DCSCA Open Day celebrates a new beginning

Drysdale & Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) will hold an Open Day on Saturday December 19, 11.00am - 3.00pm at 164 Wyndham Street, Drysdale.

The Open Day will include a garage sale, a plant sale, live music, a Lions BBQ and a raffle. Drysdale glass artist Glenda MacNaughton will demonstrate glass-blowing and beadweaving, as part of an "Open Studio".

Members of the DCSCA Committee and of its Festival of Glass sub-committee will introduce the association and its work to visitors and hope to sign up some new members.

-->DCSCA President Rick Paradise said, "I'd like to thank the association's committee for organising the Open Day. Now, we need to get out and promote the Open Day through posters, media and talking to friends."

Association Secretary, Patrick Hughes, called the reprieve a new beginning for the association. "It means that we can return reinvigorated to representing local people’s views", he said, "as well as lobbying for increased local facilities and working with local organisations and the council to promote the well-being of local people and their environment."

The association invites contributions to the Open Day's garage sale; they can be left at the venue on the afternoon of Friday 18 December.  

A project conceived under pressure!
The Open Day was planned originally as a fund-raiser, at the time when DCSCA faced a potentially ruinous bill for $5,500 in legal costs - the result of an action at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

The association had asked VCAT to overturn the planning permission granted to Caltex franchisee Milemaker Petroleum to build a service station at the junction of High Street and Jetty Road, Drysdale. VCAT dismissed DCSCA's application and ordered it to pay $5,500 legal costs to Milemaker by 7 December.

Fortunately, on November 6, Milemaker decided to waive the bill, relieving the financial pressure on DCSCA. By then, planning for the Open Day was well underway and the DCSCA Committee decided to turn it into a celebration of its reprieve and a drive for new members.

DCSCA submits further proposals to council's budget program

The Drysdale & Clifton Springs Community Association Inc. (DCSCA) has lodged a further six project proposals with the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Budget Submissions program.

Somewhere .....

The association had lodged its ‘Top 6’ project proposals already with the program, which invites community groups and organisations to submit proposals for the council’s 2016-17 budget. (See “DCSCA submits ‘Top 6’ proposals to council’s budget program” [19 November 2015] on this blog.)

To be considered in the Community Budget Submissions program, projects must consist of capital works on council assets, although no explanation is given for this requirement.

On the public agenda

Most of DCSCA’s submissions – especially its “Top 6” - meet that criterion. However, there are plenty of projects that don’t involve capital works on council assets, but would improve the wellbeing of the Drysdale & Clifton Springs community, often at little cost. Consequently, DCSCA has lodged proposals for these projects in order to keep them on the public agenda.

DCSCA's latest six submissions are listed in summary below.

1. Signage and Seating for “Springs Street Reserve” (approaching The Dell)

The council should install attractive signage and seating identifying the Reserve, to complement its recent beautification of this council owned land and to promote the area as a place of recreation. Little additional maintenance would be required, as the Council mows and maintains the area already.

Project objective:

* To enhance community wellbeing by continuing to beautify the Reserve and by promoting it as a place of passive recreation, where people can watch native birds and enjoy the ecosystem of the Reserve, The Dell and the foreshore.

Cost: $2,000.00

DCSCA has conducted community planting days to re-vegetate The Dell and would be happy to assist in any way with this project.

2. Toilets at the Jetty Road Reserve (Clifton Springs)

The council should provide toilets (for men, women and people with disabilities) at the Jetty Road Reserve, Clifton Springs. They would serve the Reserve and the nearby Curlewis shopping centre and would be an amenity for travelers along Jetty Road and walkers on the foreshore.

Project objectives:

* To encourage recreation at the Reserve by improving its amenities.

* To increasing the Reserve’s appeal to children by complementing the forthcoming play equipment.

Cost: $100,000.00

3. Scoping Study: Spring Water Dispensing Feature on the Clifton Springs foreshore

The council should reclaim the beach at the site of the historic mineral springs, as part of its current work to combat erosion and land slippage along the Clifton Springs Foreshore. While such reclamation is underway, the council should initiate a Scoping Study to investigate the practicalities and costs of installing a Spring Water Dispensing Feature at the site of the historic mineral springs on the Clifton Springs foreshore.

