Welcome to this spring 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.
A demolition order applied for by the owner of the Old Post Office building located at 19/21 Woods St, Beaconsfield, damaged by a recent fire, was initially considered at the Town Planning Meeting held on 7 June. As this building has a heritage overlay, BPA lodged a submission/objection to this Application for Demolition. The original building is one of the oldest in Beaconsfield and one of the oldest in Cardinia Shire with heritage values, hence the need to keep the building. An alternate motion was agreed at that council meeting that a suitable expert be appointed to review the heritage assessment of the building. This new review advised general agreement to the original heritage assessment, but it did however specify other original parts of the building that should be retained and incorporated into any future rebuild. This was a review only of the original heritage assessment. We received advice from the National Trust of Australia (Vic) concerning the proposed demolition order. The National Trust advice outlined the relevant heritage principles applicable in the demolition application and stressed the relevance of the heritage overlay. The demolition application was then included in the Council meeting agenda for 19 July 2021. The Council officers recommended approval of the demolition with some conditions including retention of some original heritage features to be incorporated into any replacement building. The Heritage Overlay remains with the property even if the Post Office land is sold or the building is demolished. Our Association emailed all councillors with additional matters since our original submission as well as including and commenting on details contained in the National Trust of Australia (Vic) letter. Sadly all councillors present at the meeting voted in favour of the demolition order. Very disappointing for the preservation of local heritage!
The future of the Beaconsfield Reservoir and Nature Conservation Reserve is of interest to many in the community. Nothing further appears to have occurred since the General Council Meeting held on 17 May the details of which were included in my President’s Report in the Winter Edition of the Beaconsfield Banner. At that Council Meeting, an Alternate Motion was passed specifying 12 requests for further information from the responsible State Government authorities and, in particular, from Melbourne Water. Cardinia Shire Council wants a long term strategic plan developed to achieve best outcomes for the environment and for the community and requested Melbourne Water not to proceed with any works on the dam until the strategic document is developed. There is nothing further to report. Unfortunately the delays and uncertainty of the future of the Beaconsfield Reservoir and BNCR continues.
Works have been finalised on the O’Neil Road intersections with Old Princes Hwy and Pink Hill Boulevard roundabout. Works have also been finalised on the intersection of Old Princes Hwy and Glismann Road. Both these intersections on Old Princes Hwy are now signalled and in operation. The work on the these intersections should improve traffic flow and safety.
An onsite meeting was held to discuss the traffic issues for the intersection of the Old Princes Hwy and Desmond Court, the extension of the path along Old Princes Hwy to the entry of Desmond Court roadway, no slip lane to safely enter Desmond Court from Old Princes Hwy, speed of traffic on Old Princes Hwy making turns into Desmond Court dangerous, difficult visibility due to trucks and school busses parking on the side of the road, and also the placement of the new light pole. The meeting was attended by Mayor Cr. Brett Owen, Council Engineers, Desmond Court residents, Senior Pastor at Beaconsfield Baptist Church and myself. As a result of the meeting, ‘No Parking’ signs have since been erected on Old Princes Hwy up to the front of the Beaconsfield Baptist Church. Cardinia Shire Council have prepared plans for some or all of the works discussed. Mayor Cr. Brett Owen forwarded a letter to the Department of Transport that included letters of support from Desmond Court residents and the BPA.
The works for the upgrade of the Kath Roberts Reserve and playground equipment have been completed. Our association has assisted with the design of an interpretation sign for the park and advised of drainage problems. An official opening is planned for 1 October subject to Covid regulations.
The Council’s annual Volunteers Reception and Stan Henwood Award presentation was held. Congratulations to Helen Smith of Upper Beaconsfield for winning the Stan Henwood Award and to long time Beaconsfield resident Gwen Neve, a finalist for the Award. Congratulations also to Beaconsfield resident Margaret Turner on being awarded an AOM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Graeme Taylor
President
Beaconsfield Progress Assoc. Inc.
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