8 October.

Peninsula Voice is a new alliance of peninsula churches and community support groups tackling family violence and other pressing social issues. Ms Batty was a keynote speaker at its family violence forum last September, also at a capacity-fi lled Peninsula Community Theatre.

Ms Batty will be interviewed by ABC radio presenter Jon Faine at the signing.

Peter Orton of Peninsula Voice said Rosie has become an outspoken crusader against family violence, winning hearts and minds with her compassion, courage, grace and forgiveness. The event will be our chance to welcome Rosie back and share some stories of the roller coaster of the past 18 months. Rosie Batty signs her book from 6.30-8.30pm, Thursday 8 October, Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Rd, Mornington. Entry by donation. Places limited to 400 people. Book on 5975 5034 or www.facebook.com/FarrellsBookshop More info: [email protected] or www.farrells.com.au Mike Hast

Rosie Batty book signing a national first

ANYONE wanting to learn about the shire's community support, creative communities and fl exi grants as well as the application process can attend an information session 6.30-8.30pm, Wednesday 19 August at the shires Rosebud offi ce.

Not-for-profi t community organi-sations can seek grants to help with community-led projects as can or-ganisations that enhance community services and support, volunteering and community participation, includ-ing arts and cultural programs and activities.

The community support grants of up to $5000 are for projects that sup-port the health and wellbeing of local communities. Applications close 5pm, Monday 21 September.

The creative communities grants of up to $5000 are available to commu-

nity groups initiating arts and cultural activities and programs with public outcomes. Applications close 5pm, Monday 21 September.

Organisations cannot apply for both types of grants in the same round.

Flexi grants of up to $1000 are aimed at helping organisations to get started, buy equipment, host a activi-ties, support volunteers or enhance an existing project. This grant round is open all year, with four allocations of funding.

The shire's Rosebud offi ce is at 90 Besgrove St, Rosebud. RSVP by Monday 17 August to Linda Wimetal, 5950 1656, or Andrea Ebsworth, 5950 1716.

Natures the topicSPEAKERS at Mt Martha Sunshine Reserve Conservation and Fireguard

Groups annual meeting will be Morn-ington Peninsula Shires conservation offi cer Matt Stahmer and Naturelinks Vyvian Stryder.

Mr Stahmer will speak about the reserves strategic management plan and Mr Stryder on the Nature of Nature, 9.30am-12.30pm, Saturday 29 August, at the Mt Martha Lifesav-ing Clubs function room. Morning tea available. RSVP 0405 324 508 or email [email protected]

Meals meetingMORNINGTON Community Meals will hold its inaugural annual meeting 2.30pm, Monday 31 August, at the Mornington Masonic Hall, Barkly St, Mornington.

All welcome. Details: Secretary Garry Stacey, 0419 387 825.

Shire makes grants available to community A PLAQUE awarded by Victo-ria Police to a Mt Martha man for helping with the 1988 Ty-Eyre Task Force was stolen in an overnight raid on Sunday 2 August.

The task force had been set up to investigate the ambush and shooting deaths of Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre in South Yarra in October of that year an investigation that, at its height, involved hundreds of of-fi cers.

The 25cm plaque was one of many items stolen, including per-sonal and business papers, bank PINs and statements, keepsakes including the mans fi rst tax return from 1950, cards and mementoes of his 40 years at the National Austral-ia Bank where he rose to be deputy chief executive, his wifes medical fi les, and personal and fi nancial de-tails of the estates of family mem-bers.

Lloyd Smith, 84, said he and his wife, slept through the 3am raid and heard nothing.

Mornington police believe the thieves broke into the garage of the house in Glynt Gardens estate, off Bay Rd, where they also stole golf clubs, electrical tools, $40 in coins, garage door remote control, and torch.

Entering through the laundry and into the kitchen with a plas-tic container they rifl ed the mans wallet and his wifes purse steal-ing cash and credit cards and two mobile phones. Also taken were the military records of four uncles who served in World War I about whom the man is writing a family history.

Mr Smith, who has lived in Mt Martha for 23 years, said he be-lieved the burglars had earlier been unable to break in to his neighbours house with a jemmy bar.

Plaque and files stolen

Police honour: The Ty-Eyre plaque stolen in the raid was awarded to Lloyd Smith for helping police investigate the brutal slaying of two young constables.

