Events for your Diary

March
  • Sat 16, 9:30-10:30am: Love our Streets, meeting at Edwards Park, corner of Dow & Liardet Streets
  • Thu 21, 6pm: BCNA Community Dinner

  • April
  • Sat 6, 9-10am: Beach Patrol, meeting at Princes Pier
  • Sat 20, 9:30-10:30am: Love our Streets, meeting at 109 tram terminus

  • May
  • Sat 4, 9-10am: Beach Patrol, meeting at Centenary Bridge Pylon between Station Pier and Port Melbourne Yacht Club
  • Sat 18, 9:30-10:30am: Love our Streets, meeting at Olive’s Corner, corner of Bay & Liardet Streets
  • Latest News

    You can use the search options at lower right to find specific items.

    Sunday 23 December 2012

    Waterfront Development Proposal - Submission to Council

    Submissions to City of Port Phillip
    1-7 Waterfront Place Development Proposal
    Extended to mid January 2013

    BCNA have been advised that council will continue to accept submissions up to mid January 2013, after the previously advised 21 December 2012 deadline.

    This gives the community additional time to have their say after the busy Christmas and New Year holidays.

    BCNA Submission on 1-7 Waterfront Place Development Proposal


    BCNA Submission to City of Port Phillip
    1-7 Waterfront Place Development Proposal
    17 December 2012


    Click here for the a pdf version of  BCNA's Submission to the City of Port Phillip on the development application for 1-7 Waterfront Place



    BCNA Submission to City of Port Phillip on 17 December 2012

    re Development Proposals for 1 – 7 Waterfront Place,

    Introduction

    ·        The Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association (BCNA) is a voluntary association of residents and owners of properties in Beacon Cove, Port Melbourne, which exists to maintain, protect and enhance the interests of the Beacon Cove and nearby community. It includes over 150 members and delivers 2500 newsletters two to three times each year.

    ·        BCNA seeks where possible to maintain the many desirable features of Beacon Cove, protect it against inappropriate or unnecessary developments, and encourage appropriate enhancement of the physical and social features of the community.

    ·        BCNA recognizes that one of the features of Beacon Cove which contributes to its vitality and vibrancy is the presence of the port operations at Station Pier (primarily for the Tasmania car-ferry and international cruise ships), but identifies at the same time that this brings with it significant challenges for the community and the Port, particularly with respect to traffic. Indeed, the car-ferry route between Melbourne and Devonport is sometimes colloquially referred to as part of the National Highway (a major highway on the community’s doorstep!) This role of Station Pier as a major interstate and international gateway to Melbourne, and Victoria, is recognized as not always sitting easily with the role of Beacon Cove as a residential suburb. However the community in general respects the fact that the port was present well before the Beacon Cove development, and well before any proposed new development.

    ·        BCNA has, along with the City of Port Phillip (CoPP), recognized for some time a number of sub-optimal, even dysfunctional, features of the complex area known as Waterfront Place (the western continuation of the beach-front section of Beach St and the associated traffic loop at the foot of Station Pier) and has contributed to recent attempts by the City to develop an Urban Design Framework for the area which would promote and guide any modifications and/or developments affecting this important public space. It is expected that this UDF process will be completed sometime in 2013 and will act as a blueprint for desirable future development.

    ·        It is in this context that BCNA seeks to contribute, in the overall interests of its members, to the debate about the proposed development at 1-7 Waterfront Place.

    Specific Background Issues

    ·        Beacon Cove is an award winning planned residential community with high, medium and low density areas. It was promoted on the basis of balance of the medium and high density apartments and townhouses with the low density, low height open space and community facilities centre at Waterfront Place. Beacon Cove planned community is still relevant today and used as a model for other developments.

    ·        Building of the first residences in Park Square area commenced in 1996 and the last dwellings were completed in 2005 at First Point Beach area. Through this period minor changes were made to bring each release into latest building practices but always maintaining the integrity of the same neighborhood character. 

    ·        Restrictive covenants were applied to the 1 – 7 Waterfront Place site by Mirvac and the State to protect the facilities from removal and/or redevelopment in an inappropriate manner. In order to assist the protection of the child minding, tennis, swimming and gymnasium services (collectively the sports centre), the purchasers were offered subsidised buying prices. The covenants go into perpetuity.

