| FCA MINUTES |  |
FLINDERS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
FLINDERS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF MEETING
18th April 2012 at 7.30 p.m. in Preschool
Attendance. P. Hall, A. O'Callaghan, D Jarman, J. Iles, G. Lewis, N. Wale, D. Avery, E. Davey, P. & J. Monie, P. Commons, T. Thorne, C. Matheson.
Apologies. M. Holland, P. & R. Macdonald, J. Plant.
Confirmation of Minutes of March Meeting. Moved P. Monie, seconded E. Davey.
Correspondence In - Nil
Out - Nil
Treasurer's Report. Cash Balance $21,662. Income from subscriptions $215. Interest $35.
Expenditure. Connect 123 $83
Bruce Allen $3,300
Administration $110
Committee Reports. Membership. G. Lewis 218 Financial Members399 listed. Subs still
coming in.
Planning Controls. N. Wale No permits issued on Balin or Caravan
Park. Mr. Lucas of Shire at VCAT could not be
contacted.
Communications - delayed till May Meeting
Sustainability - no report
Events - no report
Red Hill Committee - Minutes of last meeting tabled. C. Matheson
reported on ambulance call out figures.
Electricity tender - consultant to bring
documents for whole ward.
Speed limits for various areas, discussion
on shared pathways. FCA will support any
inclusion in Coastal Village Design.
FCA like to be involved in Shire Budget
consideration. Ideas to be given to Frank
Martin. Present ideas May Meeting
K. Polities of Shire wished discuss impact of
Peninsula Link on area.
P. Avery raised question of Council elections and possibility of candidates to
competition for long standing members. P. Hall raised problem of
younger people having time.
Sculpture & Monuments. Report from P. Macdonald. Letter to be sent to
Bass Foreshore Trust. P. Commons to speak
to J. Smith.
Signage. J. Monie indicated that money allocated but nothing happening. Dimensions of signs needed to
obtain quotes. Approach Shire re any concerns.
General Business. CFA siren to await reaction Mt. Martha trial
Traffic Control outside P.O. still under discussion
King Street fence. Shire warned of possible Supreme
Court action if barriers not removed and road usable.
Other Business - Cargo Shed. J. Monie reported April/May National Heritage
Months. Nominations sought for awards. Council agreed
inspect 26th April at 9.45. P. Hall to attend. FCA to query
who has key. Ocean Swimmers keen to use.
Park Discussion. P. Hall presented and circulated paper on town parks, hall and
pier foreshore. Discussion rewording opening, and Shire
approval sought. P. Monie moved and R. Davey seconded
Report be passed and implemented so far as possible.
Meeting ended at 9.10pm
Next Meeting in Village Hall on Saturday 19th May at 4pm
FLINDERS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF MEETING
21st March, 2012 at 7.30 pm at Preschool, Flinders.
Attendance. P. Hall (Chairman), T. Thorne, P. Commons, M. Holland, R. Macdonald, P. Macdonald, C. Matheson, A. O'Callaghan,P. Monie, J. Monie, Nicole Fitzpatrick.
Apologies: N. Wale, G. Lewis, J.Varkulevicius, J. Plant.
Confirmation of Minutes of February Meeting. Approved R. Macdonald, seconded P. Commons.
Correspondence In - F. Martin, thanks for dinner invitation.
Brief on Peninsula Link - study to be shared, and watch.
Caravan Park Development concerns to be shared.
Meeting March 29th at 1 p.m.
Out. P. Hall re 45 Cook Street proposed carport, shed, too close to fence?
Treasurer's Report. A balance of $25,024 reported.
Committee Reports. Membership - 413 registered members, 212 paid, follow up on those
not paid.
Planning Control. Balin Site. Minor changes made, developer threatened to take Shire
to VCAT. Shire pointed out plans had not been lodged. Consideration
access to 3 shops in Cook Street. M. Holland described various ideas.
Site coverage queried.
Communications . Should confusion over pier carrying capacity be published?.
