MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have decided to hold off progressing a proposed development plan of a multi-owned 573-hectare site within the Dromana-Arthurs Seat escarpment until thorough community consultation is undertaken The escarpment encompasses the Arthurs Seat state park (managed by Parks Victoria) the currently degraded Hillview Quarries and inactive Pioneer Quarries (both owned by the Ross Trust) and the Hillview Community Reserve and the Parkdale Estate both of which are owned by the state government and managed by council The site is recognised as a key landmark on the peninsula by supporting habitat restoration while also holding “deep cultural heritage significance” as it is classified as National Trust landscape Council allocated $225,000 towards the development of the Dromana-Arthurs Seat Escarpment Management Plan in its 2023-24 budget to guide the future use and development of the subject land with a “balanced plan that considers the wide-ranging needs and competing stakeholder objectives” Councillors were presented an update of the plan’s progress at their 8 April meeting with shire officers recommending that a public expression of interest be undertaken to identify potential service providers/land managers that are “capable of developing and managing the Parkdale Estate” “The primary risk associated with developing the plan relates to council’s inability to ultimately deliver the anticipated recommendations and actions as most of the land is not owned or directly managed by council” “This risk has the potential to result in the development of a plan that has little capacity to be implemented by council.” But Brokil Ward councillor Cr Patrick Binyon successfully led an alternative motion to “pause” any decision on the escarpment management plan including the Parkdale Estate until September to allow enough time for extensive community consultation Binyon raised concerns that the consultation process had “not been as robust or comprehensive as it should be” with the community having “expressed a desire to be actively involved in shaping the future of our region yet we have not been presented with a clear detailed report on the consultation efforts today” “I ask to delay the decision until a detailed report can be provided This report should outline the full scope of the community consultation how they were consulted and what feedback was received,” he said at the meeting Binyon also addressed the shire’s allocation of $125,000 to employ a strategic planning project officer over 12 months to progress the project saying it was “crucial that we understand how this funding has been used what specific task did the staff member undertake and how was this allocation justified”.He also noted the Parkdale Estate master plan would be developed alongside the Dromana-Arthurs Seat escarpment management plan with the outcomes of the escarpment plan to guide the planning development of the Parkdale Estate “Given most of the area is zoned as public conservation and resource … the purpose is clear: to conserve the natural environment and offer facilities for public education while minimising environmental degradation,” he said “The vision for this plan should represent the collective will of the community guiding it in a way that aligns with the shared goals and needs of all involved.” The shire was appointed as a committee of management for the Parkdale Estate in April 2023 which has been temporarily reserved for public recreation it would need approval from the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Change to lease the estate to potential proponents to develop Shire officers had proposed this option as “there is a political risk if the plan is not progressed as there is likely to be an expectation by some members of the community that this plan be completed” “There may also be an expectation that a master plan be developed for Hillview Community Reserve and the Parkdale Estate as this was to be undertaken following finalisation of the plan.” announced it would no longer pursue plans for a fully operational quarry at the former Pioneer Quarry site on Boundary Road the company intends to explore rehabilitation options in accordance with Victorian Government-mandated requirements,” the council report said relevant external projects and developments include the Arthurs Seat Eagle expansion proposal the Dromana Association’s community forest proposal within the Parkdale Estate (with the association expressing interest in leasing the Parkdale Estate to progress their proposal) and Parks Victoria’s plan to expand and improve bike trails within Arthurs Seat State Park whose Coolart Ward takes in part of Dromana also supported the decision to pause the plans saying “my wish is that we put the effort into Dromana that it deserves” First published in the Mornington News – 22 April 2025 Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated MPNG publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News MPNG also publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids In this episode of Live the Local Experience we take a closer look at one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most cherished attractions—the Dromana Drive-In As one of only two remaining drive-ins in Victoria this iconic venue has been entertaining the community since 1962 Join owner Paul Whitaker as he shares the story behind this family-run business from its rich history to the challenges of keeping the drive-in experience alive in the modern age Learn how innovative touches like solar power EV charging and Shel’s retro-inspired Diner continue to make the drive-in fresh the Dromana Drive-In is a true example of the unique experiences that make the Mornington Peninsula so special Listen to the Podcast: Behind the Screens at Dromana Drive-In Beyond his passion for movies and entertaining guests Paul enjoys constructing custom electronic equipment for the drive-in and exploring the world of Amateur Radio is watching his children achieve their dreams Service centre and connection point operating hours and days vary by location Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong people the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters Sales have launched at Hali Dromana, the rare beachside townhouse development by Samuel Property on the Mornington Peninsula Samuel Property, led by Illan Samuel, once again partnered with the architectural excellence of Cera Stribley, one of Melbourne's most sought-after architecture firms to design the 70 three and four-bedroom townhouses Samuel's other development just off St Kilda Road Samuel says Hali Dromana is a homage to the beloved 1960s holiday home where Australian summers were defined "Hali will give Dromana a fresh identity that will stand the test of time," Samuel says There have been three distinct buyer groups since the project launched according to Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair The most active group has been those who already live on the Mornington Peninsula and are looking for lower-maintenance living "These buyers have been locals for years, whether from Rosebud "They want to rid themselves of maintaining a 1,000-plus sqm block and downsize to something brand new They're approaching retirement and want a more connected lock-up-and-leave lifestyle—they don't want to get in their car and drive to the beach anymore." There's also been interest from those living in Melbourne's affluent eastern suburbs "These buyers will likely rent the home in the short to medium term and use it as their weekender throughout the year but they're buying for a future permanent bolthole on the Mornington Peninsula." What’s notable is that most of those who have shown interest have a significant connection to Dromana "They either holidayed or grew up in Dromana as children Hali gives them the opportunity to buy something of this quality which was previously unavailable anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula." Samuel recently secured the permit for the near two-hectare block that was formerly the Kangerong Holiday Park The few buildings that were on the prime site have started to be demolished and civil works on the land will begin in the coming months Buyers are already walking through the display suite at 9 Pier Street We're on a mission to radically improve the quality of Urban communities being developed across Australia We aim to showcase every development in Australia to help you find the perfect new home THE Australian Electoral Commission believes this federal election will have the most complete electoral roll for any Australian federal election since federation with around 18 million people enrolled; approximately 98% of the eligible population The federal election process is a huge undertaking with more than 500 early voting centres currently operating across the country and over 7000 polling places operating on election day over 100,000 temporary staff will work at the election and 240,000 vests and staff will use 25,000 copies of the electoral roll to check off the names of voters There will be 80,000 ballot boxes and 90,000 ballot transport containers There will be 5000 rolls of tamper proof tape Voters will mark their ballots with 250,000 pencils (held in place by 250,000 pieces of string to thwart those that want to take home more than just a democracy sausage) with four options for pre-polling in the electorate of Flinders as well as 40 election day polling stations spread across the peninsula There are four pre-polling centres where you can vote before election day First published in the Mornington News – 29 April 2025 The request URL is over the maximum size allowed A luxurious Mornington Peninsula acreage listed for sale earlier this year has been put back on the market with a whopping $5m shaved off its price tag The four-bedroom house at 90 Wallaces Rd, Dromana was on the market in March this year with a $20m-$22m price guide but now the sellers are open to a figure from $15m-$16.5m However, the single-level property is still set to break the suburb’s residential price record, currently held by the five-bedroom home at 97 Harrisons Rd that sold for $10m in 2017 RELATED: 121-year-old ‘haunted’ house set to smash suburb record Thunderbirds-inspired compound smashes price record by $2m Private wine paradise has karaoke, teppanyaki rooms, secret trapdoor Seller Leanda Visagie told the Herald Sun earlier in 2024 that her family decided to build their dream home on the Peninsula after moving to Melbourne from Perth in 2019 “The feel I wanted for the home was relaxed luxury; that’s what I tried to achieve with the home — just creating that beautiful luxurious space but it still feels warm and inviting; I love that it’s a place where friends and family just love to come and visit.” The huge Sculpt AXIS XXL wood fireplace in the main living area The kitchen is fitted with a 6m marble island bench She added that the house was designed and created in conjunction with Swell Building Group to be an environment where people felt welcomed and relaxed a covered arena and an adjoining viewing area — a horse lovers’ dream There is also a heated mineral pool and spa smoker win cellar and bay views out to Portsea The equestrian facilities include nine fenced paddocks The heated mineral pool and spa with a poolside alfresco deck Sotheby’s International Realty Peninsula managing director Rob Curtain said the position of the property was “really special” and the land size was spectacular for that end of the Peninsula He added that it had a lovely westerly outlook and all the rooms were of grand proportions timeless farmhouse design” and reminded him of a catamaran where all the entertaining was in the middle and the bedrooms were off to the side he said the sellers