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Archive

MINUTES OF FCA MEETING - November 18, 2009

Present: Neville Wale (Chairman), Gladys Aarons, Graham Lewis, Ranald Macdonald, Pam Commons, Jim Dorwood, Mark Holland, Eric Davey, Ian Marsden and Peter Monie.

Apologies: John Kaye, Peter Hall and Tony Stafford

Next meeting:  20 January 2010 in Flinders Pre School 7.30 pm. 

Minutes of Saturday 24 October 2009 at 4.30 pm at Village Hall.

Present: Neville Wale - Chair, Cr Frank Martin and 45 members.

Apologies: John Kaye, Wayne and Elaine McDonald, John and Heather Plant, Mary Sealey, Ron McIntyre, Lyn Fremantle, Ellie Hall, Geoff O’Callaghan and Chris Jaeger.

So this time the MPS was fully on our side with a detailed document presented to the VCAT member (Mr. Michael Reid) showing that the 37 Cook Street project did not comply with five of the “general requirements” of DDO 14, only partly complied with three, two were not applicable and in the remaining two areas the developers were agreed to have fully complied. At best a 65% failure rate. It was “déjà vu all over again” again, because the proposal now being put forward to VCAT for approval by Boss Properties was the same in outline as 43 Cook Street - only bigger. The huge edifice, which will be the first thing that hits you as you come into Cook Street from the Wood Street roundabout, is actually two buildings of two storeys – the one in the front housing an 80-seat restaurant with two 3-bedroom apartments above it and the back building containing a semi-basement car park with two storeys above it containing three 2-bedroom apartments on each floor. It covers most of the site and only 12 car parks are provided on-site for all residents, their visitors and restaurant-goers.

I will not try to recount to you the two days of evidence led by the MPS (through its counsel), by our expert witness Bruce Allen (architect and local resident), President of the FCA (Neville Wale), Deputy (Mark Holland), Convener of FEDAP (Peter Hall), owner of 44 Bass Street which would lose its view (James Kelly, who represented other Bass Street residents) and the author. We produced papers, drawings, photos and, in the case of the MPS, a huge folder of material supporting their Flinders planning philosophy and guidelines. The applicant had an experienced counsel supported by town planning, traffic engineering and urban planning consultants who were clearly experienced in appearing at this particular forum. Not surprisingly, though, they covered the territory without giving heed to what we saw as concerns about the development being unsuitable for an historic coastal village, with its character supported and enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. Nor, did they concede that the guidelines were there to be followed and were not, as one witness insisted, just a “wish list” or “options for consideration” in designing the development.

We were told that the building would contribute to the streetscape and that the recent building of 43 Cook Street had set the character of it. In recommending to the MPS in May that it support the DDO (which incidentally is the subject of a Panel Review on September 7 and 8 at the Mornington Town Hall), the Shire’s Manager of Strategic Planning (Allan Cowley) ended:- “1 - How does the amendment implement the objectives of planning in Victoria? The amendment is particularly directed towards (a) providing a framework for the fair, orderly, economic and sustainable use, and development of land, (b) securing a pleasant, efficient and safe-working, living and recreational environment for residents and visitors, (c) conserving and enhancing those buildings, areas or other places which are of aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or otherwise of special cultural value, and (d) facilitating development in a way which balances the economic interests of land owners and commercial developers with those of the wider community In those terms it is considered that the amendment implements the objectives of planning in Victoria” “2 - How does the amendment address the environmental effects and any relevant social and economic effects? It is considered that the amendment will have no adverse environmental effects, and will positively affect the built environment of Flinders. The amendment will limit some forms of development. However, the economic viability of the Flinders township is linked to the attraction of its distinctive character, which is the central focus of the proposed amendment.