Sustainability - no report
Events. Discussion on 2012 dinner, price of tickets, venue, follow up on questionaire.
Red Hill Consultative Committee. Minutes of last meeting will be circulated. Details of
ambulance call outs had been obtained, a joint approach planned.
Discussion on allocation of forward estimates. Somers had quarterly
meeting with Kennedy and others to discuss planning permits.
P. Hall felt better to work through Councillor.
Sculpture & Monuments. Information being sought on costs, site. Need to know what funds available. Possible ideal site had been taken by a memorial bench.
Signage . P. Hall showed design, Len James willing to make for cost of timber. Main cost
actual information to go on the signs.
J. Monie reported grant for Cable Station walk, what are rules and regulations re
signs, and who controls Bass Park?
Parks. Design for simple shelter and barbeque shown, felt 12m x 12 m. too large,
9m x 9 m better. Location on asphalt had been discussed, pre school felt too
close, and they use surface for various activities
Hall. Bruce Allen's plans for hall improvement discussed, but what extra use
would it get to justify cost?
Foreshore. Clean up needed, especially slipway. Historic? Re- clad winch shed?
Canopy to provide shelter suggested. Discussion due next week.
Use of Cargo Shed. P. Monie willing to organise roster for opening/closing via
web page if use could be found.
Pier Shed. Could be used for storage. Ocean Swimmers keen to use as
shelter, change room. etc. Key access possible. Verandah to provide shelter.
FCA talk to Shire re possible use.
General Business. Sale of horse paddock, David Wright's studio discussed. Possible heritage status:
Jo Monie has already inquired. Size of land and DD02 and DD14 creates problem for
potential developers.
Lack of fire siren queried. CFA to be asked.
Traffic control outside P.O. to be referred to Shire.
King Street Fence, access still partly blocked, and ditch prevents access for fire trucks etc.
M. Holland urged a list be made of what we had achieved, and order of priority
for further projects.
The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.
Next Meeting Wednesday 18th April, 2012 at 7.30 p.m. in Pre school.
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Flinders Community Association
MINUTES OF MEETING
15TH FEBRUARY, 2012 AT 7.30 P.M. IN COMMUNITY HALL, FLINDERS
Attendance. Peter Hall, Chairman, and 30 members.
Apologies. Tim Thorne, Mark Holland, Tricia Macdonald, Heather Plant.
Confirmation of Minutes of 2012 A.G.M. approved Graham Lewis, seconded N. Wale.
Correspondence In - Neil Mitchell
Correspondence Out - 19 letters thanking donors of prizes etc.
Matters from previous Minutes - deferred to March Meeting.
Treasurer's Report - Nett profit on dinner $5650, currrent bank balance - $24,688.
Membership - Graham Lewis reported 411 names on list, 201 paid up.
Events - Questionnaire distributed as follow up to very successful dinner. Vote of thanks passed to Pam Commons and Ranald Macdonald.
General Business - deferred to March Meeting.
Other business - call for volunteers for 'Clean Up Australia Day on March 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SPECIAL PROJECTS PRESENTATIONS
Planning Control. N. Wale described the recent submission on Balin site. Few of the DDO's requirements had been met, for example: 2nd storey moved back only 3 metres and not 7 as indicated. The entrance to the carpark has been moved further north. The right of way running E/W behind existing shops will have no access to Wood Street across the Balin land. Council is considering alternative arrangements. The developer has requested FCA withdraw objections, but pending Council advice about ROW. It was moved that FCA not withdraw its objection at this stage. There is general concern to ensure DDO 14 is not devalued.
The Caravan Park subdivision has 26 blocks ranging from 612 to 870 sq. metres. Lot sizes appear to be based on pre-sewerage requirements of DDO2 (Bayside Village Design) indicatig the need for strategy review. The site has been largely levelled and vegetation removed. Concerns include: lack of sufficient open space prosivion; no guarantee proposed landscaping will be carried out; no proposals for roads or drainage to deal with flooding; and need to ensure all services/connections (electricity and telecom) are underground. Approval given to send submission to Shire.