were willing to meet the market where it was at and the property was now priced in line with what buyers were looking for The expansive wine cellar with plenty of room to house bottles of wine The main suite has a lavish bathroom featuring a deep soaking bath with views of the property Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Ex-Pussycat Doll star’s $9.7m major change Melbourne Feng Shui home sparks bidding war Original 1980s home smashes reserve by $1m third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. PROVINCIALDROMANA has fired an early warning shot to the rest of the division after a dominant win over Heatherhill Dromana wrapped up their second win of the season on Saturday by bowling out Heatherhill and bowled Heatherhill out for 190 on day two.A handful of Heatherhill batters made strong starts Jack Fowler was the pick of the bowlers for Dromana and managed to pick up the deciding wicket The win puts Dromana on top of the ladder.Sorrento wrapped up a win over Baden Powell on Saturday The Sharks were bowled out for 200 on day one and had to work hard on day two to grab the win Some excellent bowling from Jake Wood helped them pick up the points.Rhys Elmi offered some resistance for Baden Powell Jake Wood posted figures of 4/40.Langwarrin were comfortable victors over Red Hill last weekend They managed to defend their total of 178 with some good bowling PENINSULALONG Island has claimed a win over Somerville after an impressive batting display Long Island had a tall mountain to climb on day two of their clash with Somerville on Saturday Openers Aiden McKenna and Thomas Matson helped Long Island put together a strong start to their run chase They combined for 100 runs – McKenna scored 73 from 67 deliveries and Matson scored 33 from 88.Caleb Debnam took the wickets of both openers but Long Island’s middle order kept things ticking along Sam Holland-Burch came in at number seven to wrap things up Holland-Burch scored 42 from 70 deliveries to help his side get over the line Long Island reached their target with three wickets to spare and eight overs left to play.Mornington defeated Seaford at RF Miles Reserve last weekend The Bulldogs chased down their target of 152 without too much trouble They crossed the finish line with five wickets left to spare.Rosebud wrapped up a dominant victory over Seaford Tigers on Saturday The Tigers only managed to score 109 runs in response to Rosebud’s day one total of 229.Mt Eliza beat Moorooduc by six wickets to close out the round DISTRICTVALIANT efforts from Shaun Foster and Jake D’Atri couldn’t stop Balnarring from beating Carrum on Saturday.Balnarring scored 277 runs on day one Carrum’s run chase got off to a nightmare start – openers John Mitchell and Finley Corrie were each dismissed by Jonothan Rumbold for two runs.Jake D’atri and Shaun Foster came in at three and four and steadied the ship and Foster scored a brilliant 102.Darcy Warmbrunn stepped up to take Foster’s wicket He continued to tear through the middle order and helped his side claim a 20 run victory in the final over of the day Warmbrunn finished with figures of 4/34 from 11 overs.Flinders secured their second consecutive win of the season on Saturday by beating Main Ridge Boneo is also 2-0 to start the season – they beat Crib Point by three wickets away from home last weekend.Carrum Downs dispatched Baxter with ease on Saturday Josh Dinger took 5/31 to help his side earn the victory SUB DISTRICTTYABB’S strong start to the 2024/2025 season continued on Saturday with a win over Delacombe Park needing 46 more runs to secure the first innings win They managed to reach that target without much fuss Delacombe Park had more difficulty at the crease Delacombe Park finished their second innings at 6/89 Jayden Regan’s half-century was a highlight for Tyabb on Saturday.Skye had less fortune last weekend They fell to an outright defeat against Ballam Park Skye needed to score just 183 to avoid an outright loss They were bowled out for 99 and 78 in their two innings Will Borthwick did the damage in the first innings Ezra Hughes took six wickets in Skye’s second innings.Frankston YCW beat Rye in a thriller last weekend the Stonecats hit the winning runs with only two wickets left to spare Frankston YCW chased down 222 to grab the win.Tootgarook beat Mt Martha to close out the weekend WOMENS DIV ONEDELACOMBE Park beat Carrum Downs in a close one last Saturday Carrum Downs was sent in to bat first on their home deck They put together a strong innings – opener Lauren Richards top scored with an impressive knock of 51 from 36 deliveries Carrum Downs finished their 20 overs at 6/130 Delacombe Park was faced with a tough task Opener Melissa Newham scored a half-century to help guide her side to a seven wicket win with just eight balls left to spare.Rye were also victorious last weekend and her batting partner Ashleigh Barrand scored 48 not out Rye finished up their innings with 109 runs on the board without losing a wicket Ella Hilton helped Rye get over the line with a strong bowling performance – she posted figures of 3/21 from her four overs.At East Seaford Reserve some good batting scored Tooradin a win over Seaford Tigers Tooradin scored 115 runs during their 20 overs Debbie Wierzbinski was top-scorer for the afternoon with 41 First published in the Mornington News – 29 October 2024 Victoria Police has issued the following statement:  Victoria Police personnel have been and will continue to be active in the area of McCrae. This activity will continue for the foreseeable future. These police patrols consist of both overt and covert activity aimed at ensuring community safety.  Victoria Police encourages members of the public who witness any suspicious activity or persons inside the exclusion zone at McCrae to ring 000 immediately.  Our community information page on our website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available: mornpen.vic.gov.au/mccraelandslide We are working with our agency partners to investigate the source and cause of the landslide We are focused on identifying the necessary rectification and remediation works to make the area safe again.  On behalf of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council cooperation and understanding as we navigate this challenging situation.   PROVINCIALDROMANA moved to the top of the MPCA Provincial division ladder with a win over Old Peninsula away from home last weekend MPCA cricket returned after a lengthy Christmas break on 18 January Dromana travelled to Peninsula Grammar to take on the Pirates in a one-day match.Dromana batted first after winning the toss Skipper Sam Fowler was completely in control scoring 108 runs to help his side reach a final total of 201 from 40 overs Sam Fowler’s brilliant century was supported by knocks of 39 and 32 respectively from Jack Fowler and Dale Irving Old Peninsula battled hard to take down Dromana’s target Old Peninsula was bowled out for 193 in the final over of the day Opener Benjamin Stewart top-scored for the Pirates with 50 runs Zacc Klan took 4/43 to help get his side over the line He took the final wicket to wrap things up Dromana have now moved into the top spot on the ladder Pines lost their grip on first place after falling to Sorrento at David Macfarlane Reserve.Pines was bowled out for 183 by the Sharks They were chasing a target of 203.Langwarrin smashed Heatherhill by nine wickets at Bruce Park on Saturday Baden Powell closed out the round with a win over Red Hill PENINSULASEAFORD held on for a thrilling win over Moorooduc last Saturday despite some late heroics from Nick Williams Seaford was sent in to bat first at Moorooduc Recreation Reserve They went on to score 227 from their 40 overs – Jacob Foxwell top-scored with 70 and Jordan Desmond contributed 45 to the scoreboard.Moorooduc’s top order struggled badly and at 7/89 the hosts looked doomed to accept a comfortable defeat A huge late partnership between Michael Whincup and Nick Williams nearly saved the day.Williams smashed 89 runs from just 44 deliveries just seven runs short of victory.Rosebud picked up a narrow 10-run win over Mt Eliza at Olympic Park last weekend Rosebud first drop batter Liam Collet top-scored for the winners with 60 runs.Somerville beat Mornington in a close one on Saturday Long Island picked up a win over Seaford Tigers DISTRICTFLINDERS are breathing down the necks of first-place Carrum Downs after a thrilling win over Baxter last weekend Flinders was tasked with chasing down a target of 181 at Baxter Park on Saturday An unbeaten knock of 71 by Samuel Field helped guide them over the line They hit the winning runs with just two balls left to spare The ladder leaders were defeated by Balnarring away from home on Saturday.Balnarring batted first and put 222 runs on the scoreboard Carrum Downs was bowled out for 208 in response.Boneo beat Main Ridge by five wickets away from home on Saturday Crib Point narrowly beat Carrum at Crib Point Recreation Reserve SUB DISTRICTTYABB got the better of Mt Martha in a tight one at RM Hooper Oval on Saturday Kyle Bendle came agonisingly close to scoring a hundred He was caught out off the bowling of James Holland-Burch for 98.Mt Martha scored 185 runs from their 40 overs.Tyabb managed to chase down their target with an over and four wickets left to spare Aidan Pateman and James Holland-Burch scored 27 and 21 not out respectively to help guide their side to victory.Udara Ravindu top-scored for the Yabbies with 50.Frankston YCW smashed Skye by six wickets on Saturday They chased down a target of 131 with 20 overs left to spare.Rye and Tootgarook rounded out the winner’s list with victories over Delacombe Park and Ballam Park respectively First published in the Mornington News – 21 January 2025 Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A cryptic native skink – rarely spotted in the wild and feared to have suffered huge population losses in the Black Summer fires – has been discovered in bushland in Dromana that is due to be carved up into hundreds of new homes The emergence of the endangered swamp skink on one of the largest undeveloped residential sites on the Mornington Peninsula has led to calls to drastically scale back long-standing housing plans and preserve the environmentally valuable bushland instead The swamp skink was listed as endangered in March 2023 in part due to habitat loss in Melbourne’s east.Credit: Ray Kennedy The skink’s discovery means that a housing project that was first put to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in 2016 will now require Commonwealth approval before it can proceed which involves subdividing 28.5 hectares of privately owned bushland in Dromana into 250 housing lots will have to satisfy the Commonwealth that it will not drive the reptile closer to extinction The swamp skink was declared endangered in March 2023 which does not meet the threshold for Commonwealth intervention Bushfires in 2019-20 and habitat loss in Melbourne’s expanding east were listed as two key reasons for the skink’s worsening plight “The swamp skink is likely to have experienced severe historical declines following European settlement resulting from drastic habitat modification,” the Department of Climate Change of the Victorian National Parks Association walk along the perimeter of the proposed housing site in Dromana which is home to the endangered swamp skink.Credit: Joe Armao with recent impacts to habitat including clearing in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the 2019-2020 bushfires.” The bushfires alone reduced the skink’s population by an estimated 15 per cent The animal is endemic to coastal and wetland areas in south-eastern Australia and is one of Victoria’s most elusive creatures conservation campaigner with the Victorian National Parks Association