FLINDERS ART SHOW ON AGAIN - bigger than ever
This year's Queen's Birthday weekend will be the 45th year our famous Art Show will be held here in Flinders.
With some 450 exhibits from 200 artists, it promises to be the best yet! Opening night is Friday, June 8 at the Village Community Hall - with the show open to all over the next three days.
For information check out the Community Directory page.
St. John's Church and its 120th Anniversary celebrations - Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne visits Flinders for service and lunch
Anglican Archbishop, Dr. Philip Freier preached at a packed St. John's on Sunday, May 6 and then attended a special commemorative luncheon at the Flinders Golf Club. Our parish priest, The Reverend Jennifer Furphy, with the local congregation, welcomed parishioners from Yackandandah who came to Flinders over the weekend to take part in the celebrations. They are from our sister parish and were billetted at various Flinders homes.
The weekend was hailed as a considerable success owing to the planning of so many locals, and all are looking forward to the 150th anniversary in 2042!
Sponsored by the Flinders Community Association
Nice to see publicity being given in the local press to David Allen and Margaret Carey over their loving restoration of the 1930's oven and their return to tradional bread-making in Flinders.
Flinders Sourdough is now open for business at 50 Cook Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday.
David and Margaret sell their excellent bread and other delicacies at local markets. We wish them well.
Very Successful Fundraiser for Flinders Lions - Click for more
Flinders Jetty? Confusion about weight loadbearing.
Parks Victoria has had trouble deciding what weight the new section of Jetty can bear!!! The first pic at top (5/2/12), then suddenly it became much stronger two weeks later (18/2/12)! But is the new Jetty long enough to allow for refuelling of the Pilot Boat?
Details of all local advertisers are on our site under Business Directory
NOTE
In a first for the substantial Red Hill ward (which incorporates Flinders) since David Jarman held the position 14 years ago, our local representative Cr. Frank Martin has been elected Mayor of the Mornington Peninsula Shire. He will hold the office for 2012 and his wife Dianne will be Lady Mayoress.Minutes of 16 November 2011 FCA Meeting - click link
Shoreham Community Association. Visit their website
CALL TO ACTION Sustainability - Looking for Volunteers
To bring home Flinders' "Birth Certificate" map, click here
Please send your annual subscription ($25 per family) to the FCA Treasurer c/o Flinders Post Office or use the
Former Melrose Tearooms Sold After Auction
The former Melrose tea rooms at Flinders, and latterly David Wright's headquarters for his stained glass work, 52 Cook Street, was offered at auction on Sunday, April 22.
The vendor's bid of $1 million was the only bid, despite many attending the auction. However, later the agents reported that a sale price had been agreed upon.
The rather run-down building is an important part of our heritage and - together with the Post Office - provides a delightful entrance to the business centre of our village. The site is included within the Flinders Heritage Overlay.
The tea rooms, which opened in 1900, seated 80 people and served the tourist trade, with a large dining hall and bungalows alongside the present building.
Aerial View of Flinders taken on Anzac Day 2012 by Murray Adams
The Red Hill Ward Consultative Group
COUNCILLORS CAME TO US - Shire meeting held in Flinders Village Hall
The Monthly Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting was held here in Flinders on Monday evening, February 27, 2012.
Those of us who attended were treated to democracy not at work, as the malfunctioning microphones (plus councillors who did not speak into them) did not allow a full understanding of the debates - though, in any case, anything contentious seemed to be passed on to a future special sub-committee meeting.
It was chaired with considerable patience by our local member and Mayor (Cr. Frank Martin) - and a good time afterwards was had by all who came for the sustenance!
Read President Peter Hall's Address to the AGM on 21 Jan 2012; and the minutes of the meeting
And read about the "Catalysts for Change in Flinders"
FLINDERS ANNUAL DINNER 2012 - another resounding success
Tony Barber scintillated as MC, and entertainingly interviewed about his life by Ranald Macdonald with auctioneer extraordinaire Stephen Fogarty loosening wallets.
