24 November 2015

P: 5991 4922, W: peninsulahome.com.au

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INSIDE:Hospitals on notice over carpark fees Eucalypt dieback not just possums Muslims condemn Paris terror

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Mornington

For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03 5973 6424 or email: [email protected] www.mpnews.com.au

Your weekly community newspaper covering Mornington, Mount Martha and Mount Eliza

Tuesday 24 November 2015

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An independent voice for the community

R H A

t: 03 5975 3631

e: [email protected]

w: rhaaccounting.com.au

Suite 8, 38A Main St, Mornington 3931

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HORSHAM COUNTRYMUSIC FESTIVAL5 days - Thu 31 Marto Mon 4 Apr 2016$610.00 Twin ShareMATILDAWed 18 May 2016 (a) $120 (p/s) $110SOUND OF MUSICWed 25 May 2016Adults $125 (p/s) $115SINGING IN THE RAINWed 25 May 2016Adults $125 (p/s) $115WE WILL ROCK YOUWed 14 Sep 2016(a) $115 (p/s) $110

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MORNINGTONPENINSULA GRANGERETIREMENT VILLAGENew stage now releasedSEE PAGE 63

THE Environment Protection Author-ity has started testing water quality at Port Phillip beaches a month earlier than planned after a warmer than usual spring.

The authority checks if the water is suitable for swimming ever week at 36 beaches including 10 on the Morn-ington Peninsula Canadian Bay (Mt Eliza), Mills Beach (Mornington), Mt Martha, Safety Beach, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea.It puts water quality updates on its

Beach Report website and via Twit-

ter twice a day. Reports started on 31 October and will be done until April, a month later than usual.The warning system has green, or-

ange or red "lights" to tell swimmers if the water is suitable or if bacterial lev-els are too high. Green (good) predicts that water quality is suitable for swim-ming, orange (fair) means the water is good but could be affected by rainfall particularly if the beach has a storm-water outlet and red (poor) warns people to avoid contact with the water.

The EPA said forecast signs were also placed at life saving club beaches from December. On the peninsula, this includes Mornington, Mt Martha and Rosebud clubs.

"Forecasts are based on the rec-reational water quality history of the beach, currents, predicted rainfall and sunlight," a spokesman said."Beach Report keeps people in-

formed about the recreational water quality through daily forecasts. People can make informed decisions about where to swim."Water samples are collected at Beach

Report sites once a week during summer."The samples are tested for entero-

cocci, a group of bacteria found inside warm-blooded animals. Enterococci is recognised as the best indicator for measuring faecal contamination of ma-rine recreational waters."During poor forecasts there may be

a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels. A com-mon illness is gastroenteritis. People should see a doctor if they have a sus-pected swim-related illness."State water minister Lisa Neville

said the hot start to spring "and ex-pected long summer meant the beach report had started a month early and would go a month later to April".

She said summer was expected to be hotter and drier than average. If it did rain heavily, stormwater runoff could affect the quality of Port Phillip. "High bacteria levels normally clear within 24 hours."The EPA issued few warnings for

peninsula beaches last summer and

autumn. Among the more notable were when Rye boat ramp was dredged in March, a sewage spill affected Mills Beach at Mornington in March, and a sewage spill closed Fishermans Beach, also at Mornington, in April.This was a big improvement on the

summer of 2011-12 when an algal bloom stretching from Mt Eliza to McCrae caused major concern, and February 2013 when blooms at Morn-ington closed two of its four swimming beaches.

The EPA said it relied on the commu-nity to report pollution, environmental hazard or other activities potentially harmful to the environment. Its pollu-tion hotline is 1300 372 842.

Hot days trigger early beach reports

Mike [email protected]

Leading the way for LegacyDOING push-ups might seem like an odd way to link Remembrance Day and the work of Legacy, but not for Mt Eliza Secondary College student Henry Barnes.The year 8 real time learning stu-

dent has a special connection to the charity which cares for the families of deceased service personal. His father died 12 years ago while in the De-fence Forces and, since then, Legacy has helped the family get through with school fees, camps and regular visits to check that things are all right.

To give something back, Henry organised a push-up challenge on Remembrance Day, Wednesday 11 November, in which 140 year 7 and 8 students got down and pushed up for a good cause.Teacher Mike Lamond said the

push-up fun added a youthful feeling to the day in which students sought sponsorship for fundraising activities, ran stalls, baked cakes and conducted sausage sizzles. Local butchers, bak-HUVDQGRULVWVJHQHURXVO\KHOSHGRXWwith donations.

Picture: Yanni

MorningtonMornington

PAGE B Mornington News 24 November 2015

GIFT CARDS GIVE SOMEONE SPECIAL A GIFT CARD SO THEY

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Mornington News 24 November 2015 PAGE C

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The family owned and run business has been thriving since it started ten years ago, taking over from an established 50 year business.

We make sure to always offer the best ser-vice, product and advice to our customers and have a huge range of bikes, said owner, Peter Seal. We can give advice on the best bike for you and our range includes bikes and accesso-

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time to layby and Sealys Cycles can offer great advice on the right way to go with your bike purchase, whether its for your child or an adult.

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WITH the festive season upon us, The Good Guys Morning-ton will play Secret Santa as it surprises a deserving local in-dividual or family with a much needed gift this Christmas.

With Christmas being a time of giving, The Good Guys Mornington Store General Man-ager, Tony Coco, is thrilled to be able to provide support and give back to the local Morning-ton community at Christmas, and all year-round.

Doing good is at the heart of everything we do at The Good Guys and we are committed to continuing our community sup-port at both Christmas time and long into the future, Tony said.

We understand that Christ-mas is meant to be a time of joy and togetherness but it isnt always possible because of circumstance.

We are working to identify a deserving individual or family in our communi-ty to grant their Christmas wish and spread our Doing Good joy to those who need it most, Tony continued.

The Good Guys Mornington donates to local community partners all year round through its Local Giving Program which was started in 2007.

The Good Guys Mornington proudly supports the Australian Volunteer Coastguard, Orange Sky Laundry and Ministry of Food Australia through its Local Giving Program, and has sup-ported numerous other local charities and com-munity groups over the years through donations and sponsorships.

We strongly believe in strengthening our community by supporting programs, services and projects at a grassroots level and we are delighted to witness the impact our ongoing support has on the local community, concluded Tony.

The Local Giving Program sees a percent-age from each transaction, in-store and online, donated to the stores local community partners. Customers are encouraged to participate in the Local Giving Program by choosing which char-ity they want their donation to go to by dropping a special Doing Good token in the dedicated token box for their chosen charity as they com-plete their transaction.

