Western Port News 18 November 2002 by Mornington Peninsula News Group

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Wednesday 18 November 2020

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Fatal night at Somerville

Picture: Gary Sissons

A 23-year-old Reservoir woman died when the car in which she was a passenger left the road and crashed into a tree at Somerville, Saturday 14 November. Police were told the driver of a white sedan lost control on Jones Road before the incident, 9.55pm. The woman died at the scene while the driver and another passenger, both men in their 20s, were taken to hospital with unknown injuries. Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit were on the scene, Sunday. Anyone who saw the crash or who has dash-cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

Aero club tries to short circuit VCAT Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au PENINSULA Aero Club has asked Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 11 councillors to help find a “circuit-breaker” to resolve its ongoing dispute with the shire over operations at Tyabb Airfield. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is scheduled to begin a hearing in April, but the PAC’s president Jack Vevers has invited the justelected councillors to a meeting at the airfield on Sunday (22 November). Mr Vevers issued a statement last week saying the shire has no evidence to support its claims “and is destined for another loss in VCAT [and] another waste of ratepayers’ money”. Cr Paul Mercurio has urged his fel-

low councillors to “make the effort to accept and attend the briefing” with Mr Vevers. “It is important that we hear from all sides so we understand all of the issues and can ask the appropriate questions,” Cr Mercurio said in an email to his colleagues. He estimated the “briefing” would take two hours “or so” and “bring us up to speed from PAC point of view and better ready us” for an official council briefing two days later. Cr Steve Holland told The News he had sought advice from shire CEO John Baker and would be briefed by shire officers about the airfield dispute. “Following this briefing, I may decide that it is not appropriate to meet with Mr Vevers and the PAC.” Re-elected councillor Hugh Fraser said the invitation provided “an ex-

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cellent opportunity” for councillors to see operations at Tyabb airfield and to “better understand the briefing and evidence to be provided by council management and the community”. The PAC was the only organisation to issue how-to-vote advice for all wards during the October council elections placing Cr Mercurio in the number one spot for Watson Ward along with Lisa Dixon (Cerberus) and Anthony Marsh (Briars) (“Deadline close for most unusual poll” The News 13/10/20). Mr Vevers, in an email to councillors, said he had postponed his original invite from Sunday 15 November “after talking with Cr Mercurio, as well as feedback from a couple of you”. In his original invitation to councillors, Mr Vevers said some VCAT hearings had supported PAC’s position, but

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had been “a huge cost to the shire’s ratepayers and PAC “and has not achieved any of what we understand to be the shire’s objectives” (“Turbulence ahead despite aero club’s win” The News 8/9/20). “We are hopeful that the new council will provide an opportunity to find a circuit breaker to establish a more respectful and peaceful pathway to resolution of this situation.” Mr Vevers said the PAC had “been made aware” that previous councillors had been given “little information of our side of the story”. Meeting at the airfield would provide the new councillors with “the opportunity to share [Pac’s] view” so they could “consider the situation in an informed and balanced way”. “PAC is committed to finding a reso-

lution to this situation which will allow the airport to continue to operate successfully for the next half century and beyond,” Mr Vevers said. The VCAT hearing scheduled for April follows the findings of a Queen’s Counsel hired by the shire in April 2019 to conduct a “full legal review, in order to provide clear information … regarding the conditions of all current planning permits currently applying to the Tyabb Airfield” (“Shire, aero club head for VCAT showdown” The News 18/8/20). The QC’s findings led to the shire issuing an order in June 2019 which virtually shut down the airport and its ancillary businesses. The businesses were later told they could resume work, but that “necessary” permits would be required.

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Western Port News

18 November 2020

NEWS DESK

Business case casts doubt on rail extension

Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au

A BUSINESS case assessing the proposed electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter has suggested that a different option be taken instead. The business case was publicly released last week, more than one year after it was handed to the federal government. One of five options assessed in the study only provides improvements to bus services. Two options see no electrification of the railway and add passing loops to the Stony Point line, while the other two see the track duplicated and electrified to Langwarrin and Baxter. The study identifies the “Stony Point Uplift” as the “indicative preferred option”, rather than the electrification and duplication to Baxter. The Stony Point uplift would see passing loops added along the Stony Point line at Tyabb and Bittern - to allow trains travelling in opposite directions to pass each other. The track would not be electrified and the project would not include level crossing removals. The estimated cost of electrifying the Frankston line to Baxter is put at $1.3-$1.5 billion, while just going to to Langwarrin is estimated at $900m-$1.1 billion. The Baxter electrification project would see new stations built at Frankston East, Langwarrin, and Baxter. Additional costs come from removing five level crossing, a rail bridge over Peninsula Link, train stabling at Baxter, and residential property acqui-

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison at Leawarra Station in 2018, reaffirming the federal government’s $225 million commitment to extending the Frankston line to Baxter. It has now been revealed that the cost of the project could be over a billion dollars more than that. Picture: Gary Sissons sition. Mornington Peninsula Shire cou councillors have warned this will impinge on the green wedge. The federal government has committed $225 million to the electrification project while the state government has

not made any commitment. This would leave the proposed project with a funding shortfall. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke was contacted by The News but did not respond before deadline. The federal government’s contribu-

tion could cover the estimated $190m$210m cost of the Stony Point uplift, the “indicative preferred option”. The business study stated that “none of the investment options have demonstrated a strong economic case for priority investment”, but identified the Stony Point uplift as the preferred option as it “requires significantly less capital investment and has less impacts than the electrification options”. The business case says it is a problem that “limited public transport options and poor connections between the Peninsula, Frankston and the city results in increased car dependency” “Less than three per cent of residents use public transport in the Mornington Peninsula, and less than six per cent in Frankston, which is exceedingly low when benchmarked against municipalities with similar characteristics. The low proportion of commuters using public transport is indicative of several issues in the area, including accessibility, reliability and poor travel times. For residents in Frankston and the peninsula, less than 10 per cent of all jobs are accessible by public transport within an hour,” the business case stated. Ginevra Hosking, CEO of lobby group Committee for Greater Frankston called the finding of the business case “Orwellian”. “The Victorian government was given $1.5 million of public money to create this report, which purports to be a rapid cost-benefit study, but it clearly states that actually quantifying the project benefits was out of scope. The Frankston and wider community were expecting their state government to extend the train line to at least Langwar-