    ·        The site has become vacant and poorly maintained as a direct consequence of actions undertaken by the owners. The sports centre was thriving until only short term leases were offered to the operator. With the large number of young families living in Beacon Cove and Port Melbourne there should be a thriving child minding centre as well if the owner sought out business operators

    Process

    ·        In 2007 Action Group Australia purchased the property at 1 – 7 Waterfront Place for a high price with the assumed purpose of redeveloping this site into a larger built form and hence generating substantial corporate profits. This was a high risk commercial decision given the pivotal role of the existing facilities in the overall estate planning, the existence of a perpetual covenant and the chronic traffic congestion at this limited area site.

    ·        Independently CoPP initiated the Port Melbourne Waterfront UDF (including 1 – 7 Waterfront Place) process in 2010 and held many community meetings to determine what changes could better enhance the liveability of the waterfront. There was good engagement with community and stakeholders and the overwhelming feedback included the need to keep the open community area and community facilities at 1 – 7 Waterfront Place and to resolve the chronic traffic management problems.

    ·        Around this time there were some initial discussions between the community and the developer’s representative for 1 – 7 Waterfront Place, however the flow of information and dialogue soon dried up. This was possibly due to awareness of the developer that input to the UDF was unfavourable to large development at the site.

    ·        In December 2011, Councilors released a draft UDF that was relatively not contentious except for the suggestion of a major development on 1 – 7 Waterfront Place in direct contradiction of the community feedback in the consultation period 

    ·        Community submissions to the draft UDF in early 2012 resulted in over 150 objections from individuals and organisations opposing the 1-7 Waterfront place heights and, along with a 1300 strong petition to CoPP and the State, caused Council to reconsider. As mentioned above, the UDF process is still happening and it is expected to result in a new determination by mid 2013. The community contention is that the developer application should be considered as either part of or subsequent to the second version of the UDF and not before the UDF is completed

    ·        In June 2012 the developer filed notice of a Supreme Court action to remove the covenants. But after the Court’s orders in September allowed the benefited parties reasonable scope to be parties to defend the action the developer applied for a time extension which is effectively an adjournment

    ·        On 27 November the developer sought of CoPP, the planning authority, consent to approve a development of three buildings of 5, 10 and 19 storeys with time requirements for Council to make decisions by 27 December in the middle of normal public holidays. It also is applying simultaneously to remove or vary the covenants.

    ·        Throughout the process listed in these points, the developer appears to take actions that in effect limit the opportunity and the time for good decisions to be made.  

    ·        In their application documentation, the developer and his agents have made many incorrect assumptions and claims and hence the proposals lack sufficient substance.           

    It appears that the developer has limited knowledge of the community, its needs, the environment and the neighborhood character.

    ·        It doesn’t give the community any confidence that the proponent has concern for the community interest. Ultimately it is the community that lives with the outcome, as the developer will soon depart.

    ·        The developer’s inadequate awareness and/or willingness to appreciate current local features is demonstrated in the fact that the site plans do not show the light rail and boom gates almost next to the entry/exit driveway of the proposed buildings. They also fail to show the elevations in north south section of the 19 story tower and its proximity and impact on the Beach Street housing.

    ·        BCNA addresses both the consent and the application actions simultaneously in the following section

     

    Detailed Submission

    The developer’s proposal assumes that the covenants are redundant due to the build out of Beacon Cove. However they are still as valid today as when they were granted in order to protect the facilities and the subsidies. As indicated in the following points, the developer proposals are lacking in valid reasons to remove them

    The consent request to seek development of three buildings up to a towering 19 storeys is totally inappropriate and is addressed under the following headings

    Loss of community facilities

    The proposed development includes a small gymnasium and swimming pool but it fails to return the two tennis courts and the child minding centre. This is a significant loss especially due to the increasing number of children living nearby.

    Exacerbation of current traffic congestion

    A major concern of the community is the problem of exacerbating the already difficult issue of managing traffic delays and blockages around 1 – 7 Waterfront Place

    ·        Adjacent to the nominated site, Beach Street is a local road that is not meant to have through traffic along the waterfront

    ·        Current peak hour and cruise/ferry arrivals and departures cause frequent gridlock along Beach street, Park Square and Waterfront Place

    ·        In morning and evening peaks cars from Park Square are now faced with waiting for many minutes to enter Beach Street and this is the very time that the majority of the 431 car spaces will see incoming and outgoing traffic.

    ·        Often on afternoon ferry sailings, cars are banked up from the Station Pier Gatehouse to the Princes Street roundabout and Port of Melbourne Corporation is currently looking at how it can assist in managing this problem

    ·        An additional 241 residences in the proposed development will add an extra 20% to the dwellings in Beacon Cove!