Therefore, the overall effect of the amendment is to protect and enhance the competitive advantage of the township and to provide a development framework which can be equitably applied. The amendment is expected to have positive social effects as it reflects both the heritage values and the preferred future character of the area.” To Mr. Cowley’s statement, I would add on behalf of the FCA, “And So Say All of Us” – as long as the Design Guidelines and the DDO are followed and prove enforceable for all future developments in the Flinders village. To return to the VCAT hearing, though. As the proponents’ consultants told us how appropriate and suitable and valuable the development would be for both residents and visitors, and that they were satisfied with it being within the spirit of the guidelines and DDO and that it fulfilled the objectives sought by the State Government to cater for expanding housing needs and developing activity centres around Victoria, I kept thinking –“Yes that is all well and good, but why here at Flinders?” Does a developer’s desire to maximize his return from a site he purchases justify allowing him (in this case) a second development which fails to satisfy a majority of the guidelines only just established by the MPS and supported by the Minister for Planning and which has as its objective retention of the character or our little seaside village with its history, charm and uniqueness? I suppose the answers to those questions are in the hands of VCAT with a decision expected in a couple of weeks. When Member Michael Reid asked what was it that the FCA wanted if he was to approve the development of 37 Cook Street in some form or other. Our answer was clear: “Make it comply fully with DDO 14.” Whatever the decision, and I hope our arguments have been persuasive, it makes it more important than ever that the Panel Hearing in September 2009 in Mornington on the future shape of Flinders results in a recommendation which supports and even strengthens the DDO currently in force.

President's Annual Report for the Year 2009
Neville Wale - 30 January 2010

The Year 2009 has been in many ways a water-shed year for Flinders in Planning terms.  We have finally achieved planning protection for the Flinders village centre and achieved two significant victories in VCAT.

In the middle of the year the Association Committee recognised that most people when speaking of the Association shortened its name.   The formal change from “Residents and Ratepayers” was agreed at a general meeting so that the Association could be seen as involved with the broader community, not just residents and ratepayers.

To increase the effectiveness of the Association and involve a wider range of interests and skills that exist in our community the Committee is in process of developing a sub-committee structure to work on specific tasks and projects.  Currently we have the Flinders Environs Development Advisory Panel, Communications, Sustainability, Administration and Annual Dinner committees and we intend to have more groups as our program expands.  There is an open invitation to all members of our community to participate in the Association and join any of the project sub-committees.  

During the year we welcomed our new councillor Cr Frank Martin.  He is committed to ensure good lines of communication between Council and community groups.   The Association representatives have attended the regular meetings he has arranged with community groups in the Red Hill ward.

Planning Issues
You will recall that the Flinders, Cook Street, Amendment 101 was approved as an interim DDO in July 2008 by Minister for Planning and at the start of last year the Amendment was on formal public exhibition.  Since then your Association has made submissions to the expert independent panel appointed by the Minister to hear submissions to AM 101.   It has also appeared before VCAT for 37 Cook Street (Red Hill Bakers) and the 163-165 Wood Street (Cipriani’s Retirement proposal) and we are pleased to report successful outcomes in these matters.
The AM101 Panel recognised the special character of Flinders Village and recommended adoption of a revised version of DDO14, and various modifications of HO333 covering the eastern end og the village centre.
The Panel commented that it:
“was impressed with the understanding and professionalism of the participants in the planning process relating to Amendment C101.  The Amendment generated a healthy diversity of opinions, and all submitters and participants at the hearings showed patience and goodwill. Flinders is a special place, and the Amendment will assist in protecting and enhancing its character.”  

The Panel also proposed a Statement of Significance for the Village Centre noting that Flinders: “possesses many of the characteristics typical of a small Australian colonial?era town. It has a rectilinear plan, straight streets with wide landscaped verges, regular allotments lining those streets, and spaces for public and civic functions.
Development in Cook Street between Stokes and Wood Streets is characterised by:
•    a high proportion of landscaped open space;
•    a domestic, predominantly single storey scale of construction;
•    buildings which combine residential, commercial, and public uses; and
•    development which engages with the public realm.
as “dominant and distinctive features of the Flinders Village Centre.”
The Panel also noted:
“There are substantial areas of undeveloped land on Cook Street that provide an opportunity for new development to reflect the characteristics listed above. Modern architectural design, that is contextual in its visual relationship to its surroundings and has high design qualities, is consistent with this Statement.”  

Council has adopted Amendment 101 with the Panel recommendations and the sent the Scheme off to the Department of Planning and Community Development for the Minister’s approval.  Meanwhile the interim control has been extended to June 2010.