rin with a minimum 15-minute metro service and a dedicated commuter park and ride for at least 1000 cars,” she said. “It’s time for the state government to start properly planning to construct this vital public transport project.” Federal Flinders MP Greg Hunt, whose electorate encmpasses Baxter, said “when it comes to extending Metro train service beyond Frankston, the Committee for Greater Frankston agree, the Committee for the Mornington Peninsula agree, the Mornington Peninsula Shire agree, Frankston City Council agree, the Victorian Opposition agree and the federal Liberal and Labor parties agree of the merits of this expansion.” Dunkley MP Peta Murphy said “it took more than a year of relentless advocacy from me, including a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister, to push the federal government to finally release the business case”. “The Morrison government promised our community they were building the metro rail to Baxter. Yet nothing has happened. My unwavering commitment is to better public transport, including improved train services, for our community. As our local federal member, I will keep up the pressure for the Morrison government to deliver on its promises.” The business case said about 7.4 hectares of land acquisition would be required at Baxter if the line was electrified to. Property acquisitions may also have to occur for level crossing removals at Moorooduc Highway, Hillcrest Road and Golf Links Road.

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Parking in Mornington, Hastings and Rosebud We’ve been developing long-term Parking Precinct Plans to improve how car parking works for you in Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud.

Online information sessions Visit the Shire website to register your interest to attend: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ parkingprecinctplans

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18 November 2020

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Western Port News

18 November 2020

NEWS DESK

Artwork leads the way to changed school life GRADE 6 student leaders from three Hastings primary schools met online recently to share their concerns about the upcoming transition to secondary school without any of the usual rites of passage because of the coronavirus. The forum, part of the Family Life: Map Your World Program, discussed their hopes and fears and also came up with some solutions. The students decided that artwork, and a large digital forum, would create a sense of occasion and celebrate their transition to senior school. The idea was developed and then carried to fruition by adults in a corresponding Family Life program: Creating Capable Leaders, with support from the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s youth services team. “The students were concerned their passage from primary school would go unmarked, as gatherings did not allow them to be celebrated by their community of school and family,” Family Life’s Rosie Silva said. “This project has created a wonderful sense of community and camaraderie where 145 students from seven peninsula primary schools will experience a unique celebration of their primary schooling, all thanks to these inspiring students.” The project will involve a live Q&A session during which staff will answer questions and offer support on big screens in classrooms throughout November. The students’ handprints of hopes, fears and strengths will be displayed in shop windows, where the graduating students – or anyone – can stand to be photographed. Creating Capable Leaders participant and

The future togetyher: Participant and shopkeeper Melissa Cupidon says the students’ wings project is creating a flow-on for the whole community. Pictures: Supplied

Creative Makes, Hastings, shopkeeper, Melissa Cupidon, said: “This project has been incredibly inspiring for the adults involved, on top of the joy of being able to help primary students and creating a flow-on for the whole community. “The community is coming together to support these kids who need it for now and into the future.” Details: Rosie Silva 0429 864 693. Stephen Taylor

St John’s back in service AFTER 33 weeks parishioners have again attended a service at St John’s church in Flinders. Services have been available online, but on Sunday 8 November 20 lockdown rules were eased and 20 parishioners were able to gather in the church grounds. But not everything is back to normal, with the annual summer fete going online. The fete has been running for more than 80 years and organisers are determined to still provide entertainment and raise money for the church and its charities. The online fete includes stalls, the Flinders Pet Show and new competitions. Christmas floral decorations, cakes, puddings and gifts can be bought. Art works, which can be viewed in the Op Shop windows in Cook Street, include a limited edition of 10 prints of a painting by Barb Lab (the original has already been sold). The fete is at stjohnsflindersfete.com.au

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Western Port

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PHONE: 03 5974 9000 Published weekly. Circulation: 15,000

Journalists: Stephen Taylor, Brodie Cowburn 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Bruce Stewart 0409 428 171 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Danielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Andrew Hurst, Craig MacKenzie. ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURS 19 NOVEMBER 2020 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 25 NOVEMBER 2020

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Beach closed after ‘bomb’ find BOMB Squad sniffer dogs were deployed to Dromana beach after explosives were found in the sand beside a beach box on Sunday (15 November). As they worked, the Canine Unit, Arson and Explosives Unit, Rosebud police and Air Wing cordoned off the beach box and searched the sand before declaring the area safe about 3pm. Detective Senior Constable Tim Jamieson, of Somerville CIU, said the beach box’s owner had been digging away sand before repainting when he unearthed a length of PVC pipe about 50cm deep. Unscrewing one end he discovered what he thought to be electronic detonators wrapped in newspapers dated 1987. He took the explosives to Rosebud police station where they were assessed by the bomb squad and later taken away to be made safe. The detonators are used to set off explosives. The beach box owner, who has had the box for 13 years, initially thought the pipe was a time capsule and tapped the top with a hammer to unscrew it. The man, an engineer, told police he saw wiring inside attached to three jars and recognised the items they contained as detonators. Rosebud police quickly cordoned off the beach box to keep beachgoers away. Detective Jamieson said an ongoing investigation would seek to determine the pipe’s owner and how long the detonators had been beside the beach box. “The pipe had been well concealed

and there was no sign of deterioration.” Detective Jamieson said members of the public were “never in any danger” from the concealed detonators, although he agreed it was “probably not a good idea” to tap the pipe with a hammer to open it. “These things on their own are relatively safe; they are designed to be hooked up to a power source,” he said.