but haven’t been lucky enough to,” Crook says the association is arguing that development on the large privately owned site should be kept to a minimum with as much native vegetation preserved as possible It would be a real shame if the site got cleared,” Crook said about 75 per cent of the skink’s habitat would be cleared with seven hectares saved as a conservation reserve Environmental consultants have given the site a habitat score of just four out of 10 But the association said the lower score was “a consequence of the owner’s mismanagement and the impacts from mountain bikes and 4WDs” “Mismanagement should not be rewarded with native vegetation removal approvals,” it argued in its submission An aerial view of the privately owned bushland which is proposed to be subdivided into 250 housing lots The developer’s planning report to the council said the proposal offered a rare opportunity to provide new affordable housing lots on the peninsula It sought approval to rezone and subdivide the land The council asked the state government in September 2021 to publicly exhibit the application and has been waiting for a response for more than three years Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh said the council recognised the need for new housing within the urban growth boundary “This proposed development meets that criteria,” Marsh said “It is equally important to ensure any environmental impacts are properly understood The change in status of the swamp skink and its listing as a nationally endangered species means a more detailed investigation is needed.” Marsh said the development should not proceed until more work is done to avoid and mitigate impacts on the skink has proposed creating a seven-hectare conservation reserve within the site It has also proposed reserving 28.6 hectares as an environmental offset near the town of Loch Sport in East Gippsland Director Greg LaManna said the location was one of a limited number of places on the peninsula that allows for responsible development LaManna said the offset site in Gippsland had been added to the proposal following the skink’s endangered listing in 2023 and would “protect and preserve the species eternally” The project also includes a conservation zone that will be rejuvenated and handed to the local council Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter A cryptic native skink \\u2013 rarely spotted in the wild and feared to have suffered huge population losses in the Black Summer fires \\u2013 has been discovered in bushland in Dromana that is due to be carved up into hundreds of new homes The skink\\u2019s discovery means that a housing project that was first put to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in 2016 will now require Commonwealth approval before it can proceed Bushfires in 2019-20 and habitat loss in Melbourne\\u2019s expanding east were listed as two key reasons for the skink\\u2019s worsening plight \\u201CThe swamp skink is likely to have experienced severe historical declines following European settlement resulting from drastic habitat modification,\\u201D the Department of Climate Change with recent impacts to habitat including clearing in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and the 2019-2020 bushfires.\\u201D The bushfires alone reduced the skink\\u2019s population by an estimated 15 per cent and is one of Victoria\\u2019s most elusive creatures but haven\\u2019t been lucky enough to,\\u201D Crook says It would be a real shame if the site got cleared,\\u201D Crook said about 75 per cent of the skink\\u2019s habitat would be cleared But the association said the lower score was \\u201Ca consequence of the owner\\u2019s mismanagement and the impacts from mountain bikes and 4WDs\\u201D \\u201CMismanagement should not be rewarded with native vegetation removal approvals,\\u201D it argued in its submission The developer\\u2019s planning report to the council within Melbourne\\u2019s urban growth boundary \\u201CThis proposed development meets that criteria,\\u201D Marsh said \\u201CIt is equally important to ensure any environmental impacts are properly understood The change in status of the swamp skink and its listing as a nationally endangered species means a more detailed investigation is needed.\\u201D LaManna said the offset site in Gippsland had been added to the proposal following the skink\\u2019s endangered listing in 2023 and would \\u201Cprotect and preserve the species eternally\\u201D Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories Road closures will be in place for the dawn service and march Small farm shops are growing in popularity but proponents say regulations are holding them back There’s a mantra the owners at Torello Farm ask their customers to abide by as they enter through the roller doors of their farm-gate shop at Dromana “We have this sign in the shop that says: throw away your shopping list and let mother nature guide you,” says co-owner and director Sophie O’Neil the Torello farm-gate store sells seasonal produce on behalf of 80 local producers as well as beef and lamb produced on O’Neil and her partner Mark Brancatisano’s other farm just up the road Artichokes at the Torello Farm Gate in Dromana where produce from local farmers is sold Photograph: Penny Stephens/The GuardianO’Neil says she has noticed consumers becoming more “conscious about where they’ve been spending their food dollars” At the farm-gate store vegetables are often priced lower than at the major supermarkets but the offering is limited to what’s in season “It can be likened to a farmers market,” O’Neil says But people come into our shop and see the produce has been harvested [down] the road or on the site and say Tammi Jonas runs a farm gate and community supported agriculture (CSA) program out of her pig and cattle farm Jonai Farms in Eganstown in central Victoria She says consumers are looking for more sustainable methods of shopping The waitlist time for new metropolitan customers for Jonai Farms is now about 20 years Sign up to receive Guardian Australia’s fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter “We don’t suffer the same with beef and lamb prices as the supermarket,” Jonas says “The change in commodity doesn’t affect us so we’re able to maintain a stable price in the cost-of-living crisis and I think that often gets overlooked “I can’t imagine selling our food any other way.” Ballarat Wholefoods Collective president and founding member says there has been a shift towards cheaper seasonal produce thanks to the cost-of-living crisis Torello Farm co-owner Mark Brancatisano with their Belted Galloway Beef cattle that are processed off-farm and sold in the Torello Farm Gate shop in Dromana Photograph: Penny Stephens/The GuardianShopping at the collective allows customers to feel “they are doing the right thing for the environment” “Food miles is also a big thing [when] buying seasonal,” she says While those selling direct to consumers have noticed an uptick in people opting to shop sustainably as the major supermarkets continue to increase their prices, the regulations governing the sale of food to the public are stringent. Read moreIt’s not always as simple as putting up a roadside stall and an honesty box growers do not need a permit for a farm-gate stall with what is known as “primary produce sales” the sale of produce grown on their property or adjacent properties But in areas zoned rural living or rural conservation The Torello farm-gate store is within the Green Wedge zone But because they sell food produced by a variety of producers O’Neil and her partners were required to apply for a market permit Farm-gate stalls also must not be within 100m of a neighbour’s house and the area used to display and sell the produce must not exceed 50 square metres “The planning laws are supposed to be in place to protect the areas we live in and preserve the Green Wedge but the farm gate is probably far less threatening than people buying land and land banking,” O’Neil says Formerly known as the Ballarat Mushroom Farm, the business expanded during the pandemic to become a small grocery store stocking local and regional produce. But its change-of-use permit to a convenience store has been declined as the shop is too large to operate within a Rural Living Zone. The decision is now under review at the Victorian civil and administrative tribunal. Smythes Creek Farmgate co-owner Monique Lunn says the rules and regulations should be updated to allow for greater competition against major supermarkets. Read more“We desperately need to modernise the world in which we live so that more of these little gems can pop up Australia-wide to ensure that we have competition in the marketplace to make sure that prices remain competitive as it’s the only way to keep prices low,” Lunn says “Without competition we are at the mercy of the big guys.” Jonas is the president of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance The organisation is in discussion with the Victorian government to reduce regulatory barriers to farm-gate sales such as restrictions to produce sold onsite and excessive permit requirements She says with the cascading crises including climate change the government should be doing all it can to enable localised food economies and reduce regulatory barriers to selling local produce Torello’s Sophie O’Neil says she has noticed consumers becoming more ‘conscious about where they’ve been spending their food dollars.’ Photograph: Penny Stephens/The Guardian“We know from Covid lockdowns that we have logistical reasons that we need food close to where we live,” she says “Our farm gate functions fine under the existing regulations but if we wanted to sell from another farm’s butcher shop It doesn’t suit all farms so to be able to collaborate and sell through one farm gate is more efficient to farmers who don’t want to sell through a shop.” The Victorian government says it’s working towards expanding the definition of “primary produce sales” to support broader collaboration between farmers and improve access to seasonal That proposed change would allow the sale of produce grown elsewhere “We’re working to reduce regulatory barriers so Victorian farmers can sell their produce at the farm gate making it accessible to their communities and visitors alike,” a spokesperson said O’Neil says farm-gate stalls both promote local produce and encourage new agricultural businesses so it was worth fighting for,” O’Neil says Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletter Join the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the community carpark and playground design is progressing for Hillview Reserve The project will give a facelift to the reserve to meet the growing population demand in the area Cultural Heritage salvage works have been completed by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) Artifacts were found and a salvage report is in the process of being completed and is due for review and approval in 2025.  