The Scoping Study should determine the cost of the project and recommend potential funding sources. Scoping Study personnel should include representatives of federal, state and local government, Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine and the Bellarine Historical Society, plus local community groups; and the study should invite input by appropriate experts and artists. Once the relevant stretch of beach has been reclaimed, the findings of the Scoping Study should direct the installation of a Spring Water Dispensing Feature. DCSCA understands that the spring water has been tested and declared safe to drink.

A Spring Water Dispensing Feature would be a significant contribution to the preservation of the mineral springs, which played a significant role in the development of Clifton Springs. If this feature was accompanied by a designated and signed Clifton Springs Foreshore Walk, it would attract locals and tourists alike, growing the local economy.

Project objective:

* To determine the practicalities and costs of installing a Spring Water Dispensing Feature on the Clifton Springs foreshore.

Cost: $25,000.00

DCSCA has conducted community planting days to re-vegetate The Dell and would be happy to assist in any way with the Scoping Study.

4. A Scenic Route for the Bellarine Peninsula

The council should designate a coastal route around the Bellarine Peninsula, from Geelong through Queenscliffe to Torquay and linking to the Great Ocean Road. DCSCA believes that the many scenic routes in Geelong and the Bellarine could make the region an internationally recognized destination for recreational walkers and cyclists. Designating and promoting these scenic trails will attract more visitors to the region, growing its economy.

The route should be called “Wathaurong Way”, to acknowledge the area’s original and continuing residents - the Wathaurong people. The council and tourism authorities should promote Wathaurong Way, using the promotion of the Great Ocean Road as a model, i.e. through roadside signage, print and electronic advertising and a booklet at Tourist Information centres.

Project objectives:

* To promote and encourage walking and cycling in the region, thus improving community health and well-being, reducing obesity and, therefore, health costs.

* To grow the local economy and increase local employment by increasing the region’s attraction to tourists – especially recreational walkers and cyclists.

Cost: $50,000.00. Some or all of the cost could be met through sponsorship. This is the type of activity with which federal and state governments would wish to be associated, as would commercial enterprises and community service groups.

For the last couple of years, DCSCA has actively promoted the region’s scenic trails. As a result, some are now identified in the REMA Tourist Information Map and in the North Bellarine Business & Services Directory. DCSCA has volunteer insurance and members would be happy to assist in any way with this project.

5. Promoting the region’s scenic walking and cycling trails

The council should designate and promote the region’s scenic routes by creating roadside signage and a booklet of maps to be available at Tourist Information Centres. DCSCA believes that the many scenic routes in Geelong and the Bellarine could make the region an internationally recognized destination for recreational walkers and cyclists. Designating and promoting these scenic trails will attract more visitors to the region, growing its economy.

Project objectives:

* To make the Bellarine more attractive to tourists, thus growing its economy and increasing local employment.

* To promote and encourage walking and cycling, thus improving community health and well-being, reducing obesity and, therefore, health costs.

Cost: $50,000.00. Some or all of the cost could be met through sponsorship. This is the type of activity with which federal and state governments would wish to be associated, as would commercial enterprises and community service groups.

DCSCA has been actively promoting scenic trails in the region for some time. As a result, some are now identified in the REMA Tourist Information Map and in the North Bellarine Business & Services Directory. DCSCA has volunteer insurance and members would be happy to assist in any way with this project.

6. Scoping Study: Extending the Geelong Ring Road to the Bellarine Peninsula

The council should initiate a Scoping Study to identify the needs, costs and benefits (safety, economic and environmental) of extending the Geelong Ring Road to the Bellarine Peninsula and recommend potential funding sources. The Study should also determine the relative benefits of constructing the Ring Road extension entirely or partially as a freeway. The Scoping Study personnel should include representatives of federal, state and local government, Tourism Geelong and local community groups.

Project objectives:

* To reduce traffic congestion in Central Geelong, improving its ambience and safety, reducing its chemical and noise pollution and increasing its attraction to tourists

* To reduce traffic through Geelong’s suburbs and through townships on the Bellarine Peninsula, increasing the Bellarine Peninsula’s attraction as a tourist destination

* To improve access to the Geelong Ring Road, particularly for traffic from Armstrong Creek, Moolap and the Bellarine Peninsula.

* To hasten travel between the Bellarine Peninsula and Melbourne or regional Victoria, compared with travelling through Geelong.

