Peninsula Wide
May 2015 | Issue #116
Honouring Our Past – Protecting Our Heritage
The Shire’s staged review of heritage places on the peninsula has been bolstered by the state government’s endorsement of further heritage planning controls for a number of properties in the Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha areas.
The Shire’s heritage review aims to ensure important heritage places receive recognition and protection under the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme. The Shire is working with local community heritage groups, the National Trust and external heritage architects on a review of a large number of potential heritage places.
More than 500 potential heritage places in the Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha areas were assessed as part of Stage 1 of the Heritage review throughout 2011 – 2013. The state government’s recent endorsement of heritage planning amendments for Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha enacts a Heritage Overlay for 60 additional heritage places, effectively ensuring that proposals for significant changes to these properties, including demolition, will be assessed to ensure heritage values are maintained prior to any works being undertaken.
Other improvements to heritage protection achieved by the amendment include the introduction of a special policy to protect the heritage values of Mount Eliza’s Ranelagh Estate and a stronger policy regarding assessment of development applications within the Heritage Overlay and on adjacent properties.
Stage 2 of the Heritage Review project is now underway in the areas of Safety Beach, Dromana, McCrae, Rosebud, Tootgarook, Rye and part of the hinterland. Other areas of the Shire will be assessed as part of future stages of the Heritage Review, a long-term commitment by the Shire to honour its past.
Information about the new heritage controls in Mount Eliza, Mornington and Mount Martha are available in Planning Scheme Amendment C174. The Mornington Peninsula Thematic History has also been written, which is an extensive and informative overview of the evolution of the built environment on the peninsula. Both documents are available from the Shire website at
Your Councillors
BRIARS
Cr Anne Shaw
0409 514 238
BRIARS
Cr Bev Colomb (Mayor)
0418 506 638
BRIARS
Cr Andrew Dixon
0428 273 947
SEAWINDS
Cr David Gibb
5981 0906
SEAWINDS
Cr Graham Pittock
0408 332 197
SEAWINDS
Cr AntonellaCeli
0408 974 143
NEPEAN
Cr Hugh Fraser
5985 7203
NEPEAN
Cr Tim Rodgers
0417 585 142
WATSON
Cr Lynn Bowden
5977 9530
CERBERUS
Cr David Garnock
0428 343 822
RED HILL
Cr Tim Wood
0418 983 564
MAYOR AND COUNCILLOR SUPPORT
For Appointments and Meetings please contact:
Mayor: 5950 1411
Councillors:5950 1428
CONTACTING THE SHIRE
The Shire’s Customer Service team provides telephone hours from 8am until 5.30pm each weekday, excluding public holidays, simply call 1300 850 600 or 5950 1000.
Outside of these hours, your call to 1300 850 600 or 5950 1000 will be taken by our after-hours contact service. In an emergency, our key duty officers are available on a standby basis. The Shire’s Customer Service Centres are open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Locations
Rosebud: 90 Besgrove St (Mel: 170 A4)
Mornington: 2 Queen St – Cnr Main St (Mel: 104 D10)
Hastings: 21 Marine Pde (Mel: 154 K11)
Somerville: 14 Edward St (Mel: 107 E12)1300 850 600 or 5950 1000
The information in this publication is of a general nature. The articles contained herein are not intended to provide a complete discussion on each subject and/or issues canvassed.
Mornington Peninsula Shire does not accept liability for any statements or any opinion or for any errors or omissions contained herein.
RATES REMINDER
For residents paying their rates by instalments, the fourth and final payment is due Monday 1 June 2015.
Have you moved? If you have changed address you need to notify the Shire’s Revenue department within 30 days to ensure you receive correspondence in a timely manner, as failure to receive notices is the liability of the property owner.
If you have any queries, please contact the Shire’s Revenue department on 5950 1080.
Council & Committee Meetings
Council and committee meetings are generally conducted on a Monday evening and rotated around the Shire.
Meetings are open to the public except where matters of a confidential or ‘in-camera’ nature are discussed.
The Council conducts community Council meetings monthly which commence with community briefings to the public, followed by dinner and the Council meeting.
Agendas are available at all Shire Customer Service offices and branch libraries on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. Agendas and minutes of the meetings are also available on the Shire’s website at:
Please refer to the Shire website at for any changes to the Council meeting arrangements.