Park Design. Jane Varkukevicius presented sketches of possible landscaping of the main park. It is a place for families and children. Some trees are dangerous and need attention. Suggestions included removal of shelter shed, create maze of LOW shrubs, a forest of casuarinas, whose needles would provide mulch, and no low branches to block visibility. Bass Street side be left open for ball games. Barbeques with some shelter on the current asphalt, to have feel of the classic bathing box. A large sand pit. Toilet to west of park, repair old well, original well close to the footpath of historic importance.
Tony Stafford objected strongly to the location of toilets which would be opposite his business.
Pam Commons drew attention to dangers of parking on nature strip on Bass St. side of park. Future of pre-school after 2017 was raised.
Bruce Allen then presented his suggestions for Parks, the hall and foreshore.
These included barbeque designs, with shelter, toilets and paths.
The appearance of the Hall could be improved by moving the main entrance to the Norman Street side, with a decent foyer, better disabled toilet, and outside access to toilets. A screen away from the east side of the hall would improve the appearance at minimum cost, and possible paving/decking increase size for events such as the Art Show.
The mid town park would have more seating/shade and use same design theme as main park. The site could also be used for farmer's market.
Proposals for the foreshore noted the results of the survey conducted after the AGM.
Points noted - the heritage value of the old slipway which also prevents vehicles from going along the sand.
No commercial activity desired on the foreshore. Use of the cargo and pier shed discussed. The Ocean Swimmers presented some usefull ideas for the Pier shed and discussions will be held.
Feed back on these proposals sought to FCA.
The meeting closed at 9.15.
Next meeting in Pre-school centre Wednesday March 21st, 2012 at 7.30pm
FCA Annual General Meeting 2012 (NB The minutes of the meeting are below)
President's report - Peter Hall
I'd first like to say that we acknowledge and say thank you to the Bunurong people for the care and attention they gave to this land over so many thousands of years. And, I would also like to acknowledge and thank the peoples of so many different lands from around the world who have come here, settled and developed the land over the last 200 or so years and made this country a wonderful mix of so many varied and different cultures. I hope that we today can also respect and care for the land and be aware of our responsibilities.
The year kicked off with a memorable inaugural annual dinner with some 120 people enjoying a fine feast prepared by the staff at the Flinders golf club. It was a great night, so much so we are doing it again tonight and it is such a pity the golf club just cannot squeeze any more in.
This year at the dinner we will be hoping to kick off a fund raising drive to implement the programmes we formalised at the beginning of the year through the different sub-committees that are now in full swing. These are;
Membership under the guidance of Graham Lewis whom you will know as the man behind all the association emails you receive. Graham advises that the Association maintains a community contact list that is comprised of anyone who has been a financial member of the association at any time over the most recent three years counting the current year. Those on the list that do not renew their membership after two years of being un-financial are dropped off the communication list. In recent years we have had up to 260 financial members in a total membership register of just under 400 names. In 2011 we have an ongoing list of 374 on the contact list with 182 financial members, including 28 new members. The drop in the financial membership figure is attributed to the way we are now recording the data, the 182 figure only refers to memberships actually paid in the calendar year 2011, and to confusion amongst members on the period the annual membership covers and when their annual renewal is due. Many members joining late in any given year assumed that they were covered for twelve months regardless of when their payment was made. To make the system clearer to members, in December we distributed an application/renewal form to all on our contacts list highlighting the calendar year based budgeting and membership period we use, i.e. January to December, and reinforcing that application/renewal of memberships will always be due in January regardless of when previous payment was made.