Raids after shooting A 40-year-old Rosebud man has been released pending further inquiries after an Echo Taskforce investigation into a non-fatal shooting in Bulleen in August last year. Four warrants were executed in Narre Warren South, Rosebud, Brooklyn and Hampton Park last week by police from the Echo Taskforce, Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit, Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and the AFP National Anti-Gangs Squad.

Three people were charged after the raids: A 28-year-old Narre Warren South man has been charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, recklessly causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury, criminal damage by fire (arson), using a category e unregistered handgun, and failure to provide a pin code. A 29-year-old Hampton Park man has been charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, recklessly causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious Injury, criminal damage by fire (arson), and failure to provide a pin code. A 30-year-old Brooklyn woman has been charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury, and recklessly causing serious injury. The trio will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date. Detectives in January charged 11 people in relation to the matter. Leading Senior Constable Natalie Dean said the arrests followed the nonfatal shooting of a then 31-year-old man in Bulleen on 1 August 2019.

Woman sought POLICE are searching for a woman over an alleged assault at a shop in the Dromana Hub Shopping Centre, 3.30pm, Wednesday 24 June. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

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Western Port News

18 November 2020

NEWS DESK Aquatic ‘art’ invited PHOTOGRAPHS to adorn the Yawa Aquatic Centre at Rosebud when it is completed in March will aim to “celebrate and champion the work of a local artist as well as promote awareness and appreciation of creative communities”. The works will help ensure that the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s public spaces are “stimulating and engaging” for visitors and will hang in the entrance to the main thoroughfare from the car park. The successful artist must live in the shire and will receive $5000. Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking to engage an artist through an expressions-of-interest process to create the photographic works. They will stay up for 12 months. Yawa Aquatic Centre, which is gearing up to host an expected 400,000 visits a year, will have an indoor 50-metre swimming pool, learn-toswim pool, indoor water play area, warm water pool, steam room, spa and sauna, gymnasium, group fitness studio, spin room, cafe, multipurpose rooms and a wellness centre. The artist’s design needs to “consider” the centre. Applications close Friday 30 November. Artists wanting to apply should visit mornpen. vic.gov.au/yawaartisteoi

Free tickets SEAROAD Ferries is giving away $1 million worth of foot passenger tickets to encourage visitors to the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. Online registrations for the tickets to the ferry connecting Sorrento and Queenscliff start on Wednesday (18 November) and close 5pm Sunday 22 November. The free tickets can be used between 23 November and 31 July next year. Searoad CEO Matt McDonald said the 38,384 tickets would enable the winning passengers to “feel a world away from the challenges this year has brought”. He said the giveaway was “motivated by a

desire to bring visitors back to the region and help drive the local economy”. “We are a family owned business and we know how hard it has been for Victorians during lockdown,” Mr McDonald said. “In particular, we’ve seen the hardship faced by many local businesses who rely on tourism so wanted to do our bit and encourage as many visitors as possible to help the community spring back from an incredibly difficult time.” The giveaway is limited to one free ticket a person. Register at freeferrytickets.com.au

Poets go online THE poets are organising one more corner meeting for the year, but because of the coronavirus pandemic have moved a more socially distant online venue. The Poets’ Corner group which usually meets at a cafe in McCrae has now moved to Zoom, the online platform given prominence by COVID-19 and adopted by business and community groups. Featured poets at the final meeting will be Kelly Van Nelson and Daragh Byrne. The group is also inviting contributions for its 2021 anthology. Submissions close 31 December for works that must have been read over the past year at one of the group’s live gatherings last year or at one of this year’s online gatherings. Organiser Heather Forbes McKeon said the Zoom meetings usually include two open mic sets as well as hearing from featured poets. Being seen to other participants was “so easy” using a computer, phone or smart tablet. The featured poets will be author of Graffiti Lane and Punch and Judy, Kelly Van Nelson and Daragh Byrne, an Irish poet living and writing in Sydney. While Van Nelson’s books deal with family violence Byne’s writing is framed by a background in physics, a professional life of building software, and the study and teaching of meditation. For details of how to be involved with the Sunday 29 November Poets Corner Zoom meeting email picklepoetry@outlook.com

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EVERY TEST HELPS Every test helps us get closer to a new normal. Go to work safely. Get back to school. See family. So even if your symptoms are mild, or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been tested before, every test helps.

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PAGE 8

Western Port News

18 November 2020

LETTERS

Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au

Officers deciding to close Main Street is a disgrace It defies belief that council officers have decided to make a major section of Main Street, Mornington a pedestrian mall “without any input by councillors during the council elections” (“Pedestrians given right of way” The News 10/11/20). We are supposed to draw comfort from the fact that the shire CEO [John Baker] says the move “is part of a plan to help peninsula traders bounce back from lockdown”, and a survey of traders [by Mornington Chamber of Commerce’s promotions and marketing manager Alex Levy] which noted “I did not get a huge response, but those I did hear from were supportive”. This is bureaucracy out of control. Council officers and the CEO are employed by ratepayers to implement the directions of the people we elect as councillors. If council officers have time to embark on such frivolities, there are too many of them or they are not properly directed. They are the fortunate ones coming out of this crisis, not a day’s pay lost. With the pedestrian precinct, what about those with disabilities, what happens to those wanting to drop-off or collect goods? I believe many businesses will suffer; group bookings at restaurants will not be on for a lot of people. Are bicycles going to be allowed in the precinct, perhaps more dangerous to the public than motor vehicles? Car parks off Main Street are crowded in normal times. Perhaps the car park adjacent to the council offices built with ratepayers’ money could have a two-hour limit to alleviate some of the problem. Arriving at this decision without any input by councillors despite the fact of council elections is a disgrace. It should be rescinded as the first item of business at the first council meeting of the newly elected councillors. Due process should prevail. Jeff Seager, Mornington

