IT was a full house at Portarlington Community Association\u2019s (PCA) most recent general meeting, where members heard from Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer John Nankervis and Daniel Brooke of Mondo Energy.<\/p>\n
The Bellarine Bayside chief gave a detailed presentation on progress to date with implementation of the 2009 Portarlington Safe Harbour Masterplan.<\/p>\n
PCA president Geoff Fary said actions still to be put in place included relocation of the beachfront carpark to provide for a waterfront promenade and dining precinct, improved public transport access to the ferry terminal, a major upgrade of the children\u2019s playground and better alignment of intersecting roadways.<\/p>\n
\u201cEstablishment of a foreshadowed marina will require a commercial development. Members were also keenly interested in plans to remove and replace hazardous aging cypress trees and the processes for the staging of events on Bellarine Bayside administered areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Fary said John also outlined a forthcoming review of the seven-year-old foreshore plan that covers all of Bellarine Bayside\u2019s facilities from Portarlington to St Leonards.<\/p>\n
He said he explained the coming release of a discussion paper and mechanisms for PCA and community input.<\/p>\n
Mondo Energy Hubs is a commercial offshoot of AusNet Services, which has a particular focus on the development and networking of renewable energy.<\/p>\n
Daniel Brooke spoke to the meeting about the successful establishment of a micro-grid at the north east Victorian township of Yackandandah, how it had been achieved and the savings that had been realized by that community.<\/p>\n
Mr Fary said Mondo was working in partnership with Deakin University and hoped to develop future plans for 100 per cent renewable energy for the Bellarine and greater Barwon regions.<\/p>\n
The PCA meeting also approved of the establishment of two new sub-committees.<\/p>\n
One will deal with planning issues and develop positions for the Association regarding the detail of forthcoming State Government designation of the Bellarine as a special zone under the Planning and Environment Act, while the second sub-committee will explore options for the role and location of a future Portarlington Community Hub.<\/p>\n
Mr Fary said the well-attended and informative gathering further reinforced PCA\u2019s role as the peak body representing the views and interests of all Portarlington residents and stakeholders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are entering a period of rapidly increasing growth and change in our community. A vibrant residents association is of critical importance in having our voice heard by decision makers in Town Hall and Spring Street.\u201d<\/p>\n