In July your team appeared before Mr Michael Reed in VCAT to contest the application for an 80 seat restaurant and 8 residential units at 37 Cook Street.  The application was rejected by VCAT.  However a new application for much the same development is currently before Council.

In September the team again appeared before Mr Michael Reed and Ms Jane Homewood in VCAT this time in relation to the application for Cipriani’s retirement village involving 45 flats and 90 underground car spaces.  On this occasion the Association engaged Mr James Holdsworth to give expert planning and architectural evidence.  This appeal was also rejected by VCAT.

That both appeals were rejected by the Tribunal was due in no small measure to the outstanding work of Council officers, excellent legal counsel engaged by Mornington Peninsula Shire and to the time and effort put in to the case by the many submitters.  The Association gratefully acknowledges the significant assistance given by Bruce Allen and members of the Flinders community who shared their expertise with the team.  Compared with the Shoreham community the Association has been frugal in the application of funds derived principally from your subscriptions.  

However the anticipated new planning applications for places such as the Motel and the Hotel will mean that we will need additional funding.  Indeed the recent publicity in both Council’s Peninsula News and local press about Caravan Parks and developments in the “Green Wedge” is another warning of the need for vigilance.   Initiatives such as the Annual Fund raising dinner will be necessary to fund project proposals as well as to ensure adequate representation in the future.

Town Improvement Projects
The design proposals prepared by Bruce Allen (presented at a previous AGM) have been invaluable in our thinking about the DDO and planning for the Cook Street village centre.  We are now moving to an implementation phase in which Council is about to prepare a consultant brief to further develop and refine these proposals.  Peter Hall will discuss these initiatives shortly.  This process will provide opportunities for community participations and will result in a long term commitment to projects that will significantly benefit our village and community.

Other Sub-Committees Achievements
The Communications Committee has set up the Flinders Community Website, flindersvillage.com .  The site is achieving its purpose of improving communications with members of the Association and the Flinders community.  A Pay Pal facility for receiving subscriptions on line has also been installed.  It is also hoped that groups such as the Churches, sports clubs, the Art Show and others will utilize the site to let people know about their activities.  A special membership category has been introduced for local businesses which use the site.  The Association is indebted to the Communications Committee Ranald Macdonald and Peter Monie particularly and to Ed Wright and James Kelly for their expertise in establishing the site.  Ranald Macdonald give us an outline of the Website shortly.

The Sustainability Committee has been active in promoting initiatives particularly in areas of water conservation and power savings.  During the year Mr Rolf Freeman from Mornington Peninsula Shire addressed us outlining Council program of Green Loans to be introduced to help households. Council has established a group purchase scheme to assist residents with the purchase of solar hot water and rainwater tanks.  Council also has a list of preferred suppliers for the group-buy scheme and the  program is continuing.  We hope you will consider one or both of these for installation at your place in Flinders.  There are rebates available which are particularly attractive for the solar hot water option.  You can ring the Council on 1300 850 600 to register your details and mention the Group Buy Scheme.  (THERE ARE SOME LEAFLETS ABOUT THIS AT BACK OF HALL).  
For those of you with PV solar cells connected to the grid, Victoria has introduced a feed-in tariff of about 60 cents per kw hour. You should contact your electricity retailer to make sure you receive at least this rate and change your retailer if you do not.  We will shortly be putting a link on our website to a piece of independent research which compares the major Victorian electricity retailer’s terms and conditions for feed-in tariffs.

The Association has also supported the initiative of the Flinders Golf Club in capturing storm water from the King Street drainage catchment.  The Association wrote to Melbourne Water suggesting a similar scheme for the Dodd’s creek catchment which would yield significant volumes of water that could be stored and used on town parks and gardens.  Currently discussions are in hand with the Kindergarten on possible installation of PV cells as a sustainability demonstration project.