(Vicinity Centres), and local MP Paul Edbrooke, a champion of the project, all claim the 85 new parks plus existing spaces will be adequate. They say previous studies have found a minimum of 578 vacancies in the shopping centre at any typical trading time. Unfortunately, this doesn’t allow for the building’s expected parking demand. Nor does it address Frankston CBD’s chronic lack of affordable parking. Surely the government knows basic economics? That if you overprice something, it will be underused. Bayside has “578 vacancies” because it charges $15 for all-day parking (10 per cent of the minimum wage). Council charges $6.50 for all-day with the first two hours free to shoppers. Council-owned parking areas are usually full. Bayside controls 57 per cent of all Frankston’s CBD public parking and can set all-day prices with impunity because there’s no true competition. The ripple effect of these pricing decisions spreads out and damages the whole CBD. The centre’s parking prices have spiked 50 to 75 per cent in five years. The government basing an important planning decision on total vacant spaces alone is unsafe and misleading, especially when pricing’s been so obviously distorted. The decision perpetuates a Ponzi scheme: double-counting existing spaces, the same mistake made with South East Water’s headquarters. Mr Wynne, if you’re going to let developers short-change Frankston on parking, the state government must address the root of our parking woes by extending the metropolitan train beyond Frankston, enabling people to access reliable, speedy public transport, and solving parking shortages by having commuter park and rides outside our CBD. Ginevra Hosking, CEO Committee for Greater Frankston

Shire unprepared

Hearings half way

Was anyone surprised by the assault of revelers on Mornington over the weekend? Mornington Peninsula Shire’s amenities department seems to have been. I went to my local beach for a swim this morning and was surprised to discover the beach and surrounds resembling a tip. All the bins were overflowing, some had shopping trolleys full of rubbish alongside (full marks for ingenuity in the absence of adequate infrastructure and services). I picked six stubbies and one ceramic plate from the water at Shire Hall Beach, luckily before they were smashed in the rocks. Sure, some people are pigs, but why wasn’t the shire prepared? We have known the likely easing of restrictions for months, and they have been confirmed for weeks. We know that we share our beaches and foreshore with the rest of Melbourne and that we benefit from the custom that comes with the crowds. Really, it is just a continuation of the shabby services we have endured for months, but which we have tolerated and excused, with much else, due to COVID-related restrictions and difficulties. The overflowing bins on the beaches and foreshore in Mornington have been spewing rubbish for months now, and the grass in foreshore areas, such as around the football memorial at the end of Main Street, has not been mowed for months. On a positive note, the closure of Main Street over the weekend was a stroke of genius. I hope it continues. As I sat among the socially-distanced throng on Saturday evening, I could almost imagine myself on La Rambla in Barcelona. Almost. Joanne Winterbottom, Mornington

We are now at the half-way through the public hearings into the AGL gas import jetty and pipeline project [proposed at Crib Point] with five weeks to go. AGL and APA have provided their expert evidence in support of the gas project and now Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast and Cardinia councils will present their expert witnesses. I would like to thank peninsula councillors, the strategic planning staff and their legal team for their work investigating the environment effects statement (EES) for the gas project. The analysis of each component (such as marine ecology, noise, and traffic) has been thorough and I look forward to watching more of the daily public hearings live via the Crib Point Inquiry and Advisory Committee website. The IAC team have been very professional despite the minor technical issues and the ability for submitters to ask questions directly to experts has been greatly appreciated. The coming weeks will see evidence from Save Westernport, Westernport and Peninsula Protection Council, Environment Victoria, Crib Point Stony Point Foreshore Management Committee, French Island Community Association and other community groups before local residents get to have their say. The more evidence presented against AGL’s flawed gas import project, the harder it will be to “pass muster”. Dale Stohr, Crib Point

Not adding up The state government has publicly dismissed concerns about inadequate, affordable parking for Bayside Centre’s proposed eight-storey tower in Balmoral Street, Frankston. Not disputed is there’ll be just 85 new car parks for a building accommodating 1470 workers. Planning minister Richard Wynne, Bayside

Sunday too noisy With COVID-19 restrictions lifting many of us with new found freedom I was barraged by planes flying over from 8am on a Sunday morning. The constant noise does not allow for a sleep in, yet I cannot go out and mow lawns at this time. I wonder when the Peninsula Aero Club will be a reasonable neighbour? It’s not too much to ask, at least until 10am on a Sunday, so people can enjoy some peace and a lie in. I wonder if I was outside [PAC members] houses and created this sort of noise, whether they would be happy. While Mornington Peninsula Shire has the means to restrict hours, these privileged indi-

FLYING high above the golf course and beach at Flinders a paraglider has no problems with maintaining social distancing or finding clear air. Picture: Keith Platt viduals snub all of us and care little of the local area. I am not against the airport; I just want some peace on a Sunday. Dr Ian Munro, Somerville

didates for Watson Ward in the recent elections to fill 11 vacancies on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Watson Ward is a single councillor ward.

Repeating mistake

Attributing blame

There is a simple statement and it reads “what is the definition of insanity?” and it finishes, “insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result”. The new sign erected in the Mount Martha South Beach car park stating that beach sand will be taken from Mount Martha South Beach to be placed in front of beach boxes at Mount Martha North Beach where the sand has been lost . Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t we do that same process a few years ago and, after a few big storms, most of it ended up back where it came from? Surely with all money required for things of more importance we could look again at this insane idea. Mother Nature always wins in the long run. How many times do we need to be demonstrated of this? Barry Kirkpatrick, Mount Martha

Most of the COVID-19 deaths have indeed occurred under Daniel Andrews’ leadership of the state government, but the vast majority of those occurred in private age care under Prime Minister Morrison’s federal government leadership (“Absurd belief” Letters 10/11/20). Ross Hudson, Mount Martha