Installation works are well underway for the playground and are expected to be complete by the end of September 2025 Although blamed on covid and the preceding bushfires it was thought to have been triggered by a shareholder dispute The attraction reopened again in December 2020 under the ownership of billionaire Peter Gunn and former Rio Tinto director AMP chairman and Macquarie investment banker and current National Australia Bank director Simon McKeon.The development is expected to be undertaken in three stages with stage one the base station upgrade stage two the development of the luge ride from the summit to the base and stage three the summit station upgrade.The luge ride is said to offer “an exhilarating experience” down the cleared area under the Eagle on what is described as “a roller-coaster-like track”.The CEO of Arthurs Seat Eagle said the masterplan vision resulted from 12 months of extensive research and consultation with environmental planning and tourism consultants on the future needs of the precinct “The feedback we sought from our community of locals and visitors has strongly indicated a greater desire for observation and viewing facilities to afford even greater aspects of our spectacular natural surrounds.”A spokesperson from “Save our Seat” rejects the notion of community consultation and said community members have been left in the dark and would be overwhelmingly opposed to the “vast” development.The upgrade has been deemed a “project of significance” under the Victorian Planning Provisions and would therefore qualify for State Project status This means the project would be subject to a streamlined approval directly from the Victorian Planning Authority avoiding scrutiny and potential limitations by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.Arthurs Seat Eagle is holding a community information session on 3 October at Dromana Community Hall from 6pm and are welcoming “all community members who are interested in the future of Arthurs Seat Eagle to attend” The session will provide the opportunity for community members to “meet our project team and provide your input into the upgrade of Arthurs Seat Eagle.”Arthurs Seat Eagle expect upgrade works to commence in late 2025 First published in the Mornington News – 1 October 2024 MEN’S DIV ONEFRANKSTON YCW and Dromana finished all square after a brilliant Tigers fightback last weekend The Stonecats hosted the ladder-leading Dromana at John Coburn Oval on Saturday The home side controlled the game all day long – the Stonecats took a 26 point lead into the half-time break and a 19 point lead into the three-quarter-time break.Dromana showed some fight in the final quarter and dragged their way back into the contest but they weren’t able to add to the scoreboard Frankston YCW and Dromana ended up sharing the points The result essentially guarantees Dromana will finish the season on top of the ladder They sit two games ahead of Mt Eliza with two games left to play and have a much higher percentage.Mt Eliza picked up a comfortable win over Red Hill on Saturday The Redlegs won by 49 points.Rosebud won a nail-biter against Langwarrin at Olympic Park last weekend The two sides were equally matched all day They defeated the Kangaroos 12.10 (82) to 12.9 (81) Kirk Dickson was the matchwinner for Rosebud He booted five goals.Sorrento’s finals hopes have been dealt a major blow at the hands of Mornington The Bulldogs beat Sorrento by 11 points away from home last weekend.Pines beat Frankston Bombers by 27 points to close out the round MEN’S DIV TWOEDITHVALE-ASPENDALE locked up top spot on the ladder with a big win over Somerville last weekend.Edi-Asp had a good day in front of goal and comfortably beat Somerville to guarantee their first place finish Edithvale-Aspendale beat Somerville 17.10 (112) to 10.10 (70).Kris Pendlebury and Tyrone Vickery were named Edi-Asp’s best Michael Meehan and Bradley Tagg each kicked two goals The win saw Somerville finish the round in sixth place – they are one win behind both fourth-placed Pearcedale and fifth-placed Crib Point but boast a better percentage Just one game is left to play in the Division Two home-and-away season.Pearcedale and Crib Point played each other on Saturday in what could be a finals preview Pearcedale emerged victorious at home 13.21 (99) to 8.11 (59).Chelsea picked up a 29 point win over Karingal last weekend to keep hold of second spot They are four points ahead of Devon Meadows on the ladder.Devon Meadows kept their hopes of a top-two finish alive by beating Tyabb by 10 goals at Bunguyan Reserve.Seaford beat Bonbeach by 22 points at home on Saturday Hastings closed out the round with a hard-fought win over Rye – the loss likely dooms the Demons to finish the season in last place WOMEN’S DIV ONEMORNINGTON will face Warragul Industrials in the inaugural MPFNL Womens Division One Grand Final this weekend Mornington booked their Grand Final spot on 27 July by beating Warragul The Industrials got a second chance to make things right and played Seaford at Alexandra Park in the preliminary final.Warragul Industrials raced out of the blocks on Saturday They opened by a 17 point lead over Seaford and kept the Tigers scoreless heading into quarter-time Seaford fought their way back into the game They closed the lead to four points by half-time and trailed by just one point at the final break of play They scored three goals in the final term to claim a 5.12 (42) to 5.2 (32) win.Ahlee Penry and Lily Van Berkel were Warragul’s best.Mornington will play Warragul Industrials in the Grand Final at Kinetic Stadium on Saturday 2pm:Mornington v Dromana – Mornington Alexandra ParkFrankston Bombers v Mt Eliza – Baxter ParkLangwarrin v Frankston YCW – Lloyd ParkPines v Sorrento – Eric Bell ReserveRosebud v Red Hill – Olympic Park Rosebud 2pm:Bonbeach v Chelsea – Bonbeach ReserveCrib Point v Tyabb – Crib Point Recreation ReserveDevon Meadows v Pearcedale – Glover ReserveKaringal v Edithvale-Aspendale – Karingal Football ClubSomerville v Hastings – Somerville Football ClubRye v Seaford – RJ Rowley Reserve 2.15pm:Mornington (Blue) v Warragul Industrials – Kinetic Stadium First published in the Mornington News – 6 August 2024 Safety Beach is a pint-sized pocket of Melbourne’s stunning Mornington Peninsula with its pearly white sand and child-friendly shallow waters lending to its apt name Life in this seaside suburb has always revolved around the water but its appeal extends beyond the beach to include a palm-studded golf course and a bustling marina This has made it a long-time favourite among holidaymakers and the 6000-plus residents who cherish its serenity Browse Domain’s property and lifestyle magazines According to the latest Domain House Price Report, Safety Beach’s median house price is $1.13 million, marking a 43 per cent rise over the past five years. Ian Ross of Danckert Real Estate says location is one of the factors driving this growth. “Safety Beach is relatively accessible from Melbourne, just 60 minutes via the Peninsula Freeway, with two entry and exit points,” he says. “This is a blessing during peak summer periods and makes it feasible as a daily commute to Melbourne or nearby suburbs.” A significant draw for boating enthusiasts is Martha Cove, the only waterfront residential master-planned estate on the Peninsula. Why this blue-chip locale is Queensland's priciest postcode This coastal town is a 'playground for Melbourne's wealthy' The little known spot where locals live 'a life of serene leisure' This unique community, set on 94 hectares, combines parks, walkways, cycleways and an integrated harbour. “The marina has transformed waterfront living on the peninsula, offering private berths just steps from your backyard,” Ross says. “Accommodating larger sailboats and motor cruisers with berth sizes ranging from nine metres to over 30, properties here can range from $3 million to over $8.65 million, depending on their features.” Another highlight is the Safety Beach Sailing Club, a cornerstone of the community. Executive committee member Fiona Lowe says the club provides a place for the community to gather, socialise and engage in aquatic activities. “For the ultimate Safety Beach sunset experience, our club is a hidden gem,” she says. “Friday nights in summer are especially popular, with locals gathering to watch yachts during their weekly twilight race. “The sight of yachts returning with an unmissable sunset backdrop is unmatched by any other club on the peninsula.” While better known as a summer destination, Lowe speaks fondly of Safety Beach’s year-round appeal—uncrowded beaches, cosy cafes and restaurants serving warm, hearty meals. “Winter sunsets here are simply magical,” Lowe says. “Just check out our local jetty, a popular spot in many sunset photos.” Agent: Danckert Real Estate, Ian Ross 0404 868 470 Occupying the ground floor of The Wheelhouse in the coveted Martha Cove Marina, this waterfront penthouse offers opulent interiors, a vast al fresco area, and a private in-ground pool. A 99-year lease on a direct-access 22-metre berth can be bought for $500,000. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate MEN’S DIV ONEDROMANA emerged victorious from their top-of-the-table clash against Mt Eliza last weekend The ladder-leading Tigers travelled to Emil Madsen Reserve to take on second-placed Mt Eliza on Saturday Mt Eliza led by 10 points.Dromana booted five goals in the third term to kick their way back into contention They went four points ahead in the third term A late goal helped Dromana seal an 8.7 (55) to 9.14 (68) win Jake Aarts was at his usual best for the Tigers – he scored four goals Billy Guerts also had a great game.Frankston YCW put on a show for their home fans on Saturday They decimated Sorrento by 116 points.Sorrento were dominated from the outset by the ruthless Stonecats – the Sharks managed to score just three goals for the game Frankston YCW won 21.11 (137) to 3.3 (21).Riley D’Arcy scored five of Frankston YCW’s goals Red Hill worked hard to pick up a two-goal win over Frankston Bombers on Saturday Langwarrin beat Pines comfortably at Eric Bell Reserve and Rosebud got the win over Mornington at Olympic Park to close out the round MEN’S DIV TWOPEARCEDALE picked up a big win over Chelsea at home on Saturday Chelsea have been among the best teams in Division Two this season They came into the match last weekend with just one loss to their name for 2024.Pearcedale took control early and booted the first five goals of the game Chelsea were able to recover and stop the run of momentum Pearcedale finished up 27 point winners over Chelsea 11.14 (80) to 7.11 (53) Mitchell Davis and Brett Eddy each contributed three goals to the Seagulls’ total.Edithvale-Aspendale locked up top spot with a dominant 112 point win over Seaford on Saturday Edi-Asp beat Seaford 2.9 (21) to 19.19 (133) The win put them a game clear on top of the ladder.Devon Meadows bounced back from the previous week’s loss to Crib Point by beating Bonbeach last Saturday The Panthers won easily 14.16 (100) to 4.6 (30).Crib Point have continued their good run of form The Magpies smashed Rye by 80 points at Crib Point Recreation Reserve.Tyabb and Somerville picked up comfortable wins over Hastings and Karingal respectively in the final games of the round WOMEN’S DIV ONESEAFORD held on to beat Karingal in a thriller on Saturday afternoon Karingal raced out to an early lead at RF Miles Reserve They stretched their lead to eight points by the three-quarter-time break and held on in the final quarter to wrap up the win Seaford beat Karingal 7.4 (46) to 6.2 (38).A seven-goal haul from Hayley Monk was the highlight of the Mornington White vs Mornington Blue match on Friday night Mornington Blue emerged from the intra-club derby with a comfortable victory Monk was awesome – she finished up with seven goals for the night Anna McGlade and Eliza Snehotta scored four each.Warragul Industries picked up another win on Saturday evening They beat Pearcedale 5.1 (31) to 10.9 (69) away from home.Frankston had a bye 2pm:Dromana v Pines – Dromana Recreation ReserveFrankston Bombers v Rosebud – Baxter ParkMornington v Frankston YCW – Mornington Alexandra ParkLangwarrin v Mt Eliza – Lloyd ParkRed Hill v Sorrento – Red Hill Recreation Reserve 2pm:Bonbeach v Somerville – Bonbeach ReserveTyabb v Chelsea – Bunguyan ReserveCrib Point v Seaford – Crib Point Recreation ReserveKaringal v Devon Meadows – Karingal Football ClubEdithvale-Aspendale v Rye – Edi-Asp Regents ParkHastings v Pearcedale – Hastings Club 7.30pm:Frankston v Mornington (White) – Kinetic StadiumSaturday 29 June 