May 2015
25 May (Monday)
5pm–6pm
Community Council Meeting
6pm–7pm
Briefings to the community Dinner with the community*
7pm Council meeting
Rosebud Memorial Hall, 994 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud
June 2015
2 June (Tuesday)
7pm
Forward Planning Committee meeting
Council’s Rosebud Office, Besgrove Street, Rosebud
9 June (Tuesday)
7pm
ouncil meeting
Council’s Rosebud Office, Besgrove Street, Rosebud
11 June (Thursday)
6pm
Section 223 Submission Committee meeting
Council’s Rosebud Office, Besgrove Street, Rosebud
22 June (Monday)
5pm–6pm
Community Council Meeting
6pm–7pm
Briefings to the community Dinner with the community*
7pm
Council meeting
Hastings Community Hub, 1973 Frankston-Flinders Road, Hastings
23 June (Tuesday)
6pm
Section 223 Submission Committee meeting
Council’s Mornington Office, Queen Street, Mornington
24 June (Wednesday)
5pm
Special Council Meeting
7pm
Forward Planning Cttee meeting
Council’s Rosebud Office, Besgrove Street, Rosebud
29 June
No scheduled meetings (1st week of school holidays)
July 2015
6 July
No scheduled meetings (2nd week of school holidays)
13 July (Monday)
7pm
Council meeting
Council’s Rosebud Office, Besgrove Street, Rosebud
14 July (Tuesday)
7pm
Forward Planning Cttee meeting
Council’s Rosebud Office, Besgrove Street, Rosebud
27 July (Monday)
Community Council Meeting
5pm–6pm
Briefings to the community
6pm–7pm
Dinner with the community*
7pm Council meeting
Boneo Community Hall, 572 Boneo Road, Boneo
*RSVP essential, by Wednesday prior to the meeting, please call Christine
Advocacy in action
Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillors work hard in speaking up for the matters that mean the most to our community.
Our Council is active in advocating to all levels of government, and on a wide range of important topics from roads and public transport to beaches and health.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Bev Colomb said Council was committed to representing and supporting the community on important local issues.
“We recognise the issues that are important to our community, and advocate to the relevant stakeholders on behalf of our community - even on issues outside of Council’s direct control or capacity,” Cr Colomb said.
“We are committed to securing high quality services, programs and infrastructure, and ensuring the peninsula is ‘not left behind’.
“Our residents deserve to have access to services and opportunities wherever they live,” she said.
Council’s primary advocacy priorities are broad and extend across several themes, including:
•Addressing local government funding pressures
•Addressing transport disadvantage, including roads and public transport
•Improving community infrastructure, including sports and pre-school facilities
•Ensuring effective land management, including green wedge and coasts
•Leading innovative climate change, coastal and renewable resource initiatives
•Coordinated emergency management (planning & response)
•Championing a ‘whole of community’ approach to support people to age well on the peninsula
•Providing better services for young people, including early intervention support and mental health support
Council achieves this through representation on committees and direct meetings with state and federal ministers or representatives.
PROPOSED 2015/16 SHIRE BUDGET
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr Bev Colomb, encourages the community to review Council’s 2015/16 Proposed Budget, which has been placed on exhibition until Wednesday, 27th May.
“I encourage you to take the time to carefully read through the Proposed Budget to understand Council’s priorities over the next 12 months, make a submission and have your say” said Cr Colomb.
If you would like to make a written submission on the Proposed Budget, you can do so by mailing Mr Geoff Emberson, Manager Finance, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Vic, 3939 or via email to . Submissions must be received by 5pm Wednesday, 27 May.
Council will hold a Section 223 Committee Hearing on Thursday, 11 June at the Rosebud Council Chambers at 6pm where submitters will have the opportunity to address Council representatives.
DIAL-A-BUS FOR DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE
For passengers aged over 60 years and for people of any age with a disability (and their carer) the Shire’s Dial-A-Bus service offers a door-to-door transport option.
Dial-A-Bus collects passengers from any address within a service area, and transports to any location within the same service area.
Service areas include:
•Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie to Rosebud
•Mount Martha to Mornington
•Rye through to Rosebud
•Balnarring through to Hastings
•Dromana, McCrae to Rosebud
•Red Hill through to Hastings
•Flinders, through to Hastings
•Somerville, Tyabb
•Safety Beach to Mornington
•McCrae, Rosebud
•Mount Eliza to Mornington
•Mornington
Passengers need to be independent and mobile (wheelchairs and
mobility aids accommodated). Dial-A-Bus costs $1.00 each way.
For information and bookings call 5950 1605 or visit
Bookings must be made by 10am on the business day prior to the day of travel.
KEEPING SENIORS CONNECTED
Keeping involved and active – you’re never too old!Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is committed to assisting older residents to remain active, healthy, safe and connected. The Shire and its Peninsula Advisory Committee for Elders (PACE) work closely to bring community forums to residents of the Mornington Peninsula.
Residents can also tune into PACE on Air – a new Shire, PACE and local radio RPP collaboration that is part of the Shire’s new Positive Ageing Strategy: A Community For All Ages.
PACE on Air talks about issues that are important to older people. It aims to ensure local services, events, information and infrastructure are friendly for people of all ages, especially for older people who live work or play on the Mornington Peninsula.
PACE on Air broadcasts on local RPP’s Wednesday afternoon ‘Drive Time’ program (98.7 FM, 4pm). The segment airs every three weeks throughout 2015.
JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST ELDER ABUSE
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), the main day in the year when the world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on older people.
Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person, usually carried out by someone they know and trust; such as a family member, partner or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.
The World Health Organisation estimates that up to 10 per cent of older people experience elder abuse worldwide.