There were silent auctions, special prizes and a major raffle plus the auctioning of three generously donated "experiences”. Guests were recently appointed MPS Mayor and Red Hill Ward Councillor, Frank Martin with Lady Mayoress, Dianne.
FCA President Peter Hall thanked those who donated and those who worked to make the night happen so smoothly and enjoyably. And particular thanks to Pam Commons and Ranald Macdonald for all the planning and organisation!
The "special experiences" were:
Jim Fogarty’s two Master Classes in garden design and plant selection for the Flinders area. He is, of course, the internationally renowned designer with successes at the Chelsea Flower Show and elsewhere.
A day at the MCG for a Collingwood home match of your choice with a certain former club president – we wondered whether the winner wished to see their team humiliated and sit among "the faithful", but it turns out she was a Magpie supporter!
And a morning for two at local resident Neil Mitchell’s 3AW radio show generously donated by him – chats, snacks and actually seeing the preparation, being in the studio during it and listening to the after-show assessment.
Council approves Village Streetscape
On Monday 12 December 2011, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council voted to approve the proposed Flinders village streetscape plans. The result overall fully takes into account the submissions made by the Flinders community on the original plans developed by the Shire’s consultants and exhibited to the community for comment.
The key points that will be of interest to FCA members are:
1. The service road in front of the General Store will NOT be used as the east-west thoroughfare and will be retained as a service road apart from safety improvments, eg by closing off the entrance to the service road from Norman Street and providing a left turn entry from Cook Street approximately opposite to David Wright’s studio.
2. A traffic island will be built in front of the Community Hall to provide an enclosed parking area there for buses, mobile library etc., Vehicles will park in an area between the new island and the kerb in front of the Community Hall.
3. Two buttresses will be built out from the corners of Norman Street to further assist direct traffic at this intersection and avoid confusion between the through road and the service road..
4. Three pedestrian crossings will be built across Cook Street. One in front of the General Store, one at the mid-town park and one between the Community Hall and the Village Bakery Café.
5. Speed limit in the village will be lowered to 50kmh.
6. Approval has been given in principle for improvements to the village parks and Community Hall with directions that the community must be involved in the decision process at all stages.
7. Extra parking will be created in Norman Street, on both sides of Cook Street, with angle parking being replaced by 90 degree nose to kerb parking. Additional spaces must take account of the existing Norfolk pines.
MPS Strategic Planner, Russell Smith, thanked members of the Flinders community for their feedback and the assistance provided throughout the process of creating the plan. He supports the result achieved as a good framework for Flinders future development in the area covered by the study, and will aid prevention of ad hoc type works whilst increasing the safety and useability of the village centre. For your reference, CLICK HERE for links to the Plan and background documents on the Shire’s web
RECENT NEWS OF THE FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE : SEE DETAILS OF HOURS
Dr Stephen Larkins opened the medical clinic in 2005.Although he was running a busy practice in Greensborough he saw the need for a medical centre in Flinders. He attended the Clinic Friday & Saturday on a regular basis. We regret that owing to poor health Dr Larkins is no longer able to work at Flinders.
We would like to express our appreciation for the work he has done to develop this Medical Centre, whichwill continue with Drs Janet Fitzpatrick, Doug Gaze, Carroll Major & Podiatrist Jair Butler.
Receptionists:Kathie Houghton, Lyn Benetti,Verity Ducos-Saunders. Address: 4/48 Cook St and you enter from ramp beside pharmacy. Telephone 59890634 and the hours have been extended
Our Flinders Pier re-opened on Tuesday 18 October 2011
The renovated pier was opened by local member, the Hon Martin Dixon MLA, Minister for Education at 10.30 a.m. In attendance were a number of local luminaries, including Frank Martin, Councillor for Red Hill ward; Peter Hall, President, Flinders Community Association; Philip Fowler, Ranger in charge of Westernport for Parks Victoria; Jo Monie, President Flinders District Historical Society; et al.