    ·        The 422 new car spaces will be approached through the single lane, local roadway of Beach Street between the light rail line and Princes Street.

    ·        There will be additional service vehicles coming and going through the same inadequate roadway. The pedestrian access along the Beach Street footpath will become so slowed that inherently unsafe behavior may become prevalent.

    ·        The traffic study commissioned by the developer claims that journey times will only be increased by a few seconds. This is not believable – the assumptions used do not relate to representative examples/times of the issues. No assessment is included at times when one or more cruise ships were docked at Station Pier nor on busy times on the weekend

    ·        The proposals talk about the abundance of public transport available but adding a large number of occupants of the 241 dwellings on the buses and trams will stretch the already bulging services, especially evident during cruise ship season

    Encroachment on Privacy

    With the north facing windows and balconies, the 19 storey tower directly intrudes into the house properties below and across Beach Street. The proposed and existing buildings appear to be separated only by 38 metres horizontally between building edges. The privacy of the existing properties will be greatly diminished.

    In other areas of Beacon Cove, the separation of towers to the town houses across Beach Street is approximately 60 metres.

    (These calculations are approximate as the plans received are not very detailed.)

    Overshadowing open spaces and creating increased wind impact

    Residents are concerned that the low level community meeting spaces at Waterfront Place will be compromised by the dominance of the tall structures as follows

    ·        The sunny open meeting area around the tram stop, heritage station platform and the Spuntino cafe will be shaded by the buildings in the mornings when people come to sit for coffee or wait to catch a tram

    ·        The 19 storey tower appears to shade both the north footpath of Waterfront Place and also the waterfront bicycle and pedestrian beach walkway on the south side

    ·        Additionally, opening up the site with Y design pathways will funnel the cold southerly winds into the residential properties on Beach street

    ·        There needs to be an independent analysis of the wind modeling and whether the correct assumptions have been used

    Out of Context with adjacent properties

    The proposed development is out of context with adjacent properties

    ·        The developer submission is very misleading on describing adjacent buildings. It ignores all the buildings in close proximity and chooses large scale buildings farther away as its comparisons.

    ·        Additionally, in the existing built form of today there is a deliberate gradual lowering of building heights moving from buildings in the North West and the South East into the proposed development site. This supports the city view lines and creates the balance of low density building for the community services and meeting area

    ·         The actual situation today of adjacent buildings is as follows

    o   To NW – 1 storey heritage train station, followed by open area at tram stop, followed by 2 storey foodstore and then open space

    o   To N - 2 storey houses on Beach Street and in Park Square

    o   To SE – open road roundabout, followed by 3 storey hotel, followed by 6 storey apartment tower

    o   To S – beachfront walkway, open foreshore/beach and ferry truck marshalling yard

    ·        In general the Victorian public believes that high towers close in on beachfront roads are no longer acceptable

    ·        The proposed 19 storey tower appears to be 50 metres from the beach walkway/bicycle pathway. Whereas the only other 19 storey tower along the beach front in Port Melbourne (HMAS) is approximately 100 metres away from the beach walkway/bicycle path. HMAS is also a further 0.7 km south east of the proposed development site. The proposed 10 storey tower is approximately 20 metres away from the beach walkway/bicycle path and only a few metres away from the northern footpath of Waterfront Place.

    ·        This encroachment will change the character of the whole Waterfront Place precinct, the principal open space community area of Beacon Cove.

    City, maritime and neighbourhood view lines

    This area is the next biggest gateway for tourists to Victoria after Tullamarine airport. View lines are an important part of the first images of tourists and the impression of the liveability of the City. The planning rules in CoPP for other beachfront areas try to protect the view lines along the waterfront and from the Bay to the City.

    ·        The hotel at the Princes/Beach Streets roundabout is the nearest structure to the SE boundary of 1 – 7 Waterfront Place. Existing CoPP planning requirements for this building fit within DDO1-1a which allows for a preferred maximum building height of 3 or 6 storeys and an Absolute maximum height of 8 storeys. Under this DDO, the higher development occurs when it does not disrupt the view lines of the CBD from Station Pier and the Bay or dominate the lower scale setting of Beach Street. The foreshore, including associated bicycle and pedestrian paths,  (should) enjoy good solar access in mid winter

    ·        If the current buildings were not to be retained, then perhaps DDO1-1a could be the model for the maximum development allowed, so long as it addresses all the other valid community concerns 

    ·        In general, the experience of ferry and cruise line passengers would be greatly diminished by blocking the skyline of Melbourne by a 19 storey tower

    ·        The statements in the application that the city needs a landmark (i.e. very tall) building to reflect the area’s maritime history and provide a focal point for arrivals from the pier is totally unsubstantiated and is out of keeping with the well documented community vision in the draft UDF. The majority of the community called for the low rise passive site to be maintained.

