Fines, fees find their marks car park trial MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire had by the end of last week collected $178,000 in fees from the three foreshore parking areas included in its summer paid parking trial that started on 1 December. Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors were told last week that fines of nearly $20,000 had been issued for infringements at the car parks at Flinders and Mornington piers and Sunnyside Beach, Mount Eliza. The $96 fines had been issued for each of 207 infringements. The summer trial is reported to have cost the shire $1 million. Peninsula residents can register up to five vehicles at one address to avoid being booked, although they must still obey parking times. The latest payment figures were $25,000 higher than those recorded in the previous week. The fines have been issued for parking without a ticket, 197; overstaying a time limit, 1; and no parking at a boat ramp, 9. Parking is free for peninsula residents who have an e-permit and $6.50 an hour for visitors or $19.50 a day at Sunnyside and Flinders. Peninsula residents can obtain a free e-permit from the shire’s website: mornpen.vic.gov.au/epermits The shire says it has received 12,760 applications for e-permits. To pay their parking fees visitors can download the PayStay Parking app and create an account; scanning
Helping plovers: Friends of the Hooded Plover volunteer Jo Hansen speaking about the importance of protecting habitat for the hooded plover. Picture: Supplied
Picture: Gary Sissons the unique QR code signposted at each car park and paying as a PayStay Guest; or call 1300 322 111. The shire says revenue from the fines “will be used to help maintain foreshore infrastructure across the peninsula while ensuring fairer access for everyone. Charging visitors to park “is an opportunity for residents and visitors to the peninsula to continue to share our beaches while more fairly distributing the costs of maintaining these areas”. “The pilot will enable us to test parking rules, trial latest technology and assess the flow on impacts. It will allow the collection of real-time data and valuable community feedback.” Keith Platt
Watching out for beach birds HOODIE education starts young. Friends of the Hooded Plover volunteer Jo Hansen has shown members of the Gunnamatta Life Saving Club’s Nippers group about helping their beach neighbours, the hooded plovers. Along with Parks Victoria rangers Hansen spoke to five groups of seven
to 12 year olds and some parents. A similar session of Portsea Life Saving Club Nippers was attended by 30 children with their parents. Hansen said 650 Nippers had attended sessions this year. She said it was the sixth year the friends’ group had spoken at the Ports-
ea club and several of its members had tried to protect nesting plovers. “The talks are well received by the children, many of whom already know about the birds and responses are very positive. The next generation of birders,” Hansen said.
HASTINGS COVE & WESTERNPORT GARDENS for enjoyable retirement
www.mrlc.com.au
OVER 55
Retirement Living you really can afford! 2 & 3 B R bri c k uni ts c l ose to the shops a nd M a r ina Hastings Cove and Westernport Gardens offer an idyllic lifestyle in a safe and secure environment. Come and experience for yourself the great community atmosphere, with many facilities from indoor bowls to our comprehensive library, gym and many social activities. ...and, of course, your pets are welcome!
HASTINGS COVE
WESTERNPORT GARDENS
5979 8812
5983 6767
2034 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Hastings (enter end of Michelle Drive)
2460 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern (enter from Myers Road)
in association with MICHAEL DEVOLA & ASSOCIATES Licensed estate agents and auctioneers 63 Hampton St, Brighton 3136 Ph: 9592 2222
INSPECTION BY APPOINTMENT EVERY WEEKDAY 10AM – 3PM Visit our website www.mrlc.com.au or call now for full details Western Port News
24 January 2024
PAGE 3
