NEWS DESK
‘Pristine’ coast reserves ‘ignored’ Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au THE former owner of Yaringa Boat Harbour at Somerville is hitting the trail for retirement in Frankston, but not without praising the area’s bushland areas and taking a swipe at authorities for ignoring them. “Everyone I know who likes a bit of bush walking and appreciating nature hops in their car and drives somewhere else,” Borzecki, who has lived most of his life in Somerville, said. “I am continually amazed at how
few people know that we have more than 10 kilometres of pristine bush fronting onto the coast of Western Port, complete with large bush reserves. “The area is readily accessible and stretches from the Bembridge Golf Club - yes, Somerville has a Golf Club - on the Tyabb-Tooradin Road, just down from Moonlight Sanctuary. The coastal reserve passes through Yaringa marina and goes all the way to Tyabb beach - yes, Tyabb has a beach.” Borzecki said the area’s shorter walks included from Rolfes’ Reserve
to Watsons Creek. “These areas used to be heavily abused and used for stripping cars, shooting and by trail bikes, but now are very lightly trod by only a few,” he said. “There is one caveat, be aware that some areas are heavily overgrown and the snake population, even in winter, is immense. There are views from Mt Dandenong to Mt Baw Baw right down to Phillip Island as well as French and Quail islands. echidnas, wallabies and koalas and the full range of bush and wetland birds.” Borzecki, who in March lost a bye-
lection for the Watson Ward seat on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, said the lack of care for or maintenance of Western Port’s bushland and coastal reserves was “another case of lack of interest by the shire”. “A simple mowing of the whole path once or twice a year would solve the problem; but there is no money in the [shire’s] budget,” Borzecki said. “Approval is needed from other parties, any excuse [is used] to not do anything in this forgotten part of the peninsula. “Parks Victoria can blast a path through any bush in the name of fire
access, but not here. Welcome to the North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve.” The Watson Ward vacancy on the 11-member council was caused by the resignation in December 2022 of Paul Mercurio, elected as Labor’s MP for Hastings at the November election. Borzecki received the highest number of first preference votes, 23.15 per cent, but lost to former councillor Kate Roper (21.48 per cent) after the distribution of preferences (“Roper returns to shire after Watson Ward win” The News 27/3/23).
urged for ritual Gnome no more by road Approval at planned temple site
AFTER eight years on public display, the infamous Reflective Lullaby sculpture is set to return to McClelland Gallery. Gregor Kregar’s Reflective Lullaby, a giant chrome gnome, was installed at Peninsula Link’s Cranbourne Road exit eight years ago. Four years later the gnome was moved to the corner of Moorooduc Highway and Hastings Road in Frankston. Last week, Reflective Lullaby was removed from its site and taken to McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin. The 10 metre tall artwork will be permanently installed in the gallery’s sculpture park. As revealed earlier this month, the Love Flower sculpture which replaced the chrome gnome near Peninsula Link is also set to return to McClelland Gallery later this month. Gallery director Lisa Byrne said the sculptures “have become a popular feature with visitors to the Mornington Peninsula and people will be delighted to rediscover them at McClelland”. “Both Reflective Lullaby and Love Flower have developed a cult following over the years among visitors and locals,” she said. “Visitors to McClelland will be able to catch up with old friends as we welcome Reflective Lullaby and Love Flower to their new homes within McClelland’s 16 hectare park.” The artworks are rotated as part of a public-private partnership between Southern Way and McClelland. Byrne said “the Southern Way McClelland Commissions are doing a massive job in driving popular appreciation of public art”. Brodie Cowburn THE Reflective Lullaby sculpture by Gregor Kregar. Picture: Supplied
PAGE 30
Mornington News
17 October 2023
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council officers have recommended planning approval be given for a temporary religious worship marquee on green wedge land in Pearcedale, despite 99 objections. The application is for a traditional Hindu puja for religious “land purification” that will run for one week, with two worship sessions of 6am to 11am and 4pm to 8pm. There are not expected to be any activities outside of the proposed marquee area, and no loudspeakers, microphones, music or bell ringing. Some of the objections referred to the “inappropriate” use of the green wedge, the potential for traffic issues, impact of neighbours, and setting a precedent for non-agricultural use. The site, at 1915 Hastings-Dandenong Road, is the subject of a separate planning application. Plans that were submitted in December 2021 by Melbourne Ayyappa Seva Sangam for a traditional Sree Ayyappa Temple attracted more than 300 objections. That application is set to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in February. The $4.5 million development proposed by MASS will be built on four hectares of farmland with several temples, car parks, and centres to host events to cater for more than 1000 visitors. The vacant site at the heart of the proposal is surrounded by agriculture, including market gardening, broiler
farms, equestrian and rural living activities. Shire officers have recommended the separate application for the marquee – to go before Mornington Peninsula Shire Council tonight (Tuesday 17 October) - be approved subject to conditions pertaining to noise, amenity and waste. Because it is also expected to go before VCAT, council is able to decide the application, but not issue a decision. A practice day hearing is scheduled for 10 November followed by a compulsory conference on 29 November. A merits hearing is scheduled for 15 and 16 February 2024.
Cyclist dies AN elderly man who fell from his bicycle on Point Nepean Road at Blairgowrie earlier this month died from his injuries on Thursday (12 October). It is believed the man was riding with a group on 1 October when he lost control and fell over the handlebars, about 11am. The 78-year-old from Kooyong sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital. Police will prepare a report for the coroner and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash or with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