Number one for bikesNumber one for bikes

The Good Guys Mornington The Good Guys Mornington to give back this Christmasto give back this Christmas

Christmas at Peninsula Home

PAGE D Mornington News 24 November 2015

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MorningtonMornington

For all advertising and editorial needs, call 03 5973 6424 or email: [email protected] www.mpnews.com.au

Your weekly community newspaper covering Mornington, Mount Martha and Mount Eliza Tuesday 24 November 2015FREEAn independent voice for the communityAn independent voice for the community

R H A

t: 03 5975 3631 e: [email protected] w: rhaaccounting.com.au

Suite 8, 38A Main St, Mornington 3931

ACCOUNTINGAll tax returns $99 [GST incl]

Focused on assisting local businesses and individuals.

Specialising inSmall Business, Investors, Accounting,

Taxation & Advice

Call us today

WHATS ON AT NEPTOURS

www.neptours.com.au

NeptoursPhone: 5981 1277

*CROWN CASINO MONTHLY* Casinos bus program with a great BUFFET lunch (all) $35.

Only p/p over the age of 18 permitted.

LAST THURSDAY EACH MTH(numbers permitting)

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET Tue 8 Dec 15 - all $30

GEORGIE GIRLHer Majestys

Wed 6 Jan 2016 (a) $110 (p/s) $100

GHOSTWed 17 Feb 2016 (a) $120 (p/s) $110

HORSHAM COUNTRYMUSIC FESTIVAL

5 days - Thu 31 Marto Mon 4 Apr 2016

$610.00 Twin Share

MATILDAWed 18 May 2016 (a) $120 (p/s) $110

SOUND OF MUSICWed 25 May 2016

Adults $125 (p/s) $115

SINGING IN THE RAINWed 25 May 2016

Adults $125 (p/s) $115

WE WILL ROCK YOUWed 14 Sep 2016(a) $115 (p/s) $110

Limitless - 82 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza 03 9788 [email protected] 1888

Want to know whats happening in your local market? Having specialised in real estate for almost 30 years, as a Licensed Estate Agent, Leanne can provide professional guidance and advice on your most valuable asset. CALL LEANNE PORTER ON 0418 106 668

One StopBar Shop

Home Brew Supplies - Bar Accessories - Table Sports and Darts - Gifts for Men - Beer Equipment

0RUQLQJWRQ7\DEE5G0RUQLQJWRQ

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MORNINGTONPENINSULA

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VILLAGE

New stage now released

SEE PAGE 63

THE Environment Protection Author-ity has started testing water quality at Port Phillip beaches a month earlier than planned after a warmer than usual spring.

The authority checks if the water is suitable for swimming ever week at 36 beaches including 10 on the Morn-ington Peninsula Canadian Bay (Mt Eliza), Mills Beach (Mornington), Mt Martha, Safety Beach, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea.

It puts water quality updates on its Beach Report website and via Twit-

ter twice a day. Reports started on 31 October and will be done until April, a month later than usual.

The warning system has green, or-ange or red "lights" to tell swimmers if the water is suitable or if bacterial lev-els are too high. Green (good) predicts that water quality is suitable for swim-ming, orange (fair) means the water is good but could be affected by rainfall particularly if the beach has a storm-water outlet and red (poor) warns people to avoid contact with the water.

The EPA said forecast signs were also placed at life saving club beaches from December. On the peninsula, this includes Mornington, Mt Martha and Rosebud clubs.

"Forecasts are based on the rec-reational water quality history of the beach, currents, predicted rainfall and sunlight," a spokesman said.

"Beach Report keeps people in-formed about the recreational water quality through daily forecasts. People can make informed decisions about where to swim."

Water samples are collected at Beach Report sites once a week during summer.

"The samples are tested for entero-cocci, a group of bacteria found inside warm-blooded animals. Enterococci is recognised as the best indicator for measuring faecal contamination of ma-rine recreational waters.

"During poor forecasts there may be

a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased bacterial levels. A com-mon illness is gastroenteritis. People should see a doctor if they have a sus-pected swim-related illness."

State water minister Lisa Neville said the hot start to spring "and ex-pected long summer meant the beach report had started a month early and would go a month later to April".

She said summer was expected to be hotter and drier than average. If it did rain heavily, stormwater runoff could affect the quality of Port Phillip. "High bacteria levels normally clear within 24 hours."

The EPA issued few warnings for peninsula beaches last summer and

autumn. Among the more notable were when Rye boat ramp was dredged in March, a sewage spill affected Mills Beach at Mornington in March, and a sewage spill closed Fishermans Beach, also at Mornington, in April.

This was a big improvement on the summer of 2011-12 when an algal bloom stretching from Mt Eliza to McCrae caused major concern, and February 2013 when blooms at Morn-ington closed two of its four swimming beaches.

The EPA said it relied on the commu-nity to report pollution, environmental hazard or other activities potentially harmful to the environment. Its pollu-tion hotline is 1300 372 842.

Hot days trigger early beach reportsMike [email protected]

Leading the way for LegacyDOING push-ups might seem like an odd way to link Remembrance Day and the work of Legacy, but not for Mt Eliza Secondary College student Henry Barnes.

The year 8 real time learning stu-dent has a special connection to the charity which cares for the families of deceased service personal. His father died 12 years ago while in the De-fence Forces and, since then, Legacy has helped the family get through with school fees, camps and regular visits to check that things are all right.

To give something back, Henry organised a push-up challenge on Remembrance Day, Wednesday 11 November, in which 140 year 7 and 8 students got down and pushed up for a good cause.

Teacher Mike Lamond said the push-up fun added a youthful feeling to the day in which students sought sponsorship for fundraising activities, ran stalls, baked cakes and conducted sausage sizzles. Local butchers, bak-ers and fl orists generously helped out with donations.

Picture: Yanni

Mornington News 24 November 2015

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ph 5986 6778 [email protected]

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Kibu has the Peninsula covered with umbrellasFrom small beach umbrellas to our giant cafe 5x5m umbrella

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Mornington News 24 November 2015 PAGE 3

AT SHADES WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF YOUR HOME

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We offer a range of quality custom made window treatments, catering for all budgets. Ideas and helpful advice from experienced decor consultants.

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MORNINGTON Yacht Club skipper Graeme Taylor has given the club Australian bragging rights after fi nish-ing third at the 47th annual World Etchells Championships in Hong Kong.

Taylor and crewmen Grant Simmer and Steve Jarvin fought off several challengers for third place during an exciting last race. Next best Aussie was a yacht skippered by Matthew Chew of Queensland who fi nished seventh. Taylor's points also gave him

top spot in the masters category.Etchell skippers from the United

States took fi rst and second spots in the series run by Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club.

After the fi nal race, Taylor said it had been a long week and "there's been some great racing but we've had an absolute ball".

"It was really tight for third position today. We were in 8th place at the start of the fi nal race."

The skipper said "the American

winners were in a league of their own all week, but we improved gradually during the week".

He praised the more than 120 vol-unteers from Hong Kong and overseas who had "given up the best part of a fortnight to help make the champion-ships a resounding success".

The Mornington club has keelboats, trailables, Flying Fifteens, Etchells, Optimists, Lasers, RS Fevas, and 420s.

