p2006a54

The work of the Society continues without pause in its stated objectives of conservation, restoration of indigenous flora and fauna, and protection of the natural landscape and foreshore in Beaumaris.

The Society has made a number of submissions to Council on these matters. To mention just a few –

l.    Planning Scheme Amendment C49 Beaumaris Concourse, where we supported a 2-storey building height limit and control over future parking proposals.

2.   Amendment C50 relating to build form and design, traffic and parking, and C52 on the potential impact on residential building height of dormer and attic windows.

3.   Responding to tree vandalism on the foreshore reserve and a modified proposal relating to the proposed screens of the damaged sites.

4.   Improving procedures to enable residents to become aware of and receive planning information from Council’s Web site.

5.   Naming and zoning of Beaumaris public land sites such as Reserve Rd bushland and High St triangle.

The skateboard facility continues to be discussed. A Consultative Group was formed in October 2005 on which BCS Inc. had representation. After its final meeting in September 2006 Council staff recommended that Council undertake specific community consultation on a site at Banksia Reserve or Illaroo Reserve.

We continue to liaise with Council staff on the final section of the Bayside Bicycle Road from Cromer Road to Charman Road. Our preferred siting is beside the road verge. We have supported Mordialloc-Beaumaris Conservation League Inc in its battle with Kingston City Council over its proposal to continue the Bicycle Road along the cliff tops south of Charman Road to Mordialloc Creek instead of along the road verge.

We maintain our membership of Save Our Suburbs Inc in the ongoing battle against inappropriate development, and Port Phillip Conservation Council Inc particularly on the Port Phillip Bay channel deepening issue.

We have made a number of submissions to Council on planning development applications and the constant loss of vegetation and garden space being replaced with fence to fence structures and nominal garden space. Fiona Austin will outline specific matters.

Council elections held in November 2005 introduced a number of new councillors who, with sitting councillors, have shown a strong and consistent attitude in retaining the neighbourhood character of Bayside. Unfortunately too many of their decisions are overturned at VCAT in favour of developers. This is reflected in a groundswell of opposition again developing throughout Melbourne, led by Bayside, to the extent of a new political party being formed in Brighton.

Again we should thank members of the outgoing Committee for their dedicated work in furthering the objectives of the Society­: Fiona Austin, Keith Holmes and Chris Sutton for preparing submissions on planning matters, Ron Morris for his work as Secretary, Geoffrey Goode as Treasurer, Ken Rendell for his work on vegetation issues, Ted Pearce for the range of tasks he willingly undertakes and with Diana for allowing us to hold our Committee meetings at their home, and Patricia Glazier, Ingrid Ashford, Josie Cerbasi, Rod Nash and Ian Wong as Zone Leaders and for their input at Committee meetings.

Finally thanks to members for your continuing support through your membership, which is the life support of the Society.

Adrian Cerbasi
President

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