Small parks of Beacon Cove

The turf areas in the following reserves are soon to be upgraded: Waterfront Place (given the high profile of this location for metropolitan and international visitors, this is a priority), Mariposa Place, Beacon Vista Park, Park Square and Australis Circuit.
The turf will be installed in mid to late February. The installation period for warm season grasses is during the warmer periods so that the grass can grow and establish. The grass type is kikuyu and has been successfully established in the Danks Street median, and the Raglan/Station St new parkland in the Port Melbourne area.
The areas will be established using recycled water for irrigation over a 6 week period.

Over 35 degrees!

Went down to Sandridge at 5.30pm on Monday. People seeking shade. Most people clustered around the Life Saving Club.
Went back at 7.30 on Tuesday morning. Bottles and cans still on the beach. Cleaners on site.

Sandridge issues

Many Sandridge residents have contacted me about a range of issues affecting this part of the world.
The issues are listed in the table below showing action that has been taken, action that is planned.
The main issues are:

• litter left behind after very hot days at Sandridge Beach
• various traffic issues including speed on the Boulevard, traffic volumes on Williamstown Road
• future planning with the Port of Melbourne
• Centre Avenue

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcfsmdxp_97cs95cwc2

Port Melbourne's own tennis open

The 3rd Australian International Beach Tennis Championships are being held on the beach opposite Genesis Gym this weekend January 16th -18th, 2009.

Master, Open, singles, doubles, mixed for men and women and a juniors event too.

This is a great emerging sport to support run by local people Paul Mapley and his wife Kelly who are both dedicated to the Port Melbourne community.

Taking tennis to the beach

http://www.beachtennis.com.au/events/events.html

Sandridge foreshore

37 degrees! People flocked to the beach in droves.

The Sandridge Life Saving Club were patrolling as is their policy. They reported that all was well when I called by about 7 pm.

A beautiful morning in Sandridge

Two people practising the trumpet with Webb Dock in the background.

[Litter next to Sandridge Life Saving Club carpark not bad today]

Love the Bay/s

There are many opportunities this summer to learn more about our beautiful bays.

The sv Pelican is sailing Port Phillip and Westernport Bay over the next few weeks calling in at piers along the way. The programmes includes water quality monitoring, habitat mapping, and citizen science days.
The full programme is at http://www.svpelican.com.au/brain/twobays/2009/index.html
Coast Action Coast Care are running a fantastic Summer by the Sea programmes this year. For activities in our area see
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/nrencm.nsf/LinkView/84DD667252296F3BCA2573A80082FCB
57B1756D1247B84E5CA2573B3007BE8A8#portmelb

Sunflowers going strong

The Community Garden on Nott St is going really well with vegies already ready for the picking. The garden has been thoughtfully organised to make it easy for you to get involved.

You can add clean water saved while your shower is heating to the tanks on each of the beds. Each bed is clearly labelled to show what is intended for each one.

The next garden working bee will be this Sunday, 18th January from 11am, finishing by 12 noon. Even if you are not able to work in the garden you are very welcome to come along, see how the vegies are growing and have a chat with others who are interested in the garden.

If you would like to keep informed or be involved with the garden in any way, please contact Janet Hoare on hoareaj@bigpond.com

http://www.southport.unitingchurch.org.au/pm/Eco/Community_garden.html

Sandridge Beach

Following the meeting earlier in January, some refinements to the Sandridge Beach plan have been made.

Please come and see what you think.

Sandridge Lifesaving Club (old building)
Saturday 31 January, 10.00am – 12.00noon

You will find some information about the thinking behind the design at

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/landscape_urban_design.html

What to do with your Christmas tree

I dread the annual rash of abandoned Christmas trees on nature strips through Port Phillip. There is no need to dump them on the footpath.

You can arrange a free collection by ringing 9209 6777 of you can take it to the Transfer Station, just west of the corner of Ingles/Williamstown Road (cnr White and Boundary Streets Melways 2EF11)

Open

Monday to Friday 7.30 am to 3.30 pm

Saturday and Sundays 9.00 to 1.00 pm