12pm:Pearcedale v Seaford – Pearcedale Recreation ReserveSunday 30 June 2pm:Warragul Industrials v Mornington (Blue) – Western Park First published in the Mornington News – 25th June 2024 A lavish Mornington Peninsula acreage is set to double Dromana’s residential price record The sumptuous four-bedroom property ‘Casalinga’ at 90 Wallaces Rd sits on a more than 40ha block and has a $20m-$22m price tag property records show it would surpass the suburb’s previous benchmark by $10m set by the five-bedroom home at 97 Harrisons Rd RELATED: Jefferson Ford founder list huge waterfront Dromana home and beach box 110 suburbs where Melbourne house prices fell, expert says now time to buy Mornington Peninsula estate with pool paradise, vineyard, up for sale After moving to Melbourne from Perth in 2019 owner Leanda Visagie said her family decided to build their dream home in the Mornington Peninsula The kitchen and dining area flows seamlessly outside The stunning back yard with eye-catching pool “The feel I wanted for the home was relaxed luxury; that’s what I tried to achieve with the home was just creating that beautiful luxurious space but in the country,” Ms Visagie said but it still feels warm and inviting; I love that it’s a place where friends and family just love to come and visit.” she said the house was designed to be an environment where people felt welcomed and relaxed Feature lighting over the main dining space the family is uprooting and moving to Sydney for business and has listed their coastal paradise for sale “We have created something for someone that they can walk into and take our dream further and it gives me the opportunity to go and recreate a dream like this somewhere else,” she said Floor-to-ceiling windows and natural textures are consistent throughout the abode A lounge room with feature fireplace and soaring ceilings The kitchen is fitted out with a 6m-long Paonazzo marble island bench MORE: Woman plans to restore ‘raunchy palace’ that appeared in Olivia Newton-John biopic What bank balance you need to buy in every Victorian suburb The property is also a horse lovers’ dream with nine fenced paddocks that are dotted around the expansive grounds a covered arena and an adjoining viewing room Seachange Property Mornington director Geoff Oxford said it was an award-winning home crowned by the Master Builders Association as winner in the custom home and kitchen categories Space for any horses to shelter from the sun Room to roam for dozens of horses on the expansive grounds “If someone just wanted an absolutely spectacular property to live on in the Mornington Peninsula the size of the garages; the outlook from the home He added that the property could be transformed into a restaurant vineyard or even a wedding venue and was perfectly set up for cattle MORE: Inside Australia’s wild medieval homes Australia’s most popular holiday homes revealed Prize homeowner’s amazing win changes her life MEN’S DIV ONEFRANKSTON YCW picked up a huge win over rival Pines last weekend Just three senior games were played across the MPFNL over the Kings’ Birthday long weekend The Stonecats’ clash with Pines was a catch-up game from round six.Eric Bell Reserve hosted the match on Saturday Frankston YCW led by eight points at half-time.A dominant third quarter put the result beyond doubt Frankston YCW piled on six goals and managed to hold Pines to just two behinds which proved too much to overcome.Pines had a better final term Frankston YCW won 8.6 (54) to 12.17 (89).Luke Paynter D’Arcy booted five goals.Rosebud scored an impressive win over Sorrento on Saturday Rosebud led at every break of play at David Macfarlane Reserve last weekend They stretched their three point lead into 14 at half-time After a better final quarter by the Sharks The final scoreboard read 10.12 (72) to 13.14 (92) and Jake Carosella were named Rosebud’s best Kirk Dickson and Blake Kuipers kicked three goals each.Dromana closed out the round with a comfortable 13.18 (96) to 6.7 (43) win over Red Hill A ten-goals-to-one first half put the result beyond all doubt and Sam Fowler were listed in Dromana’s best Fowler scored four goals and Aarts booted three Red Hill’s reserves fared much better on Sunday The Hillmen smashed Dromana by 98 points – 4.1 (25) to 18.15 (123) Rosebud’s twos beat Sorrento 2.5 (17) to 9.13 (67) on Saturday First published in the Mornington News – 11th June 2024 beach boxAlesha Capone Jefferson Ford founder and director Simon Jefferson and his wife Pam are selling 2a Foote St Car sales king Simon Jefferson and wife Pam are selling their Mornington Peninsula property with a $20m price tag after spending decades buying up six titles to create the ultimate waterfront retreat Mr Jefferson started a small Ford dealership in Bentleigh with 40 workers Jefferson Ford has since grown to become one of Melbourne’s largest family-owned automotive dealership groups employing more than 430 staff across 17 locations RELATED: McCrae: Luxury home on target to set new benchmark Mornington Peninsula: Buyers can get a taste of their estate by designer Stephen Akehurst Mt Eliza: ‘House and holiday house in one’ with garage big enough for boat and caravan The Jeffersons bought their four-bedroom house at 2a Foote St, Dromana, in 1990 they acquired other nearby properties to increase their land holding which is now on the market as a single site The home sits on a sprawling 6500sq m block of blooming gardens and open spaces and a nearby Dromana beach bathing box is included in the listing Port Phillip Bay views provide a scenic backdrop The property is home to several plants and trees Marshall White Sorrento partner Rae Tomlinson said it was an unprecedented opportunity to acquire the abode “It is special because it has absolute water frontage,” Ms Tomlinson said “There’s a simplicity and uniqueness about it it’s essentially a beachside house which offers peace “It is overwhelmingly beautiful and on this most divine botanic garden setting.” Carnarvon is just an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD and close to the Mornington Peninsula’s restaurants and wineries A nearby bathing box is included in the listing the residence features Port Phillip Bay views and an open fireplace set between two upper-level living zones a bar and sliding doors opening to a northeastern garden deck self-contained one-bedroom apartment and three bathrooms are part of the package Ms Tomlinson said Carnarvon reminded her of the Kennedy compound on Cape Cod in the US state of Massachusetts The 2.4ha property consisting of three houses has been home to generations of the prominent family including former American president John F Ms Tomlinson said that Carnarvon offered the potential to add multiple houses “It could be made into a brilliant family domain,” she said “There are not many properties which offer that Ms Tomlinson said she believed the Jeffersons had hosted a wedding at Carnarvon which they have used as a retreat from Melbourne the house has a downstairs living and office area where a home-based business could be based CoreLogic records show Dromana’s $10m property price record was set by a 10.83ha land holding including a house and vineyard which sold in 2017 Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Park Orchards: Turnkey home has ultimate entertainer’s backyard paradise Berwick: Modern marvel house boasts biometric entry points and 10-car garage The Dromana pier was built in 1959 and although it currently remains in good condition to serve the needs of the community Parks Victoria wanted to explore future options to ensure the longevity of the pier for many decades to come During 2020 and 2021 Parks Victoria undertook community consultation to present three design options for a future pier Cardno Victoria prepared the designs based on ideas raised by local stakeholders and included a T-shape Pier Head A total of 412 people completed the online survey to give their views and ideas This community input will help to refine a future design for ongoing consideration by the government Parks Victoria will continue to monitor the pier’s condition to ensure community safety If you have any questions regarding the project please get in touch at engage@parks.vic.gov.au and subscribe to receive the latest nature inspiration and news straight to your inbox Victoria’s networks of parks and reserves form the core of Aboriginal cultural landscapes Parks Victoria acknowledges the continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these landscapes and recognises their ongoing role in caring for Country on which we learn Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula has been identified as the Melbourne suburb to watch relative affordability and proximity to the city proving a winning formula with families For investors and homeowners looking for something closer to the city, Melbourne buyer's agent Frank Valentic says Elwood and Reservoir also made his list With a median house price of $1.1 million, Mr Valentic said the bayside locale of Dromana - located about an hour and ten minutes’ drive from Melbourne – offers more 'bang for buck' than neighbouring Portsea at $3.5 million “One of the things that attracted me to Dromana is it's quite hilly,” Mr Valentic told realestate.com.au “So a lot of properties have got views of the bay whereas most of the other parts of the Mornington Peninsula are flat and unless you're living on the beach road in Portsea you're never going to get great views whereas Dromana is quite hilly bright blue beach and locals regard it as the best on the Peninsula cafes [and it's] sort of gentrified.” coastal views and family homes on large blocks Dromana’s top features in a long list are its pristine beaches and close proximity to Melbourne, according to Adam Alexander, director of Belle Property Rosebud and Dromana. He said properties had been in high demand with investors, holidaymakers and retirees lately. “It's always been a big retirement area,” Mr Alexander said. “So a lot of oldies sell their house in the city for $3 million, they come down here, I sell them something for $1.5 million that’s equally as good a home and probably even has a view of the bay. “And they have got $1.5 million in their pocket, so you can see the attraction of not just the lifestyle change.” Dromana's elevated position allows many homes to have ocean views, which can be rare in the Mornington Peninsula. Picture: realestate.com.au PropTrack senior economist Angus Moore said the Mornington Peninsula has always been a popular area of Greater Melbourne, with price growth particularly strong across the last few years. “Compared to pre-pandemic, prices are up a bit over 30% across the broader Mornington Peninsula region,” he said. “And that's despite the fact that they've come back a bit over 8% as interest rates have risen, so they did perform very strongly through the pandemic. Property prices in exclusive Sorrento eclipse those of nearby Dromana. Picture: Getty “That's consistent with what we're seeing in some other parts of Australia too, which is a buyer interest in coastal areas that are perhaps aren't regional, but are not necessarily close to the city.” While Dromana was Mr Valentic’s number one pick for Melbourne’s 'next boom suburb', Reservoir, located 11km from the CBD, and inner suburb Elwood, also made his list. He said Elwood’s short distance of 8km to the Melbourne CBD, good mix of well-regarded schools, and family friendly feel were among the locale’s strong appeal. “Elwood has more bang for buck compared to some of its neighbouring suburbs - you've got Brighton, Middle Park, Albert Park, St Kilda - and Elwood is still a lot more affordable ….it’s also got much bigger blocks of land,” he said. Elwood sits between St Kilda and Brighton. Picture: Getty Younger families were buying