CCTV image: A photo of a man police wish to speak to over the attempted break-ins


NEWS DESK

5981 [email protected]

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GSTPAYMENT BY CASH OR CREDIT CARD ONLYE. & O.E

For price and availabilityof all your building supply

needs please callPh: 5981 0943

Fax: 5987 3887

1 Dalkeith Drive, DromanaMon-Fri 7am-4pm Sat 7am-12 noon

www.dromanatimber.com.au

GREENSTUFFPOLYESTER BATTS

R1.5 16pc $29.75 per bagR3.0 8pc $34.50 per bag

T/PINESLEEPER SPECIAL200 x 75 x 2.4mt each

GALV SLEEPER CHANNEL

H SECTION $40.00MTC SECTION $24.00MTPACK LOTS ONLY

DECKINGT/Pine 70x22 KD ACQ ........................... $2.05mtT/Pine 90x22 KD ACQ ........................... $2.50mtT/Pine 140x22 KD ACQ ......................... $4.95mtMerbau 70x19 Random ........................ $4.25mtMerbau 90x19 Random ........................ $5.65mtMerbau 140x22 Random .................... $10.75mt

FIBRE CEMENT SHEET UNDERLAY1800x900 ............................................ $15.25ea

4.5MM1800x900 ............................................ $11.50ea1800x1200 .......................................... $15.50ea2400x450 .............................................. $7.75ea2400x600 .............................................$10.25ea2400x900 ............................................ $15.50ea2400x1200 .......................................... $20.50ea3000x900 ............................................ $19.25ea3000x1200 .......................................... $25.75ea

6.0MM1800x1200 .......................................... $22.75ea2400x900 ............................................ $22.75ea2400x1200 .......................................... $30.25ea3000x1200 .......................................... $37.75ea

BLUE BOARD2400x900 ............................................ $26.75ea2400x1200 .......................................... $35.75ea2700x900 ............................................ $29.95ea2700x1200 .......................................... $39.95ea3000x900 ............................................ $32.95ea3000x1200 .......................................... $43.95ea

CEMENT PRODUCTSConcrete Mix 20kg ................................. $6.75eaRapid Set 20kg ...................................... $7.75eaCement 20kg ......................................... $7.95ea

CONCRETE STUMPS100x100 ....................................... from $6.95mt

SHADOWCLAD GROOVEDShadowclad 2.4x1.2x12mm ............. $105.00eaShadowclad 2.7x1.2x12mm ............. $117.50eaLarge quantities ........................................ P.O.A.

KDHW F1790x35 ................................................... $5.15mt90x45 ................................................... $6.65mt140x45 ................................................. $9.85mt190x45 ............................................... $14.60mt240x45 ............................................... $20.50mt290x45 ............................................... $24.95mt

WEATHERBOARDCedar 190mm....................................... $4.95mtPrimed Baltic Pine 170mm ................... $3.20mt

DOOR JAMB SETSMeranti 110mmx19 ............................. $27.50eaPrimed MDF110mmx18mm .................................... $19.25eaMeranti Ext.Unassembled w/out sill ........................ $75.00ea

CYPRESS PINE125x75 ................................................. $7.95mt100x100 ............................................... $8.25mt125x125 ............................................. $13.25mt70x19 Blanks........................................ $2.00mt

TREATED PINE POLES75-100x1.8mt ...................................... $5.25ea75-100x2.4mt ...................................... $7.50ea75-100x3.0mt ...................................... $10.25ea75-100x3.6mt ...................................... $13.50ea100-125x1.8mt .................................... $8.50ea100-125x2.4mt ................................... $11.25ea100-125x3.0mt ................................... $18.50ea100-125x3.6mt .................................. $21.25ea100-125x2.4mt Splits ............................ $8.50ea

OBHW F850x25 ................................................... $1.25mt75x38 ................................................... $2.75mt125x38 ................................................. $4.65mt

MDF CRAFTWOOD2400x1200x3mm ................................ $11.00ea2400x1200x6mm ................................ $18.00ea2400x1200x9mm ................................ $24.00ea2400x1200x12mm .............................. $27.00ea2400x1200x16mm .............................. $30.00ea2400x1200x18mm .............................. $33.00ea

PARTICLEBOARD18mm2400x450 ............................................ $12.00ea2400x600 ............................................ $16.00ea2400x1200 .......................................... $32.00ea

FLOORING SHEETSYellow Tongue 3600x900mm ............... $44.00eaPlyoor 2.4x1.2x15mm ........................ $54.50ea

KDHW DAR SEL GRADE42x19 ................................................... $3.00mt

65x19 ................................................... $4.50mt

90x19 ................................................... $6.00mt

110x19 ................................................. $7.50mt

135x19 ................................................. $9.75mt

185x19 ............................................... $17.95mt

PRIMED MDF MOULDINGS S/Bevel 42x15 ...................................... $1.00mt

S/Bevel 67x15 ...................................... $1.30mt

S/Bevel 67x18 ...................................... $1.35mt

L/ Tongue 67x18 ................................... $1.35mt

L/ Tongue 92x18 ................................... $1.95mt

L/ Tongue 140x18 ................................. $3.25mt

B/nose 67x18 ....................................... $1.35mt

B/nose 92x18 ....................................... $1.95mt

CYPRESS PINE PICKETS70x19 900mm ....................................... $1.80ea

70x19 1200mm ..................................... $2.30ea

70x19 1500mm ..................................... $2.85ea

70x19 1800mm ..................................... $3.30ea

DESIGN PINE - PRIMED T/PINE18x18 Quad/Fillet/DAR .......................... $1.50mt 42x18 DAR ............................................ $2.50mt 66x18 DAR ............................................ $3.50mt 90x18 DAR ............................................ $4.75mt 138x18 DAR .......................................... $7.15mt 30x30 Int Stop ....................................... $2.95mt