Cost: $50,000 – $80,000.

For several years, DCSCA has lobbied for the Geelong Ring Road to be extended to the Bellarine Peninsula. DCSCA has volunteer insurance and members would be happy to assist the Scoping Study in any way. 

DCSCA submits "Top 6" proposals to council's budget program

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The Drysdale & Clifton Springs Community Association Inc. (DCSCA) has today lodged its “Top 6” projects with the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Budget Submissions program.

Oh really?

The program invites community groups and organisations to submit proposals for consideration as the council prepares its 2016-17 budget.

Eligible projects would consist of capital works on council assets, but there is plenty of opportunity for local ‘in kind’ contributions by local communities. For example, DCSCA has good links with local clubs, groups and schools; and it would be happy to assist in collecting information for scoping studies and in disseminating their results for public comment.

Below are abbreviated versions of DCSCA’s Top 6 projects. (It was meant to be “Top 5”, but three projects tied for 4^th place!)

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1. A Swimming Pool at the Drysdale Sports Precinct

The council should create an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and related facilities as part of the Drysdale Sport Precinct, to service the central Bellarine. Council officers have said that the population of Drysdale and Clifton Springs needs be 45,000 to justify a pool; but this figure is based on a recommendation from 2008 – six  years ago – since when the advice and recommendations of health and leisure professionals has changed significantly. For instance, in March 2012, Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) recommended that a 25m pool should be provided for a population of 30,000 people (http://www.parksleisure.com.au/documents/item/1280).

If a pool in Drysdale were to open tomorrow, it would serve a population of over 35,000 (i.e. well over the PLA recommendation), with summer holiday-makers increasing the figure to approximately 55,000. However, Drysdale is a designated Growth Area, which means that its population will increase to approximately 40,000 by 2019; with summer holiday-makers increasing the figure to approximately 65,000. At the same time, the pressure on Ocean Grove's already overcrowded pool will continue to grow independently, as it, too, is a designated Growth Area; and the imminent closure of the privately owned pool in Portarlington will only make a bad situation even worse.

The project should be in four stages:

1: A scoping study to determine community support; to forecast needs, patronage, benefits and, therefore, design; and to estimate costs.

2: Construct the swimming pool.

3: Construct a Wellness Centre (Hydrotherapy, Gym, Spa, Sauna).

4: Construct waterslides, a diving pool and a competition pool.

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Objectives of the project

·      To provide long-term, water-based sporting, health, educational and social benefits to people of the central Bellarine Peninsula, especially the 3,500 students at 3 local kindergartens and 6 local schools.

·      To reduce the costs and the 'carbon footprint' of travel to and from existing pools (e.g. Ocean Grove - over-subscribed already)

·      To increase and diversify local employment and career opportunities.

·      To provide a new attraction to potential tourists.

·      To create economies of scale (infrastructure and staff) by locating it in the Sports Precinct.

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2. A lookout tower on Murradoc Hill, Drysdale

The council should design and build a lookout tower on Murradoc Hill, in Drysdale. This is the highest point of the Bellarine Peninsula and it offers panoramic views around the peninsula and over Port Philip Bay to the Mornington Peninsula. A lookout tower at this location would be a ‘must see’ destination – not just for tourists but for Bellarine residents, too. Its attraction would increase traffic in Murradoc Road, offering businesses increasing custom; and the commissioning process could favour local architects and builders, while still seeking value for money.

The project should be in 3 stages:

1: A scoping study to determine community support; to forecast patronage and benefits; to determine site ownership and management; and to set design parameters.

2. Invite proposals (including costs) by competitive tender, actively encouraging local architects and builders to apply, and put them on display for public comment and voting.

3. Commission the construction of the tower and any associated infrastructure.

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Objectives of the project:

·      To provide the Bellarine Peninsula with an iconic tourist attraction

·      To increase custom in the  businesses on Murradoc Road

·      To emphasise the tower’s ‘localness’ by actively involving local architects and builders in its design and construction.

3. A Railway Museum at Drysdale Station

The council should collaborate with Bellarine Railway to design and build a Railway Museum at Drysdale Station, as part of Bellarine Railway’s continuing program of renovating and upgrading its sites and rolling stock. The project is likely to attract funds from state and federal governments’ regional funding and from historical and/or rail societies. It is also very likely to attract ‘crowd funding’ (fund-raising online) from rail enthusiasts across the state.