Other projects and plans
Improvement of footpaths and pedestrian pathways in Flinders is a the long standing concern of the Association.  During the year the possibility of a crossing of Dodds Creek was again raised by the sale of a house at the southern end of Spindrift Ave.  The creation of a pathway along the northern escarpment of Dodds Creek to the beach with an all weather bridge crossing to the Cove Lane pathway was suggested.   Although there has been discussion with Council no significant progress can be reported to date.  Other concerns have been raised about the closure of traditional access ways such as to the Golf course.
The redevelopment of Flinders pier appears to be on hold because of budgetary constraints in Parks Victoria.  We have been advised that the pier may not in as bad a condition as has been initially suggested by the study some years ago.

The historic pier shed, subject of a Heritage Council grant 3 years ago, has continued to decline despite assurances from Council officers that remedial works would soon begin.  It has to be acknowledged that the state funds provided will not be sufficient to restore the shed but it is the only building in Flinders on the State Heritage Register and is a building of historic significance.   It should not be allowed to be demolished by neglect.

The Association has supported an initiative by residents of Bass Street to underground the power lines at the eastern end of Bass Street.  An approach has be made to the Navy regarding the power lines on the road to the gunnery school. Unfortunately this is on hold as funding was not provided as part of the gunnery rebuilding project.  The Associations other ambition, to see the powerlines in the village centre go underground, has not progressed beyond some preliminary discussions.

Friends of Flinders Coast Line
The Association strongly supports the work of the Friends Group in conjunction with Parks Victoria and Council.  The Association acknowledges the untiring efforts of the volunteers and Gladys Aarons in particular and I wish to thank her and the support team on behalf of our community.  I am pleased to report that the group has continues to receive grants from Melbourne Water and the Commonwealth environmental programs to support its work.  The Association asks your active participation just two mornings a month in the restoration work being undertaken at Dodds Creek (Cove lane) and at the Ocean Beach foreshore.

Membership
To be an effective organisation a solid membership base is essential and I am pleased to report that membership is growing steadily.  We can now claim a membership in excess of 300 and thus to represent the Flinders community.  We need you, our members, to talk to your neighbours and encourage them to join your Association and support it by active participation in its meetings and programs.

Conclusion
I wish to thank the dozen or so Association members who regularly attend our monthly meetings - held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm throughout the year in Flinders Pre School – Bass Street.   The meetings are open to everyone and I would urge anyone interested to come along.  Quarterly general meetings are held in this Hall at weekends.  These are to enable community members with work commitments elsewhere during the week to have a say in the Association activities.

I would also thank John Durham and the Post Office staff for their help in our newsletter mail outs throughout the year.  Thanks are also due to all those who have assisted in preparation and setting up for today’s AGM particularly Graham Lewis.  I would personally thank Mark Holland, Vice President, John Kaye, Secretary and Gladys Aarons Treasurer, for their support and assistance to me during 2009.  Unfortunately both Gladys and John have stepped down from their positions on the Committee and on your behalf I would thank them both for their long and patient service to our Community.  

Neville Wale
President, Flinders Community Association
30 January 2010

Committee Meeting (FCA) - 21 October 2009

Present: Neville Wale (Chairman), Gladys Aarons, Graham Lewis, Ranald Macdonald, Peter Hall, and Peter Monie.

Apologies: John Kaye and Mark Holland

Next meeting:  24 October 2009 in Flinders Hall 4.30 pm. 

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FCA POSITION ON CIPRIANI DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Many members of our Flinders community believe that a retirement living facility would be welcome but only if it is one that fits comfortably into our village environment. Sadly, the FCA does NOT believe the Cipriani proposal, as currently presented, is suitable for Flinders or for older members of our community. We wonder also whether the development may just become blocks of flats to be sold off to investors. The Mornington Peninsula Shire (MPS) planners agree with us. Both the FCA and the MPS opposed the current development plans for 163/5 Wood Street at VCAT on September 24 and 25. (You can view the latest plans as they are on display in the window of the Village store).

