Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association
The Beacon
April 2011 Newsletter
Click here for a pdf version.
The Beacon
April 2011
Newsletter of Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association Inc (BCNA).
BCNA aims and aspirations include providing a forum for all residents of Beacon Cove and abutting neighbourhoods to discuss key local issues with a view to preserving and enhancing the quality of life within the area.
Beacon Cove Planning Scheme Amendment
Over the past three years the City of Port Phillip (CoPP) has been working on Amendment C73 intended to bring Beacon Cove under the City’s planning scheme. When in place the amendment will create certainty and transparency in future planning decisions and ensure the ongoing architectural integrity of the Estate.
In recent days the Minister for Planning has advised the City that it may now exhibit the amendment for public comment. It is expected that within the next three months each resident effected by the amendment will receive an “information pack” from Council explaining the process in detail and the manner in which any relevant submissions may be made to Council. The amendment will remain on exhibition for one calendar month, during which time any submissions may be lodged. In determining the final form of the amendment, the Minister is required to take into account all submissions. Following the expiry of the exhibition period there is an ongoing complex procedure prior to final gazettal of the amendment. It is likely that it will be a further twelve months before Beacon Cove is finally brought under the control of the CoPP Planning Scheme.
1-11 Waterfront Place
In November 2009 CoPP adopted guidelines supporting a six story limit and recently has requested the State Government to agree to a mandatory 3 story height limit to land at 1-11 Waterfront Place on an interim basis for 2 years. This would apply while the Port Melbourne Waterfront Urban Design Framework (PMWUDF) is being completed BCNA has written to the Minister for Planning following his pre-election commitments. At this stage the response by his department on his behalf states the DPCD is working with the CoPP to develop the UDF in consultation with the local community and that the Minister has not yet considered the CoPP request for interim height controls. BCNA also meet with the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) to discuss the potential for the 1-11 Waterfront site to be considered in a buffer zone to Station Pier. Any substantial development of course would add considerable pressure to the precinct especially on cruise shipping days. PoMC are taking this on notice. BCNA will continue to pursue a satisfactory outcome
Interface with Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC)
Last December and February groups of residents visited Station Pier on cruise ship handover day and experienced the difficulties of operation in these conditions. In the short term we see the need to close the pier to the public but in the long term PoMC should provide improved viewing facilities for the public. Also see above.
Port Melbourne Waterfront Urban Design Framework (PMWUDF)
The CoPP consultant, AECOM, has completed the first stage of their project. This has involved two public community meetings and has resulted in an understanding of the issues and opportunities of the study area and a community vision for consideration of Council and other key stakeholders. The next stage, to be completed by mid- year, will establish key future objectives and outcomes from these studies, discussions and deliberations and form a basis for a draft urban framework. Our Community Reference Committee (CRC) representative believes that the suggestions and concerns of our community have been well taken on by AECOM to date. This is supported by their current draft reports, particularly those emanating from the public meetings, which provide a balance to community expectations. The consultant’s final report is due in November 2011. Your suggestions or concerns are of interest to the study group and can be sent to Council or BCNA.
Princes Pier
Major Projects Victoria (MPV) has given approval to a number of the suggestions that have been put forward by BCNA and others, subject to Heritage Vic approval.
• Gatehouse upper level without partitioning.
• Widen lower landings and provide ramps.
• Provide pedestrian scale lighting and better beach access.
• An area of open decking to display original deck construction.
• Other items are still being considered.
Clean Up Australia Day
Some forty BCNA members and 3207beachpatrollers were joined by new volunteers and by the 5th Caulfield Scout Group to participate in "Clean Up Australia Day". Plenty of litter was found, as usual, near the open drain on Port Melbourne beach. Progress east to the PM Yacht Club was therefore a little slow as participants also swarmed over the grassy dunes, which are real litter traps. Lagoon Pier was cleaned of fishing line and discarded bait bags. All up close to 60 large bags of litter were collected - mostly plastic. Sharps monitors report 6 needles. Council will analyse the litter contents which may provide useful info. Congratulations to all involved, in particular organiser of 3207beachpatrol, Tom Burrowes. Our beaches are much safer and cleaner as a result of this impressive community effort. Further events will be notified by email/eblog.
Next Social Event
A wonderful banquet has been designed by the Golden View Chinese Restaurant for BCNA members and friends. The meal is $45 per head and comprises a variety of delicious entree and main courses and choice of desert. Drinks can be purchased separately. This new local restaurant has been receiving some great reviews and we hope you can join with us to have a great night of food and fun.
When: 7 for 7.30pm, Wednesday 11 May 2011
Where: Golden View Chinese Restaurant
53 Bay St, Port Melbourne
RSVP: by Wednesday 4th May to tmnink@bigpond.net.au (please advise of any dietary requirements)
Other Current Issues
BCNA is working with members on issues of:
• The Dog Club transfer from Murphy Reserve to Garden City Reserve,
• Proposed installation of mobile phone tower at Station Pier area and
• Refurbishment of trunk sewer site at Swallow Street.
• Flooding due to inadequate drainage, esp. at Pier and Beach Street intersection
Support Your Association
JOIN or RENEW NOW
BCNA is your community association working for you and the local neighbourhood.
• BCNA’s current lobbying activities include:- redevelopment of waterfront precinct, development at 1-11 Waterfront Place, Princes Pier, Planning Amendment C73.
• More members = better lobbying power.
• Meet key personnel from our Council, our Government and Opposition: the Port of Melbourne etc at BCNA’s Annual General Meeting on 20 October 2011.
• BCNA 2011/2012 subscriptions – join now or renew current membership.
• Subscriptions are $10 per year or $45 per 5 years per household.
President: Eddie Micallef 9645 1185
Vice President: Greg Mate 9681 7441
Secretary: Trevor Nink 9681 8283
Treasurer: Dana Hlavacek 9646 8850
Please complete and detach the form below and return with cheque payable to BCNA to The Treasurer BCNA, 61/103 Beach Street Port Melbourne by post or deliver to 103 Beach Street postal box (behind IGA store, near notice board)
Name............................................................
Address.........................................................
Email address...............................................
Phone #s.......................................................
Cheque enclosed: □ $10 (1 year) or □ $45 (5 years)
Subscribe to the BCNA eblog site at www.BeaconCoveNA.blogspot.com
BCNA expresses its appreciation to Martin Foley MLA for support to print The Beacon