into the area as the older generation moved on, Mr Valentic said, with many families “upsizing” to Elwood for schooling. With a house price median of less than million dollars, Reservoir was a family friendly suburb, populated by many younger families. “There's so many young upsizing families with young kids and I think it’s got a number of 20 childcare centres and they're all booked out,” he said. Track your property's value and unlock insights and data tailored for property owners. First homebuyers or second time buyers upgrading from a unit were currently dominating the Reservoir property market so it's got a lot of modern older style period style homes on large blocks,” he said “You get a bit more land from one of the blocks of 600sqm up to 1000sqm if they haven’t been carved up yet.” The big, beautiful listing on an epic block – of six titles – at 2A Foote Street, Dromana, has $20 million price hopes. Dromana is on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where property demand was fueled by COVID-induced tree and sea changing, although buyers that pulled back when the pandemic property panic cooled are now returning. in the thick of the COVID-related frenzy for beachside real estate in Victoria The luxury four-bedroom, dual-level house at 2A Foote Street is on a sprawling block, comprising the half-a-dozen titles, opposite the foreshore. Listing images show how large it in comparison to neighbouring addresses, with Arthurs Seat rising behind. Some of Australia’s best wineries are a leisurely drive away. Named Carnarvon, the significant estate also has a private bathing box on the sand across the road, and views of the water from the house that are protected and will never be erased by development. The use of natural materials throughout the house speaks to the location, including swathes of handsome granite, rich timber floors and expanses of glass. A mud room is included for sandy feet after a day at the beach and one of the rooms is charmingly named the “Seaview Room”, next to the kitchen and breakfast bar on the first floor – a dress circle seat to the lush gardens and bay beyond. Family splash $3.42 million on Balwyn North home they plan to knock down Luxury home in bohemian suburb shatters record in $4.6m-plus deal The Melbourne suburbs where home downsizers can free up the most cash The listing is on the books of Marshall White’s Rae Tomlinson and Andrew Haynes, who are handling inspections by private appointment. “Set within park-like botanical gardens, the home also boasts ample parking bays for guests and residents and a location that will never cease to amaze, steps from the sand and bay, cafes, restaurants and shopping options, and just an hour from Melbourne CBD with direct access to the hinterland’s award-winning culinary attractions and wineries via the scenic Arthurs Seat,” the listing explains. The median house price in Dromana has risen almost 30 per cent in the past five years, landing at $1,045,000, according to Domain’s latest House Price Report (December 2023). The median has dropped by 2.8 per cent over the past 12 months, in line with the peninsula market slightly balancing after a period of rollicking demand that outpaced supply. Domain’s property editor Alice Stolz told the Today show that February’s national auction results offered “positive signs” for buyers and sellers, with clearance rates up over a 12-month comparison period and listing volumes hitting a four-month high. Adelaide has lost its title as the best performing capital city for February clearance rates, toppling to Sydney, the Today show heard. The average clearance rate in Sydney in February this year was 69.4 per cent (up front 65.7 per cent for the same month in 2023) and for Adelaide, the February clearance rate of 63.8 per cent was a softer result than last year’s red hot 68.4 per cent. The state of the late summer and early autumn market was good news for both sides of a transaction, Stolz told Today. “It means there are more options and more chances to negotiate and I think for sellers, we know that buyer demand is there, which is encouraging,” she said. “And when, and if, interest rates start to be trimmed down, activity will probably pick up once again.” 3 Baths2 ParkingView listing 47 Cavan Road, Barrengarry NSW 25777 Beds7 Baths3 ParkingView listing 36 Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn VIC 31226 Beds4 Baths6 ParkingView listing OPPONENTS of Hillview Quarries’ plan to open a new quarry on the Arthurs Seat escarpment at Dromana want the state government to buy the land and make it part of the state park. Hillview, owned by R E Ross Trust, wants to clear up to 38 hectares (93 acres) of untouched bushland in a block that borders two sides of the old Pioneer quarry. The block of 69 hectares (170 acres) at 115 Boundary Rd, Dromana, is between two sections of Arthurs Seat State Park. The Pioneer quarry at 121 Boundary Rd was closed in 1998 after it had been worked out. Ross Trust bought the 13 hectares (32 acres) with its 3ha (7.4 acres) pit, now full of water, for $1.25 million in 1998. If Hillview wins permission to quarry 115 Boundary, it will extract rock right up to the old Pioneer pit, which can then be reopened and dug deeper. The final pit would be 190 metres deep (the height of 2.5 MCG light towers) and yield 70 million tonnes of rock over 70 years. More than 300 locals and over 9000 people who have signed an online petition are calling on the state government to reject the entire proposal. The 300 plus attended a meeting organised by Peninsula Preservation Group on Saturday 7 March at Dromana Community Hall. Mark Fancett, president of PPG, said Hillview’s plans had bypassed Mornington Peninsula Shire, removing community appeal options, and were before state planning minister Richard Wynne. Once the crucial environmental effects statement (EES) had been prepared by Hillview’s consultants and submitted to the government, people would have 25 days to comment and there would be no right of appeal after Mr Wynne’s decision. Dr Fancett said the new quarry would be up to four times larger than Hillview’s existing quarry. “The will of R E Ross stated that he wanted funds to be used for the preservation and maintenance of national or public parks. How is destroying one of the state’s and region’s best remnant natural environments conserving and protecting Victoria’s biodiversity, particularly when there are alternative and well-located sources of quarry products?” He said 82 per cent of the shire had been cleared and that Arthurs Seat, with one the biggest remaining bushland areas should be retained as it “provides a biolink across the peninsula”. The 28 threatened species likely to occur on the site included the powerful owl, swift parrot and koala. The meeting was attended by Liberal state MPs David Morris and Ryan Smith as well as shire councillors Simon Brooks and David Gill. Cr Gill urged those at the meeting to “help and do the work by writing to politicians. Councillors can’t voice their opinions on the topic but this crowded hall means a lot to me”. Cr Gill later told The News he had been told the quarry EES was being undertaken “in record time” and could be finished in May. MP for Nepean Chris Brayne also sent a message saying many people had raised concerns about the proposed quarry with him. “I have taken all of these up to the minister [Wynne]. While any decision is a long way off, I look forward to working with this group going forward. Any member can contact my office at any time regarding this.” Mr Morris told the meeting the state government could “shut down the EES process now”. In his message, Mr Hunt said the proposed quarry “has caused me great concern” and he had asked Ross Trust to reconsider its plans. He had written to Mr Wynne “voicing my strong opposition to this proposal”. “Proceeding with such a proposal would result in the fundamental erosion of the green wedge and widespread environmental destruction in an area renowned for its natural qualities,” Mr Hunt said. In the week before the meeting, Mr Morris told state parliament the “massive expansion of the existing quarry” would have “an enormous impact on the landscape [and] on threatened species and communities”. He quoted the Mornington Peninsula Localised Planning Statement: the peninsula’s natural systems “on both public and privately owned land will be conserved and managed for their habitat and biodiversity values and to maintain and enhance the experience of natural environment”. “A quarry which will extract 70 million tonnes of granite will not maintain and enhance the experience of the natural environment,” he said. “It will not conserve habitat. It will not conserve biodiversity values. It will threaten the future livability and sustainability of the Mornington Peninsula. “It is time for the Andrews government to stop hiding behind process, to stand up for the acknowledged state policy and to shut down this process now.” First published in the Mornington News – 17 March 2020 Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company. MPNG publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News. MPNG also publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids. Richmond VFL ramped up its 2024 pre-season over the weekend with its annual camp. Here's what they got up to... Day one of the VFL pre-season camp began bright and early, with the squad travelling towards the Mornington Peninsula for a 6:45am start at the Don Bosco Camp in Dromana. For Mutaz El Nour, he hit the road at 5:00am and was looking forward to what the camp had in store this year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond VFL (@richmondvfl) After exchanging early-morning greetings and other formalities, the team followed head coach Steve Morris down to Safety Beach for the first session of the camp. Morris’ first order of business was to divide the squad into five separate teams - each team being distinguished by a different coloured headband. With a competitive twist added to the session, the tone for the camp was set early on. Each team was eager to claim bragging rights. The five teams competed in an intense 5km run along Safety Beach, followed by a collective 500-pushup effort on the pier and a swimming circuit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond VFL (@richmondvfl) Following training, the squad dispersed throughout the town and bonded over some breakfast. Upon returning to camp, each team reconvened in their respective team colours and was assigned the challenge of finding a lookout and producing a group photo there – a task intended to build connection within the team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond VFL (@richmondvfl) Then at midday, it was time for lunch and game plan education - a chance for the team to hear from their coaches at length. Every squad member then had the chance to submit their votes for the 2024 leadership group. Under the blazing sun, the team enjoyed some free time. From three-on-three ‘pickup’ basketball to a game of cricket, the group were bonding nicely. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond VFL (@richmondvfl) Once free time was over, the team refuelled at dinner together, then engaged in a ‘Streeta Surprise’, a trivia night created by skipper Lachlan Street. With each incorrect trivia answer, teams were required up on stage to perform in a act, song, dance or standup comedy set.  