A decision is expected to be given by VCAT mid-November. (This comment was posted in late October 2009 - since then, the VCAT decision was one of rejection of the Cipriani appeal)

FLINDERS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Inc. 
(FORMERLY FLINDERS AND DISTRICT RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION)

Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 15 July 2009

PRESENT Neville Wale (Chairman), Cr Frank Martin, Gladys Aarons, Peter Gerdsen, Neil Hallam, Ranald Macdonald, Tony Stafford, Mark Holland, David Jarman, Graham Lewis, Pam Commons, Arthur Pattison, Sue Smith, Lucy Zhong, and Peter Hempill, APOLOGIES Peter Chew, Peter Hall, John Kaye, Peter Monie, Peter Lole, Gloria McFarlane, Mary Sealey, and Sheila Hargrave.

MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 17 June were accepted as a correct record of that meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE IN: - Letter re Cipriani’s Retirement Village suggesting particular permit conditions. - MPS Council re P08/3107 Refusal of application for Retirement Village - DLA Phillips Fox re notification of Appeal (VCAT ref P1545/2009) against Council refusal of application for Retirement Village in Wood Street. - MPS Council re Escarpment, Cove Lane – agreement that guide posts are necessary - MPS Council re Extension of Permit 41 Cook Street – explanation of Council position. - Minter Ellison re Papers for Appeal 37 Cook St P416/2009 including expert witness reports. OUT: - VCAT re Practice Day Hearing 26 June and 37 Cook Street. - VCAT re Grounds of Appeal – 163-165 Wood Street P1545/2009.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

1. Applications for Planning Permits 1.1. VCAT Hearing 37 Cook Street 6and 7 July. The Chairman reported that representatives of FCA appeared at the hearing over two days in support of MPS Council. The Council was represented by Mr Mathew Beasley briefed by Deacons Lawyers and FCA by Neville Wale, Peter Hall, Ranald Macdonald, and Mark Holland with affected resident James Kelly. FCA called Mr Bruce Allen (Architect and urban designer) to support its case. The arguments against the proposal for 8 flats and an 80seat restaurant on the site were well presented on Day 1. On Day2 the appellant’s experts presented evidence claiming that the requirements of DDO14, with the exception of the height limit of 8 metres, were only indicative and the objectives of the Flinders Village Centre Guidelines and the Overlay could be satisfied by the proposal as presented. The VCAT Member Mr Michael Read reserved his decision and judgment is expected to be handed down in about 5 weeks from the date of hearing. From the arguments presented at the hearing it is apparent that unless planning requirements are mandatory they are likely to be largely ineffective in the decision making process. A full report of proceeding by Ranald Macdonald is attached. (Refer Attachment) 1.2. VCAT Hearing 163-165 Wood Street – Cipriani’s Retirement Village. It was noted that Council refused this application and is in a stronger position than usual where no decision is made. FCA grounds of appeal, in response to notification by DLA Phillips Fox, have been lodged with VCAT. In summary these state that the development proposal does not satisfy the Flinders character and design guidelines or DDO2; has unreasonable amenity impacts; will dominate the entry to Flinders and not contribute to its image as a coastal village. Information is needed of Council /government requirements for retirement villages. Earlier FCA had discussions with the Cipriani’s planning consultant and Council officers. Advice from the Retirement Villages Association on requirements for accreditation was offered and it was expected that a revised proposal would be forthcoming. As far as is known no changes to the plans have been made. It is evident that expert evidence will be necessary in presentation of this case. It was agreed on the suggestion of Mark Holland, that the Association write a letter of support to Council stressing the need for expert evidence in this regard.

1.3. Panel Hearing Amendment 101 – Cook Street DDO and Heritage Overlay The Panel hearing is scheduled for 7 and 8 September at Mornington Library. Based on the recent experience in VCAT it is evident that design issues will be critical in any presentation in support of the DDO. It will be essential to stress the need for prescriptive requirements for example site coverage as a basis for controlling development. Gladys Aarons suggested that an architect be engaged to prepare a model of the village centre demonstrating the effect of different current and proposed developments. Examples of DDO from similar situations eg Surf Coast Shire should also be obtained. Possible use of Computer Aided Design programs may facilitate such a presentation. It was agreed on the suggestion of Mark Holland that the Association write to Council suggesting the development of a schematic design presentation or model of the village centre to illustrate the impact of development proposals on the centre. A meeting is to be requested with MPS CEO Michael Kennedy to discuss possible assistance for preparation for the panel hearing.