Times of change The 100 years ago this week … section reports “why these late October rains?” with complaints by orchardists about unseasonable rains, while mentioning that parts of NSW have dire drought with dreadful consequences in stock losses (The News 4/11/20). Was El Nino still alive then? He seems to have been banished to the Indian Ocean Dipole resort while his mate La Nina is now harassing us. I am confused. Keeping busy in lockdown with big efforts tidying up the garden I uncovered the old sprinkler system - now well buried - which we used to have going every summer (before global warming) but can’t remember the last time it was turned on. It will need a lot of repairs if we have to use it again Keith Murley, Blairgowrie

Candidate congratulates The Watson Ward has spoken profoundly. Unlike other elections being held around the place. Watson voted clearly and decisively. I congratulate the candidate who Watson voters put their focused support behind, Paul Mercurio. Paul will have his work cut out if he plans to bring collective benefit to the most vulnerable members of the Watson Ward. Most importantly being the youth. To the 1166 strangers that voted for me, thank you. You are the 10 per cent of the Watson voting community who are willing to swim against the current, to achieve meaningful action. You are the voters who are willing to go with your gut and take a risk for the greater good. You are the part of the community who are hopeful and optimistic that progressive change is possible and can make a real difference. Don’t give up on your hopes and dreams. Use this energy to push back harder against populism and empower more people to get off the fence as you have. Please stay in touch, I’m not going anywhere. Michael Stephens, Red Hill Editor: Michael Stephens was one of five can-

Admitting mistakes I may vote Labor, but I certainly don’t worship them. There are issues that we differ on like refugees and climate change. Just to set the record straight, [Premier Daniel] Andrews had nothing to do with the employment of unqualified, untrained security guards: they were hired by the security company recommended by the Scott Morrison-led government. Dan has accepted the responsibility for the hotel fiasco. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t own up to being a LNP voter, with their latest penchant for affairs to tag onto all the other snafus. The integrity commission that Morrison is introducing will not investigate the sports rorts, the Murray Darling scandal, the Ruby Princess, aged care, the fire disasters,(where have the promised committed funds gone?), the $30 million paid for a piece of land worth $3m. The list of fraud and corruption goes on and LNP supporters accept it as the norm and unashamedly defend it. R G Menzies would be turning in his grave. The current Liberal Party is not a shadow of the party that he founded. Perhaps if they abandon the feeling of entitlement and the born to rule mentality. Thanks to Dan, we’re now 11 days of no new cases and no deaths and yes, we still need to wear masks outdoors. Something that [state Liberal leader] Michael O’Brien and some reporters can’t seem to grasp. John Cain, McCrae

Isolated experiences Some eight months in isolation and physically probably better than most my age, but mentally? I see the same person in the mirror, almost. The mind much as always, despite the odd memory lapse, helped and hindered by Google, enough evidence to suggest likely to worsen than maintain. Familiarity and separateness? Gardening a no go; can get down, but getting up? A slow walk with rest stops. The RSL, once a daily outing, one or two pots and company, still not open? Need a reason, a raison d’être? Or simply a hangover after those eight long months, who can tell? On balance, likely not a stress matter, more in line with running short of options, something I’ve always had on demand the past 80 odd years. I’m told we all have to face the truth sooner or later. Maybe so, but I find it hard to conclude that this truth includes - even me? Besides, I remain curious, a necessity. Such is life. Stop press: Noise. After a few days out of isolation, the realisation of missing the serenity of isolation? Cliff Ellen, Rye Western Port News

18 November 2020

PAGE 9

VICTORIAN MARITIME CENTRE Chief calls for community help THE newly appointed Chief Executive of Victoria’s Maritime Centre is calling on the community to assist the Centre, to bring Pilot Cutter MV Wyuna home to Victoria in early 2021 and to establish a land based display for EX HMAS OTAMA Naval Submarine at Hastings. Neil D. Armstrong OAM (right) the Maritime Centre’s Chief Executive (HON) commented. ‘We need donations from the community big and small. Everyone can help! The time has come give generously to this project, to make our maritime history come to a life, through a beautiful new visitor centre at Hastings. The hundreds of volunteers over the years have done marvellous work and given of themselves unselfishly. Through their efforts, a Pilot Ship and Submarine are both fully owned by the Centre. We require about 4 million dollars to complete the work on both vessels, so the public can visit and go aboard and see these beautifully preserved ships’. Mr Armstrong will be making representations to all levels of government to seek their financial and ‘in kind’ help,

as well as the public’s contribution. If there is ever a time for the community to get behind this project, it is now. We cannot do this alone, we need help and we need that help sooner than later. We are indeed very fortunate in the last several weeks to have the contributions of a highly talented group of professionals who have committed their time to assist free of charge. Former Chief Executive of the City of Casey, Mike Tyler, Mark Bartley Partner of Lawyers HWLS, Trevor Woodcock Managing Director of Infrastructure Solutions, Civil Engineers and Heidi Victoria, former Minister for Tourism have agreed to volunteer to assist. Mr Armstrong has prepared a strategic plan for the next 6 months and has obtained approval to revamp the structure of the Association. _________________________________________ Donations are tax deductable and can be made to: Western Port Oberon Association Inc - BSB 633 000 - Acc 145 633 780. ‘NOT FOR PROFIT ASSOCIATION’: ABN 21798 098 471. ATO TAX DEDUCTABLE RECIPIENT

EX HMAS OTAMA

MV WYUNA PAGE 10

Western Port News

18 November 2020

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

The Collapse of Quinn’s Bridge Compiled by Cameron McCullough THE Country Roads Board’s 13 ton steam roller crashed through Quinn’s Bridge (over the Balcombe Creek) last week, but the driver, Mr J. Burton, miraculously escaped injury, beyond scratches and a mud-bath. He was on his way, along the Tyabb Road, from Moorooduc to Mornington, and had got right on to the centre of the bridge – a wooden structure – when it collapsed. Driver Barton’s presence of mind in promptly shutting off the steam probably saved his life. Mr A. E. Callaway, of the Roads Board, inspected the bridge, and says that the mechanical parts of the engine will not be seriously affected. *** THE Licensing Court has approved of the transfer of the license of Kirkpatrick’s Hotel. Mornington, from Mr William E. White to Mr Claude Davey. *** AT Saturday’s meeting of the Cranbourne Shire Council a letter was received from the Minister of Public Works in regard to the proposed severance in connection with the Frankston and Hastings shire, asking if the Cranbourne Shire Council could, in the interests of ratepayers, sever any portion of the territory from within its borders. It was decided to reply that, in the opinion of the Cranbourne council, ratepayers within the Cranbourne Shire are quite satisfied with the existing boundaries. ***