Unsurprisingly, there were many laughs shared, as some members of the team danced in front of the rest of the group. The team then got a big sleep in preparation for day two! ‘Pound the rock’— the motto that Morris repeated to the team throughout the camp. It’s a motto set out to exemplify the ideal characteristics and qualities of every person within the team as persisting to overcome challenges and refusing to give up. Throughout the camp, Morris emphasised that no matter how firm or solid the ‘rock’ is, eventually, it will crack with endurance and hard work. This motto was evident in the beach activity on day two. An early wake up caught the team off-guard, as they headed to Safety Beach collectively and for an intense grappling session, and other ‘boot-camp’ style exercises on the sand. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond VFL (@richmondvfl) The team got wet, hit the pads, and worked tirelessly, all in the name of ‘pounding the rock.’ A big breakfast awaited them back at camp, a reward for their fantastic efforts. By 11:30am the camp was wrapped up, with two days in Dromana marking a successful pre-season camp for the VFL squad! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richmond VFL (@richmondvfl) Richmond has signed experienced AFLW defender and winger Lauren Brazzale to its AFLW list for the upcoming season Several Richmond players have received fines after a melee in Sunday's MCG clash Richmond draftee Zoe Hargreaves will unfortunately miss the 2025 AFLW season through injury See Richmond Media's photos from the training track on Wednesday Richmond has signed defender Lauren Brazzale Check out all the Super Plays from our Round 8 clash against Hawthorn thanks to Hostplus Hear from Richmond coach Adem Yze after the Tigers Round 8 loss to Hawthorn Check out all the Match Highlights from the Tigers clash against Hawthorn Seth Campbell's impressive 2025 season rolls on We extend our deepest respect to First Peoples and Traditional Owners of the land IT SEEMS THE PAGE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR HAS GONE ASTRAY GO BACK TO THE HOME PAGE AFTER coming off a win against Red Hill last week slotting 3.3 to four single points for Rosebud by quarter time piling on another seven goals to Rosebud’s solitary major to be 53 points up at the main break It was pedestrian for Dromana from then on maintaining the margin through to the final siren with a 60-point win 14.9 to 4.9 Red Hill have yet to notch up a win for 2023 after going down to Mt Eliza by 65 points on Saturday It was a clinical exercise for the Redlegs While there were only 15 points in it at quarter time Mt Eliza put the thumb screws on Red Hill in the second quarter to have a 41-point lead at the main break Red Hill were never in it and with the final score 13.16 to 4.5 they must be contemplating a difficult 2023 season Sorrento were coming off a loss last week to Frankston YCW when they came up against Pines this week The Pythons came out swinging in the first quarter with eight scoring shots to two Inaccuracy in front of the sticks spoke of a lost opportunity as Pines went into the first quarter with only an 11-point lead but while the Sharks hit the middle every time inaccuracy in front meant they were only two points up at half time Sorrento had managed to get their noses in front with a single point lead Sorrento managed to pull away and at the final siren held on with a six point margin Although Pines had 26 scoring shots for the day compared to Sorrento’s 17 Sorrento’s accuracy saw them with a final score of 13.4 (82) to Pines’ 10.16 (76) Leigh Poholke was the standout goal kicker for Sorrento with five majors Bonbeach hit the road to Langwarrin to take on the Kangaroos Having played in the Grand Final last year Bonbeach had yet to notch a win for the season But either had Langwarrin who went into the match with a loss and a draw to their name It was only in the second quarter that Langwarrin started to show their dominance on the scoreboard slotting three goals to one for the quarter They went into the big break with a 14-point lead the Kangaroos put their feet to the floor and punched on nine goals to Bonbeach’s two in what was to prove a game winning quarter The status quo remained in the final quarter with both teams slotting three majors each the scores were 17.14 (116) to Langwarrin and 8.10 (58) for Bonbeach The best goal kickers for Langwarrin were Harrison Paul with five Matthew Peynenborg with four and Sean Herdman with three Wrapping up the Anzac round was the local derby between Frankston Bombers and Frankston YCW Frankston Bombers came out strongly against last year’s Premiers and ladder leaders They had an impressive nine scoring shots to three in the first quarter but inaccuracy left them with only a six-point margin at the first break The Stonecats managed to claw back in the second half to have it all tied up at 32 points each at the big break as each team slogged it out in a back-and-forth affair that saw no change in the scoreboard It was only in the final quarter that Frankston YCW drilled down against the Bombers to show why they are the best team in the league again in 2023 The final score ended up in Frankston YCW’s favour 12.13 (85) to 9.11 (65) IT’S been a lean few years for the Crib Point seniors They finished bottom of the ladder last year notching up two wins they have taken the Magpie’s spot as the division’s cellar-dwellers Things were only going to get worse for the Demons on Saturday as Crib Point undertook a systematic dismantling of Rye throughout the day slotting eight goals to two in the first quarter to go into the first break with a 36-point lead Rye managed four majors in the second quarter to bring Crib Point’s lead back to 30 points at the main break kicking nine goals to three and opening up a 70-point lead by three quarter time The Magpies kept the Demons goalless in the final and finished up dishing out a 93-point drubbing with the final score 23.16 (154) to 9.7 (61) Crib Point must be feeling like the tide has turned for them while it looks like nothing short of an exorcism will save the Demons in 2023 Chelsea hit the road and headed to Karingal for their Saturday game fresh off a nice win over Somerville last week Karingal had yet to lose a match in their first two rounds with one win and one match abandoned due to the injury of ruckman Reuben Hanson It was close in the first quarter with Karingal seven points up at the first break They applied some more pressure in the second and third quarters going to the breaks 16 points and 18 points up Karingal restricted Chelsea to a single major and managed to move away to notch up a 29-point win The final score was 9.14 (68) to 4.15 (39) Edithvale-Aspendale were fresh off a loss last week when they came up against Seaford Tigers on Saturday They weren’t going to make the same mistake twice and they came out firing in the first quarter it was pretty much all over by quarter time as they slotted 8.2 to a single major for Seaford Tigers The Tigers tried in the second with an impressive nine scoring shots in the quarter but with seven of them going through for minor scores they couldn’t make a dent on Edi-Asp’s lead The Eagles continued to apply more pressure in the third quarter to take the lead out to 64 points at the three-quarter break and bought it home in the final for a drubbing The final score was Edi-Asp 18.12 (120) to Seaford Tiger’s 6.11 (47) Kurt Lo Po was the leading goal kicker for the victors with seven goals Tyabb and Hastings were both coming into this week’s round with a loss last week Tyabb have struggled over the last few years but Saturday turned out to be a walk in the park for the Yabbies as Hastings failed to put up any real resistance and only managing two points in the second Tyabb went off for the main break 9.8 (62) to 0.2 (2) Hastings managed to get a couple of majors on the board in the third too late and Tyabb extended their lead to 78 points by three-quarter time Both teams managed to score four goals in the final terms but the Yabbies had it in the bag and hit the showers 78-point winners Jake Anderson was the best for Tyabb with six Somerville and Pearcedale looked evenly matched Somerville went into the first break with a six-point lead and the main break with a 13-point lead The Dales were never out of it and back and forth in the third saw them two straight kicks down at three quarter time They managed to peg it back a little in the final term but fell nine points short The final match of the round was a see-sawing affair between Devon Meadows and Mornington Mornington got the best start with seven scoring shots to three in the first quarter giving them a nine-point lead at the break Devon Meadows found the middle of the sticks five times in the second to edge ahead by three points at half time The third quarter should have seen the Panthers run away with it They had eight scoring shots to three but put six of them through for minor scores they went into three quarter time still with only a three-point lead Mornington managed to grind back against Devon Meadows in the last and got their noses in front First published in the Mornington News – 25 April 2023 but we don't want to lose you.\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"notfound-page__text-block\",\"children\":\"We recently updated the way we organise our articles 'div-gpt-ad-1511396693346-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/728x90_Leaderboard_Position_1' 'div-gpt-ad-1511394032333-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/970x90_bottom_leaderboard' 'div-gpt-ad-1511396722471-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/728x90_Hompage_Leaderboard_Position_1' 'div-gpt-ad-1661741627089-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/undefinedTUD_Homepage_Internal_728x90' 'div-gpt-ad-1534480172990-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n // home leaderboard (mobile)\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/970x90_top_leaderboard' 'div-gpt-ad-1511397345189-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n 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googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/300x250_Middle_MREC' 'div-gpt-ad-1511395202314-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/300x250_RHS_MREC' 'div-gpt-ad-1511395237641-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/300x250_Mobile_Middle_MREC' 'div-gpt-ad-1511489982092-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/300x600_2nd_homepage_skyscraper' 'div-gpt-ad-1511938773649-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/728x90_leaderboard_position_2' 'div-gpt-ad-1510792120057-0').addService(googletag.pubads());\n googletag.defineSlot('/34178149/300x250_Article-page_Position01' is also part of the acquisition.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDromana—60km south of the Melbourne CBD—is a burgeoning wine-growing region and a major seaside attraction for Victorian tourists.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“It’s really rare to be able to amalgamate eight titles in such a large parcel of land or that sort of location,” managing director Illan Samuel told \u003cem\u003eThe Urban Developer\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“It’s a product or a type of development that the peninsula just hasn’t seen.\u003c!-- And we\u0026rsquo;re very excited about it.--\u003e”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Melbourne-based developer expects a long settlement process on the property Under the agreement the previous owner will remediate the on-site petrol station while the lease on the holiday park still has some time to run.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"1tjBGQcxH42n2y1NRjnWmF\"\u003e\u003cpicture\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5nfnOa2fVw2KvKMg0sR0ur/b0e5856bb884c11335eb2d14a2c8b4ab/samuel_prop_mid_1_site.jpg\" alt=\"A caravan park and service station are on the the almost two-hectare Dromana site \" data-mce-src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5nfnOa2fVw2KvKMg0sR0ur/b0e5856bb884c11335eb2d14a2c8b4ab/samuel_prop_mid_1_site.jpg\"\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"opacity: 0.8;\" data-mce-style=\"opacity: 0.8;\"\u003e▲ A caravan park and service station are on the almost 2ha Dromana site.