2. Friends of Flinders Coastline Gladys Aarons reported that some 1700 grasses had been planted in the Cove Lane restoration area giving a total planting of over 3000 plants in the past few months. The next working day (being the 4th Friday at 9am) is to be at the Ocean carpark where further planting is scheduled. The work is assisted by Natural Habitat funded from Melbourne Water and Commonwealth grants to the Friends group and the Peter Druce bequest.

3. Pier Cargo Shed Council has recently cleared vines and weeds from around the structure. Some structural works to stabilise the building are also in progress.

4. Flinders Web Page Ranald Macdonald presented the revised FCA web page design and discussed a number of changes that had emerged from responses from FCA members after viewing the draft on line. These changes included: relocation of the FCA logo; inclusion of Community Organisations; provision of useful links to bodies such as Visit Victoria; refinement of drop down boxes to improve ease of reading; refinement of PayPal functions; and improvement of security. It was agreed that these changes were appropriate. Neil Hallam has agreed to be editor-at-large for news items to appear on the Home page.

5. Newsletter Ranald Macdonald proposed that future newsletters be distributed online via the Web page. FCA members not online would receive hard copy by post. Peter Gerdsen indicated that Flinders Lions Club would be pleased to meet the postage/distribution cost of the newsletter issues.

6. Sustainability Committee Tony Stafford presented a draft letter to South East Water seeking an investigation of storm water harvesting in Flinders village. Peter Gerdsen confirmed that the Golf Club had an annual requirement of 25ML of water and last year had been obliged to purchase 11ML of potable water to make up the shortfall. The Club is currently negotiating with MPS to tap into the Kings Street drain to divert good quality storm water to dams on the course. The proposal discussed with SE Water involved harvesting the flow of Dodds creek close to its outlet to the bay. Difficulties were the land slip situation at this point and significant cost of the scheme. It was agreed that the letter be forwarded to SE Water including reference to the current Golf Club negotiation with MPS as indicative of community commitment to recycling and waste water reuse.

7. Operation of the Committee Deferred to next meeting.

8. Annual Dinner Deferred - Tony Stafford to report, but the date set for both the Annual Meeting and the Dinner to follow is January 16, a Saturday.

9. Unmade Roads Policy Deferred to next meeting

TREASURERS REPORT Gladys Aarons stated that the bank balance is $9,619 with Rent due for payment.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1. Cr Frank Martin Frank was welcomed to Flinders FCA and invited to comment. He indicated his need to ensure good lines of communication to community groups. Matters discussed at the meeting had been noted and he agreed to take up these with Council officers as opportunity arose. He requested copies of correspondence with Council so as to be forewarned of matters likely to require his attention. Frank also referred to the meeting with the Red Hill ward groups at Red Hill hall on Saturday morning 18 July and asked FCA to be represented.

2. Town Park Design Frank Martin referred briefly to requests he had received for a rotunda in the Town Park. There was need for a concept plan for the park to resolve design issues and others such as access to toilet facilities. It was agreed that this should be subject of a further meeting.

3. Fund Raising Opportunities for funding associated with functions and the Web site to be subject of a future meeting.

CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting closed at 9:25pm.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held in the Flinders Pre School on Wednesday 19 August at 7:30 pm.

Minutes of the Meeting held at Flinders Hall on Saturday 23 May 2009

commencing at 4.00pm

PRESENT

Neville Wale (Chairman)

Sixty one people signed the attendance list.

 

APOLOGIES

Maggie Cash, Lee Coleman, Penny Johns, Geoff O’Callaghan and John Pandolfini.

 

WELCOME

In welcoming those present the chairman acknowledged the Bunnerong and Worrungery peoples - members of the Kulin Nation - as the traditional owners of the land in which we meet. A copy of his report is attached to theses minutes.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1. Planning and development issues

Peter Hall addressed the meeting on a number of issues.

The Interim Development Order for the Village centre (C101) has been extended to 31 December 2009. It is therefore still “law”. It will introduce a new Design and Development Overlay Schedule, DDO14. MPS is in the process of setting up a Panel to examine submissions on the scheme.