57x30 Ext Stop ...................................... $5.25mt

42x42 DAR ............................................ $4.75mt

66x42 DAR F7 ....................................... $7.25mt

90x42 DAR F7 ....................................... $9.50mt

138x42 DAR F7 ................................... $14.25mt

185x42 DAR F7 ................................... $18.95mt

230x42 DAR F7 ................................... $29.50mt

280x42 DAR F7 ................................... $35.50mt

FENCE EXTENSIONS2400x500 ............................................ $21.00ea

2400x500 Oriental ............................... $25.00ea

2400x500 Woven ................................. $29.50ea

TREATED PINE R/S100x12 Paling....................................... $0.65mt

150x12 Paling....................................... $0.95mt

150x25 ................................................. $2.00mt

75x50 ................................................... $2.40mt

T/PINE F7/MGP10 LASER CUT70x35 ................................................... $2.70mt

70x45 ................................................... $3.55mt

90x35 ................................................... $3.55mt

90x45 ................................................... $4.65mt

140x35 ................................................. $5.50mt

140x45 ................................................. $6.95mt

190x45 ................................................. $9.25mt

240x45 ............................................... $12.50mt290x45 ............................................... $15.00mt

T/PINE FASCIA PRIMED190x32 D&G... ...................................... $8.95mt

240x32 D&G... .................................... $18.50mt

PINE MGP1070x35 Long .......................................... $2.45mt

70x45 Long ...........................................$3.15mt

90x35 Studs ......................................... $2.15mt

90x35 Long .......................................... $2.45mt

90x45 Studs ......................................... $2.95mt

90x45 Long ...........................................$3.35mt

PINE MERCH90x35 ................................................... $1.25mt

90x45 ................................................... $1.60mt

PINE F7/MGP10 LASER CUT140x45 ................................................. $5.75mt

190x45 ................................................. $8.25mt

240x45 ............................................... $11.25mt

MELAMINE - EDGED 16MM2400x300 ............................................ $11.00ea2400x450 ............................................ $17.00ea2400x600 ............................................ $22.00ea1800x450 ............................................ $13.50ea1800x600 ............................................ $17.00ea3600x450 ............................................ $26.50ea3600x600 ............................................ $35.00eaNot Edged2400x1200 .......................................... $40.00ea2400x1200x3mm ................................ $18.00ea

PINE LINING140x12 VJ/Regency .............................. $1.95mt140x19 VJ/Floor.................................... $3.30mt

PINE DAR STD GRADE42x19 ................................................... $1.10mt70x19 ................................................... $1.45mt90x19 ................................................... $1.80mt120x19 ................................................. $2.20mt140x19 ................................................. $2.65mt190x19 ................................................. $4.00mt240x19 ................................................. $5.75mt290x19 ................................................. $7.95mt140x12 ................................................. $2.15mt

TREATED PINE SLEEPERS200x50

2.4 mt ................................................. $13.25ea

2.4 mt (Packs 50) ................................ $12.00ea

2.7 mt ................................................. $15.00ea

2.7 mt (Packs 50) ................................ $13.50ea

3.0 mt ................................................. $16.50ea

3.0 mt (Packs 50) ................................ $15.00ea

200x75

1.8 mt ................................................. $15.00ea

1.8 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $13.50ea2.4 mt ................................................. $19.95ea

2.4 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $18.00ea

2.7 mt ................................................. $22.50ea

2.7 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $20.25ea

3.0 mt ................................................. $24.75ea

3.0 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $22.50ea

3.6 mt ................................................. $29.75ea

3.6 mt (Packs 30) ................................ $27.00ea

200x100

2.4 mt ................................................. $26.50ea 2.4 mt (Packs 25) ................................ $24.00ea

3.0 mt ................................................. $33.00ea 3.0 mt (Packs 25) ................................ $30.00ea

BLACKBUTT 85x19 T&G E/M FLOORINGNATURAL GRADE

$3.75 plmPacklots Only (Approx 500lm)

5981 [email protected]

For price and availabilityof all your building supply

needs please call

1 Dalkeith Drive, DromanaMon-Fri 7am-4pm Sat 7am-12 noon

www.dromanatimber.com.au

R2.0 12pc $29.00 per bagR3.5 6pc $25.75 per bag

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Plus Mornington Health & Lifestyle Expo

Mornington Peninsula, Victoria5 & 6 September 2015

half marathon I 10km I 5km I 1km kids race

WITH THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

For more information and to register visit www.morningtonrunningfestival.com

PARKS Victoria gave Morningtons new pier a soft launch on Saturday with an open invita-tion to the public to inspect the $15.3 million rebuild and enjoy a range of activities, including a fr4ee sausage sizzle.