Mike Hast

Wave piercer: Mornington Yacht Clubs third-placed Etchell class world championships skipper Graeme Taylor, rear, with crew Grant Simmer and Steve Jarvin aboard Magpie off Hong Kong. Picture supplied

Bragging rights after Etchell success

HOSPITALS have been ordered to re-view car parking fees after a review found some regular patients and visitors are fi nancially burdened with hefty costs due to repeat visits.

The Labor state government promised to review hospitals car parking fees be-fore last years state election and com-missioned an independent review of car-parks at Victorias public hospitals.

The review found hospitals charge dif-ferent car parking rates and only some provide discounted parking to regular patients, visitors, carers and pensioners.

In some cases discounted carpark fees were not displayed or promoted by hospitals. The government has ordered every public health service operating fee-based car parking to have a formal policy in place by February next year.

Health services must also publish and publicise car parking policies and all fees, including concessions details, must be clearly displayed at carpark entranc-es, points of payment and signs inside hospitals.

Having to go to hospital regularly can be distressing enough, both as a patient and as a visitor, without having to worry about how much it will cost to park the car, Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.

Were directing all public hospitals to do what they can to ensure Victorians can safely, conveniently and economi-cally receive regular treatment or visit their loved ones in hospital.

Peninsula Health planning and infra-

structure acting executive director Rick Law said Frankston Hospital already had a formal parking policy.

Patients, carers or relatives demon-strating fi nancial hardship can access concession parking rates by speaking to a hospital social worker. Oncology pa-tients are not charged for parking.

Frankston Hospital carparking fees begin at $7 for one hour rising to $15 for fi ve hours, the maximum fee for all-day parking. A weekly rate of $45 is available.

The Victorian Healthcare Association welcomed the review into hospitals carpark fees but noted Victorias pub-lic hospitals are not funded to build and run car parks.

Association CEO Tom Symondson said public hospitals take out loans from the government to build car parks but these must be repaid and hospitals have few options to raise revenue to re-pay the loans.

We would welcome the government contributing to the cost of providing parking discounts as well as supporting hospitals to expand their parking ser-vices given the pressures of increasing rates of chronicity and a growing popu-lation, he said.

The VHA backed the prominent dis-play of concession carpark rates.

Hospitals must also review their car-park fees and policy every year as part of the government push to ease fi nan-cial stress on regular patients and visi-tors.

Peninsula Health said it reviews its policy each year.

Hospitals on notice Hospitals on notice over carpark feesover carpark feesNeil [email protected]


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THREE wildlife experts have rejected a claim that ringtail possums are largely the cause of gum trees dying in Mt Eliza and Mt Martha.

Ecologist Jeff Yugovic told Bal-combe Estuary Reserves Group's recent annual meeting that possums were damaging and killing eucalypts, especially swamp gum and narrow-leaf peppermint.

He said the answer to the problem was to clear dense understorey where possums live, forcing them to the ground so they can be taken by foxes, their major remaining predator ("Fox seen as answer to possum problem", The News, 17/11/15).

Six native predators that controlled ringtails in the past were now rare or extinct, he said. They were the power-ful owl, grey goshawk, spot-tailed quoll, lace monitor, dingo and tiger snake.

Ecologist Mal Legg, zoologist Hans Brunner, and wildlife rescuer and bushland regenerator Craig Thomson have repudiated the controversial theory, which Dr Yugovic fi rst pub-lished in 2012.

Mr Legg, who did the research for Mornington Peninsula Shire's wildlife atlas released earlier this year, said the reasons for eucalypt dieback were complex and could not be blamed on possums alone.

Many trees were suffering from drought stress and had lowered immune systems. Longicorn beetle larvae were ringbarking trees.

Tree hugger: A ringtail possum feeding on leaves. Picture: Michelle Thomas/Animalia

Eucalypt dieback not just possums

Many types of eucalypt were dying in lowland forest, grassy wood-land, herb-rich woodland forest and swampy woodland. "We are seeing massive changes to habitat because of weeds such as sweet pittosporum and monterey pine," he said.

"The last thing we should be doing is helping foxes. Tasmania has many

mammals not seen in Victoria because it doesn't have foxes."

Mr Brunner said causes of tree dieback included root and leaf dis-eases, insect defoliators, bark- and wood-boring insects, salt and chloride toxicity, drought, bushfi re, altered water tables, and smothering of trees by exotic ivy and other plants.

But Dr Yugovic said it was easy to distinguish possum damage from all other forms of tree decline by the state of branches on affected eucalypts.

Mr Brunner said dogs, foxes and cats had decimated the native mam-mal population of the peninsula. "At least nine species of mammals have already become extinct on the penin-

sula," he said."To give more freedom to foxes by

clearing understorey will only exacer-bate this tragic loss.

"In my research into the diet of fox-es, ringtails occurred in 11 per cent of scats while 89 per cent contained mostly remains of endangered native mammals and birds. This surely does not justify the use of foxes for the reduction of ringtails."

He said reducing understorey would "exacerbate the loss of even more native mammals, insects, birds and reptiles".

Mr Thomson said he respected Dr Yugovic's "knowledge of fl ora but I'm really concerned by his comments on fauna as it supports a misinformed opinion in the wider community that sees wildlife as pests".

"More than 30 per cent of our native fauna is either extinct or threat-ened with extinction," he said.

He said Dr Yugovic's claim that Mt Eliza had up to 16 ringtails a hectare, the highest known density of the mar-supial in natural eucalypt vegetation in Australia, was questionable.

"He is quoting a survey that counted possums on two nights over three weeks. A proper survey would take 12 months," he said.

"Soon after the survey, we had a run of high temperatures that decimated the peninsula's ringtail population."

Mike [email protected]


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Fireys first respondersFIREFIGHTERS in Mornington will now be able to respond to potentially fatal emergencies where people are struggling for breath.

Professional fi refi ghters at the Mornington fi re station have undertaken a two-week course in CPR, including using a defi brillator, so they can treat patients before paramedics arrive.

CFA station offi cer John Donovan said callers to emergency services may not realise fi refi ghters may be fi rst on the scene even if there is no blaze to fi ght.

When people ring 000 and ask for an ambulance they sometimes get a sur-prise when the fi re brigade turn up, he said.

If a 000 call is logged about someone having breathing diffi culties or a heart attack the fi re brigade may arrive as fi rst responder to begin resuscitation work and then hand over to paramedics when an ambulance arrives.

We stay in the area while ambulances go to the hospitals so theyre not always in Mornington, Mr Donovan said.

THE International Day of People with a Disability will be celebrated with an all-abilities sports day in Mornington next week.

It will be Mornington Peninsula Shire's inaugural "All-abilities come and try sports day" and will be held at Civic Reserve Recreation Centre off Dunns Rd.

People with disabilities, their car-ers, families and friends have been invited to attend the free event.

Sports and activities will include tennis, gymnastics, soccer, netball, Australian rules football, cricket, table tennis, yoga, and Pilates.

