DD21-D Joan (Seppings) Webster. Misc Documents & Press Clippings

DD21-D Document Box Labelled: Joan (Seppings) Webster.... Misc Documents & Press Clippings 

Scanned (Stephen Digby July2022)

Needs proofreading of OCR output. 

Needs copying of interesting clippings and documents into other areas of website.

Needs move to Archives online.

permanent Public Open Space, with a rider that it was not to be used exclusively at any one time, by any one sport or organisation, but was to be designated for PASSIVE RECREATION.

The Scout Hall got there by stealth. The proposal for part of the park land to be used for the scout building was not even advertisedi in the local paper, as stipulated by the Local Government Aact. ( See my newspaper article ) . I was not well at the time, and unable to learn inadvance of the xxpx proposal. I other words, about this, I did not get " a leak ", so could not bring the knowledge to the notice of the people so all concerned could put their view.

I later learned, through Cr Keith Remington, that another site, between houses in Thea ^rove and also on parkland, had been proposed, advertised, and received many objections. Sat The knowledge of a great many residential objections, and desire to maintain parkland open and fwee to all, should have persuaded a responsible council to look for a different type of area. r>ut there were pressures from parents of potential scouts. Cr Remington told me that pro-hall-on-rark councillors knew that if they advertised the proposal as required by lawT nh-imotors would force ib to lapse. So they did not advertise it, but just went ahead and gave the land over to the Scouts use. This was illegal

two ways. 1. because of the earlier ruling on non-exclusive use. and 2. Because of L.G.A. requirements.

Ironically, after all I have done over the years to obtain

open space parkland on which children can run, kick a ball, fly a

kite etc etc., they cling like limpats to two play spots - on the road

in the dip of Thia urove - between the open spaces leading to the park, and 2_ on the road in front of my own home, on the peak of Boronia

Grove's hill. Their balls bounce into my garden, followed by their

flower-crunching feet. Their balls hit my electricity and telephone

wires. Their imperious appropriation of Public Carriageway for

playground makes one muse on the socio-diagnosticians' classic syndrome

of " anti-social behaviour has a cause in deprivation of parkland

play space ".

I wrote some photo-articles on the dangers, to kids and cars, of playing on the roads, The effect this had on the parents of kids pictured playing ±EX±kxcbE£y±xg car-kamikaze was to be very upset with me for taking the pictures!

* See 1966 for the sequence of events in preventing this

area being re-zoned Rural during the Town Plan controversies.

17 Boronin Grove, East Doncaster. 27.11.65

Hr J« Thomson9 Secretary,

Dhire of Doncaster and Peoplestoue,

I’ain Boa4,

3XWOAST3R

Dear Sir,

K. Kicanvot'-WAY BETWEEN LOTS 380 and 361 BOF.OITIA GROVE .

We understand that in the proposed street-making plans for Boron in iyove, East Doncaster, no provision has been made for the sealing of the above ri£fct-af-way» which leads from this Btreet to proposed public parkland.

We would therefore be grateful if you would ask the President and Councillors for their approval of the inclusion of the said right-of-way in any plans for the construction of footpaths and/or roads in Boronia Grove.

Yours faithfully,

( Joan If, Seppingc ) f'rs.

for Vv and Yre E.s, Seypings

jitjtre of ^oncaster aub tEentpleatofae

Address all Correspondence to the Shire Secretary

IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE

A/85/2

MM:CD

JWuuictpal ©ffices Huneaster. 29th December, 1965.

Mrs. J. Seppings,

17 Boronia Grove,

DONCASTER EAST

\ >Dear Mrs. Seppings,

I have to advise that your letter of 27th November 1965, has been referred to the Shire Engineer for a report.

You will be advised when Council has made a decision in the matter.

1 Mr ^ 6?

THIS CONCRETE footway recently completed with the Rosella-Baratta Street construction scheme runs from the western bend of Boronia Grove directly into the parkland. It ends in an open drain and a tangle of fallen trees. The trees, mostly wattles, had lined the easement between two houses before the footway was made. Residents feel the Council should replace them beside the path. c (q Cl

Yours faithfully.