    Impact on Benefited Property Owners

    The proposal seeking to justify the removal of the covenants states that the benefited parties are not losing anything that they have now. However the reality is far different

    ·        Benefited property owners are losing the community sports and child minding facilities as advised above

    ·        A 19 storey tower will change the vista available from most of these properties as it will dominate the skyline from windows and outdoor areas in nearly every property in Beacon Cove, Garden City and Port Melbourne in general

    ·        Increased traffic congestion at and around the site will apply to these owners along with the whole community

    ·        No valid justification has been given by the proposal as to why the ‘benefits’ of the covenant should be removed

    Impact on all Beacon Cove Residents

    ·        All Beacon Cove residents will lose community services of tennis and child minding facilities

    ·        There is significant shading of open areas, walkways and beach paths and the heritage railway station

    ·        There would be visual blocking of the skyline looking out to sea and the maritime environment

    ·        The traffic situation will become unworkable not only around the site which already has heavy congestion but also for all Beacon Cove residents using Beach Street as an access to their properties. Inevitably this would drive traffic through the narrow alternative routes through Beacon Cove 

    ·        Privacy loss to nearby residents from encroachment – the 19 storey tower will be approximately 38 metres away from the building line of the Beach Street houses to the north

    ·        Recent trends in Victorian case law have included recognition of the need to consider non beneficiaries, but nevertheless impacted parties, in an application to remove a covenant in residential situations. See Hill v Campaspe which was referenced in an article in the December 2012 issue of LIJ.

     

    Conclusion

    The proposal for a three tower development and the proposal to remove the covenants are in contradiction of the reasons that the restrictions were applied in the first place to keep the community services as an integral part of Beacon Cove. No reasonable case has been made to remove the covenants which do not have a sunset clause, arguably because their design and function were correctly determined and subsidised by the State and the original developer. Hence the applications should be rejected.

    BCNA supports CoPP finalising the UDF and then viewing these proposals within the context of that final UDF.

    Saturday 22 December 2012

    2013 Piers Festival Sunday 27 January

    2013 Piers Festival
    Sunday 27 January
    2pm to 9.30 pm


    A celebration of migration, world music, dance, food, arts & crafts, photo & historical exhibitions, boat display, kid's activities and fireworks!
     

    Click here for full details on what is on and when!



    Produced by:  Multicultural Arts Victoria
    Supported by:  Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Australia Day Committee (Vic), City of Port Phillip, Major Projects Victoria
     
     


     
     

    Thursday 13 December 2012

    Development Application for Waterfront Place

    Waterfront Place Development

    Redevelopment of 1-7 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne
    City of Port Phillip Public Consultation
    Submissions to City of Port Phillip Planning by Friday 21 December

    (CoPP advised it will now accept submissions up to mid January 2013)

    An application has been received from Waterfront Place Pty Ltd seeking Council's consent to approve a plan prepared by Fender Katsilidis Architects on 27 November.  Council has to 27 December to respond.

    The council has sent a letter to residents date 10 December 2012 with information with regards to planning permit application including  the request to remove or vary the covenants in place on 1-5 Waterfront Place and 7 Waterfront Place, and the proposed development.  Click here for a copy of the letter and attachments sent to residents.

    The request from Waterfront Place Pty Ltd seeks council consent to approve a development of  three, predominantly residential buildings of 5,10, and 19 stories at 1-7 Waterfront Place in Port Melbourne.  The development plan includes retails and other facilities.

    Full details on the application, how to view it  and how make a submission are on the City of Port Phillip website.  Click here for a link to City of Port Phillip website.

    Thursday 6 December 2012

    3207 BeachPatrol Beach Clean Sat 8 December


    3207 BeachPatrol

    Beach Clean
    Saturday 8 December  starting at 9 am
    Meet at Lagoon Pier and head to Kerferd Pier

    Message from 3207 BeachPatrol
    9 am at Lagoon Pier, moving down to Kerferd Pier to then met up with the Neil Blake of the Eco Center and his public awareness display.  The 3206 people should be there too but they may get stuck on their coffee at the Sandbar!