Lending weigh to the historic event was the schooner Enterprize, a replica of the ship built in Hobart in 1830 and used fi ve years later by John Pascoe Fawkner to bring settlers and provisions to what is now Melbourne.

The Enterprize entered the Yarra River on 15

August 1835 and moored at what is now Wil-liam St.

The original ship was wrecked in 1847 on a sand bar off the Richmond River in northern New South Wales.

On Saturday passengers embarked on hour-long trips on the replica Enterprize as an admir-ing public, and their dogs, once again promenad-ed along Mornington pier. By late afternoon, the pier was again populated by anglers re-establish-ing the best spots to cast their lines.

Pier opening sees sails set in history

All aboard: Maya and Lily Crowhurst from Mt Martha with Annabelle Smythe from Mornington on board the Enterprize. Picture: Yanni


OVER 55Retirement Livingyou really can afford!2 & 3 BR units from $239,500 -$269,500Close to the shops and the Marina, Hastings Cove and Westernport Gardens offer an idyllic lifestyle in a new or established brick home with your choice of layout and ttings. Come and experience for yourself the great community atmosphere, with loads of facilities from indoor bowls to computers with fast internet connection. And, of course, your pets are welcome.

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WHATS ON AT NEPTOURS

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NeptoursPhone: 5981 1277

*CROWN CASINO MONTHLY* Casinos bus program with a great BUFFET lunch (all) $35.

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RUSSIAN HERMITAGE EXHIBITION

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By David HarrisonTHE sound you can perhaps hear on the shires recording of its 27 July meeting is not what you might suspect. The ceiling of the Besgrove St council chamber was not about to collapse, nor was there a wee beastie in the room calling to its mate. And Council Watch hastens to assure readers that it was not a natural human sound in fact, it was a creaking chair.

A councillor who shall remain nameless was gently rocking as proceedings proceeded, probably accustomed to a rocking chair by the fi reside, causing the rather fancy council seats torque spring to protest.

A neighbouring councillor, becoming aware of the sound and its source, silently left the cham-ber and returned with a pressurised can, possibly containing a lubricant, which he applied to vari-ous parts of the offending chairs undercarriage.

Alas, to no effect. But then arose a quiet chorus as several other councillors of a boyish disposi-tion joined in. CW was located on an unrock-able seat in the gallery, or the urge to participate might have been irresistible.

The creaky councillor fi nally swapped his delinquent chair for another. Problem solved.

But this was not the only noise issue of the evening. Before getting to this event, CW will detour via Crib Point, where 200 small shire projects have been completed a lick of paint, renovations, new street furniture and the like at the admirably low cost of $50,000 under a Placemaking scheme.

Cerberus Ward councillor David Garnock described it as a brilliant initiative for his par-ish. The shire does stuff anyway but works that trickle out are not noticed, he said. Crib Point residents were thrilled with the newly painted signs, activation of empty shops as art spac-es and general freshening-up of the township.

Shire offi cers described it as a lighter, quicker, cheaper approach that put no additional strain on the shire budget, falling as it does under the

heading of maintenance. A further $350,000 was available for such projects, councillors were told, and further placemaking was contemplated across the shire.

The next agenda item listed contracts approved under delegation by CEO Carl Cowie. CW may not have noticed such an agenda item previously, innumerate as he is, but as an example of trans-parency it was gratifying.

Contracts included demolition of the old Red Hill sports pavilion (cost: $43,181.42) by Chadwick Demolition, and refurbishment of the shires mobile library trailer (cost: $193,053.40) by JCS Fabrications. Former sporting combat-ants who scored a ton or booted a bag at Red Hills sloping oval might like a memento of the old pavilion, possibly available at Chadwicks Rosebud yard.

To ease the strain on his cheque-signing arm, Mr Cowie can sub-delegate works approvals to selected offi cers. Managers can give a tick to jobs up to $100,000; directors can OK spending in various areas up to $200,000.

Now, back to noise. A short, lively uproar erupted during voting on the delegation item.

Cr Anne Shaw, making a point in debate about information presented to councillors in offi cers reports, interrupted herself to say: ...its actually rude to talk while other people are debating.

This sparked a hubbub in which the words ...a private conversation... were heard.

Cr Fraser raised a point of order but was drowned out.

Cr Shaw, aggrieved: Why bother why bother debating? Why bother when youve got

people...Cr Pittock, chairing the meeting: We have a

point of order, please.Cr Fraser: May I inquire through the chair

... if theres a parliamentary rule of practice or procedure [that deals with] what Cr Shaw is complaining of?

Mr Joe Spiteri, the new governance manager, responded: My view is that theres scope to have conversations if theyre respectful and not impeding the speaker at the time, then thats perfectly normal for that to take place.

Cr Pittock upheld the point of order then asked Cr Shaw to resume debate.

Cr Shaw: No, I wouldnt bother wasting my breath.