GENEROUS LIONS: The Flinders Lions club have allocated $12500 towards design improvements to the town parks now being undertaken by the Flinders Community Association. Ric Davey, of the Community Association, is being assisted by two well known landscape and garden designers, Jim Fogarty and Ben Davey, and Simon Lloyd, Heritage and Urban Design advisor of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, to prepare recommendations for consideration by the Shire’s planning department which will hopefully lead to a joint venture between the Shire and the Flinders community to develop and improve the attractiveness and functionality of our parks. Mr. Keith Hando, President of the Lions Club, advised these funds will be set aside pending the selection of a component of these works where the Lions contribution can be most appreciated. The FCA is grateful for this support and whilst it is recognised the wheels of government turn slowly we are hopeful we will all see works happening throughout 2012.
CEO Dr Kennedy defends the Shire's 2011/2012 Draft Budget - with its 6.8% rate increase
Some 50 interested ratepayers from Flinders, Shoreham and Red Hill attended a public meeting at the Flinders Village Hall on Wednesday, June 29 to listen to our chief executive go through the shire's budget in detail and explain its contents.
Obviously, of considerable interest was his justification for the above cost of living increase in a non-revaluation year.
The Council decision to reduce debt ($3.75 million) impacted on the increase, as did decisions such as care for the ageing Mornington Shire population and the substantial path improvements proposed throughout the shire.
Intense discussion concerned preservation of the Green Wedge and Dr. Kennedy said this was a "to die for" issue.
More information will follow, but the development of Hastings as a port and the pressure of an expanding Melbourne will (according to Dr. Kennedy) not impact on the "inviolate" Green Wedge parameters on the Peninsula.
The budget can be read (Click here) All the details are there so please peruse at your leisure
CARGO SHED
You will be pleased to see that the renovation of the Cargo Shed near the Flinders Jetty is virtually complete - after all these years - though some landscaping is obviously needed.
A meeting about the shed was convened on Friday, 3 June 2011 by Victoria Smith, Strategic Planner (Coastal) for the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The meeting was attended by representatives of the FCA, the Flinders District Historical Society (FDHS), the Flinders Mooring Association (FMA), the Pilot Service and senior shire officers.
Various ideas were put forward for the interior of the shed, the smaller nearby pier shed and the surrounding area. In particular, a proposal by the FMA in tandem with the FDHS and the FCA to provide a display of historic material relating to the Flinders community, including the shed's history, was favourably received. There was also discussion whether there was a continuing need for the fuel shed behind used by the pilot boat operators - with possible alternatives explored.
Flinders residents attending the meeting were in general agreement that landscaping of the foreshore area should be low key to maintain the natural vegetation (while reducing weeds).
The Shire's attention was drawn to the need to improve maintenance of the cable station walk from the upper car park to the beach, to reduce the encroachment of blackberry bushes and weeds.
ANZAC DAY SERVICE AND MARCH
It WAS a beautiful day, but was the crowd for the Anzac Day service and march in Flinders a record?
Whether it was or not, the thing that stood out was the range of ages and the real sense of community involvement.
GUNS NOW AIMED AWAY FROM FLINDERS TOWNSHIP
Following representations from the FCA and Cr. Frank Martin, the guns at the entrance to the Flinders Gunnery Range have been re-aligned so they to point towards HMAS Cerberus. Some local residents felt threatened by the guns aiming down the road despite, of course, the fact that they were inoperative. The current setting is 65.32561 degrees N/N-E - for those "nauticals".
GREAT NEWS TO START 2011 ......Amendment C101 Flinders Village Centre Approved by the Minister and Gazetted on 6th January, 2011
Approval of C101 means that permanent controls replace the interim provisions that have been in place for the last two years. The Design and Development Overlay (DD014) applies to the Cook
Street business centre from Wood St to Norman St. A new Heritage precinct covers part of Cook St and the environs of the village park through to Bass St along Norman St.
The long awaited approval of C101 ends the tortuous planning process to achieve statutory protection for the Flinders village business centre – a task begun almost 5 years ago.
The Amendment provides a clear policy framework with statutory planning teeth for Council and the Flinders community, developers and residents alike, to consider any new development proposals, including the renewal of existing buildings, to ensure that the valued character of the village is preserved.