_> J.W. THOMSON Shire Secretary

- - *

DONCASTER & TEMPLESTOWE TREE PRESERVATION SOCIETY NEWSLETTER, __________________________APRIL 1968______________________Page 3

PLANTING SCHEME FOR BEVERLY HILLS PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE

The Society was asked for a planting scheme. On Sunday 31st March, Mrs. Fisch and Mr. Oxlee went to Beverly Hills and a scheme was devised. Mrs. Fisch gave advice on the tree and shrub plantings and kindly offered to supply free the sixty items involved. Mr. Oxlee has drawn a plan of the Centre showing garden layouts and the arrangement of play equipment. Garden beds and rock treatment are to be provided by a landscape gardener and there are many willing hands to do the labouring work. So another project is on the way. Thank you Mrs. Fisch and Mr. Oxlee.

PRESERVATION AT OUR CITY BOUNDARY

KOORNUNG CREEK-BLACKBURN RD./BORONIA GROVE

Along the length of Koornung Creek as it meanders along our boundary there occur many patches of rtative bush. With time these have become contaminated in various degrees with blackberries, radiata pine and numerous exotic plants, but with careful treatment some of these areas could be restored. Special consideration should be given to those areas close to access roads.

One such area is that running west from Blackburn Road. This section of Koornung Creek is particularly attractive and is regarded by the local residents, and particularly those of Boronia Grove, as their very own piece of bushland. The bush abounds with native birds which are not troubled by the local cats, as the bush here has fairly dense ground cover of native shrubs.

These areas do of course present some problems and fire no doubt is the greatest. Blackberries scramble here and there and in places reach fifteen feet in height. The conditions this summer have been rather critical for bush areas close to suburban development and some weeks ago we were dismayed to hear that Council machinery had moved into this area to "clean it up" and completely clear a wide swathe along the northern boundary where it abuts the Boronia Grove blocks.

, The Boronia Grove residents with Mrs. Joan Seppings as

their spokesman reacted quickly and it was no time before work was stopped and a conference organised. This was attended by Councilors Ivan Peter-Budge, Doug White and Keith Remington, the Curator Max Holmyard, Bill Algar, Jim Wright and Bill Buchanan from our Society, and a number of local residents.

COUNCILLOR ilVES

WARNING ON USE OF PARK SPACE

Some children in Doncaster and Templestowe are unknowingly breaking the law, Cr. B. S. Elms claims.

Ward councillors claim they have seen young children using tree stakes/in council reserves as goal posts for their football matches. . .

fa.

Cr. Kims said that heu&earest park Is and what realised children wereUt can be used for. not aware that councilF "We are not attempt-reserves were classifledfling to police the children but protecting them for “Council has broadiyitheir own good. Too classified reserves '‘ntoi often toddlers are caught three groups— [Jin the midst of a foot-

• Playground areas witnlball match and knocked swings and see-saws. Ito the ground or young

• Tree plantations, and Ishrubs are flattened by

• Parks for fodtballIboys trampling over

matches and ball games. - - -

“We can’t expect young

ys wanting a game ol i*hese problems," he • •• - ... added.

ootball after school to irentiate between any of the above groupings," .Cr. Kims said.

Last year council passed (authorising af4 signs ii

a

motion production gns indicating the e of the park.

No further action was taken until Cr. Kims brought the matter up in council again.

Cr. Kims told an East Yarra News reporter that the signs should be installed in the trouble spots in about three weeks.

“I will meet with the city engineer, Mr. F. Andrew, and discuss wording used on the signs. < o “They will .be worded iply stating the park's and where the next

em.

“With the new system We hope to overcome

<v &-

[)<& ^

Now!

1

"fijy ------

|\Td P y ‘I I

^ odd

Bid for more aths space

Doncaster and Templestowe Council will investigate a proposal by the Doncaster and Templestowe Little Athletics Association for more playing facilities for their Saturday morning competitions.

1

c,

A deputation headed by the association’s secretary, Mr. R. T. Madge, told council of the rapid growth of little athletics.

“We have 500 in the club after our first season and are expecting 1000 by this time next year,” he said.

Organisers are strained to breaking point organising Saturday morning competitions for the 500 members on the one oval at Schramms Reserve.

It will be an impossi billty to organise a program for double the number of children next year.