“ACACIA”, Langwarrin, writes: “I am sure that a feeling of relief was felt throughout the shire when it became known that the Shire Council had got going again after such a long hold-up, and it is to be hoped now that something will he doing with such an energetic President as Cr. Mason. To commemorate his term, I would suggest that he take up the policy of tree-planting on the roadsides. Such fine roads as those made by the Country Roads Board are well worthy of having avenues of trees planted on the sides. No better attraction to any district could be had than tree-lined roads, so I trust this idea will receive the consideration it deserves”. *** A VERY pleasing function took place at the close of the Home Missions meeting, addressed by Sister Bessie, in the Somerville Methodist Church last week, when the Rev. C. Angwin, on behalf of the members of the congregation, made a presentation of a handsomely-bound Bible to the organist, Miss Vines, in appreciation of her valuable services as organist and organiser of church concerts. Mr Vines thanked the congregation for the gift on his daughter’s behalf. *** NO Melbourne Cup speculation, perhaps, equalled in rashness the wager of a local man, who the other day risked his suit and even his sox on a matter which involved a question of memory. The betting gentleman contended

that he had not signed a certain document about three months ago. The other party thought otherwise, and he accepted the wager, which carried no risk to himself, but looked like fig leaves or something equally light and airy for his friend. Proof was forthcoming last Saturday night, when the disputed document tamed up, duly signed and sealed! And now the unfortunate loser is asking for time to pay – until the weather gets warmer! *** A CORRESPONDENT at Stony Point observes: “Pat Gleeson, who outpointed the iron-jawed Sam Saunders, at Melbourne on Monday night, is a petty-officer on the “Australia”, and is well-known here. As a pugilist, Pat has some creditable performances to his credit, though he failed in the attempt to wrest the light-weight championship, from Chris Jordan some months ago. On the “Australia” there are several who are able to “mix it” very creditably, and they are saying that Pat Gleeson, when at the Base, is always willing to give local boys who think themselves fairly moderate with the mits a try-out for the sake of fostering the fistic art.” *** MR A. S., Box, the youthful Oakleigh cyclist, who annexed the mile and half-mile cycle events at the last New Year’s Day sports at Frankston, carried off the 10 mile senior cadet championship at Footscray.

He is now recognised as the State’s coming champion, and will most likely be competing at the next Frankston athletic sports. Though only 17 years of age, he turns the scale at 10st 7lbs. In the recent Bendigo to Melbourne race he finished tenth, but capsized in the Melbourne-Geelong event. *** IN last issue we referred to a local speculator who had bought and resold 130 blocks and was on the lookout for a score more. On that point, a correspondent writes suggesting that Cr W. P. Mason, of Brody and Mason, is one of the smartest salesmen he knows. He says: “Last week, after reading about the spec’s doings in “The Standard,” Mr Mason presumed it to be a certain person, whom he immediately interviewed. Mr Mason brought forth some convincing facts, the land was inspected, and 1000 feet frontage offered to the spec. In 30 minutes, Mr Mason had sold every allotment offered. *** A LARGE audience greeted the Pictures and Vaudeville Enterprise last Saturday night. The principal picture was a version of Julian Josephson’s story, “Hayfoot Strawfoot”, featuring Charles Ray and Bessie Martin Messrs Oliver and Lynch scored bits with comedy and drolleries, and were very pleasing. Miss Parsons also appeared, and contributed a song, which was well received, though the song itself was a

little too “grey headed”. Next Saturday night Mrs Irene Vernon Castle will be featured in Robert W. Chambers’ great work, “The Firing Line.” It is a picture you ought to see. *** THE recent visit of Bill Sykes to peaceful Carrum has induced the local people to initiate a movement, to have a police constable stationed at Carrum overnight. Bill’s last visit to Carrum cost more than £100 in losses, and he specialised in smokes and ladies’ camisoles and nighties! The municipal authorities, with the latest occurrence to justify the request, should have no difficulty in persuading the Chief Secretary and Sir John Gellibrand to comply with the reasonable request of the Carrum ratepayers. *** TALKING about burglaries, one’s mind recalls a little incident that occurred recently at Chelsea. Mr T. Naylor, whose shop is situated on the Frankston Road, Chelsea, happened to be on the premises when Bullseye came along, and started to force his presence inside. Hearing the noise, Mr Naylor fired a shot at the fanlight and the intruding one “went for his life”. That’s what Mr Naylor says, and we quite believe it. *** FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 12 November 1920

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scoreboard WESTERN PORT

Cricket back after off-season like no other Bailing out: Mornington started the season well with a 66 run win over Mt Eliza. Picture: Andrew Hurst

By Brodie Cowburn

PENINSULA

AFTER a long off-season of uncertainty, MPCA cricket finally got underway last weekend. The season will look different, consisting entirely of one-day games, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of local cricketers who returned to the pitch on Saturday. In the first week of Peninsula cricket’s return, Long Island took on Heatherhill. Heatherhill chose to bat first and put 132 runs on the board, giving Long Island an attainable target to chase down. Long Island had little trouble reaching the target and claiming the win. Nick Jewell top scored for the side, scoring 45 runs. Long Island ended up winning with seven wickets in hand. At BA Cairns Reserve, Flinders took on Moorooduc. Moorooduc set a decent target of 153 for Flinders to chase down. Dwayne Field’s bowling proved a huge help for Flinders, as he took 3/16 in eight overs. An unbeaten half century from Shane Beggs got Flinders over the line for the win. They reached their target with seven wickets to spare. Pines’ season got off to a ripping start, as they claimed a comfortable win over Seaford Tigers. The Tigers chose to bat first but couldn’t do much damage on the scoreboard. They were bowled out for just 88 runs. Pines made quick work of that total, securing the win after 25 overs at the crease. Somerville also got their season started with a good win, prevailing over Main Ridge by 52 runs.

