Parks Victoria LETTERHEAD                                                                                                                             20 September 2005

 

 

 

Ms J Warfe

Secretary

Port Phillip Conservation Council lnc.

12 Burton Street

DROMANA VIC 3936

 

Dear Ms Warfe,

 

Thank you for your letter of 9 September 2005 addressed to Mark Stone, Chief Executive of Parks Victoria, regarding the proposed construction of a skate park at Rotary Park, Rosebud Foreshore Reserve. Mr Stone has asked that I reply on his behalf.

 

Your objection to the proposal has been considered and included in an analysis of submissions received. This analysis and a copy of all submissions have been incorporated in the application for consent for the proposed use and development as required under the Coastal Management Act 1995. This application was submitted to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) on 13 September 2005.

 

As the proponent for the proposal, Parks Victoria is exempt from the requirements for a planning permit under the local planning scheme zoning and overlay previsions that apply to the land. Parks Victoria is undertaking the proposed works in accordance with its statutory responsibility in managing the foreshore under the provisions of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

 

Nevertheless, Parks Victoria has undertaken community consultation equivalent of that required for a planning permit equivalent of that required for a planning permit in accordance with DSE advice. This consultation has built on the extensive consultation undertaken in preparing the Rosebud Foreshore Landscape Master Plan (2000) and the detailed site plan for Rotary Park (2002). Both of these planning processes included provision for a potential skate park and both were subject to advertising and exhibition of plans for public comment.

 

During the master planning process Parks Victoria requested the Mornington Peninsula Shire to undertake an analysis of sites for a skate park in Rosebud. This analysis identified two sites on the Rosebud Foreshore as the only sites meeting all site selection criteria. This analysis was accepted by Parks Victoria.

 

In addition, Parks Victoria's planning for the Rosebud Foreshore has determined that the proposed facility is complementary to existing recreational facilities and opportunities for local residents and the broader community to enjoy on the coast.

 

The proposed facility does not involve the removal of any indigenous vegetation and impacts on indigenous vegetation are expected to be minimal. The proposal includes significant landscaping works comprising planting of locally indigenous species providing for a significant “net gain'' in native vegetation at Rotary Park.

 

Finally, you would be aware that a Draft Coastal Action Plan has been prepared for the Port Phillip Bay Coast from Mt Eliza to Point Nepean, which I understand has been submitted to the Minister for Environment for approval. The Draft Coastal Action Plan makes specific reference to community facilities such as skate parks being provided on the coast in activity centres such as Rosebud.

 

Should you require further advice on this matter please contact Bob Brinkman, Chief Ranger Mornington Westernport District on 5986 9103.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

Stuart Ord

Regional Manager

City and Bays