Welcome to this Autumn Edition of the Beaconsfield Banner. I trust that you are successfully navigating your way through these uncertain times with the Covid-19 pandemic and more recently the five day lock down. 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.
Congratulations to Cr. Brett Owen on his election as Mayor of Cardinia Shire Council for this year. Our local Councillors are Cr Brett Owen in Beacon Hills Ward and Cr Tammy Radford in Officer Ward. Our Association will work with these elected Councillors for the betterment of Beaconsfield.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Carols by the Creek was presented this year online by Beaconsfield Baptist Church on 20 December. The format of the Carols was similar to previous years with singing of Carols, telling the stories of Christmas and sharing hope. This was a great production for locals to enjoy Carols from their homes.
Our Association held a Drive – In Movie night on Australia Day. The Event was held at Holm Park Reserve and required detailed planning to ensure it complied with all Covid requirements. Thanks to the members of our Association for all the work done in organising and running this event and to Cardinia Shire Council for providing advice and funding the event.
The future of the Beaconsfield Reservoir and Nature Reserve is being considered by Melbourne Water after extensive community consultation. There are Guidelines to consider for Dams and Bodies of Water and possibly updating of Concept Plans and Business Plans. Cardinia Shire Council is a stakeholder and our Association will be making a submission to Council in support of the option for a Partial Safety Upgrade. This involves reducing the dam wall and water level by approx. 5 metres to minimise any future risks posed and to improve biodiversity. This option includes works so that the community can enjoy this beautiful reserve. The works include boardwalks, wetlands areas, paths and walking trails, viewing platforms, toilets and shelters.
The development of land near Princes Hwy merge heading east before Tivendale Road was discussed at our December meeting where Council was represented by 3 staff. The development involves fast food stores and other stores like KFC, Carl’s Burgers and a Service Station. An item of discussion was that traffic on Old Princes Hwy merging with Princes Hwy traffic heading east with the entrance to the development soon after may not be safe if cars have to slow to allow cars to enter and exit the new development. However, the Association was advised that a Highway Service road in accordance with DOT/Ausroads requirements should be adequate for traffic generated from the development.
Work on the O’Neil Road Intersections with Old Princes Hwy and Pink Hill Boulevard Roundabout commenced on 4th January. Work also commenced on the intersection of Old Princes Hwy and Glismann Road. Both these intersections on Old Princes Hwy will be signalised. The works are proceeding but are behind schedule. These projects were the major items discussed by the Council staff at our December meeting. This work on the 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. At our next Beaconsfield Progress Association meeting, we will have Council Officers attending to address our meeting. Whilst the nominated due date for submissions is 12th March, Cardinia Shire Council will accept submissions from people attending our meeting on 16th March.
We were successful in receiving a Commonwealth Grant of $4,995 to purchase equipment necessary for our meetings and activities. This Grant has been expended and thanks to Jason Wood MP for his assistance.
The plans for the upgrade of the Kath Roberts Reserve and playground equipment have been finalised with work underway shortly. Our Association is assisting with an Interpretation Sign for the Park.
Graeme Taylor
President
Beaconsfield Progress Assoc. Inc.
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