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eSamuel has cost plans from two builders for the project which will likely have an end-value of about $95 million.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“We’re always talking to multiple builders,” he said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“It’s still early but I think for projects like this you don’t want to get a permit for something you just don’t want to build.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“People would previously just get a permit and if it didn’t work But the market is too sophisticated now to try to sell permits that don’t work you have to be prepared to develop or simply sit on it until the dynamics change so you need to be across all the ins and outs.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConstruction at a time of uncertain building costs I think it is difficult to find good builders at the moment,” Samuel said “I speak to a lot of others in the industry and I think there is a lack of confidence or trust in certain sectors of the market that builders will be able to deliver on what we’re trying to achieve.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"7epj2bRdwLjhWT9vzVB23e\"\u003e\u003cpicture\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/63eixr3b6f9KpjEGKA8UQ3/98778ce503c0791aeca58b4b8e78137b/samuel_prop_2_Ilan_and_beach_huts.jpg\" alt=\"Managing director Illan Samuel says the beachfront property was a rare find \" data-mce-src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/63eixr3b6f9KpjEGKA8UQ3/98778ce503c0791aeca58b4b8e78137b/samuel_prop_2_Ilan_and_beach_huts.jpg\"\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"opacity: 0.8;\" data-mce-style=\"opacity: 0.8;\"\u003e▲ Managing director Illan Samuel says the beachfront property was a rare find.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e“And there’s definitely a lack of projects I think there’s a real appetite for builders to partner with developers.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSamuel thinks prices have stabilised although he still expects the lower end of the construction market to continue to struggle mostly because of the shortage of skilled labour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A lot of builders rely on subcontractors with fixed prices that they simply won’t be able to hold long term.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“You just have to have some honest conversations about pricing—to grow revenues—I think that’s a staple every developer needs to learn The left hand has to be talking to the right hand Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels “reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address .. which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists who said the measure could prove highly inflationary among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear been endorsed to follow through on its policies and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion 100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have made many changes to how they enable home development The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook Samuel Property is understood to have paid nearly $30 million for the almost 2ha in an off-market sale late last year Much of the property at 103-111 Point Nepean Road in Dromana houses the Kangeron Holiday park and its apartments and caravan parking Dromana—60km south of the Melbourne CBD—is a burgeoning wine-growing region and a major seaside attraction for Victorian tourists “It’s really rare to be able to amalgamate eight titles in such a large parcel of land or that sort of location,” managing director Illan Samuel told The Urban Developer “It’s a product or a type of development that the peninsula just hasn’t seen.” The Melbourne-based developer expects a long settlement process on the property while the lease on the holiday park still has some time to run Samuel has cost plans from two builders for the project which will likely have an end-value of about $95 million “We’re always talking to multiple builders,” he said but I think for projects like this you don’t want to get a permit for something you just don’t want to build “People would previously just get a permit and if it didn’t work so you need to be across all the ins and outs.” that builders will be able to deliver on what we’re trying to achieve “And there’s definitely a lack of projects I think there’s a real appetite for builders to partner with developers.” mostly because of the shortage of skilled labour “A lot of builders rely on subcontractors with fixed prices that they simply won’t be able to hold long term.” “You just have to have some honest conversations about pricing—to grow revenues—I think that’s a staple every developer needs to learn There are only so many levers you can push and pull.” The Urban Developer presents its annual flagship in-person Australian Property and Economic Outlook series Melbourne | Thursday 23 February - click here Correction 24/1/2023AUSTRALIA’S largest and busiest drive-in the Lunar Drive-in at Dandenong has not yet closed as incorrectly stated in this article published in the The News but will be open every night until at least later in 2023 according to drive-in directors Katherine and David Kilderry ONE of the Mornington Peninsula’s most recognisable assets recently notched up 60 years of providing access to a world of cinematic adventure owner Paul Whitaker reflected on his 47-year connection to the drive-in starting in 1975 when as a 14-year-old he stacked fridges whose family owned the drive-in and lived behind the property but not the turbulence that was to come over the next few decades that would almost force its closure Stacking fridges didn’t last long for the passionate film lover and a burning desire to get “into the engine room” saw him obtain his assistant projectionist’s licence at just 16.  Since those early days of hands-on work and nurturing his love of movies and the big screen the drive-in has become Whitaker’s own family’s passion with his four now-adult children all having stints in the industry and one of his sons still in the film industry as a sound recordist and by the 1960s and 1970s were a common sight in the suburban landscape further cemented in pop culture via American TV programs like Happy Days The giant outdoor screens represented a less complicated era where families could take a carload of kids to enjoy a night out for less than the cost of an indoor theatre ticket and couples could canoodle away from prying eyes but under the respectable guise of being in a public space Whitaker says the drive-in experience is still unique giving entire families the affordable opportunity to see the world while sitting under the stars But as land prices rise and technology advances drive-ins globally have been on the edge of extinction By the time Whittaker took over from his father Frank in 1989 dozens of screens across the Melbourne area had already folded amid the pressures of dwindling patronage and high costs Whitaker has focussed on constantly re-tuning the business to meet consumer demand bringing in a Disneyland-style diner with a commercial kitchen where food is cooked to order and delivered to cars and increasing the number of screens from one to four When COVID threw another spanner in the works Whitaker accepted it as a challenge and developed a successful digital projection service to enable schools to show their end-of-year presentations “That has become very popular and we have had over 35 school graduations here as well as screened school plays and even church group sessions,” he said so it’s a great way to get things seen by a lot of people.” There were hard times during lockdown when the drive-in was banned from opening which seemed ludicrous considering people were confined to their cars but Whitaker says the community support was always there “We had a full house with the first re-opening when we screened the football game of St Kilda versus Hawthorn – even the police turned up to keep an eye on things and stayed to watch,” he said Now one of only two drive-ins left in Victoria after Dandenong’s Luna Drive-in recently closed Whitaker says he hopes the drive-in will always have a place in entertainment culture and is both “archaic and relevant” While he knows developers are always at the door hoping to get their hands on the prime site in one of the peninsula’s most burgeoning locations he says he has no plans to retire any time soon Posting on Facebook recently in response to a customer’s thank-you note “Operating a drive-in theatre is what we do not because we will become millionaires … we have given up ‘our’ family time to allow families of many generations to create the best memories” “Please come and support us so our lights continue to flicker in the night sky.” First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 January 2023 DROMANA Primary School pupils have responded to repeated graffiti attacks at the McCulloch Street freeway underpass by decorating the concrete themselves Working in conjunction with Mornington Peninsula Shire and VicRoads the pupils’ works have helped bring life and vibrancy to the area The artworks have been developed through workshops with Jill Anderson from the shire’s arts and culture team and prep pupils who created indigenous animal oil crayon drawings Their Grade 6 buddies recorded the preppies’ stories to accompany the works A total of 12 artworks will be installed and an eBook with all the artworks and stories will be available via the Mornington Peninsula Shire and Dromana Primary School websites Dromana principal Bruce Mesley said being involved in “this unique project highlights our school’s connection to place” “It allows our prep and Grade 6 students to create a link to the first landholders and the magnificent environment in which we reside,” he said “These artworks adorn what was a very understated structure.” To view the artworks head to mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 July 2018 Moat’s Corner in Dromana has an elevated floating design A Dromana home that links a stunning new build with its sprawling garden surrounds has snapped up two prestigious design awards named after two brothers who settled in the area in the 1860s won awards for Building Design of the Year and New House Design (over $3 million construction cost) at the Building Design Awards The double-storey home was described as a “timeless interactive haven which celebrates its natural surroundings” The home’s open-plan spaces link the inside and outdoors The clever design gives the impression of the house floating off the ground The owners bought the property in 2015 and the build time took 18 months with design by Vibe Design Group “The idea was to bring the large botanical gardens in to blend with the home,” Kathryn O’Sullivan of Vibe Design said “The winning formula was how we were able to harmoniously link the new home to each area of the existing gardens a connection that previously didn’t exist.” The house offers a downstairs guest wing with two bedrooms that flows out to a deck The upper level hosts the main living and dining zone with a zoned parents’ wing and a three-bedroom children’s wing the grounds feature historic cypress trees planted along the winding driveway more than a century ago Previous owner Jean Duncan was a keen gardener and had the property for around 70 years She had a wide collection of trees and plant species cultivated on the site and the property held open days to fundraise for the Red Cross The property was also once used to run cattle