We also ask members to provide us with a new membership form each year at the time they pay their renewal to ensure we have their accurate, up-to-date details to be able to keep all members up-to-date with local developments and provide regular newsletters etc. E-mail is our preferred vehicle for doing this as it helps conserve the association’s funds for community based projects. For those without e-mail addresses we do provide mailed copies of information, but we urge members who have an e-mail address to please provide it to us. E-mail addresses need to be written carefully and clearly on the membership form so we interpret them correctly. Out of approximately 300 e-mails we send out regularly we currently have some 20 that are rejected as incorrect which, hopefully we will be able to check and correct with the receipt of the 2012 renewal forms. As well we need a member’s preferred mailing address as it is necessary at times during the year to do a complete membership mail-out. To enable us to keep records up-to-date, we would be grateful if any changes in members details could be provided to us by Mail to the Flinders Community Association C/o Flinders Post Office
Communications is managed by our editor at large, Mr. Ranald Macdonald, and his able bodied sub-editor Mr. Peter Monie, who together prepare our newsletters and strive to keep our web page topical and interesting. We can now report the page attracts 7000 hits per annum with approximately 60 new visitors per week which is most satisfying.
Sustainability is headed up by Peter Monie and who was so ably assisted by the late Peter Chew who sadly passed away a few months ago. His ongoing aim is to identify and investigate ways and means to protect the environment through alternative energy technologies, water saving techniques, thermal efficiency and the like, particularly as to how this may be of benefit to the Flinders community. The job is a difficult and frustrating one because so many possible opportunities are made confusing and complex through uncertain government policies. For example, Peter Chew looked into the idea of developing a Flinders community wind farm similar to the one now operating at Daylesford but after a rigorous investigation Peter found the return on the potential investment just could not be substantiated. As testimony to Peter's work, it was reported in the papers just recently that the founders and proponents of the Daylesford farm have now revealed their project would never have got off the ground without the Government's subsidies. Now, that's not what we would call a sustainable project where everything is reliant on a Government policy which can be just as variable as Melbourne's weather. However we do encourage people to tell P eter Monie of their ideas and systems so he can spread the word in his column on the web page. Look for it.
Parks, is headed up by Eric Davey who, following the encouragement given to us by the Shire to develop our own ideas and concepts for their consideration, is now working on a number of approaches for the main town park, the mid-town park where the toilet block is, and the community hall and its surrounding grassed area. We think we will have some ideas to present to the community in the very near future and we will be seeking views and comments so that together we can get what we all want. They are our parks and we want to live in and with them. It's a great opportunity so let's get it right.
Sculptures and Monuments is headed up by Tricia Macdonald who has an enviable reputation as an art critic and connoisseur. She is looking for areas where a piece of sculpture may add interest to different locations around Flinders. For example, a monument commerating the planting of the Norfolk pine trees in Norman Street by Flinders schoolchildren in memory of those who served in WW2. It's interesting how few people know the history of these trees. We can expect to see some recommendations from Tricia and her team in the very near future and again these will be presented to the community for comment and support.
Signage is another medium for bringing out the history of Flinders and Warwick Cruise assisted by Neil Williams of Gallery. have come up with some ideas and are now awaiting cost estimates before presenting them to the community and the relevant Shire personnel.
Community events is the domain of the indomitable Pam Commons who refuses to take no for an answer when organising our annual dinner. Last year was a great success and we look forward to a repeat command performance this year.
Planning issues are under the very capable care of Neville Wale, a person of great experience in this area of critical importance to the future of Flinders. We started off the year with the Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy approving Amendment C101, otherwise known as DDO14, on 6 January 2011. All future development proposals will be guided by these requirements including the recent application for the Balin site at the corner of Cook and Wood streets.
Amendment 105, was introduced to ensure proper site investigation of landslip and erosion prone areas, particularly along the foreshore near Dodds Creek and was approved by the Minister on 27 January 2011
Amendment 126, an omnibus Amendment affecting two Flinders properties 28 Cook St. (east of Motel) change from Special Use Zone to Residential 1 and 39 Spindrift Ave. at Southern end adjacent to Dodds Creek, change from Public Park and Recreation Zone to Residential 1.