It creates the clear expectation that new development in the village centre will be relatively low profile and of low intensity.
The Amendment also recognises the Flinders Village Centre Design Guidelines as a key policy resource, now included as a reference document in the planning scheme.
The Association sees this addition to the Planning scheme as the culmination of many years of work, beginning with the preparation of guidelines leading to completion of this last link with the introduction of DDO 14 and associated heritage precinct requirements for the village centre.
Flinders now has comprehensive planning policy and controls covering the whole village, its village business centre, the various residential areas and surrounding rural setting.
The efforts of Council officers in steering Amendment C101 to a successful conclusion are gratefully acknowledged.
At the Annual Meeting of the Flinders Community Association at the Village Hall on January 22 at 4.00pm which everyone is invited to attend, President Neville Wale, who has announced that he is standing down as President, will discuss this and other important issues affecting Flinders and its future.
ORIGINAL SUBMISSION PRESENTED BY THE FCA ON FLINDERS AND ITS FUTURE
In relation to proposals prepared by Michael Smith & Associates which were presented to the Flinders community on October 23rd , 2010 recommending changes and improvements to the streetscape and general amenity of the village centre, the FCA wishes to make the following observations in the belief it is reflecting the majority view of its members (totalling some 300) and of the general community.
The core principle behind the FCA's activities is to enhance and preserve the character of the Flinders village and its surroundings in the face of the constant and ever increasing push for new development. The FCA does not deny that change is inevitable but is determined that such change recognises and supports the character and feel of the village to the benefit of all, developers, community and visitors alike.
With the ever increasing population of greater Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula being Australia's seventh biggest tourist destination it makes good sense to plan now for the increased number of tourists bound to visit the area not to mention the fact that tourism is the economic mainstay of the Peninsula. To that end we make the following observations of the proposals in hand.
1. Traffic management
We think it important to recognise that the coastal village of Flinders is a “destination” point not a town on the road to somewhere else. Tourists, therefore, arrive and tend to start looking around without necessarily concentrating on their driving as they should. We need to help solve the “idiot” factor with safety of pedestrians paramount.
Whilst it may be argued the service road outside the general store is not conducive to good traffic control in that people park on both sides of the road and at times it becomes very congested it nonetheless is a quaint feature of Flinders that creates its own unique contribution to village life. The gentle, slow hustle and bustle of this street creates an atmosphere of congeniality and interaction between people which is what village life is all about and is one of the endearing features of Flinders. The FCA believes the majority of the community are passionate about preserving this feature. We are not aware of any accident that has occurred in this area probably due to the fact that traffic is forced to travel at a snail's pace. To turn this road into the main west-east thoroughfare is akin to creating a strip shop mentality of a typical suburban scene.
We therefore argue that the main traffic flow through the town be directed towards a better solution to the existing main road. There are three issues; speed, safety of pedestrians, and clear definition of traffic direction.
Speed is only a problem with traffic coming in from the west. We would argue this can be readily solved by placing a rumble strip between King St., and Stokes St., and placing a 40kmph sign just as traffic crosses over Stokes St. This 40kmph zone would extend to the roundabout at Wood St. We note that many 40kmph zones exist around Melbourne and in many country villages with the best comparative example to Flinders being the village of Halls Gap in the Grampians. We cannot see why this would not be appropriate for Flinders.
Safety of pedestrians. We agree with the crossings proposed by the consultants namely pram crossings either side of Norman St., and one at the Wood St., roundabout and particularly the 2 raised zebra crossings outside the general store and opposite the toilet block park.
Traffic direction. There are a number of factors here.
a). There is the strange but true confusion of some motorists turning around the Wood St. roundabout and then proceeding up the wrong lane of the 2 lane main road. This only seems to happen with east-west traffic. A leading traffic engineer together with a respected urban designer advise us this can be solved by widening this section of the road by shaving off approx. half-metre of the nature strips either side (this should not harm the trees) to enable a simple median strip to be installed.