37 Cook Street. The matter is to go before VCAT on 6 July. The latest plans include a restaurant to hold 88 people and 6 apartments. The two buildings will be similar to 43 Cook Street. The developer is well aware that the building does not comply with the guidelines. It is hoped that the guidelines stand us in good stead at VCAT.

41 Cook Street. Permit extended for 12 months. Amended plans fit within the new guidelines.

163 Wood Street – proposed retirement village. 66 objections were received. At a meeting attended by a representative from the developer, Council planning officers and others the Council officers indicated that they were not against the concept of the facility but were concerned about the size and scale of the development. Council will make a decision in the next week. (Permit subsequently refused on 2 June)

2. Flinders Community Web Site

Peter Monie stated that the Committee had decided to establish a Flinders Community Web Site. The purpose of the site was to help communication with members of the Association and the Flinders community. It is not to replace written communication but to enhance communications. There will still be posters in the store and a printed newsletter. Flinders Community Association will control the site and will be the prime user of the site. After the site is established it is hoped that groups such as Churches, sports clubs the Art Show and others will utilize the site to let people know about their activities. Local businesses will also be invited to use the site.

It is hoped the site will be in operation by the end of June. A link will be sent to those who have provided the Association with their email address. The site will be passive, because an interactive site would require staff to moderate comments. A group of volunteers will be required to keep the site up to date.

3. Sustainability Committee

Rolf Freeman from Mornington Peninsula Shire addressed the meeting on sustainability.

A Green Loans program is to be introduced to help households undertake actions to help sustainability.. As soon as assessors have been trained the loan program will be well publicized. It will be a requirement of the loan program that residents will have undertaken a free home sustainability survey.

Rolf gave details of a scheme whereby Council are to help residents obtain the Federal Government Solar rebate for installing solar electricity units. Council are keen to establish a group purchase schemes to assist residents with the purchase of solar power, solar hot water and rainwater tanks.

4. Friends of Flinders Coastline

Gladys Aarons noted that the group met on the 2^nd and 4^th Friday of each month. They continue to work on the ocean beach car parks and the Spindrift and Cove Lane areas.

5. Pier re development

Graham Lewis advised that the project appeared to be on hold because of budgetary constraints and because the pier may not in as bad a condition as has been suggested.

6. Pier Shed

Neville Wale noted that a grant to restore the shed had been made available 3 years ago. It is a building of historic significance, but the funds will not be sufficient to restore the shed.

7. Undergounding of power lines

It was noted that contact has been made with the Navy regarding undergounding of the power lines on the road to the gunnery school. It is hoped more will be heard on this by the end of 2009.

More may be heard about the lines in Cook Street when the design proposal for the area is completed.

8. Parking

Bruce Allen has provided for more parking in his plan for the Cook Street area. Developments such as those at 37 Cook Street will put more pressure on parking and should therefore be required to provide more car spaces. Peter Hall noted that a consultant is to be appointed by 30 June to progress the landscape plan for the Cook Street precinct. It is hoped that this will address the parking problem.

SPECIAL BUSINESS

John Kaye stated that at a recent Association Committee meeting Ranald Macdonald had suggested that the name of the Association be changed. The Associations Incorporation Act allows an incorporated association by special resolution and with the approval of the Registrar to change its name. A special resolution is passed if not less than three quarters of entitled members who vote at the meeting vote in favour of the resolution.

MOVED Ranald Macdonald and SECONDED Graham Lewis that the name of the Flinders and District Residents and Ratepayers Association be changed to Flinders Community Association.

In speaking to the motion Ranald stated that he was Chair of the Communications Committee. Most people when speaking of the Association shortened the name. It was also important that the Association be seen as part of the broader community, not just residents and ratepayers. During discussion Neville stated that the organisation would still be concerned with matters in the same geographic area as before. The aim is to be inclusive – all who can be of assistance in furthering the aims of the Association will be welcome.

The Chairman put the motion. The Chairman declared the resolution passed unanimously.

TREASURERS REPORT

Gladys stated that there were now 292 members of the Association and that the bank balance is $9,360.

CLOSE OF MEETING

The meeting closed at 5:30pm.

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