    See you all there

    Thursday 29 November 2012

    Men's Shed Port Phillip - Launch 29 November 6.30 pm











    The Port Phillip Mens Shed is an independent group but is being assisted by Rotary Melbourne South and SouthPort Uniting Care

    Sunday 18 November 2012

    CELEBRATION in the PARK - Sunday 2 December

    Celebration in the Park
    Sunday 2 December 2012
    1 to 4.30 pm
    Garden City Reserve

    Come along and join in the fun of the
    Community Festival at Garden City Reserve
    Bark (and Sing and Dance) in the Park!
    Picnic, participate, meet neighbours and local groups.
    Bring your friends and (on lead) dog.

    Click here to see the flyer which shows all the excitement!

    Organised by Port People Inc.



    Wednesday 14 November 2012

    REMINDER - Nov 21 Deco Restaurant Evening

    REMINDER.....final call for BCNA Members and friends.......
     
    If you would like to attend the event please book by this
     Friday 16 November ........see information below...
    Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association
    Social Event
    Restaurant Function

    Deco @ 49 Beach Street, Port Melbourne
    7 pm for 7.30 pm
    Wednesday 21st November



    Hi BCNA members and friends,

    Our next social get together has been arranged for the evening of Wednesday 21st November at Deco Restaurant, 49 Beach Street

    This venue has a lovely ambience and is well suited to this function. Numbers are limited to approximately 60 and we are anticipating significant interest so please reply as soon as possible to ensure you have a place.Your friends and neighbours are most welcome. Lots to chat about and an update on where we are with the developments in regard to 1 - 7 Waterfront Place will be provided.

    The cost is $48 per person for a 2 course dinner (menu attached) Please advise in your reply if you wish to order a vegetarian meal and this will then be arranged in advance

    Payment will be cash at the door and drinks will be at your own expense.
    Booking:

    Please RSVP to Trevor Nink by email to SecretaryBCNA@gmail.com


    Please state names and number of people in your party

    By Friday 16thNovember

    Tuesday 23 October 2012


    Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association
     Social Event
    Restaurant Function
     

    Deco @ 49 Beach Street, Port Melbourne
    7 pm for 7.30 pm
    Wednesday 21st November


    Hi BCNA members and friends,

     
    Our next social get together has been arranged for the evening of Wednesday 21st November at Deco Restaurant, 49 Beach Street

    This venue has a lovely ambience and is well suited to this function. Numbers are limited to approximately 60 and we are anticipating significant interest so please reply as soon as possible to ensure you have a place.Your friends and neighbours are most welcome. Lots to chat about and an update on where we are with the developments in regard to 1 - 7 Waterfront Place will be provided.

    The cost is $48 per person for a 2 course dinner (menu attached) Please advise in your reply if you wish to order a vegetarian meal and this will then be arranged in advance

    Payment will be cash at the door and drinks will be at your own expense.

    Booking:

    Please RSVP to Trevor Nink by email to SecretaryBCNA@gmail.com


    Please state names and number of people in your party

    By Wednesday 14th November

    This will allow us to finalise numbers with the restaurant.

    Monday 15 October 2012

    3207 Beach Patrol Beach Clean



    3207 Beach Patrol
    Next Group Beach Clean
     


    Saturday 27 October
    Port Melbourne Life Saving Club
    Meet at Lagoon Pier at 9 am
     
    See you there!

    Greetings fellow beach patrollers!
    A little Spring reward is attached.  A Beacon Cove mosaic made from plant material over the weekend at Janet's farewell.

    Last Saturday Tom reports did his one hour beach clean at Upper Yarra. What a beautiful place - in amongst the forests and seeing the Yarra River "emerge" from the Upper Yarra Reservoir (which is a source of our beaut drinking water.)

    Long way from the beach? Yup. About 100 kms.

    But all things are connected. It appears that much of our beach litter actually derives from accidental litter in the Yarra River - as the flotsam (mostly plastic) moves downstream into Hobsons Bay - where it is blown on to the Port Beaches by the sou westerly winds.

    so picking up litter way upstream did my little bit for the day.

    Our next Group Clean is 9am Saturday 27 October

    Not at Upper Yarra - but locally on the Port Melb Life saving club (where the Sicilian kiosk is) beach.   Meet at the Lagoon Pier at 9 am.

    Please mark your diaries and join in the camaraderie as we make our mark to create a sparkling beach we can all be proud of.