Swish, a version of table tennis for people who are blind or vision impaired, is likely to attract interest. It is played with a tennis ball-sized plastic ball containing bells. Players have to hit the ball under a net along the surface of a table tennis table and it is played at a rapid pace.

Cr Antonella Celi the council's representative on the shire all-abilities consultative committee said one in fi ve people in Australia have a dis-ability, which "equates to more than 30,000 people on the peninsula living with some form of disability. If you include mental illness, the fi gure is even higher".

She said the shire was "dedicated to promoting community awareness of disability access and equity issues. The event will celebrate people of all abilities, and offer an opportunity for people with a disability and their car-ers to participate in a range of differ-ent sports and enjoy a great day out".

The day is supported by the state government and would "make the most of facilities at the shire's Civic

Come and try: Harley Mauger, left, and Miranda Doherty of Civic Reserve Recreation Centre, Miranda Markovic of the shires sports and leisure section, Dee Davey of disability service provider Karingal, and shire councillor Antonella Celi are promoting the upcoming all-abilities sports day. Picture supplied

Sports day for people of all sorts

Reserve Leisure Centre and feature a range of accessible activities".

Cr Celi said many organisations supported and would help run the sports day including peninsula sports clubs, Cricket Victoria, Focus, Karingal, Scope, Special Olympics Victoria, Mornington Youth Club Gymnastics, Elite Tennis Academy and Mornington Peninsula Table Ten-nis Association.

"The theme of this year's interna-tional day is 'Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities'," she said.

A "mini expo" will have information from disability-inclusive recreation

groups. There will be a free sausage sizzle and the centre's cafeteria will sell food and drinks.

The shire has hired a "Marveloo" to provide fully accessible toilet facili-ties with an adjustable change table and hoist.

All-abilities come and try sports day, 9.30am-2pm, Wednesday 2 December, Civic Reserve Recreation Centre, 350 Dunns Rd, Mornington. Details: Virginia Richardson, shire MetroAccess offi cer, 0437 104 956 or email [email protected] To register visit: allabili-tiesday.eventbrite.com.au

WREATHS from the Australian Defence Forces, Korean and Vietnam veterans, Mornington Peninsula Shire, the RSL sub-branch and members of parliament marked Remembrance Day activities in Mornington.

Lieutenant Commander Alan Didler was master-of-ceremonies at the Me-

morial Park service in Barkly St, on the 97th anniversary of the Armistice which ended World War I (191418).

Mornington RSL secretary John Wilson said the turn-out was pleasing.

We had more there than we expected, with students from most schools, he said.

Mark of respect: Mt Martha Primary School pupils Matthew and Anisha lay wreaths at the Memorial Park ceremony. Picture: Yanni

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THERES something about fi sh-ing. Rain, hail and shine, anglers are always out there casting a line.

Sheltering from the weather or running to see whats happening when someones reeling in something thats obviously bigger than the baited hook, anglers can be a social bunch.

The delights of casting a line, the patience required and, yes, skill, are all the things that Glenn Couper uses to bring friendship, companionship and healing to a variety of people who often fi nd themselves marginal-ised in mainstream society.

A Frankston resident, Mr Coupers fi shing-based work with people with mental illness, autism and physical disabilities seems boundless.

His story of helping those in need began when he suffered a work ac-cident which left him in a wheelchair, unable to work again.

On a disability pension, he would regularly go fi shing and frequently attract admiring glances with his suc-cess, particularly in hooking snapper at Mornington.

Gradually he became known as the go-to guy for advice on fi shing.

If someone in a wheelchair could cast further than able-bodied people he must know something, Mr Couper says.

I would see kids who had no idea [about fi shing] left at the pier by their parents and show them to how to set a rig and fi sh.

A regular at Mornington pier, Mr

This therapy is all about going fishingKeith [email protected]

Coupers reputation spread and he was eventually invited to do a show on Radio RPP: Thats The Thing About Fishing.

From there it was not too much of a leap for him to start helping the depressed and disabled.

Now out of the wheelchair but still with seven pins in his left ankle, Mr Couper heads an organisation with the same name as the radio show.

My catch slogan is you cant change the world but you can change one life at a time. Its all about changing lives for the better, Mr Couper says.

Were using fi shing for therapy.Thats The Thing About Fishing (TT-

TAF) has a website built with $2700 from Frankston Council, which was arranged through Cr Rebecca Spelman and Mr Couper has wasted no time in telling Mornington Peninsula Shires new mayor

Cr Graham Pittock that the organisation now needs a trailer for carrying fi shing gear.

When talking about the comradeship and mateship afforded by TTTAF, Mr Couper gives examples of men locked in their houses for years with severe depres-sion, anxiety and panic attacks who now not only go fi shing but also help others.

One man now regularly cooks meals with the Salvation Army for needy fami-lies at the Pines, in Frankston North.

Being introduced to fi shing gives peo-ple something to cling onto, Mr Couper says when explaining what the arranged fi shing days are all about.

We have no hidden agendas and, if theyre lucky, they can also catch a fi sh.

To fi nd out more about the organisation go to thatsthethingaboutfi shing.org.au or call Glenn Couper on 0457 363 701.

Helping out: The 47 kayakers who went fi shing off Mt Martha and Sunday 8 November helped raise money for Thats The Thing About Fishing(TTTAF), a group that uses fi shing as a therapy. Above, Luke Easton and Tim Heffernan go looking for fi shing spots. Right, John Mauro, of Mt Eliza, with his catch, a fl athead, and TTTAF founder Glenn Couper. Pictures: Gary Sissons


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ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News GroupPO Box 588 Hastings 3915Email: [email protected] Web: mpnews.com.auDEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2015NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2015

NEWS DESK

THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, which has a mosque in Langwarrin, has condemned the Friday 13th bar-baric terrorist attacks in Paris respon-sible for the deaths of 132 people.

The death toll is expected to rise with 97 of 350 people wounded in the attacks classed as critical.

The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the six co-ordinated attacks which led to France closing its borders and the declaration of three days of mourning.

We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the inno-cent victims of the Paris attacks, the national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia, Imam Inam-ul-Haq Kausar said.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia categorically rejects extrem-ism and terrorism in any form and any-where in the world.

Imam Kausar said Islam taught the sacredness and dignity of human life and requires us being loyal and law abiding citizen of the country of resi-dence.

A Conference of world religions will be held at the Ahmadiyya associa-tions Baitul Salam Mosque, Leisure-

land Drive, Langwarrin on Sunday 29 November with representatives of ma-jor religions speaking on the Role of my religion in promoting peace.

Australias Human Rights Commis-sioner Human Tim Wilson (who grew up in Mt Martha and has a holiday home on the peninsula) was caught up in the mayhem the terrorists brought to Paris.

He was staying in the city for a two-day break between speaking engage-ments, but the break turned into a sleepless and manic two days in a city that had shut down.

Mr Wilson was in a restaurant when texts started tumbling into his phone asking if he was all right.