DISTRICT

CARRUM managed to get a tight win over Frankston YCW to kick off the District division of the 2020/2021 MPCA season. The Stonecats chose to bat first, and were bowled out for 119. Carrum scored at a slow rate in reply, and their middle order struggled. Four middle order batsmen were dismissed for less than ten runs each. Carrum eventually reached their target with one over left to play. Dromana and Rosebud also got their season started with a thriller.

PROVINCIAL

A 100-run partnership between Billy Quigley and Ryan Godwin helped Rosebud get to a total of 151 before the end of their innings. Dromana’s run chase got off to a good start, and they looked in control of the contest at 4/114. A quick collapse followed, and the side ended up all out for 134. Patrick Nagel was the pick of the bowlers for Rosebud, posting figures of 3/22. Crib Point played host to Delacombe Park in what would go on to be a difficult day for the home team. Delacombe Park went in to bat first, and set a big total of 192. Number three batsman Matthew Whelan was impressive, hitting 12 boundaries on his way to a score of 91. Despite a spirited showing from their openers who combined for a 50 run stand, Crib Point ended up all out for 99, well short of victory. Delacombe Park bowler Matthew Kennedy was a star, taking 5/15. Hastings also started their season

SUB DISTRICT

SKYE defeated Boneo in a nail-biter on Saturday to start their season on the right foot. Skye lost the toss and was sent in to bat. They set a target of 129 runs, and would have to work hard to defend it. Boneo kept touch with their target, with a knock of 35 from number four batsman Mitchell Smith the best of their innings. Approaching the end of their innings, Boneo needed 13 runs to win with one wicket in hand. They managed to close in within three runs of a victory before their last wicket fell. Number 10 batsman Flinn Sheil was run out to bring the game to a close. Carrum Downs also had a close win on Saturday, narrowly defending their total of 176 against Balnarring. Opener Gordon Waterfall scored a half century to get Carrum Downs’ innings off to a strong start. His side’s

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total proved to be just enough, as Balnarring’s run chase expired just 10 runs short of a result. At Kananook Reserve, Seaford chased down an impressive total set by Tyabb. The Yabbies chose to bat first and put 201 runs on the board. Paul Nelson scored 76 runs from 73 balls in a standout performance. Seaford scored at a quick rate, and managed to reach the target set for them with eight overs left in the day. A brilliant individual showing from Todd Harnett nearly got Tootgarook the win over Mt Martha, but his side fell just short. Mt Martha set a target of 156 for their opponents to chase down. Apart from Harnett’s knock of 69, Tootgarook struggled and were bowled out for 138. Ballam Park secured a win to start their season, defeating Rye by 39 runs. Opener Pradeep De Silva put 75 runs on the board for the victors.

with a big win, bowling out Pearcedale for just 81 to defend their total of 130.

A KNOCK of 70 from opener Sam Mullavey helped Baxter to a win over Red Hill on Saturday. Baxter scored 175 runs in their innings, which proved too much for Red Hill to chase down. Despite a spirited showing, the Hillmen were bowled out for 162 - 13 runs off a win. Red Hill batsman Luke Robertson top-scored for his side with 62. At David Macfarlane Reserve, Peninsula Old Boys got their season off to a flyer with a win over Sorrento. The contest proved to be a high scoring one. With OB setting a target of 198 for the Sharks to chase down. Wade Pelzer scored a half century for the Old Boys. Openers Dylan o’Malley and Thomas La Brooy both posted scores of over 40. Sorrento worked hard to chase down the target set for them, but were 23 runs short of a win at stumps. At Lloyd Park, Langwarrin secured a dominant win over Baden Powell at home. Kangaroos bowler Matthew Prosser was at the top of his game, taking 5/4. Langwarrin ended up winning with nine wickets in hand and nearly 30 overs left to play. Mornington also secured a win in impressive fashion, defeating Mt Eliza by 66 runs. Matt Foon was best on ground for the winning side, scoring a half century then taking three wickets.

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Lujic signs for Mornington SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie MORNINGTON has clinched the signature of NPL scoring legend Milos Lujic. The 30-year-old has dominated Golden Boot honours at club and league levels throughout the decade and next year he’ll be wearing Seagulls’ colours as the Dallas Brooks outfit builds towards an assault on the State 1 South-East championship. Lujic has a massive profile in Victorian soccer. Starting with Northcote in 2013 he won his first NPL Golden Boot award then for the next three seasons after his switch to South Melbourne he made that award his own. He has won NPL championships, an NPL premiership, a Dockerty Cup and a Community Shield as well as a host of individual honours including NPL Player of the Year, NPL Players’ Player of the Year and Media Player of the Year. From 2014 to 2018 he was South Melbourne’s top scorer and in 2016 he created a club record for the most league goals in a season (including finals). In 2019 he played with Oakleigh Cannons and in 2020 he played the opening five matches of the NPL season with Port Melbourne. His decision to drop down three tiers of competition to join Mornington is likely to surprise many observers but the son of Footscray JUST legend Zdravko Lujic is confident that he has made the right move. “I wanted away from the whole NPL scene and I wanted to enjoy my last three or four years of senior football,” Lujic said. “I have a few friends at Mornington and they kept telling me what a good