    See you there.  Coffee at that Kiosk again afterwards.

    cheers
    the BP Team

     from the 3207 Beach Patrol Team

    Monday 8 October 2012

    BCNA Annual General Meeting Thursday 11 October

    BCNA Annual General Meeting
    Thursday 11 October 2012
    6.30 pm for 7 pm


    Dear BCNA Members,

    Just a reminder that the 2012 BCNA AGM is on this week. The details are as below

    Date and time: Thursday 11 October 2012 at 6:30 pm for 7:00 pm

    Location :  Sandridge Senior Citizens Club (Trugo Club) in Garden City Reserve, off Tucker Avenue, Port Melbourne.

    The AGM will be preceded by refreshments, cheese and biscuits.

    The following guests have been invited and will give a short presentation on issues/events in their areas of involvement. This will be followed by questions from the members.

                CoPP Ward Councillor, Janet Bolitho

                Member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, MLA

                Port of Melbourne Corporation
                      Mr Robert Woodside, Acting Executive General Manager Business and Planning
                      Mr Christopher Ong, General Manager Infrastructure Planning
                      Ms Jenny Bygrave, Community Relations Manager

    This is a great opportunity to be involved and hear what is happening in your neighbourhood. The Committee would be delighted to see you there.

     
    Regards

     
    Trevor Nink
    Secretary BCNA

    Monday 24 September 2012

    The Beacon September 2012 Newsletter

    The Beacon
    September 2012

    Click here for the pdf version.
     
    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. The Beacon will be the basis for the President’s Report to the 2012 AGM.
     
    City of Port Phillip (CoPP) Works
    There have been a number of resolutions of issues previously raised with CoPP. These are noted below, along with the status of ongoing issues.
    ü     Bins are now placed on Princes Pier
    ü     The shower and drinking fountain are now in place at Port Melbourne beach
    ü     UDF expenses for this year have been allocated at $200,000
    ü     Money has been allowed for further replacement of Fig trees in Beacon Cove
    ü    The new toilet at Sandridge beach is now open.
    ü    The project to improve pedestrian safety on the promenade paths awaits the handover of the land from MPV to Council.
     
    Planning Scheme Changes
    During the year Planning Scheme Amendments, C73 and C105, have been enacted that pass responsibility for planning controls on residential and commercial properties in the estate away from Mirvac and the State Government to the City of Port Phillip.
     
    CoPP is working with Mirvac to arrange changes to the property titles of the residents that indicated they would take up this no cost offer on simple titles. This has been delayed.
    As an outcome of the Ports and Environs hearings in 2010, the Minister for Planning authorised PSA C 125 in May this year. This established an Environmental Sustainability Overlay on the area from Beach Street to the shoreline between the Princes Street and Swallow Street roundabouts. In effect this means that the Port of Melbourne Corporation now has the ability to be heard on any planning applications that might interfere with the smooth operation of the port. A similar ESO has been applied to the western most residential properties in Sandridge back from Todd Road.
     
    PM Waterfront Urban Design Framework
    After the surprise inclusion of two towers, up to 14 storeys high, in the draft UDF released by CoPP in December 2011, the community voiced extremely strong objections to the ignoring of their input to the Vision developed in the consulting process.
    Residents attended and spoke at most Council meetings, lobbied Councillors and politicians, interviews were given to the press, letters were written to editors and a petition to CoPP and State Government obtained 1300 signatories in a very short time. In March the Councillors revised their position and have now entered into a review of the December 2011 draft in keeping with the community feedback. It is expected that this will be concluded in the first half of Calendar 2013.

    Covenants at 1-7 Waterfront Place
    Around June/July 2012, the owners of the site at 1-7 Waterfront Place commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria to seek the removal of the restrictive covenants on this site. Mirvac had burdened these properties with a do not demolish, change or rebuild covenant unless approved by Mirvac and its architects. It was advised that the purpose of these covenants was to protect the retention of community services at this low density site.
    Fifty two residential properties centred around Australis Circuit and Orion Mews were made ‘benefited’ properties and the owners have now been invited to become defendants in the legal action. The majority of these owners do not want to see the covenants removed and they are objecting to the proposal from the owner of 1-7 Waterfront Place.
     
    Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC)
    It has been another big year for the BCNA interface with the PoMC.
    Ø         There are now high level quarterly meetings with PoMC to bring community agenda items into the early stage of planning of port activities around Station Pier and Webb Dock.
    Ø          Station Pier - last year saw a record number of cruise ship journeys - but still intermittent traffic jams on the feeder roads. This was the topic of BCNA conversations with PoMC at the same time as both parties made submissions to CoPP on the draft UDF regarding Waterfront Place.
    Ø          As a consequence of the passing of Planning Scheme Amendment C125, PoMC will gain protection from the gazetting of Environmental Sustainability Overlays for its operations around Waterfront Place and Sandridge
    Ø          The State Government announced the long expected start of growth of Webb Dock as a new international container terminal and comprehensive car trading facility. BCNA will not oppose the growth but aims to ensure that the best environmental standards are included and the amenity of residents is protected.
    Ø          BCNA has been invited and has accepted to join the Port Liaison Group for Webb Dock to provide and receive input on the nature of the development. Two meetings have been held.
    Ø           BCNA asked unsuccessfully to PoMC, and to the Ports Minister, to object to the action to remove covenants at 1-7 Waterfront Place. BCNA was advised that PoMC was not legally entitled.
     
    Beacon Cove Asset Handover to CoPP
    On 23 May CoPP accepted in principle the report recommending the handing over of the commercial (restaurant) premises in Waterfront Place, some road assets and the boardwalk infrastructure from Major Projects Victoria (MPV) to CoPP. However the Councillors voted to delay this until certain protections and commitments were gained for CoPP on costs associated with maintenance and repair to waterfront infrastructure. BCNA is aware of the potential ratepayer liability and understands the CoPP councillor request for proper due diligence and State Government commitment to underwrite any future major cost blowout on maintaining the asset.
     
    CoPP has been receiving the income from parking revenue for some time even though the parking meters are on MPV land.
     
    The three Restaurants are on long term leases. BCNA has also supported the Restaurants owners to successfully have parking meter fees reduced as they had a disadvantage compared to other entertainment precincts in the municipality. This will apply up till the summer months.
     
    The asset handover, when finalized, will allow the waterfront precinct to become an integrated part of the CoPP infrastructure and rationalise the dual control of assets that currently exist and often creates confusion.
    The café/nightclub, previously called Ocean Blue but now called Spirit, is not part of the handover - it is on PoMC property.
     
    BCNA Website
    BCNA continued with our internet presence at www.beaconcovena.blogspot.com . To help keep members informed, BCNA pushed the Subscribe mechanism to automatically provide new posts.  There are currently 130 subscribers to our site.
     
    The Future of Princes Pier 
    The refurbished Princess Pier has become an important addition to the recreation and interest on the waterfront. Considerable government resources have been invested.
    The Pier attracts many visitors taking in the historical information, sightseeing over the bay, fishing or light recreation. The visitor numbers will increase as it becomes an integral part of the CoPP UDF vision which will develop further opportunities.
     
    The question is asked what the long term use of the Pier will be after the considerable budget allocations given to the refurbishment.  BCNA was an active lobbyist to the Government to achieve the current result. Discussions have been held over the last year between MPV, CoPP and Parks Victoria to determine the long term manager of the Pier.
     
    Visitors to the Pier are vulnerable to the prevailing weather conditions. Lack of adequate sun and wind shelter restricts opportunities for year round activities. The Gatehouse has been restored magnificently and must become an accessible asset for community meeting facilities, use for arts events, cultural activities, exhibitions, and some entertainment as listed in the CoPP UDF objectives.
    The wonderful Maritime History of the Pier has a great story to tell.
     
    Piers Festival
    The first Piers Festival held over the Australia Day weekend 2012 attracted locals and a large number of visitors to celebrate the wonderful historical and cultural significance of Station Pier and Princes Pier. Another Piers Festival is to be held in 2013 again showcasing the potential of the Pier.
     
    Montague - a new suburb in the making
    CoPP released a very detailed Montague Precinct Structure Plan for public consultation in June this year.  The comprehensive plan took the Port Melbourne community by surprise as the report was the result of several years’ detailed preparation and planning.
    Montague, situated in the old Port Melbourne commercial/industrial area, is a 240 hectare site designed to be the home of 25,000 new residents
    and 14,000 workers according to the CoPP plan. It is to be the first stage of the ambitious Fisherman’s Bend development.
     
    Both State and Local Governments have the opportunity to redress the perceived mistakes made in the Docklands development, with claims of it being soulless. Instead they can create a plan with integration to the surrounding Port Melbourne and Docklands areas. Montague was originally occupied with workers living in cottages that were demolished to develop a semi industrial, commercial hub for the expanding needs of growing Melbourne.
     