CW agrees broadly with Cr Shaws point that council meetings should proceed one speaker at a time. Council meeting rooms are rather smaller than parliamentary chambers and even quiet conversations may put off a speaker. Perhaps whispers or handwritten notes should be encour-aged.

CW was once ticked off by then mayor An-tonella Celi for a sotto voce conversation in the gallery that demonstrated she has the aural acuity of a kookaburra listening for lizards.

Safe stolen A SAFE containing an undisclosed sum was stolen from the Dromana Caltex service station on Wednesday night. Thieves smashed a glass door to gain entry to the non-24 hour servo on Nepean Highway.

The same burglars are believed responsible for smashing a glass door to gain entry to Dromana RSL on the same night.

Its believed they were looking for cash but none is stored there overnight so they got away with the second prize food hamper, Detective Coburn said.

Dont mind the squeaks, hark the whispers


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Caring talesIt is indisputable that depression is on the rise. Georgie Harman - Beyondblue CEO stated in The News that over three million Australians will experience depression, anxiety or both this year (Offer support, Letters 21/7/15).

I am a carer who has supported a partner with depression and, like so many others who take on this role, we offer ourselves selfl essly to provide encouragement, support and hope.

Every carer has a story to tell, yet many feel isolated and alone. Research has shown that car-ers often experience frustration and the inability to fi nd the right help. Alarmingly, recent research has reported that the mental and physical health of approximately 80 per cent of carers has been adversely affected.

Lets break the silence and tell your storyIf you are a partner (or ex-partner) of a depres-

sion or anxiety sufferer, I invite you to share your personal account, anonymously or by full disclosure. The stories will be compiled and published in a book aimed specifi cally for carers. The aim of the book is to capture the raw and honest accounts of carers with a particular focus on what they have done to maintain their own mental and physical health, lessons learnt and wellness strategies.

Contributions will need to be voluntary, as a portion of the book proceeds will be donated to organisations supporting mental health in Australia.

Stories are welcome from anyone, regardless of religion, race, age, sexual preference or social status. The only requirement is that you are or have been a partner of a depression or anxiety sufferer, and are willing to share your story in order to help others.

This book will provide inspiration to people who are in a similar situation, and are carrying the weight of their loved ones suffering. The book will not be a replacement for the neces-sary support provided by GPs, psychologists or counsellors.

To make an inquiry or contribute your story of hope and courage, contact me at [email protected].

Carmela Vinaccia, Moorooduc

Concrete angerThe concrete footpath proposed for Somers has outraged many residents.

The lack of proper community consultation via the self-promotional Somers Residents Associa-tion survey sent to residents earlier this year was at best confusing and misleading.

The SRA has not been elected by the Somers community to represent our views and only 35 per cent of residents responded to the survey.

This self-appointed group appears to have an agenda of gentrifi cation of Somers which most residents do not support.

I believe that the process for such a massive infrastructure project on our fragile coastal village has not been considered in full detail and the community has not been given enough information to support such a change.

Further injury to insult is the so called special charge scheme where Somers residents will be charged in some cases up to $1700 for some-thing they do not need or want. I am outraged.

Jasmine Wigley, Somers

No time for changeRemember a TV series called Seachange, about a community of people living in a small coastal town? A charming, peaceful and laid back life-style was portrayed in a place that was teeming with character and serenity. Hence a new word for our dictionary was born. Seachange, mean-ing someone who leaves the concrete jungle of urban living to live near a coastal or natural environment by a bay.

Imagine if in one of those episodes a group of development and cement loving clowns decided to start a large scale concreting project through their new found heaven.

There is a place similar to this where that is about to happen on the Western Port side of the Mornington Peninsula called Somers. Somers only has a cafe/general store and post offi ce with lots of holiday homes and some permanent residents. There is the Lord Somers Camp where school children from the suburbs can come to experience nature, trees and the beach and really get their feet in the sand and on the raw earth.

Also in Somers is the Coolart Wetlands and Homestead, a place where all wildlife and fl ora is protected. Our Somers is a special place to visit.

But sad to say, some concrete clowns have a project in the waiting right now, a 5.5 kilometres long path going right through our coastal town, 1.5 meters wide, replacing 8250 square meters of vegetation, a huge proportion of which is in-digenous fl ora. All to be replaced with some sort of glorifi ed cement stuff. By my calculations, its around 2000 tonnes.

I guess some people may have signed a survey thinking, yeah a path, without even giving a sec-ond thought to the scale of this project and how it will impact our tiny coastal village.

Most people I know who moved here did it for the seachange. Others, who have lived here basi-cally forever, just love the town as it is. A safe natural hideaway on the edge of the bay.

Then there are the concrete lovers who just dont want to get the morning due, grass, or sand, on their shoes. John Blogg, Somers

Need for roadsAs we need the roads in Somers re-surfaced, especially Parklands Av and Tasman Rd, I fi nd it quite extraordinary that we should be subjected to footpaths. This is a coastal area that we do not wish to see turned into a Melbourne suburb, especially as we are all contributing to the cost.