The Association objected to the Residential rezoning of southern part of the allotment on the Dodds Creek escarpment. The Panel appointed to hear submissions rejected the FCA proposals and considered that sufficient safeguards for the future conservation and management of this small piece of remnant bushland existed in the present Planning Scheme Overlays. Council adopted the Panel recommendations but the Minister has yet to approve the Amendment.
Amendment 133 proposes to regulate Caravan Parks in the Green Wedge zone. At the Panel hearing, the Association expressing concern urban enclaves would be established in green wedge areas where essential services were not available and unnecessary conflict caused to rural activities and farming operations. The Panel Reported to Council in December 2010. Council is still considering this matter while Interim Controls remain in place.
Planning Applications
Flinders Hotel – Construction is in progress for the 40 hotel rooms replacing the earlier group of motel units. This development in the Residential 1 Zone is outside the DDO14 (Flinders Village Centre) area but the Association is hopeful that the design compromises negotiated with the owners will ensure that the presentation of the new development will be compatible with the community's desire for the conservation of the character of Flinders village.
Cipraini’s “Retirement Village” P10/1178 VCAT P1280/2011
Association objection that this development of a large and prominent site at the entry to the village was unacceptable was again contested at a VCAT hearing in August 22-24 where the FCA was represented by legal Counsel. Unfortunately, on this occasion, we were unsuccessful and a reduced proposal received the go-ahead subject to some 40 conditions including a reduction to 33 units from the original 45 units proposed. This decision highlights the inadequacy of the DDO 2 controls, which are outdated and lacking appropriate multi unit controls and reference to site sizes, building coverage and density.
Balin Site P11/1431
An application for 15 dwelling units, 4 shops, a restaurant and a wine cellar, with onsite underground parking for 26 cars was lodged with Council in November. The Application was advertised, and the FCA submissions sought to ensure that the development complies with the requirements of DDO14 and fits appropriately with Flinders village character. Council has yet to consider the submissions and determine the application.
Flinders Caravan Park P11/1840
An application for 26 lots ranging from 611 m2 to 860m2 was lodged with Council in early December. Site clearance and demolition work has already started. Council has sought further information on a number of aspects of the development and is awaiting a response from the developer by 10 January. Subject to satisfactory response, the Application will then be advertised for public comment.
Coastal Villages Study
A “Coastal Villages Study” has been proposed by Council and is welcomed by the Association. We have indicated our interest to Council officers but despite the importance attached to such a review we are still waiting indications of progress. In July, the Association wrote to Council expressing concern that Residential 1 zone and associated overlay provisions are inadequate and inappropriate in the face of growing development pressures. A comprehensive review is over due. For example, the subdivision Flinders Caravan Park will be considered under rules set prior to the commissioning of the sewerage system.
Planning and the Green Wedge Zone
Adverse impact of Green Wedge Zone provisions on property values because of restriction on use of allotments less than 40 ha for housing has been of concern to the Association. Applicants are required to demonstrate that a house is necessary as part of an agricultural pursuit. Administrative solutions to these problems have been identified by Council, which has established precedent by granting some permits in the zone. The Association supports Council commitment to the Green Wedge concept but is seeking to have input to decision processes relating to housing approvals.
I don't think anyone would argue that the best way of planning for the future is to take a sometimes necessarily slow but measured way forward so that all possible aspects and eventualities are taken into account.
I'm reminded of the tale of 2 guys out on the bay fishing from their tinnie and one noticed a glass bottle floating towards them. He fished it out with his net and pulled the cork out to see what was inside when out popped a genie. “Oh, said the genie, thank you so much for letting me out of that cursed bottle, I've been stuck in there for years. How can I ever thank you, make a wish for something you would long for”. The fisherguy thought for a moment and then said “OK, genie, turn the water in the bay to beer”. “OK, no problem,” and with that the two guys found themselves floating in a sea of beer. “Oh, good one mate”, said his friend “really smart, dumbo, now we'll have to pee in the boat”.