That was the start of a very unnerv-ing time as he rushed back to his ho-tel which was quickly placed in lock down, with closed doors and lights out.

Mr Wilson appeared live on ABC TV news. Broadcasting from a darkened room he gave viewers an on-the-spot assessment of what was going on out-side his hotel and how he had received information while at the restaurant.

The following morning he was again featured live from Paris, this time standing near street barriers as numbed passers-by mingled silently with heav-ily armed security forces.

In Mt Eliza, Mr Wilsons mother, Linda Morris (wife of Mornington MP

Muslims condemnIm safe messages reassure familiesKeith [email protected]

Paris calling: Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, above, prepares to broadcast live from Paris. Lauren De Rycke, right, was safely in a hotel room when the terrorists attacked.


David Morris) found out quite early as the drama unfolded that her son was safe.

I received a text and later saw the [ABC news] webcast, Ms Morris said. We did worry, but found out pretty quickly what had happened and he was safe.

Mr Wilson was also active on social media, keeping his Twitter followers

Paris terrorup to date. On 11 November he had been in Britain speaking at Oxford University before heading to Paris for a couple of days before going on to Turkey.

His message as the attacks unfolded said Very unnerving with restaurants and bars closing on police orders.

Early the following day: Morning in Paris. The air is rightly chilled. But warmth comes from the solidarite we all share for the Parisians in this trag-edy. And: At a bar just near Bataclan Theatre in Paris [where 89 died] and there was silence for a spontaneous toast form everyone to the fallen The greatest disinfectant is sunlight.

Ironically, Mr Wilson is in Europe to speak at a conference on preserving civil liberties in an era of national se-curity threats.

On Sunday, Lauren De Rycke, of Mornington, was breathing the fresh air and taking in the views from a mountain in Switzerland. Two days earlier she had been in Paris.

Disappointed at having her phone stolen while travelling on the Metro earlier on Friday, Lauren stayed in her hotel room after deciding against go-ing into the city centre to photograph its lights.

It was probably a blessing as she would have been all alone in the mid-dle of Paris, not speaking any French and without a phone, her mother Sian Taylor said on the Monday after the attacks.

Instead, she was in her hotel room, blissfully unaware of what was hap-pening outside.

However, the news did not take long

Religions talk about peaceA CONFERENCE of world reli-gions will be held at the Ahmadiyya associations Baitul Salam Mosque, Leisureland Drive, Langwarrin on Sunday 29 November.

The association describes itself as a revival movement within Islam with its followers facing persecution from other Islamic sects.

Speakers at the upcoming confer-ence will explain the Role of my religion in promoting peace.

They include representatives of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism and Islam.

The more than 200 guests invited to the conference include MPs, councillors, academics and religious leaders.

The conference will provide a platform for religious leaders to bring to the fore the distinctive contribution that religion can make towards world peace, head cleric at the mosque Imam Wadood Janud said.

Guest speakers are Rabbi Schneier Lange, Rabbi for Jewish Care Vic-toria; the Rev Philip Manktelow; Michael Wells, representative of Buddhist Council on the Victoria Police Multi-Faith Council; Pandit Abhay Anand Awasthi, executive di-rector Hindu Foundation of Victoria and president of Hindu Council of Victoria; Amar Singh, president at Turbans 4 Australia.

The public is invited to the free conference but bookings must be made by calling Rehmat Moham-mad, on 0409 932 300 or Khola Usman, 0449 665 263.

to reach Lauren, who had spent a sec-ond day in Paris with a friend while on a bus tour that began in London and is scheduled to end in Rome.

Ms Taylor said her daughter had been lucky to have seen the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and other attractions on Thursday 12 November.

The bad luck had been having her phone stolen while riding on the Paris Metro and being unable to call home, or anyone else.

Contact was eventually made using her friends phone and Facebook a medium for which Mrs Taylor says she is grateful, never having been a big fan.

Although she didnt at fi rst know what was going on that night, she later found out one of the places attacked was just 10 minutes from their hotel, Ms Taylor said.

Lauren - one year into her three-year communications and design studies at university has already been recognised for her photography skills, winning fi rst prize in the VCE student category at this years Mornington Art Show.

Her work was also chosen for exhibi-tion at the National Gallery of Victoria and now hangs in the foyer of Treas-ury Place, Melbourne, at the request of Deputy Premier James Merlino.


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THE story about the new audio tour of Mornington's historic buildings generated comment from readers lamenting the loss of the railway and its historic station.

"Main St history on a smartphone", The News, 10/11/15) included an early 20th century photo of the station at the end of Blake St with both cars and horse-drawn carriages parked out front, and people of all ages walking out of the entrance after the arrival of a train.

The audio tour has been produced by Mornington and District Historical Society. QR codes are on signs near 18 historic places and scanning one with a smartphone or tablet down-loads a podcast as well as images and the audio script.

Several reader decried the loss of the train, which was stopped by the state government in 1981. One wrote: "Citizens of the 19th century would ... be astonished to fi nd out we no longer had a train service." Another stated: "Absolutely! Because rail is consid-ered to be so 19th century except in more progressive nations."

One reader said a relative by mar-riage had "fought long and hard to at least get the steam train [coming] down into the old station, but there were those in the town who were too short-sighted to see the advantage of keeping our rail [line] and station".

There was a reference by one reader to the turbulent time when the state government demolished the station and sold the land as well as rail track

Steam days: A vintage train arrives at Mornington station during a Sunday summer excursion in 1966. Picture courtesy Mornington and District Historical Societys book Mornington Peninsula Railways (editor: Joan Patrick)

Good old days when Mornington had a trainMike [email protected]

land between the old station and Ne-pean Highway, including for homes, roads, car parking, walking tracks, a shopping centre and expansion of The Bays Hospital. This fi nally put an end to any hope of the train being reinstated.

"Several people made lots of money as the [shopping centre land] sale price grew throughout the process of getting permits, etc. Many, many millions. Huge community uproar station demolished in early hours one morning to avoid protesters. Many were outraged," the reader wrote.

Roderick Smith in Mornington Pen-insula Railways states the station and track land was sold in fi ve parcels in the late 1980s. "Signs soon went up at the site of the demolished station an-nouncing the [planned] erection of the Schnapper Point shopping complex."

This fi rst attempt to build a shop-ping centre failed and the land was sold to a Hampton-based developer. He faced opposition from residents, who formed the Save Mornington Alliance, which challenged the plan in the state planning tribunal. More than 1000 people wearing red

marched down the Main St in one protest, which was led by a minister of religion.

Attempts to build a larger shopping centre also caused long delays.

Mornington Centro shopping centre fi nally opened in 2000. It is now called Mornington Central.

Another reader wrote: "It's come to the sad point in time when the only chance of seeing what Mornington was like is from a smartphone...".

The rail service was closed due to lack of patronage, the state govern-ment claimed. The government had

tried several times in 1978 and early 1979 to close the line.