As an older resident who is fi nding it expen-sive to maintain my home and having had three generations quite able and safely walk these areas, why are we being subjected to unneces-sary costs.

The original paths for cycling Lord Somers Rd, Sandy Point to Balnarring and HMAS Cer-berus are understandable, and it would be advis-able to have a path to join Camp Hill Rd for the school, but please leave the rest alone.

Julia Bartlett, Somers

Point planningIn attacking the Victorian National Parks Asso-ciations campaign to protect Point Nepean from excessive development, Peter Curtin (Point misunderstood, Letters 3/8/15) is the one who has failed to understand recent Point Nepean

history.In his letter, Mr Curtin claims the VNPAs in-

fl uence has led state Environment Minister Lisa Neville to waste million [sic] of public money by terminating a Crown lease over the Point Nepean National Park.

Mr Curtin conveniently forgets to mention that any claim for compensation by the property developer, Point Leisure Group (PLG), has been made possible by a clause in the lease signed by the previous Napthine government just hours before the election caretaker period. The clause effectively said that if certain planning changes were not in place by 1 July 2015, then the lease would lapse and compensation of up to $1mil-lion could be sought.

As we now all know, those planning changes, an amendment to the 2009 park management plan to allow the destruction of threatened moonah woodland to build boardwalks and rock pools, and a special use zone in the shires planning scheme that would allow subdivision, were not completed and should never have been countenanced.

When claiming that the VNPA was wrong when it said that public access to the Quarantine Station would be restricted under the property developers concept plan, Mr Curtin confuses entry to the Point Nepean National Park, which is free to all, with access to the proposed luxury spa and wellness facilities in the Quarantine Sta-tion and moonah woodland, which would only be available to those who could afford it.

This restriction of access was only one of many deep-felt concerns that VNPA and others in the community had about the property devel-opers proposals.

One thing Mr Curtin is right about though is VNPAs concerns about commercial develop-ment in Victorias national parks. The previous government used Point Nepean as a test case in its bid to expose our conservation estate to major commercial developments. VNPA believes that the natural and cultural heritage in national parks needs protection, and that view is shared by the majority of Victorians, as an Essential Research poll from last year shows. It is Mr Curtin who holds antiquated views, not VNPA, and, contrary to what he suggests, the new environment minister has a mind of her own when it comes to protecting Point Nepean.

In the same issue of the The News (State slammed over Point Nepean inaction), Cr Tim Rodgers is talking up the idea of a new town-ship for the community, Nepean township at the Point Nepean Quarantine Station. Perhaps that was the intention of the shire planning schemes special use zone proposed for the Quarantine Station, which would have allowed subdivision and maybe a new township.

Cr Rodgers is also quoted as saying that there are 75 buildings in the precinct needed to be brought up to 21st century standard and used rather than left empty. He has not kept up to date with what has happened with regards to the buildings and structures in the Quarantine Station. Six of them are in the Police Point Shire Park being renovated for use by artists in residence and for respite. In all, 18 have been re-moved by the former community trust and Parks Victoria. It could be argued that another eight, with little heritage value and constructed during the Armys occupation, could also be removed.

That brings the number in need of use down to a little over 40 buildings. Of those, there are

currently around 11 in use including three for weddings, reception and community events, two for information and administration, one as a new toilet block, another converted into an arrivals information display, and four as museum and interpretive displays. These buildings are clearly not empty.

Included in the remainder are the 11 infl uenza huts built during the fl u epidemic of 1918 and 1919, which could be easily converted to budget camping accommodation for school and commu-nity groups. Another eight, including the shower blocks and the passenger waiting room, could be used for a major interactive museum and interpretive display showing how the Quarantine Station worked. That doesnt leave very many for which we need to fi nd uses that recognise their 19th century origins and make the best of their current state, rather than being gutted to create the fl ashy artifi ce of Cr Rodgers 21st century standards. This would involve minimal changes to building interiors and a lesser need for capital investment.

When claiming that there had been 10 years of mucking around, Cr Rodgers has forgotten that the Quarantine Station land only came back to Victoria in 2009, that the national park man-agement plan was fi nalised in that same year, and a master plan drafted in 2010. The muck-ing around actually began with the change of government, the sidelining of Parks Victoria by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries in the park planning process, and the plans by the Coalition government to facilitate major commercial developments within national parks.

Of course, funds will be required to turn the Quarantine Station into a lively place that includes activities in education, tourism, art, research and conservation. Some of that money will need to come from government, but invest-ment will also be needed from philanthropic, community, education and tourism organisations. In this way there will be a diversity of use with the best interests of Point Nepean National Park at heart. VNPA will work to ensure that happens.