The Museum should be run by a Trust; the council would have no responsibility for its maintenance.

The project should be in 3 stages:

1: A scoping study to determine community support; to forecast patronage and benefits; to determine site ownership and management; to investigate possible sources of Museum contents; and to set design parameters.

2. Invite proposals (including costs) by competitive tender, actively encouraging local architects and builders to apply, and put them on display for public comment and voting.

3. Commission the construction of the Museum.

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Objectives of the project:

·      To enhance the attractiveness and social/historical standing of the Bellarine Railway

·      To add to the Bellarine Historical Society’s status as a portal to the region’s history

·      To offer visitors to the area an added incentive to travel on the Bellarine Railway and/or to walk or cycle on the Bellarine Rail Trail.

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4. An artificial reef for the Clifton Springs fishing jetty

The council should design and build an artificial reef for the Clifton Springs fishing jetty, as part of its continuing program of improving the stability, access and attractiveness of the Clifton Springs foreshore. The reef will increase fish numbers by offering a relatively safe environment, making the area more attractive to recreational fishers. If practicable, the reef should be made partly or wholly of glass, contributing to the area’s growing reputation as a centre of glass-related activity.

The project is likely to attract funds from state and federal governments’ regional funding. It is also likely to attract ‘crowd funding’ (fund-raising online) from fishing enthusiasts in the region.

The project should have 3 stages:

1: A scoping study to determine community support; to forecast the effects on the usage of the fishing jetty; to determine management of the reef; and to set design parameters.

2. Invite proposals (including costs) by competitive tender and put them on display for public comment and voting. Actively encourage local businesses and glass artists to apply, while still seeking value for money.

3. Commission the construction of the reef.

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Objectives of the project:

·      To ensure that fishing at the jetty is sustainable by increasing fish numbers

·      To promote the work of relevant local businesses and glass artists.

4. An artificial reef for The Dell, Clifton Springs

The council should design and build an artificial reef for The Dell at Clifton Springs, as part of its continuing program of improving the stability, access and attractiveness of the Clifton Springs foreshore. The reef will increase the area’s attraction – especially to snorkellers - because it will increase fish numbers by offering a relatively safe environment. Also, it will offer a picturesque view from The Dell lookout. If practicable, the reef should be made partly or wholly of glass, contributing to the area’s growing reputation as a centre of glass-related activity.

The project is likely to attract funds from state and federal governments’ regional funding. It is also likely to attract ‘crowd funding’ (fund-raising online) from snorkelling enthusiasts in the region.

The project should be in 3 stages:

1: A scoping study to determine community support; to forecast the effects on patronage of The Dell; to determine management of the reef; and to set design parameters.

2. Invite proposals (including costs) by competitive tender and put them on display for public comment and voting. Actively encourage local businesses and glass artists to apply, while still seeking value for money.

3. Commission the construction of the reef.

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Objectives of the project:

·      To enhance The Dell’s attractiveness a) by increasing fish numbers to encourage snorkelling and b) by offering a picturesque view from The Dell lookout

·      To promote the work of relevant local businesses and glass artists.

 4. Improved access to the Clifton Springs foreshore at Beacon Point

The council should create a new easy and safe access to the foreshore at Beacon Point, as part of its continuing program of improving safety and access at the Clifton Springs foreshore. Easy access and signage should encourage residents and visitors to walk east and west along the Clifton Springs foreshore – perhaps even to take the 2-hour scenic foreshore walk to Portarlington.

The project should have 3 stages:

1: A scoping study to determine community support; to forecast the effects on the foreshore and its infrastructure; and to set design parameters.

2. Invite proposals (including costs) by competitive tender and put them on display for public comment and voting. Actively encourage local businesses to apply, while still seeking value for money.

3. Commission the construction of the new access point.

Objectives of the project:

·      To encourage greater use of the Clifton Springs foreshore for health & recreation.

·      To promote the work of local businesses involved in the project.

Signage for Scenic Trails in Drysdale and Clifton Springs (also submitted)

The council should provide signage at strategic points to identify existing scenic trails for walkers and cyclists. The trails link points of interest and scenic locations around Drysdale and Clifton Springs, such as The Dell Lookout, Lake Lorne, McLeod’s Waterholes and Griggs Creek.