In late February 1979 the rumoured last train was "held hostage" by more than 300 angry protesters at Mornington station. They allowed the train to depart next day at 1pm after Transport Minister Rob Maclellan gave assurances the service would be restored in April.

On Sunday 8 April 1979 the train arrived to be greeted by a large crowd and a brass band just like in Sep-tember 1889 when it was opened to great fanfare.

A government report two years later sounded the death knell for many rail services in country Victoria, including Mornington's. Railmotor RM55 was the last train in May 1981. It broke down during the journey and was replaced by a bus, giving the town's conspiracy theorists a fi eld day.

Mr Maclellan announced buses would replace trains from 15 June 1981. Ninety-two years of rail travel was over.

The line was declared offi cially closed in March 1983.

Mornington Railway Preservation Society was formed in May 1984 by Howard Girdler and Greg Dunkley. After a long battle with government bureaucrats, the society won permis-sion in 1991 to operated a tourist train on a 10-kilometre stretch between Watt Rd and Moorooduc, where it has built a substantial complex includ-ing a station as well as sheds for locomotives and carriages. Trains run three Sundays a month and on special occasions. Details: www.mornington-railway.org.au


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THE state governments bid to promote students interest in science brought Education Minister James Merlino to the second annual South-ern Peninsula Principals Network 2015 Annual Science Fair.

With more than 500 year 5-7 stu-dents were at the fair, being involved in science experiments, demonstra-tions and offering their ideas.

The fair, held in the hall at the New Peninsula Church, Craigie Rd, Mt Martha, aims to support science teach-ing among government schools.

Schools at the fair included Boneo, Balnarring, Somers, Tyabb Rail-way and Dromana primary schools, Dromana, Somerville and Western Port secondary colleges, Peninsula Special School and Red Hill Consolidated.

Mr Merlino said the government

was encouraging excellence in STEM science, technology, engi-neering and maths across the school system.

The Secondary STEM Catalysts program will build on Victorias exist-ing strengths and train 60 teachers across 30 schools to become experts who can inspire fellow teachers to bring STEM alive for students in years 7 and 8, he said.

The $27 million Primary Math-ematics and Science Specialists ini-tiative will train 200 primary school teachers to work alongside other teachers in over 100 of the states most disadvantaged primary schools.

Mr Merlino said 10 new tech schools will be high-tech centres of learning excellence right across Victoria.

Science on their minds

All the fun of the fair: left, Education Minister James Merlino with Somers Primary School pupils Cooper Squire, Zara Belle and Joanna Mikkelson. Right, Brendon, Aaron and Jake from Tyabb Railway Primary School demonstrate their coloured water droplet experiment. Below, Luke, Tara, Pia, Luke and Henry from Balnarring Primary School use entertainment to showcase science. Pictures: Yanni

U3A concertTHE U3A Mornington choir will hold its annual concert 2pm, Thursday 3 December, at Peninsula Community Theatre, corner Nepean Hwy and Wilsons Rd, Mornington.

Admission is $10 which includes afternoon tea.

Tickets are available from the U3A offi ce, Currawong Community Centre, open 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday, call 5975 9773, or, after hours, Sally Brisker 5975 2418 or Merna Brydon 5978 8285.

Tickets are also available at the door before the performance.

The choir master is Warwick Taylor and the accompanist Christine Stapleton.

Party plan fadesROSEBUD police acted quickly online to shut down an unauthorised party being held on the Rye foreshore, Friday night.

They noticed the event titled Beach gath, rye, Friday night, BYO on Facebook and used their own page to comment: Thanks for the invite Lleam, Tyson and Lochie.

Rosebud police will defi nitely be attending! PS. Did you remember to get your permits from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council?

At the time, 99 people had signalled their interest in the event, 188 were going and 916 invited. It was looking like being a big night, but interest faded when it became known the police were also keen on attending.

While the Facebook description did initially make reference to alcohol, and instructed guests to eat before they arrived, it was stripped clean of all party details by Friday afternoon.

Police say their univited comments lewd to the event being cancelled.


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IT'S food, glorious food as the judging of fi nalists in Mornington Peninsula Shire's food awards program Best Bites starts.

The category for best school and childcare centre canteen is popular with all canteens on the peninsula entering.

The shire started Best Bites in 2011. The program assesses peninsula food businesses for aspects such as providing safe and healthy food, envi-ronmentally sustainable business prac-tices, nutrition and allergen aware-ness, waste and recycling, energy and water effi ciency, tobacco and alcohol compliance, and access for all.

The shire has enlisted the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Founda-

tion to help judge canteen fi nalists. Foundation CEO Ange Barry and public relations offi cer Stacey Allen visited two fi nalist last fortnight St Joseph's Primary School in Crib Point and Balnarring Early Learning Centre to assess their kitchen gardens and sustainable food practices.

Ms Barry said Best Bites "encourag-es schools, learning centres and busi-nesses to introduce sustainable food programs such as kitchen gardens".

"We see important links with the work of the foundation, which is bringing pleasurable food education to schools and learning centres across Australia."

Best Bites winners will be an-nounced at Hastings Hub, 1973

Frankston-Flinders Rd, 3-5pm on Wednesday 2 December. The 2015 Best Bites Food Guide will be launched. It will contain more than 400 peninsula food businesses with safe, healthy and sustainable practices.

Earlier in the day will be an in-formation session for food business owners and managers covering topics such as food safety, allergen aware-ness and access. It starts at 9.15am. Entry is free of charge for peninsula businesses. Places are limited. RSVP to shire environmental health offi cer Peter O'Brien by tomorrow (Wednes-day) on 5950 1865 or email [email protected]

Details are on the shire's website: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Good food guides: Charlie and Molly of St Josephs in Crib Point get set to tuck into a healthy lunch made with produce grown in the schools kitchen garden. Picture supplied

Time to test top tucker for tykes

THREE Mornington Peninsula tour-ism businesses have been inducted into the Victorian Tourism hall of fame after winning gold medals in their categories for three consecutive years.

Searoad Ferries, Enchanted Ad-venture Garden and Tree Surfi ng, and Stillwater at Crittenden were honoured at the 31st awards night in Melbourne.

Searoad was doubly rewarded when its CEO, Matthew McDonald, won gold in the young achievers award.

Aquabelle Apartments in Rye won the inaugural "Self-contained accom-modation" category.

Erin Joyce of the Victoria Tour-ism Industry Council said the awards had benefi ted Victoria's $21 billion tourism industry by "showcasing and celebrating the high standard of busi-ness excellence across the state".

More than 3000 businesses had entered the awards over more than 30 years and benefi ted from a thorough examination of their business prac-tices.

Peninsula winners included:Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal

gold medal, ecotourism category.Searoad Ferries, Sorrento and

Queenscliff gold (and hall of fame), major tour and transport operators.

Horseback Winery Tours, Main Ridge fi nalist, tour and transport operators.

Enchanted Adventure Garden and Tree Surfi ng, Arthurs Seat gold (and

hall of fame), adventure tourism.Extreme Watersport, Rosebud

fi nalist, adventure tourism.Wine Food Farmgate, Mornington

Peninsula gold, destination market-ing.