Chris Smyth, acting executive director Victo-rian National Parks Association

Avoid disappointmentComments from Peter Curtin of Sorrento (Point misunderstood, Letters 4/8/15) highlight the potential futility of going forward with a revision of the 2010 master plan and a possible further project procurement process, which may again leave the local community both disappointed and frustrated at the lack of action in restoring and preserving Point Nepean.

On the one hand, we have a state government that allegedly is not against private investment in national parks, whereas the policy position of the Victorian National Parks Association is that it is fundamentally against private developments of any substance (perhaps nothing more than a kiosk?) in national parks.

If the state government seriously thinks that the private sector will commit time, resources and funds to participate in another public tender process for Point Nepean while any uncertainty remains as to the role or attitude of the VNPA in that process, then they would be unquestionably misguided. A robust process only occurs when a government provides proponents with absolute clarity and certainty. Continued Page 15


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LETTERS

Any doubts or uncertainty as to any aspect of the process will lead to poor participation and a potentially fl awed outcome or no result.

Given the VNPA's strategic position concern-ing Point Nepean, its role and infl uence in the tender process must be clearly stated.

If the government expects that the selected private sector proponent will assume the similar responsibilities and risks as to park maintenance and repairs as well as to the restoration of the Quarantine Station that Point Leisure Group had contractually obligated to deliver, then it is inconceivable that a lesser scope of development to what PLG proposed could possibly deliver such an outcome.

If the government was to remove these obliga-tions from the preferred proponent, it then begs the question: why are you going through the master plan revision and potentially another tender process if you are not receiving any direct reduction in the level of public funding in the upkeep and restoration of the Point Nepean National Park or direct stimulus to the local community?"

So before the state government attempts to build community expectations once again through another expensive master plan process, perhaps it could tell us all exactly what the VNPA is prepared to accept by way of private development, so as we don't end up with another "tail wagging the dog" outcome that determined the fate of the Point Leisure Group project.

Stuart Allen, Dromana

Gondola not neededA glary glitzy gondola in rare remnant bushland: forgive us, future generations, for we know not what we do.

In July, 2015 we are appalled by TV images of a wealthy American paying the equivalent of an African familys generational budget in order to satisfy his lust to kill an African lion king and yet, at the same time, our Australian community is ambivalent about the destruction of a remnant of natural heritage bushland in order that a wealthy Australian may profi t .

The lion king could have assumed himself safe in a protected national park. We assumed our natural heritage forest, and its indigenous fauna, were safe in a protected state park.

Not so, in either case.The justifi cations for the development of

a European-style gondola up the face of the Mornington Peninsulas Arthurs Seat are many, varied and tenuous: Merely a replacement for the outdated, old chairlift; good for tourism; will create jobs; accessible for disabled visitors.

These four points can be questioned as fol-lows.

A replacement already exists a free, all weather road with excellent, safe, free viewing points. The old chair lift route is already regen-erating naturally and restoring an uninterrupted forested slope.

Tourism is at capacity. Peninsula Link is grid-locked at times during summer, car parking is impossible from Mt Martha to Portsea and from Red Hill to Flinders at peak times. The proposed Skylift development does propose massive new car parks (paved and fl oodlit) but we must sac-rifi ce swathes of natural landscape. High value tourism in the future will not be about aircon-ditioned, passive riding, eating and drinking that is every day working life.

Job creation is the mantra of all would-be de-velopers. Construction jobs are very temporary (this one slated for less than a year). It seems that the gondola, on its own, would not be profi t-able so it is the lower station cafe and the upper stations licenced, late night restaurant which will provide viability and those much- vaunted jobs. As there are so many existing dining es-tablishments in the area, more competition will inevitably lead to closures and job losses. Quite conceivably, no increase in the total jobs across the area.

Arthurs Seat Rd already provides free, disa-bled access to the summit.

One vital question remains unanswered: The fi re risk.

There has been no input from the local CFA teams who possess site specifi c knowledge built up over generations. Figures produced by the developer quote passenger numbers to be carried per rotation and the speed at which the gondola could return them to base in the event of an emergency but take no account of the numbers which will accumulate at the restaurant, bar, picnic areas and at the neighbouring adventure garden complex.

The report produced by the highly qualifi ed scientist, Dr Janet Stanley seems not to have been addressed by either Mornington Peninsula Shire or by VCAT. Her conclusion is that the risks are overwhelming and no responsible com-munity should accept them.

Why did the council support the proposal?Observations at council meetings revealed

nods, winks and body language. There have been three defi nitive meetings over the past year which appear to have been timed to coincide with the absence of representatives from Droma-na and Red Hill wards, those directly impacted by the development. Unlike state or federal government bodies, local government has no system of pairs. In each case, the motion was carried by a single vote.

The question remaining is for the Australian community. Do we value our remaining natural heritage enough to strengthen the laws relating to national and state parks so that they are never for sale to private individuals for private gain? The 50-year lease in this case is commercial in confi dence so we, the custodians of Arthurs Seat Park, cannot discover the price for which our land has been sold.

Our birthright for a mess of pottage perhaps or, in modern parlance, a messed up natural asset.

