Welcome to this Winter Edition of the Beaconsfield Banner. The Banner is available on our BPA Website www.beaconsfield.org.au and printed copies are available from a number of local businesses including the Beaconsfield Post Office.
The Banner is prepared by Beaconsfield Progress Assoc. volunteers with the only cost being printing done externally plus a share of the administrative costs of operating the Association. These costs are covered by advertising in the Banner and a Grant from Cardinia Shire Council. If you would like to advertise in the Banner please email banner@beaconsfield.org.au.
The future of the Beaconsfield Reservoir and Nature Reserve is of interest to many in the community. Melbourne Water is a key stakeholder and they have extensively consulted with the community. This has included Public Meetings, Information Sessions and provided constant updates. Cardinia Shire Council have an interest and the Agenda for the General Council Meeting held on 17 May included a Report on the Beaconsfield Reservoir for consideration by the Councillors. The Officer’s recommendations included:
- Support Melbourne Water to take action to ensure that community safety is not compromised and that the community are further consulted regarding Safety Options. It was noted that Melbourne Water retains responsibility for the integrity and safety of the dam embankment and associated infrastructure under their Statement of Obligations.
- Support improved recreational facilities and greater access to the Reserve for the general public
- Advocate for the State Government to assign the Park Manager role to a State Government Agency. The Council Report estimated annual maintenance costs to be $90,000 which Council Officers believe should be borne by a State Government Agency possibly Parks Victoria.
It was noted that Melbourne Water’s proposal to install additional recreational assets in the BNCR and enable public access appears to have broad community and Council Officer’s support. Council Officers support the action to address the risk issues concerning the dam wall.
Our Association made a Submission that was included in the community correspondence in the Report with specific mention made of the history of the Reservoir and BNCR.
At the General Council Meeting an alternate Motion was proposed. Most Councillors discussed the Alternate Motion. The Officer’s Report was not adopted but the Alternate Motion, with in excess of ten requests mostly for Melbourne Water to provide additional information, was agreed to. Unfortunately the delays and uncertainty of the future of the Beaconsfield Reservoir and BNCR continue.
The Beaconsfield Anzac Memorial Service was again conducted by our Association. It was smaller than previous years and conducted in a Covid safe way. The Memorial Address featured David Bonette who served in World War 1 and World War 2. Thanks to everyone participating in the service and those attending especially returned servicemen and relatives of service men and service women.
Work continues on the O’Neil Road intersections with Old Princes Hwy and Pink Hill Boulevard Roundabout. Work on the intersection of Old Princes Hwy and Glismann Road appears to be nearly completed. Both these intersections on Old Princes Hwy will be signalised. The works on the O’Neil Road intersections are proceeding and are nearly completed. This work on the these intersections should improve traffic flow and safety.
The vacant land in Woods Street near the Beaconsfield Railway Station known as the Woodland Grove Precinct is under consideration by Cardinia Shire Council. Planning document C257 on the Precinct has been prepared for display and comment. Council Officers attended a recent BPA Meeting to discuss this planning matter. We personally lodged a Submission and Council has referred the matter to a Planning Panel.
The works for the upgrade of the Kath Roberts Reserve and Playground Equipment is underway. Our Association has assisted with the design of an Interpretation Sign for the Park.
Graeme Taylor
President
Beaconsfield Progress Assoc. Inc.
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