Police patrol
With Liz Bell
NEWS DESK
New rules may lead to NDIS housing
Christmas chat
Handling the heat
THE Hastings Police Senior Citizens Register hosted a Christmas afternoon tea at the Hastings Bowling Club, last week, pictured, where more than 100 clients and volunteers were treated to entertainment, raffles and afternoon tea. Mornington Peninsula Local Area Commander Inspector Terry Rowlands presented volunteers with service certificates. Thanks went out to all the volunteers and Leading Senior Constable Andrew Ellams from Hastings Police who do such a great job for local senior citizens.
POLICE are reminding people to safely use equipment over summer. Tasks like welding, grinding, or other jobs that involve heat or flames are prohibited unless users follow certain rules during the fire danger period: n A fire-resistant shield or guard is in place to stop sparks, hot metal or slag from the fire. n An area at least 1.5 metres from the operation is clear of flammable material or wetted down sufficiently to prevent the spread of fire. n There is a hose connected to a reticulated water supply or water spray knapsack containing at least nine litres of water. n All offcuts and hot materials are placed in fireproof containers. n Someone is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire. n The fire is completely extinguished before the person leaves. n On declared total fire ban days tools that create heart or sparks cannot be used. Details: cfa.vic .gov.au/can
Policing forum A Neighbourhood Policing Forum will be held on Wednesday (6 December) at Mornington Golf Club. The forum is an opportunity to chat to local police about crime prevention and road safety. Registration is essential. Scan the QR code on the Mornington Eyewatch website to register or send details to SD4-COMMSAFE-MORNPEN-MGR@police. vic.gov.au.
49 Eramosa Road West, Somerville, VIC 3912
AUSTRALIAN BUTCHERS STORE
Western Port News
6 December 2023
Exercise suggestions
HASTINGS residents are being invited to suggest the design and equipment for an exercise station near the tennis courts at Fred Smith Reserve. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has allocated $150,000 for an outdoor exercise station to accommodate all abilities and ages. “I know the Hastings community will be glad to hear that new exercise equipment is in the pipeline. To make sure we get it right, please help us to design an exercise station that welcomes everyone,” Cr Lisa Dixon said. The shire says suggestions for the “exercise destination of your dreams can be made from 9 November to 7 December at: mornpen.vic.gov. au/hastingsfitness
Albatross at Dunes MAX Christie and the albatross have made history together at the Dunes Golf Links, Rye. While playing in the Dunes Medal Tournament Christie scored an albatross on the seventh hole on the 28 November. While particular shots have their place in golf, such as birdie (one under par) and eagle (two under par), the albatross, or a double eagle, is rare. In golf, an albatross is when a player scores three strokes under par on a single hole. Christie, of Geelong Golf Club, started his record making score by hitting off from 222 meters with a five iron. Hitting an albatross has been calculated to be a more than six million to one chance. Christie’s performance was made in a game that saw golfers face heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 kilometers an hour. “The Dunes Medal is always a tough competition and making such a shot on the seventh hole is truly special. I’m grateful for the support from fans and fellow competitors.” Christie said.
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NEW rules exempting certain community accommodation from planning permits are expected to speed up construction of a new purpose-built NDIS development in Rosebud, potentially paving the way for similar accommodation elsewhere on the Mornington Peninsula. The project by builders Balmain and Co to be launched on Monday (4 December) with a turning of the sod and welcome to country ceremony, is expected to fill a need for NDIS housing in the area. According to data, around 75 per cent of NDIS housing is older stock, and not fit for purpose for a range of client needs. There is also a shortage of properties on the peninsula according to developer spokesperson Jess Jones, with only two vacancies currently listed on the peninsula for NDIS housing. Balmain and Co plans to build seven units (four two-bedroom and three one-bedroom) over three levels in The Crescent, Rosebud, housing up to 11 participants. Jones said the state government last year changed the planning laws to allow builders to develop NDIS accommodation without a planning permit, under “community care” accommodation. Clause 52.22 was brought in to “facilitate the establishment of community care accommodation”. To be eligible, developments must not accommodate more than 20 clients, not including staff. A 2018 study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute shows Australia’s supply of specialty disability accommodation needs to grow by 60 per cent to house the 28,000 people the NDIS expects to finance. The report identified another 33,200 people with very high support needs who may require SDA on top of the 17,500 already in this form of housing. Of these 33,200 people, 6200 people are under 64 residing in aged care.
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