Stillwater at Crittenden, Dromana gold (and hall of fame), tourism restaurants and catering services.

Polperro Villa Accommodation, Red Hill fi nalist, tourism restaurants and catering services.

Harmony Bed and Breakfast, Fingal gold, hosted accommodation.

Green Olive, Red Hill gold, excel-lence in food tourism.

Matthew McDonald, Searoad Fer-ries gold, young achievers award.

Winners will represent Victoria at the Australian Tourism Awards next February.

Details: www.victoriantourisma-wards.com.au

Carols on the parkRYE Beach Community Centre staff members are organising the annual Carols on the Park to be held on the foreshore, from 7pm, Friday 11 December.

Children attending the three-year-old groups are practising their singing and looking forward to seeing Santa and the fi reworks. Food, drinks, can-dle and novelties will be on sale from 6.30pm and Rye Lions Club members will man the barbecue.

Details: call 5985 4462.

Hall of fame for 3 tourism operators


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LETTERS

Dont blame possumsYet again we are being fed incorrect information regarding the overpopulation of ringtail possums in Mt Eliza and Mt Martha (Fox seen as answer to possum problem, The News 17/11/15). This article (written by a member of an interest group) is condescending to anyone with an inter-est in preserving of our native ringtails.

It implies we must be doing so because ring-tails have cute faces and tails. Not so, ringtails have been around for over 23 million years and play an important role in our ecosystems.

There is just not enough scientifi c research being done to count real numbers of ringtails and the true causes of trees dying to recommend reducing numbers.

To claim that Mt Eliza has the highest known density of ringtails in this particular habitat is misleading. Numbers are just not being counted nationwide.

To deduce foxes are a good thing on the pen-insula would require comprehensive analysis.

This article says nothing about habitat loss pushing ringtails into smaller areas to fi nd food. How about we plant more trees and save tree hollows for all the wildlife?

There is no mention of domestic cats and dogs acting as top predators. Thousands of adult ringtails and their babies are killed every year by pet cats and dogs, in addition to foxes, and such things as cars on the road and powerline deaths. All of these factors and increased temperatures and heat waves more than compensate for the lack of native top predators.

Die back (due to drought and climate change) kills trees, as do humans. The public and the council cut down more and more trees on public and private land around Mt Eliza and Mt Martha and this needs to be looked at. Demonising pos-sums is misguided. Eve Kelly, Mt Martha

Foxes poisonedWell, I cannot believe what I have been reading (Fox seen as answer to possum problem, The News 17/11/15). Who is this so called ecologist Jeff Yugovic? What about the explosion in the rabbit population since Mornington Peninsula Shire Council poisoned all the foxes in Mt Mar-tha? All he is worried about is gum trees that are one of the worst trees ever for dropping branches and have leaves that never break down.

Leave the possums alone.Peter Damyon, Mt. Martha

Human problemI fi nd the views in the article written by Barry Morris quoting so-called ecologist, Jeff Yugovic, abhorrent (Fox seen as answer to possum problem, The News 17/11/15). The problem is humans, not the possums. Possums are a native to this country.

The problem is that humans have demolished the habitat of not only possums, but a number of other species, including koalas. Humans have cut away much of the natural habitat that sup-ports these creatures.

Foxes were imported for the sport of killing and are an absolute menace to the native animals of this land which have been here for millions of years, such as blue tongue lizards, wrens and other low nesting birds and, recently, swans in the shallows at the Tootgarook.

My opinion and that of many I have spoken to, is that Mr Yugovics comments are not accept-able.

Have a look at what we humans have left behind from introduced species: rabbits (again on the increase), cane toads (now into Kakadu), Indian mynahs in plaque proportion, 5-6 million camels, foxes everywhere.

We have repaired nothing but continue to leave a mess. This scenario is totally wrong.

Charles R Lyne, Rye

Abandon coalAs member of a group endeavouring to seek a response from councils currently investing in fossil fuel based companies to disinvest, I am aware that we of the Mornington Peninsula, as a collective, are conservatives and thus unlikely to believe in climate change, which [Flinders MP and Environment Minister Greg] Hunt has clearly confi rmed by giving and open book for to a disgraced Indian miner to tear a massive hole in Queensland.

In the vain hope that our shire council may be investing in fossil fuel companies and be pre-pared to disinvest, I submit this open letter.

Ron OToole, Mt Eliza

Time to changeAttending a screening of This Changes Every-thing, a movie about the terrible destruction of our environment and local communities around the globe, I came away with a deep impression that the political leaders of the old parties and captains of industry are hell bent at bringing nature to its knees.

Farmers are being driven off their land by mining giants who have the ear of the uncar-ing politicians who are supposed to work in our interest but sell out to short term profi ts of a few corporations and companies.

Resources like oil, gas and some agricultural products are mostly sent overseas and local peo-ple are paying ever more for these commodities. I mentioned agriculture because there is a quasi-mining of our agricultural environment hap-pening in many places. This is a mining of soils and water resources for crops like cotton and irrigation agriculture of unsustainable proportion in areas of Australia not suitable for such intense farming. These crops and products are shipped to low wage countys and return as consumer goods without adding one job to our economy except a few low wage sales and administrative jobs. So it seems even our job-market is being mined by the corporations and government alike.

One thing I learnt from this fi lm is we have to fi ght back at a community level and support each others fi ghts against the greed and uncaring at-titudes of our leaders and their puppet masters.

Please attend one of the community climate marches around Australia to mark the climate talks in Paris and make your voice heard. There will also be a chance to participate at Hastings foreshore (between the library and the offi ce of Flinders MP Greg Hunt) on Sunday 29 Novem-ber at 10am. Bring a beach towel so we can spell out 100%RET (renewable energy targe) now.

Rupert Steiner, Balnarring

Nuclear solutionCoal provides the cheapest source for produc-ing electricity. There is no denying that renewal energy is desirable, but wind or solar cost three to four times as much as coal for electricity production. There are also problems with the in-termittency of these renewables. For example, to generate 1000 megawatts of electricity it would be necessary to install a renewable plant that was capable of generating at least 3000 megawatts to guarantee supply.

Eliminating the use of coal is not going to eliminate greenhouse carbon dioxide emissions. Coal only produces about 40 per cent of total emissions. The rest are produced by oil, petrol, gas , wood burning and cement manufacture.

Without the very heavy subsidies there would be little renewable energy being built currently.

The solution to most of these problems is mas-sive nuclear energy building. Currently there are over 450 nuclear power stations in operation and more than 50 being built.

Modern nuclear power stations are extremely reliable and can provide the base load electricity that renewables cannot.

There is no shortage of land In Australia for storing nuclear waste.

At the moment there are over 100 nuclear waste sites within the towns and cities of Aus-tralia. I have not heard of any problems associ-ated with these sites.