Another solution is to dispense with the kerbside parking places on the southern side of Cook St., between Wood St., and Norman St., so that this total width of the road becomes 2 lanes with a median strip.
But, using the “KISS” principle, why not simply use paint to clearly indicate the rules of this section of road? Paint double lines down the middle, install “cats eyes” too, paint direction arrows on each lane and as drivers turn around the roundabout place a commonly-used sign in the middle of the road saying “2 way traffic”. Would this not be the most cost-effective solution?
b) To better direct traffic at the Norman St., intersection a roundabout should be installed. Not only would this clearly direct traffic doing various turns at this point, but it would also enable the retention of the wide section of road outside the community hall. This is important because it enables commuter buses to turn around (we don't want them be forced to exit town by going around Bass St., or Barker St.; besides we have been told by bus drivers they just won't do that!); it would allow the bus stop to be moved from its present location to one outside the hall, it provides a clear and controlled pick-up/drop-off point for the various school buses and a parking spot for the community library bus and water trucks filling up from the hydrant.
The aforesaid traffic engineer and urban designer are willing to meet with Shire engineers.
2. Parking.
Being such a tourist attraction Flinders will probably never have enough parking facilities during peak times. We offer the following as ways to maximise what seems to be available.
a). As the consultants suggest, acquire the Telstra land in the toilet block park and re-confgure the layout as proposed.
b). Make the area behind the general store more obvious to encourage better use of it. However, we wonder whether the owners of the store have been consulted as they may have plans to extend the rear of the store?
c).As the consultants suggest, make better use of angled parking on both sides of Norman St. Be careful of the Norfolk Pines on both sides as these were planted by Flinders schoolchildren in memory of fallen Flinders people from WW2.
d). Change kerbside parking along the front of the park in Cook St., to angle parking
e). Create either kerbside or angle parking along both sides of Wood St., in the section between Gordon St., and the roundabout where the road widens.
We have also formed a sub-committee to help evaluate future parking needs and solutions but in the meantime believe the above suggestions should be implemented.
3. The town park
Whilst there have been many suggestions for the use of the park we are concerned that if not carefully planned it will become very cluttered; afterall it is not a large area.
a). There is a demand for a shelter/rotunda. The community would prefer something of a simple style not a Victoriana extravaganza. We believe it should also have “wings” or sections where different families can sit without feeling they are intruding on someone else.
b). A good section of the community also want BBQ's; others don't because of the mess and clutter they may cause. Perhaps the solution is a shelter that incorporates the BBQ's in a separate section. A similar idea can be seen in the river mouth park in Port Fairy; it seems to work well. The FCA offers to draw up some design suggestions and present these for consideration. Please also note there have been offers to fund the shelter and BBQ's from private community sources and this being the case it would be appropriate for the community to create some ideas; we trust you agree.
c). One piece of clutter that can be removed is the old weatherboard shed once used as a shelter for netballers; this no longer happens. It is now a refuge for rubbish and an eyesore. If demolished then the relatively unused western end of the park along Cook St., should be properly landscaped to encourage better use.
d) The vexed question of a public toilet. When first mooted it was thought the toilet could be located at the rear of the park where it would not be an eyesore to passers-by. We now understand that because of public safety issues it has to be located at the front of the park in full public view. This would be most unfortunate. We wish to again raise the proposition that an external public toilet be built alongside the western front of the community hall against the outside wall of the existing internal toilets. There is an appropriate piece of unused land at that point and we suggest it would be the most cost effective solution and comply with OH&SA issues.
4. The Community Hall
We are not convinced the proposed “quick fix” but expensive solution to the facade of the hall is appropriate nor in keeping with the Flinders architecture and the Design Guidelines prepared by and issued by the MPS on which the DDO14 is based. We think we need to “stand back” and consider whether the hall should be substantially altered to reflect a better understanding of community needs in mind; the new Red Hill hall comes to mind. We also recommend energy and rainwater storage to be included as a community demonstration. We could form sub-committee of community people and recommended MPS staff to develop longer range ideas.