Rosalie White, Red Hill

Residents ignoredThe shire councils 13 July decision to approve the RACV Cape Schanck resort development, with its seven-storey, 30-metre high, 120-room complex, disappointed the 82 per cent of Cape Schanck residents who were against it.

Nine residents representing more than 400 people spoke against what will be the high-est building south of Frankston. Surprisingly, the council discounted the Victorian Design Review Panel (Offi ce of the Victorian Govern-ment Architect) report that asked the RACV to consider excavating deeper to lower the height of the building.

The council meeting heard that the resort would attract conferences and help peninsula tourism to be open for business all year rather than just in summer, but residents argued that lowering the building height would still achieve this goal.

It was only after the meeting heard from Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board chairman Tracey Cooper, before councillors voted on the proposal, that I started to join the dots.

The councils delegates on the tourism board are councillors Antonella Celi and Tim Wood (who was absent on the night of the vote) and the substitute representatives are Anne Shaw and David Garnock.

The motion to approve the RACV develop-ment was moved by Cr Celi and seconded by Cr Shaw. For the resort were Crs Celi, Shaw, Garnock and David Gibb.

In trying to understand the councils decision, I see a connection between those proposing and voting for the decision and Ms Cooper together with Cape Schanck Resort manager Conleth Roche, with all having worked together on the regional tourism board.

So we have a situation where the council contributes to the funding of the tourism board, provides councillors as delegates, and the only two councillors to speak for the $135 million de-velopment were tourism board members. Also, the RACV sponsors the 2015 Victorian Tourism Awards, which are of benefi t to the regional tourism board.

This leads to a question we all understand: Does it pass the sniff test?

Ian Renwick, Cape Schanck

Jobs to go uptownUp to 470 jobs will be created during the con-struction phase of the Peninsulas biggest project this side of Frankston the RACV resort at Cape Schanck - at least according to council of-fi cers and councillors. That may be true, but Ive got news for them those jobs are not l likely to come to peninsula residents.

A developer friend has told me that the tender documentation has gone out to high-end tier 2 construction companies in the big smoke, as one would expect for a $135 million build and fi t out.

But guess what, all of these companies and their sub-contractors have their own workforces already in place. They wont be looking for locals. Continued Page 16


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LETTERS

And before anyone suggests its too far for uptown people to travel down here every day to work, they did for the RACV Torquay develop-ment. Just ask the successful tenderer for that construction job. Oh wait, they wont want to answer because they have been invited to tender for the Cape Schanck job too.

Irene Wyld, Cape Schanck

Ice warningThe latest issue of The Guardian Weekly has a distressing article about two highly experienced Dutch polar explorers who were travelling across sea ice expected to be the most resil-ient to climate change. Marc Cornelissen and Phillip de Roo lost their lives because the sea ice was so unexpectedly thin and they broke through.

The entire world must share in the respon-sibility of causing the ice to melt because of global warming caused by our pollution of the atmosphere.

When politicians or leaders make decisions in good faith without complete understanding or knowledge, it is tragic. But for those who know and understand, yet still continue to make deci-sions which are detrimental to our future, their actions are inexcusable.

Our Minister for the Environment, Flinders MP Greg Hunt, has no excuses. He understands that to encourage, by permitting coal miners to dig up, what is otherwise valuable, productive farmland, is nothing short of criminal.

The minister knows that the pollution pro-duced by such coal will be Australias responsi-bility.

Doesnt the emperor know how ridiculous he will look in his new clothes at the World Climate Summit in December?

Peter Strickland, Balnarring

Nothing to supportCould it not simply be that there is nothing much in the Liberal federal government's agenda that has been positive for ordinary Australians or the future wellbeing of our planet, Michael Free? (Liberal support, Letters 4/8/15).

For instance, the much feted new carbon abatement scheme of [Environment Minister and Flinders MP] Greg Hunt, has not seen my electricity bill go down and I'm waiting with trepidation for the much anticipated carbon reduction by 2020.

On the contrary, electricity prices actually have gone up this year. It can't have anything to do with renewable energy production, as our great leader Tony Abbott is out battling windmills and anything to do with alternative energy.

And, when it comes to our refugee policy, the truth is that many boats actually did come but were turned away or the people where loaded onto lifeboats and pointed back to anywhere north of Australia. Of course the Australian people are not allowed to know this because the way it is done would surely not go down very well with a great number of fair-minded people. And $ 80 million was ripped from the health and education budgets, even after the Abbott opposi-tion at the time voted for these measures in the Labor budget before it took offi ce.

The furphy about new agreements being forged with the states is a blatant attempt by the federal government to cost shift to the states.

When it comes to empty vessels and noise, we have to look no further than the federal govern-ment front bench and leader group. All we hear from there are three-word slogans repeated at least twice and venom sprayed at anyone daring to ask pertinent questions.

The way the Liberal government in Canberra is keeping Austr

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11 August 2015