I think this typifies what can happen if one takes an ad hoc approach to planning and how easy it is to end up with an uncoordinated mess of buildings and streetscapes. Development will occur and indeed must happen if we as a society are to make the most of and enjoy the advantages of evolving technology and improved facilities and services. It makes no sense to stick our heads in the sand and hope it will all go away. The mere fact of an ever increasing population will not let us do that. So therefore see it, expect it and plan for it. Pre-empt it and prepare for it.
This is the foremost and most important objective of our Community Association and I think we are well on the way to locking in a number of initiatives to protect and preserve the character of Flinders whilst at the same time making it a vibrant and fun place to live complete with shops and services to support all ages.
Not so long ago I was chatting to Brenda Lewis, wife, supporter and fine leg slip fieldsman to our ever reliable committee member, Graham Lewis, about places to go and resorts to stay at and she made a rather profound observation when she said “why go thousands of kilometeres to some fancy resort when we already live in a resort? Flinders has got everything a resort has got..great scenery, fantastic coastline, wonderful hinterland with wineries and restaurants, super little village centre, temperate climate, golf club,bowls club, fishing, sailing and we can enjoy it 365 days of the year”. She makes a good point, don't you think?
So, our challenge is to make sure it doesn't get wrecked from inappropriate development seeking a short term quick buck. Today we now have a DDO in place to protect the village centre but only to the extent of Norman Street. Between Norman and Stokes Street the area is classified residential or Rescode 1 but as many of you will know this actually was the original commercial area for the first shops. There is an obvious danger that in the years ahead there could be a push to have this area rezoned commercial to allow for more shops and second storey apartments. How do we prepare for this? Can we stop it? Should we stop it?
Meantime we press on with more immediate opportunities. Following submissions made earlier in the year the Council have approved the revised streetscape plans for the village centre. The most important elements are the retaining of the service road outside the general store – the unique meeting place of Flinders – I think we should call it “Flinders Lane” , another one of Melbourne's famous laneways - improved pedestrian safety, better traffic management and improvements to be made to the 3 village parks and the community hall. The community – you, me, us – have been invited to submit our ideas and concepts for the parks and the hall, and also for the pier foreshore area, to the Council for their consideration and this is what we are now working on and why we are seeking your support. Our immediate costs will be for the drawing up and specifications for our ideas and then for implementing some of the more affordable items like a shelter in the park and improvement to the pier foreshore area, possible bbq's, village historical signage. For bigger capital expenditure items like the community hall we must accept we have to take our turn in the Shire's capital cash flow for afterall there are other towns and villages on the Peninsula who are equally as important as Flinders and it's vital we all work together to protect the overall ambience of the Peninsula, particularly the Main Ridge hinterland and the villages of Westernport.
At this point it is appropriate I acknowledge and thank the crucial work of our Treasurer and Project Finance manager. During the year John Plant offered to take over from Jane Varkulivicius who was slowly sinking under the weight of work in her landscaping and garden book publishing business. We thank Jane for her work and are thankful her talents are not lost to us as her input will be invaluable in the design concepts for the parks. I'm pleased to report she has got her head above water again, I think. We have had an expensive and frustrating year mainly due to the VCAT hearing concerning the retirement village in Wood Street. However John has kept a close and accurate eye on all these transactions and we are able to report that through his good work we got a clean bill of health from Mr. Darcy Smith who kindly agreed to audit our books. Thank you Darcy and a big thank you to John, who has also kindly agreed to continue on. He will present his report in a moment.
We recently initated the formation of a new group called the Red Hill Ward Consultative Group which is a gathering of the community associations of Red Hill Ward, like Flinders, Shoreham, Merricks, Somers, Balnarring Beach the aims of which are to discuss and share items of mutual concern with our Councillor and thereby add support to his, or her, representation of our needs to Council. For example, a current item is a loophole in DDO2 which allowed VCAT to grant a permit to the proposed retirement village in the residential heart of Flinders. This presents a similar threat to other villages. It's not about preventing retirement villages for they will be sorely needed but rather the type, scale and character of them that must be carefully integrated into the environment. Our representatives on this group are Christine Matheson and Neville Wale. We wish them well.