5. Street furniture & signage
We think the selection and placement of street (and park) furniture will be dictated by the final agreed plans for the street layout and the park. Therefore we don't think it necessary to comment on selections at this point other than to flag the thought that it should be well designed and not run-of the mill off the shelf items.
Signage is a real environment problem for Flinders but traders do need to advertise. There may well be by-laws but they are always difficult to enforce. We believe a better solution is to develop a more artistic and aesthetic style which is uniquely “Flinders” and a well known graphic arts designer resident in Flinders has offered professional help in this regard.
6. Timing
It's important we don't rush this although it should be said the issue of traffic safety should not be delayed. However the FCA wants to make sure we gain the views of as many people as possible in Flinders including those who only visit a few times a year. Therefore we think the submission deadline of December 20th 2010 is too short and it ought to be pushed out to, say, end February 2011. This would give us more time to canvass the broader community. We trust this won't cause any complications as we do need to “get it right”.
The Flinders community understands this all constitutes a long term plan governed by logistics and money. It may take all of 10 or 15 years but if the plan is laid down and approved by Council then there is good chance it will all happen and in the way that protects the vision of Flinders.
The FCA trusts this submission is helpful and stands ready to continue to work closely with the people of the MPS.
( Note - for details of the plans as presented on October 23 in the Community Hall just double click the following link........... Click)
| Recent Developments in Flinders |
1.Preparatory work has begun on the $2 million upgrade to our Pier, with part of the car park encircled with protective fencing and piles being put in. It is scheduled for completion in March (some chance!!) - some progress has been made.
2.The Flinders Village Cafe - known to all as Julie's after the popular owner, chef and chief bottle washer - was off still continuing" after it was passed in at $1.65 million in front of hundreds of interested onlookers.
Perhaps we could get it to $2 m. - PROVIDED Julie stays on!
3.The Cipriani saga continues as the move to build a substantial, two-storey development at 165 Wood Street goes into another phase as a revised plan was put to the Mornington Shire planners. A well-attended meeting was held in the village hall where the views of the village were made clear to the planners about the proposed development.
With the earlier concept rejected by VCAT, it has changed from being a "Retirement Village" with reasonably generous communal facilities to a slightly smaller Retirement Living block with only a shared dining area - and a swimming pool/gym located beside the substantial underground carpark. There are 39 apartments for the "over 55's" and nearly 80 parking spaces. It is still huge.
4.The "Lollabout development" in the main shopping area continues for all to see.
5.And it seems as though the revised plans for developing the Red Hill Bakery site in Cook Street will procede after some revisions. More on that to come. but it still incorporates a restaurant for 80 and apartments.
FLINDERS COMMUNITY NEWS - FCA overview
The escalating pace of development in Flinders Village Centre was noted at the well-attended Meeting of the Association held on Saturday 22 May in the Hall. President, Neville Wale, reported that the important Amendment 101 for the Flinders Village Centre setting design requirements and guidelines was still awaiting the Planning Minister’s approval (details are listed in an earlier article below).
Note: As of late October, 2010, Amendment 101 has still not reached the Minister's desk!!!
Meanwhile Council had proposed to amend policy for caravan parks in rural areas which would encourage enclaves of 300-400 caravan park residents to be located in the Green Wedges more than 2 km from urban areas. The Policy fails to consider the adverse impacts on farming activity and lack of utility services.
Vice President Mark Holland also reported on a meeting he had attended concerning policy covering dwelling permits on existing lots of less than 40 hectares in the Green Wedge. There are 715 such sites in the Shire. The inability of these owners to obtain building approval is creating valuation and financial problems. The Association will be seeking a change in the green wedge policies to remedy this anomaly.
Peter Hall reported on developments in Flinders Village centre. Alterations to the Hotel design and excavation of rising ground by half a metre will result in a lower roof line for the 40 new units. Agreement has been reached on a reduction in size of proposals at 37 Cook Street. Unfortunately the Lolabout development for town houses and shops is now underway. The Cipriani plan for a retirement village in Wood Street still appears unsatisfactory. More action can be expected soon with the Balin site for sale again.