Identifying and promoting these scenic trails will attract more visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine, which DCSCA believes could become an internationally-recognized destination for recreational walkers and cyclists. DCSCA has actively promoted scenic trails in Drysdale, Clifton Springs and the Bellarine Peninsula more broadly. As a result, some are identified in the REMA Tourist Information Map and in the 2014 North Bellarine Business and Services Directory.

The project could start with four signs: at Drysdale Station, the Boat Harbour, The Dell lookout and a location on the Rail Trail.

The project is likely to attract sponsorship, because State and Federal Governments, businesses and service groups would be glad to be associated with it.

Objectives of the project

·      To promote the central Bellarine to potential tourists, especially recreational walkers and cyclists.

·      To reduce health costs by improving community health and well-being through active recreation and social activity.

Reprieve for community association facing closure

The Drysdale & Clifton Springs Community Association has had a reprieve!

On Friday 6 November, the association heard from Mr. Ari Singer, General Manager of Caltex franchisee Milemaker Petroleum, that the company had decided, as a gesture of goodwill to the local community, to waive $5,500 in legal costs that the association owed Milemaker.

Association President Rick Paradise said, “The association congratulates Milemaker for making this generous gesture to the local community. It takes the financial pressure off the association, for which we’re grateful; and it shows that the company wants a good relationship with the community, which is good news for everyone.”

The association incurred the legal costs when VCAT dismissed its request to prevent Milemaker from building a service station at the junction of Jetty Road and High Street, Drysdale. Hundreds of residents had objected to a service station at that location, but VCAT dismissed the case, ordering the association to pay Milemaker $5,500 in legal costs by 7 December.

The reprieve from Milemaker came just a week after the association had launched a public appeal to raise the $5,500, emphasising that if it failed to pay the $5,500, it faced further legal action that would probably close it down.

Association Treasurer Doug Carson said, “People responded generously to the Appeal, for which we’re very grateful. With the legal costs waived, we intend, as promised, to return each contribution with our thanks and a sigh of relief!”

A new beginning!

Association Secretary Patrick Hughes said, “This reprieve marks a new beginning for the association. We can return reinvigorated to our work, including representing local people’s views to outside organisations, lobbying for increased leisure facilities for the area’s expanding population and running the popular annual Festival of Glass.”

To mark its new beginning, the association will run a “DCSCA Open Day” between 11.00am and 3.00pm on Saturday 19 December at 164 Wyndham Street, Drysdale. There will be a garage sale, stalls, live music, glass-blowing demonstrations and a chance to learn more about DCSCA’s work – and to join in.

DCSCA's Cost Appeal - getting the word out!

On November 2, the Drysdale and Clifton Springs Community Association (DCSCA) issued a media release* to 17 local and regional media outlets, announcing the formal launch of its Cost Appeal to raise $5,500.

So far in its Appeal, the Association has written individually to 53 present and recent DCSCA members, to 34 local community groups and organisations and to the 13 City of Greater Geelong councillors, explaining the reason for the Cost Appeal, inviting them to contribute to it and asking them to pass-on the information to anyone whom they think might be interested.

Why an Appeal?
The reason for the Cost Appeal goes back to May, when DCSCA asked the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to overturn planning permission granted to Milemaker Petroleum to build a service station at the junction of Jetty Road and High Street Drysdale. VCAT dismissed DCSCA's case and ordered it to $5,500 in legal costs to Milemaker.

If DCSCA can't pay the $5,500, it faces further legal proceedings that could close it down, ending its years of community-building work.

DCSCA has invited each City of Greater Geelong councillor to contribute to its Cost Appeal, despite the fact that the association incurred the $5,500 legal bill as a result of trying to overturn planning permission granted by the council. However, as the association's letter to each councillor states:
"You may have voted in 2014 to grant planning permission to Milemaker, but this needn’t imply that you believe that DCSCA should pay Milemaker’s legal costs. This was certainly the position of Councillor Rod Macdonald who - together with local federal MPs Richard Marles and Sarah Henderson, local state MP Lisa Neville and 349 people who signed an online petition - supported DCSCA’s request to VCAT not to make it pay Milemaker’s legal costs. (Thanks, Rod!)"

* To read the media release, see "Cost Appeal media release" on this blog (2 November 2015).