    The Minister for Planning has rezoned the Fisherman’s Bend precinct from Business and Industrial use to Capital City use which makes the Planning Minister responsible for determining applications for buildings higher than four stories and more than 10,000 square metres in floor space. This will deny residents and businesses their right to object and appeal proposed larger developments.
     
    The question needs to be asked will the potential of a well planned precinct be squandered allowing overdevelopment that could substantially increase the resident and worker population without the appropriate infrastructure.
     
    The end result could enable the mistakes of the Dockland development to be repeated with the high density residential and commercial development giving traffic congestion with lack of community facilities, schools, public transport and open space.
     
    Port Melbourne residents would welcome Montague to be a properly planned precinct that will be integrated to the surrounding residential and commercial facilities and not allow it to slip into a potential slum of the future.
     
    Social Events Past and Future
    BCNA held two social events over the past few months around Station Pier.  The first was at Nautical where over 50 members and friends enjoyed a warm evening in late march after a busy February on the PM Waterfront UDF.  In July members braved the cold winter weather to enjoy the warmth and imagine a more northerly climate at Hollyhock.
    The next function will be at our 2012 AGM on Thursday 11 October   at the Sandridge Trugo Club with pre meeting drinks and nibbles.
    We have pencilled in Wednesday 21 November for the next restaurant evening – details later.

    Fencing on Port Melbourne Beach Dunes
    BCNA has been advised by the CoPP that there is a need to remove a relatively small area of dunes at the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club (PMLSC) to reinstate the necessary beach area for the Club’s key beach activities.
     
    BCNA and PMLSC have been advised that due to this requirement to remove some grasses the Department of Sustainability and Environment has advised Council that all the dune areas of the Port Melbourne beaches have to be fenced and the areas managed strictly in accordance with their statuary requirements for coastal areas to put back more grass area than what is planned to be removed.
     
    CoPP has submitted to the community plans for fencing the dunes into many small areas with tight direct walkways from esplanade to the shore and has requested comment.
    BCNA understands the fencing will encourage the growth of wild protected bush areas similar to that which has been achieved at the Perce White Reserve in recent years. This is seen as the prime reason for the fencing.
     
    BCNA has taken a position that is opposed to the fencing of these dunes. They have been in existence in their present form for more than a century they are the character and heritage of the Port Melbourne beaches. They have never been fenced; they are a beach park offering freedom of access and pleasure to young and old. They complement the beach, the sea and the esplanade maintaining clear and attractive views across the bay of ships, yachts and all manner of activities. The dune areas are growing and are all in a very healthy state. No sound reason for fencing is obvious.
     
     BCNA 2012 Annual General Meeting
    The 2012 Annual General Meeting will be held as follows:
    Date and time: Thursday 11 October 2012 at 6:30 pm for 7:00 pm
    Location:  Sandridge Senior Citizens Club (Trugo Club) in Garden City Reserve, off Tucker Avenue, Port Melbourne.
    The AGM will be preceded by refreshments, cheese and biscuits. Guest speakers to be advised soon.
     
    Join/Renew Membership of Your Association
    The Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association is your local community association working for you and the Beacon Cove and abutting neighbourhoods. It is pleasing to note that the membership continues to grow (last year BCNA finished with approximately 170 members) and the more members in BCNA the greater will be the strength in any lobbying activities.
    The annual dues for July 2012 to June 2013 are $10 per household (or $45 for five years).
     

     
    President:
     
    Eddie Micallef   
     
    9645 1185    
     
    Vice President:
     
    Greg Mate            
     
    9681 7441
    Secretary:
    Trevor Nink       
    9681 8283    
    Treasurer:         
    Dana Hlavacek   
    9646 8850
    Member:
    Ro Holmes
    9649 1961     
    Member:
    Bob Harrison      
    9645 2115
    Member:
    Glenda Beale
    9676 2151     
    Member:
    Robyn McKenna
    9646 5259

     

    If you are not currently financial please complete and detach the form below and return with cheque (payable to BCNA) to The Treasurer BCNA, 61/103 Beach Street Port Melbourne 3207 by post or deliver to 103 Beach Street postal box (behind IGA store, near notice board)

     
    Name         .............................................             Signature     ...........................................

    Address     .....................................................................................................................

    Email address  ......................................................  Phone  ...............................................

    Cheque enclosed:     $10 (one year)                     or    $45 (five years)