The Shire advises that the Design Study for Flinders Village awaits the appointment of a consultant. This study will review the Bruce Allen concept plan for the village centre, and the Association’s 'wish list' of projects.
The Sustainability Sub committee has discussed the possibility of installing solar panels on the Flinders pre-school with its committee. Under the current rules and costings the proposal seems out of reach. The large cypress tree nearby on Shire land may also create shading problems.
The proposal for an Annual FCA Dinner following AGM in January as a social event and possible fund raiser has been supported. Focus for fund raising could include a gazebo, barbeques and toilets in the town park as part of the master plan due by the end of the year. A new flagpole by the monument is not seen as a priority project.
Minutes of this and previous FCA meetings are listed under Community Association on left; or click here
Flinders Pub Expansion Plans
The revised plans (architects impression below) were discussed earlier at a meeting open to all interested parties on 11 May at the Shire Offices in Mornington. The FCA, which has already been party to discussions with both the shire planners and the owner of the Flinders Hotel, was well represented at the meeting.
The proposal is to expand accommodation to 40 rooms and to build conference facilities within the main building. The plan below shows the expansion plans in various shades of yellow. While recognising its undoubted benefit to Flinders, the FCA has suggested some modifications to the planned additions, including improved landscaping to reduce its impact on the village scale.
Sustainability Issues
For those of you with PV solar cells and connected to the grid, Victoria has introduced a feed-in tariff of about 60 cents per kw hour. You should contact your retailer to make sure you receive this rate. You may be interested to read Moreland Energy Foundation's assessment of the various electricity retailers' offerings.< http://www.mefl.com.au/documents/Vic_FiT_Survey-Dec09.pdf>
Since the FCA's AGM, at which a loose-knit group of more than 100 people called "Power Partners" was mentioned, we have been in touch with the Convenor, Peter Strickland, of Balnarring. There were articles in the Age recently which dealt with some of their concerns.
Google
To join the "Power Partners" email list, just write to Peter and Kathie Strickland: kpstrick@westnet.com.au
As you will be aware, there are plenty of problems with the federal energy effiency and renewables programs at present.
The federal Household Roof Insulation Program has been suspended. The Solar Hot Water rebate has been reduced. There are problems with the Green Loans scheme as well. We will keep you informed as reliable news comes to hand. For more information, or if you would like to join the Flinders Sustainability Group, please ring Peter Monie 59890539 or email to: p.monie@bigpond.net.au
Cook Street Developments
Flinders residents will have seen the reduction to rubble of the former Lollabout Cafe at 41 Cook Street to make way for a two storey apartment building. There have been long-running discussions over the development, with the FCA hoping that the design plans, as approved some years ago (and given an extension), would be improved so as to fit in with the design guidelines and special Flinders planning requirements. Sadly, unless changes are made to the original plans, the building will be another Cook Street eyesore totally out of character with our historic Flinders village.
Also, Boss Properties is attempting once more to gain approval for its plans to develop 37 Cook Street into a restaurant and two lots of two storey apartments. The problem for the FCA is the plans still do not respect the planning requirements for Flinders.
PLANS FOR CARAVAN PARKS IN MORNINGTON PENINSULA GREEN WEDGE ZONES
Mornington Peninsula Shire recently placed Amendment C133 to its Planning Scheme on public exhibition. It proposes to regulate Caravan Parks in the Green Wedge zones. Currently there are no policy guidelines to assist Council consideration of any permit applications in the rural areas of the Shire.
Your Association submission to the Shire supports the need for policy guidelines but says that the Policy needs strengthening and clarification. In particular it expresses concern that the proposed decision guidelines are inadequate.
Existing rural uses that make up the valued Green Wedge landscapes of the Mornington Peninsula must be protected. The policy clauses, however, set out to promote tourism and caravan parks in Green Wedge areas further than 2 Km from defined urban areas.
Under the proposed Amendment, the Council is only required to consider three things: contribution to tourism; impact on flora and fauna; and the visi