Together with the Shoreham Community Association and the Red Hill Action Group we are attempting to have an ambulance station located in the area, probably Flinders, following an electioneering promise made by Ted Bailleau a couple of years ago. As we don't know whether this was a core or a non-core promise, or any promise at all, we cannot be sure if and when we can make this happen. But, so far we have made representations to Martin Dixon MP and Greg Hunt, Federal MP, and we are preparing further proposals. I suspect this will be a classic case of seeing the wheel turning but turning very slowly.
Late last year the Shoreham and Flinders community associations combined to present a bulk electricity purchasing scheme. Tenders were received from three electicity retailers and Neighbourhood Energy was selected. This showed that consumers could save considerable money and the effectiveness of the scheme is further vindicated following price rises recently announced by all retailers.
In conjunction with the Moorings Association, The Pilots Association, the Flinders Historical Association, Friends of Flinders Foreshore, leaseholders of the mussel farm and the Shire Coastal Management unit, we are coordinating a renovation programme for the pier foreshore area now that the pier itself has been completed. Mr. Bruce Allen, noted Flinders architect and urban designer, is helping to draw up concept plans for the area and these will be put on public display at the end of this meeting. As always your comments and input are required and appreciated.
So the year 2012 is to be a year of progressing the projects now agreed with Council which means a lot of work but potentially very satisfying work as we bring to fruition all we have been striving for. To repeat these are the improvements to the two town parks, design improvements to the community hall, installing some of the new signage around the town and hopefully, the Shire can build the new traffic islands and pedestrian crossings but these will also be dependant on Vicroads. It will take time for money is always the governing factor but with the community support, willing hands and overall entusiasm we can perhaps borrow that well known phrase from a certain gentleman and say “yes we can”. Thank you.
Peter Hall
21st January 2012
FLINDERS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Reg No. 0037855B
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
21st. January 2012.
The President, Peter Hall welcomed members.
More than 90 people attended and apologies were received from
John and Gaye Gayland, Mary Sealey, Judith and Bob Batrouney, Jo Monie,Joy Jarman, Geoff O'Callaghan, Chris Jaeger, Helen Bishop, John Badcock, John and Mary Iles.
Minutes of 2011 AGM, circulated electronically and made available in printed form at the meeting. Motion to approve moved by Ric Davey, seconded Gladys Aarons.
President's Annual Report.
Peter Hall, President of FCA presented his Annual Report, detailing work of the Association during the year, after paying tribute to the Bunurong people and subsequent dwellers of this land for their care.
The report to be incorporated in the Minutes, acceptance moved by .... and seconded by ....
Treasurer's Report.
John Plant reported on the financial state of the Association, and reported a final balance of $13,530. The Report was displayed in full on the board. He moved its acceptance, seconded by G. Lewis.
Election of Office Bearers for 2012.
The Mayor, Cr. Frank Martin dissolved the 2011 Committee, and called for nominations for Office Bearers for 2012. There being only one nomination for each office the following were elected.
President - Peter Hall
Vice President - Peter Monie
Secretary - Anne O'Callaghan
Treasurer - John Plant.
Address by the Mayor, Cr. Frank Martin.
Cr. Martin mentioned the proposed changes in the number of Councillors in each ward following the review by the VEC . There are now only 5 wards in the Shire. Three will have 3 councillors each while Red Hill ward and one other to retain only one councillor.
The procedures for building permits on blocks less than 40 hectares in the Green Wedge is still under review by Council.
He stated the Red Hill Consultative Group would prove useful in drawing his attention to relevant ward issues. He praised the work of FCA, and urged Ratepayers to contact him when necessary .
He then answered questions on sub-divisions especially those not in green wedge areas, but still governed by various overlays.
The provision of green waste bins was praised, the Cr. Martin said as more became available, it was hoped to reduce the cost of the service.
General Business.