All older people have the right to live in safety, be treated with dignity and respect and to make their own decision. They must be empowered to recognise signs of elder abuse from family, friends and carers, and encouraged to speak out.
Seniors Rights Victoria can help older people respond to and prevent elder abuse. Free services include a Helpline, specialist legal services, short-term support and advocacy for individuals, and community and professional education. They also provide leadership on policy and law reform and work with organisations and groups to raise awareness of elder abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, please visit the Seniors Rights Victoria website at or contact their free, confidential Helpline: 1300 368 821.
Physical Activity Directory for Older People
Peninsula Health, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Frankston City Council are pleased to present the updated Physical Activity Directory for Older People. Listing over 200 groups in the Frankston Region and on the Mornington Peninsula you are bound to find something that appeals to you.
The directory is available online or you can order a free copy by contacting the Agestrong Network Coordinator at: or 5976 9071.
Community Information Directory – Available Now!
The 2015 Mornington Peninsula Community and Disability directory is now available. Search for accommodation, children and youth services, clubs, community support services, educational and health services, legal services, local history, recreation and more.
Get your copy now at any of the Shire Customer Service centres, or visit
OUR FURRY FRIENDS – BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR DOGS AND CATS
Adopt a pet
The Shire promotes responsible pet ownership and encourages people who are thinking about purchasing a pet to consider adopting a pet.
Working with more than 30 animal rescue groups enables the Shire’s Animal Shelter to find forever homes for as many pets as possible. Animals adopted from the animal shelter or from rescue groups are vet checked, de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed, temperament tested and micro-chipped prior to being re-homed.
Visit today to find out how you can adopt your new furry friend!
Leash-free areas
Did you know there are more than 60 designated leash-free areas in the Shire for you and your dog to play?
Leash-free areas have an important part to play in reducing dog nuisance problems for the community. By allowing your to dog to socialise and get regular exercise, they are less likely to be aggressive or become bored and cause nuisance by barking.
Registration of pets
Owning pets can be a lot of fun, and pets can provide us with company, stress relief and unconditional love.
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dogs and cats over three months of age must be registered with the local council. Failure to register your pet may incur a $295 infringement fee. Existing registration renewals are due on April 10 every year, however it is not too late to renew! Visit any of our Customer Service Centres or go online
24 Hour confinement of Cats – protect your pet
In 1997 the Shire adopted a municipality-wide Order that requires all cats to be contained within the owner’s property at all times. This Order aims to reduce problems associated with stray and feral cats, and to protect cats from attack and fatal diseases. The Shire encourages responsible cat ownership and owners should ensure that their cat(s) are registered and confined to their properties at all times.
OFFICIAL OPENING OF BENTONS SQUARE KINDERGARTEN REDEVELOPMENT
The upgraded Bentons Square Kindergarten was officially opened on Wednesday 22 April by the Honourable Jenny Mikakos, Minister for Families and Children, and Minister for Youth Affairs.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Bev Colomb said a second licenced kindergarten room was added to the facility in 2014 with extensive landscaping and improvements to outdoor play spaces also undertaken as part of the project.
“The centre is in an area of high population growth and is now positioned to better meet the needs of its surrounding community.
“The addition of the second room supports the delivery of best practice programs, including the opportunity to expand the inclusive program operated in partnership with Biala Peninsula, the ability to accommodate another group of four-year olds and an additional three-year old group into the service,” said Cr Colomb.
Fellow Briars Ward Councillor Anne Shaw welcomed the additional licenced kindergarten room, saying it provides increased places available for local children wishing to attend kindergarten at Bentons Square, and enabled the kindergarten to operate without placing children on the waiting list this year.
“It has also enabled a larger team of educators which has provided increased peer support and mentoring and the ability to offer four-year old children a 15 hour program rather than a 10.5 hour program,” said Cr Shaw.
The project received funding from the former state government, Mornington Peninsula Shire and support from Community Kinders Plus and Bentons Square Community Centre.
BAXTER KINDERgarten UPGRADE
The Baxter kindergarten has also received a significant upgrade. Similarly to the Bentons Square kindergarten project the Baxter redevelopment was funded by the state government and Mornington Peninsula Shire with a financial and in-kind contribution from Baxter kindergarten and children’s centre. The project has seen the construction of a second licenced kindergarten room, a complete refurbishment of the existing playroom including the addition of meeting spaces and extensive landscaping and upgrade of the outdoor play spaces. The official opening will be held later this month.
Shire – wide Organisational Review
It is a great privilege to have been appointed CEO of the Mornington Peninsula Shire in December 2014. Since my appointment I have spent a great amount of time working with Council, Shire staff and meeting many community groups. This process has allowed me to gain valuable insight into what the community thinks of the Shire as an organisation, and what we can do better to more effectively meet the needs of the community to consistently achieve a high level of community-wide satisfaction with our levels of service, delivery of projects, commitment to your needs and interests and of our knowledge of local laws, planning and environment, to help solve your problems.