Seagulls’ coup: New Mornington striker and NPL ace Milos Lujic during his South Melbourne days. Inset: New Mornington midfielder Luke Goulding. Pictures: Mark Avellino (Lujic) and Darryl Kennedy (Goulding)

family club it is and that’s a perfect fit for my life at the moment. “I’m there to play well, to score and to win but I really want to enjoy my football again.” The timing of Lujic’s signing is ideal given that Mornington head coach Adam Jamieson and his coaching staff had talked about revising possible team structure for 2021. “We’ve lost a couple of players with Kane Bentley going back to China and Dylan Fairclough’s decision to travel,” Jamieson said. “Losing Kane made us think of how we set up and bringing in Milos who is a natural number 9 allows Josh (Hine) to float about up there and do what he is really good at. “And you’ve got ‘Buzzer’ (Wayne Gordon), Matty Harrington and ‘Deki’ (Dejan Radojicic) up there too.” It is a formidable array of attacking talent and the expectation is that the

Dallas Brooks outfit had to dig deep to clinch Lujic’s signature. Not so according to Jamieson. “Through the middle of the year we had Ryan Paczkowski and a couple of boys from Bentleigh Greens knock on the door and talk to us regarding money and we said ‘no, we’re not paying that kind of money’. “Milos was absolutely more than reasonable with what we were wanting to pay to be honest. “We have not broken any budgets to go and sign Milos Lujic which is great because his goalscoring record is second to none.” How the Lujic-Hine partnership develops could be key to Mornington’s title push next year and Lujic is looking forward to linking up with the English striker. “Obviously I don’t know much about the league in general having been involved with the NPL for most of my

career but I did hear that Josh is a very good player and I know that Adam has plans for how we might link up,” Lujic said. “I’m a typical number 9 that gets into the box, can hold the ball up and score goals so I’m happy for Josh to work off me and provide a few assists and score goals as well. “I’ve played all sorts of systems but usually I’ve been the 9 so I’m very comfortable with that. “Look whatever the system is good players can play together so hopefully we’ll have a good connection up there. “I know that Mornington is an ambitious club and wants to get promoted.” Lujic was one of three signings announced by the Seagulls this week. The others were Luke Goulding from Langwarrin and Campbell Steedman from Bulleen. Goulding, 20, is a former Dandenong Thunder and Melbourne Victory player who joined Langwarrin for the 2019 season. Mornington has made a number of attempts to sign him and he’s been told by Jamieson that he plans to use him in a central midfield role. “Joining Mornington was an easy option due to my work commitments and how close it is to home,” Goulding said. “I’ve been playing mainly on the right but back in my younger years I played centre mid with Thunder and I’m looking forward to getting back into that role and taking control of games and getting on the ball as much as I can. “I’m just hoping to get as many games under my belt as I can and get as many wins as we can.

“Hopefully we can get that promotion spot (to NPL).” At Langwarrin Goulding played alongside older brother Callum who remains a mainstay in the Lawton Park squad but at Dallas Brooks he’ll link up with teenage brother Ethan who is one of the peninsula’s emerging talents. “I think my parents’ wish is that we all play in the same team one day so who knows what can happen in the future?” Luke Goulding said. Steedman, 19, is a forward and has come through Bulleen’s NPL under-18s and under-20s programs. “Campbell’s a super-quick boy and one that we really wanted,” Jamieson said. “He’s from the Mount Eliza-Mornington local area and we asked ourselves why are these boys travelling all the way to Bulleen and not playing first team football. “Both Campbell and Luke fit into the new culture we’ve created at the football club as we now have nine players out of the current 18 in our squad who are 21 years or under.” Last weekend Mornington officially confirmed its senior coaching panel for 2021 with Jamieson as head coach and Nathan Peel assistant coach. Andy Martyn is goalkeeping coach, Marty Ashton strength and conditioning and David Waring is team manager. Jamieson plans to return to training on Thursday 26 November pending council approval and hopefully a further easing of pandemic restrictions to allow contact training.

Our Luca breaks two-year drought HORSE RACING

By Ben Triandafillou JEROME Hunter’s talented sprinter Our Luca has broken his two-year winless drought with a commanding victory at The Valley on Friday 13 November. The Graebar Park-owned gelding had been winless since he clocked up three straight victories at The Valley at the end of 2018, but finally returned to somewhere near his best in the 1200m contest under the hands of Mornington-

based apprentice jockey Campbell Rawiller. Bringing up a winning double on the night for Rawiller, Our Luca ran his rivals off their legs by setting up a strong tempo up front before gaining a winning break turning for home. The seven-year-old gelding, who now has eight wins to his name, held on to win by one-and-a-half lengths over the Maher and Eustace-trained Cataracta. Mornington-based trainer Jerome Hunter was thrilled to see Our Luca return to the winner’s stall after two

years. “He’s back,” Hunter exclaimed postrace. “Like I said it’s just more that he’s got to be happy with the going and the last couple of years he’s had some terrible tracks to run on and everything fell into place tonight. “I said to Campbell when he did win here before, he used to get a bit of a gap on them and I said just go a bit earlier. If he’s back to his best, he’d definitely beat this field.” Rawiller, who also rode the Tom Hughes-trained The Commoner to vic-

tory earlier on the card, said he always felt comfortable with the way Our Luca was travelling despite setting a strong tempo throughout. “We got a little bit of pressure early but the horse did it itself today. He got in well with the claim and it’s great to get a winner for the team,” he said post-race. “Breathing wise it suited (the tempo) and I knew I was in a comfortable rhythm. They were getting along for sure but it wasn’t affecting the horse going that little bit quicker so I was happy to do it. It’s a big thrill [to ride a

winning double] and thank you to everyone that’s backing me.” The victory also brought up Rawiller’s second consecutive ‘Ride of the Night’ honours at The Valley. Rawiller picks up a couple of Drummond Golf vouchers with the success and is hoping the new golf gear can help him find improvement on the course. “I do like golf but I’m not good at it,” he joked. “I reckon I’ll get some nice clubs now and hopefully they improve me.”

Western Port News

18 November 2020

PAGE 15

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Western Port News

18 November 2020