Questions were raised over making Flinders plastic bag free, regulations for clearing long grass in the Shire. Members were urged to ring the CFA, who can order slashing.
At present burning can take place on Fridays and Saturdays, out of the fire season but this may change, especially when more green bins available.
Reservations are being taken for plots on the Caravan Park site, and clearing of the site had taken place.
Concern had been expressed about potential dangers for cars turning left from the Post Office road onto Cook Street. Either one way traffic or redesigning of the corner. A diagram was given to P. Hall to discuss with traffic officers.
The stopping of the use of the CFA fire sirens was of concern. Cr. Martin advised they were now being used again in Mt. Martha. The FCA is to pursue this matter.
The lack of bins for rubbish, especially dog waste, was raised . The meeting was advised it was a problem for DSE. FCA to follow up.
In reply to query about the 'ugliness' of the new concrete pier, Peter Hall advised of the difficulty and cost of obtaining suitable timbers in the future and as the existing pier is seriously eroded, a replacement may be needed 15 or 20 years hence which inevitably will be steel and concrete. Equally a replacement of the northern arm is unlikely.
The President paid tribute to the excellent work performed by Neville Wale both during his term as President, and since. He then presented him with a book and invited members to sign it as they left.
The meeting closed at 5.20 p.m.
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Minutes of monthly Meeting November 16th 2011
Present: Peter Hall, Graham Lewis, Christine Matheson, Tim Thorn, Peter Monie, John Montgomery, Ric Davey, Neville Wale, John Plant, Anne O'Callaghan, Mark Holland, Tricia Macdonald,
Apologies, Cr. Frank Martin, David Jarman, Ranald Macdonald, Pam Commons, Jo Monie, Neil Hallam, Keith Hando, Warwick Cruise.
Confirmation of Previous Minutes. Moved G Lewis, seconded C Matheson.
Correspondence: In – letter from Geoff O'Callaghan re near miss of pedestrains in Cook St., and suggesting further follow up with Council. Letter from MPS acknowledging receipt of FCA objection to development application for Balin site in Cook Street.
Out – letter to MPS re our concern about pedestrian safety in Cook St., and advocating action be taken before the onset of the summer season.Letter to MPS of FCA objection to various aspects of the application to develop the Balin site in Cook St.
Matters Arising from previous Minutes.
Refer to committee reports
Treasurer's Report and Project Finance. - John Plant reported current nett balance is $8590.
Committee Reports.
Membership - G. Lewis. Has prepared annual subscription renewal notice to go out with the December FCA newsletter. Noted that the due date to be paid is January 31.
Communications – Tricia Macdonald reported for R. Macdonald in his absence. Ranald working on a guest speaker for the AGM. To advise.
Planning Control - N. Wale. Advised signs advertising land for sale at caravan park are erected in village centre. No application for permit has yet been lodged with MPS nor a permit to erect signs. Noted that considerable clearing work has commenced. Some discussion followed as to the lot sizes in relation to parameters laid down in DDO2. NW to follow up on this once the actual development application has been lodged with Council and the final lot sizes are known. The FCA will then consider its position.
Parks - Eric Davey reported he and PH had finally met with Jim Fogarty in the park and had discussed ways and means to prepare a design for the park and taking into account the way such design would flow over to the other parks, i..e. The community hall park and the mid-town park. It was apparent that engaging a designer such as JF will be expensive with no assurance Council will engage the designer without going to the open tender process. Talks with JF also emphasised the need to intergrate other initiatives such as monuments and signage into the overall design. ED and PH recommend we find a designer to draw up a total concept in sketch format to enable everyone to focus on the same visual presentation and be able to make more considered comment. Bruce Allen may be a possibility as he is currently preparing a concept plan for the immediate pier foreshore area.
ED reported he had been approached by K Hando of the Lions Club re a recent work shop session held by the Bendigo Bank whereby the bank is looking for suitable community projects to support. Queried why the FCA had not been present. We knew nothing about it so PH is to follow