In 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki were nuclear bombed. Sixty years later they are thriving, with current populations suffering no ill effects from residual radiation.

Nuclear energy provides a vital solution to greenhouse gas emissions and it is about time that opponents accepted this as a worthwhile solution until renewable energy is viable.

B G Hunt, Mt Eliza

Damning evidenceMany readers may have seen the recent ABC program on the environmental and social disas-ter to the communities of Zambia. The disaster was caused by a holding dam bursting in a huge copper mine which destroyed villages and poi-soned the water of the Kafue and Zambia Rivers on which 40 per cent of the people of Zambias population relies for drinking water.

The man in charge of this copper mine for the Adani company, Jeyakamar Janakaraj, will be the manager of the proposed Adani coal mine in Queensland. The company he managed had been taken to court after similar disasters. The High Court on one occasion said the company had no regard for human, animal or plant life.


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^One is left wondering why [Flinders MP and

Environment Minister] Greg Hunt is prepared to let this man organise the largest coal mine Australia has ever seen.

Despite Mr Hunts statement that he has made 36 strict conditions on the mine, one wonders why Jeyakamar Janakaraj would treat land in Australia any different from India or Zambia.

Considering the Indian Parliament will cease importing black coal in six years, should the mine go ahead? There will be a huge push to remove coal as quickly as possible and as much as possible, undoubtedly leading to accidents, short cuts and money saving schemes.

Can we trust our heritage and environment to a company which has a history of environ-mental disasters in India and now Zambia? I am shocked and dismayed at Mr Hunts seeming disregard for Australia and Queenslands envi-ronmental future.

Peter Strickland, Balnarring

Australia leads the wayI am delighted to respond to recent letters about climate change (Coal is costly, Alternatives turn, Change is coming, The News 10/11/15).

The most recent Emissions Reduction Fund auction is a second stunning success adding a further 45.5 million tonnes of emissions reduc-tion to the 47 million tonnes achieved in the fi rst auction.

In particular, indigenous groups will play a major part in delivering these reductions. There is no doubt that Australia will meet and beat its 2020 target. Our 2030 target is the equal highest per capita of any G20 country.

At a global level, Australia recently led ef-forts under the Montreal Protocol, which could save approximately 90 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions to 2050. We have also been elected co-chair of the International Green Climate Fund and were one of two countries singled out for applause for our climate change reduction efforts at the recent pre-Paris Global Climate Conference.

In relation to the 20 million trees program, communities have been snapping up the op-portunity to participate more than nine million trees have been committed to being planted already, including one million trees in west Melbourne.

I must admit to being slightly surprised that someone would oppose the re-greening of our cities but, fortunately, numerous citizens around Australia are proudly re-greening their local area. Greg Hunt, Flinders MP and

Minister for the Environment

Blurred linesI have just received the latest propaganda newsletter from the MP Flinders, Greg Hunt. Why does he keep blurring between state and federal issues, the latest being policing matters in Somerville?

The Mornington Peninsula has only Liberal members of parliament. Are they not doing their job properly?

He is protesting the new police station at Somerville is not open to the public, but it is an operational centre only.

Mr Hunt should know that Victoria Police gets a certain budget to run the organisation.

The Chief Commissioner with his team de-cides where the funds will spent on their priority list with no interference from the state govern-ment.

Why does Mr Hunt think he needs to be in-volved? Is it because the incumbent for Hastings is not doing his job?

If the state government did get involved with operational matters surely he would scream political interference.

If there is a need for more police presence in Somerville then perhaps the state MP for Hastings should be making representation to the state Minister for Police and Corrections to be dealt with through the proper process as the Chief Commissioner decides where the budget is spent.

Mr Hunts fundraising for Autism is to be commended, but his government has cut much funding in the budget for single and low income families struggling with children with disabili-ties. Denise Hassett, Mt. Martha

Food for AllI am writing to thank everyone in our commu-nity who participated in the 2015 Food for All winter appeal.

This year we received 281 blankets and

knitted rugs. The number of blankets and rugs was less than usual because we did ask for an emphasis this winter on jumpers for childrens beanies, scarves and gloves.

The lady knitters on the southern peninsula did us proud and we were able to provide warm clothing of excellent quality to a large number of children in our community.

A special thanks to Fran Henke in Hastings for again coordinating the delivery of the knitted goods and to the Bendigo Bank in Dromana for acting as a drop off point for the fi nished articles.

I would also like to wich the compliments of the season to all those in our community who have supported Food for All this year.

Ken Northwood, chairmanSouthern Peninsula Food for All

Council responsibleIn relation to the slippage of the cliff above the path restricting walkers [near Kalimna Drive and leading to Mills Beach, Mornington], Morning-ton Peninsula Shire must bear the main responsi-bility (Shortfall in cliff path repair money, The News 10/11/15).

The path, which lies below extensive new housing along Kalimna Drive, has been dam-aged by the overfl ow of storm water from these properties.

However, this damage is fairly recent and has been exacerbated by excessive subdivision and over development of housing on the cliff face, which has been permitted by the council.

While Mornington MP David Morris may bemoan the fact that the state Labor government is only contributing one quarter of the necessary amount to reinstate the path, the responsibility for the damage ultimately lies with the council with its inadequate planning policies.

Michael E Humphries, Hawthornand Mornington

Kind returns I would like to thank the kind lady who found my wallet in the Benton Square shopping centre car park and handed it in to the Post Offi ce, which also very kindly delivered it to me.

Robert Mills, Mornington

Snake warning Snakes are now active and hungry after hiberna-tion. They move around after dark so be careful.

Snakes are protected with heavy fi nes for killing them. Around Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula all shakes are deadly, so a bite or a suspected bite is an emergency.

Snake identifi cation can be diffi cult as the col-ours vary within a breed. Snap bites can happen without the sufferer realising it has happened. Symptoms vary and can take hours to become apparent. Puncture wounds can be hard to fi nd.

Every generation of snakes is less fearful of people and so more dangerous.

Snake enthusiasts insist snakes never chase people and can be easily outrun.

Snakes like to go exploring in houses so dont leave doors or unscreened windows open. On a hot day Ive seen snakes move faster than a person could run.

Children arent being properly advised on snake dangers. A childrens book warns them to not play with snakes, nothing more. Children have denied being bitten as they consider play-ing with snakes to be naughty and so not to be mentioned.

Baby snakes can bite, injecting venom.Frankston Council doesnt remove live snakes

from private property and cant by law recom-mend any licenced snake catcher. One local catcher quoted $100 to $200 with a discount for pensioners. Another had a fl at fee of $180.

Snakes are usually released locally as they cant be released outside their territory. So, if you leave out dog food and water, the snake may well eventually return.

Political correctness now demands that people live with possums, deadly snakes and sharks. The welfare of people is less important than it was. Have we gone too far?

Arthur Hawley, Seaford

Letters to the editor can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: [email protected] should be kept to a maximum 300 words and include name, address and contact phone number for verifi cation purposes.


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24 November 2015

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