Around the Bay – December

Cherry Lake Ward

G Den Dulk Reserve fencing

The Council recently received a petition requesting installation of a fence to improve the safety of the G Den Dulk Reserve playground in Somers Parade, Altona. The request was approved, and works on the fence have commenced and are expected to be complete by this Friday, weather permitting. The works are funded from the annual allocation within the 2013-14 capital works program to install reserve fences within Hobsons Bay.

Dogs at Cherry Lake

Pet owners are reminded that the entire Cherry Lake precinct is a dog on-lead area, including the paths and open space areas at the back of the lake. Signs around the lake warn dog owners to keep their pets on a leash or risk fines. Hobsons Bay has 12 dog off-lead locations. When using these areas, pet owners are expected to do the right thing by ensuring their animal is under control and picking up after them. For details on off-leash areas, visit the Council’s website.

Christmas events

Get into the festive spirit with a special story time session and music with Santa and the Bookends at Logan Reserve, Altona on Monday, 9th December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The Altona Laverton Council of Churches will present a Carols by Candlelight service on Sunday, 15th December, 8.00pm at Logan Reserve.

Strand Ward

Have your say

The Council is inviting the community to contribute ideas on the best use of the former Williamstown Ladies Bowls Club at Dennis Reserve. A feedback form will be sent to nearby residents and local community groups seeking suggestions for the future use of this site. It will also be available at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au, the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and Williamston Library. The consultation period will close on Friday, 20th December.

Newport Gardens Early Years Centre

The construction of the Newport Gardens Early Years Centre is now complete, with the keys officially handed over to service provider Early Childhood Management Services last week. Furniture will now be installed ahead of the centre opening in early 2014. The $5.4 million centre will provide long day care, kindergarten, maternal and child health services, Yooralla’s Early Intervention Service, toy library and playgroups. Community rooms will also be available for hire.

Bruce Street drainage works

The Council is undertaking drainage works in Bruce Street, Newport. Works will take about 12 weeks and will involve installing new underground drains and replacement kerbs. Bruce Street will be closed to traffic, however local residents will be permitted to enter. On street parking will be limited during construction.

Wetlands Ward

Stormwater Harvesting Project

The stormwater harvesting project at Laverton Park, Merton Street is now in its final stages. The project involves collecting stormwater from drainage systems, filtering it and using it to irrigate local sportsgrounds. The pump system is now operational and landscaping has begun. Work on access tracks and viewing areas are now under construction. The project, along with two others in Altona North and Williamstown, will result in up to 184 megalitres, or almost 74 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water, being saved each year.

Community takes action

The Council’s Parks team was involved in a successful community activity day at Truganina Park recently. Approximately 40 volunteers from the Church of Christ in Civic Parade requested an event where they could make a positive contribution to the surrounding environment. They were involved in mulching and weeding and enjoyed a barbecue. If you or your group would like to join a community event, call the Council on 9932 1000.

Laverton Creek Shared Trail

Work has just started on the missing link of the Laverton Creek Shared Trail between Victoria Street and Eucalypt Court. The project will result in the popular bike path being continuous from Queen Street to Merton Street. Depending on weather, it is expected work will be complete by Christmas.