Mr. Madge and his two associates. Mr. Paul Crowe and Mr. Brian Pert, an ex-Fitzroy footballer, explained to coun cil how the two ovals would be usfea.

They would run under seven and eight events on one and under nine-10, 11, and 12 events on the other.

This would avoid any hold-ups and confusion running all age groups on one oval.

They further plan to

R. D. White that ward councillors meet with Mr. Madge and his committee and discuss the proposal and report back to council was carried.

use flip, arcane.

two ovals

for fie

be

___________________ eld

events,

Cr. B. S. Elms, who was at the opening of the summer competition, said it is obvious that they will outgrow the present facilities.

A motion from Cr.

Garden Road,

Donvale 3111.

24th June 1968

The Town Clerk,

City of Doncaster & Templestowe,

DONCASTER 3108.

Dear Sir,

At a meeting with Councillors White, Peter-Budge and Remington, Curator Max Holmyard and local residents on 17th February it was agreed that this Society would survey the Koornung Creek Reserve area in the neighbourhood of Boronia Grove, East Doncaster and submit to Council a proposal for its development.

We have now made the survey and our proposal is attached, together with a list of the native flora at present growing in the area.

In brief we believe the area should be retained as far as possible in its native state to provide residents with the interest and relaxation that can be found in bushland of the type that once covered our City. Our recommendations therefore mainly involve only the clearing of blackberries from the area and the clearing of tracks through it. These measures will also serve as an added precaution against fire.

We thank Council for the opportunity to submit this proposal. Should it be approved in principle we suggest a further meeting on the area with the Curator to discuss detailed plans. We are prepared to assist in the clearing and maintenance of the area, in re-introducing flora species previously found there, and in labelling a selection of its tree. and large .hrub., Your> £Mthfully,

W.H. Alger President

PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF KOORNUNG CREEK RESERVE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF BORONIA GROVE

The proposal Involves two stages -

1. Use of machinery for immediate clearing of blackberries in some areas.

2. Construction of walking tracks and longer term clean up by hand.

For the first stage the judicious use of a light 'dozer (or similar) is recommended to clean up blackberry and other weeds at the eastern end of the reserve (Area C on attached plan). The trees here are so placed that minimum damage would ensue but as an additional safeguard a small area around each should be left for hand clearing. The light 'dozer or hand clearing should also be used to clear an access way along the back fence line of the Boronia Grove houses as a fire control measure.

Towards the western end the slope becomes such that machinery could not be used with safety and would damage the environment to the point where it would not recover (Area B) . This is a particularly important section as it contains the bulk of the indigenous flora.

The proposed treatment of this steep section involves a long term plan. First a track should be cut following approximately the line of the original track which is now overgrown with blackberry. Spur tracks should then be cut at appropriate points from this to give access to both the top and creek areas. These spur tracks would provide access for fire control and for the spraying and clean up of blackberries in places too difficult to work a 'dozer. It is envisaged that this spraying and clean up would take place over a 2-3 year period.

Limited machine access is possible at the western end of Area B but hand treatment to extend to this too.

Much of Area A has already been machine cleared and regrowth has started. We suggest that this be watched carefully so that only indigenous flora is allowed to remain and any blackberry growth sprayed before it can get out of hand.

FLORA OF THE KOORNUNG CREEK RESERVE 1 BLACKBURN ROAD AND SOUTH OF BORONIA

Acacia mearnsi Black wattle

melanoxylon Blackwood

verticillata Prickly Moses

armata Hedge Acacia

Adiantum aethiopcum Maidenhair Fern

Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria

Cassinia aculeata Dogwood

arcuata Drooping Cassinia

Casuarina littoralis Black Sheoke

Cassytha melantha Large Dodder-laurel

pubescens Downy Dodder-laurel

Clematis aristata Clematis

Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant Bush

Dianella revoluta Spreading Flax-lily

Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box

goniocalyx Long-leaf Box

obliqua Messmate

macrorrhyncha Red Stringy-bark

viminalis Manna Gum

ovata Swamp Gum

Exocarpus cupressiformis Cherry Ballart

Geranium solanderi Cut-leaf Cranes-bill

Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia

Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree

Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paper-bark

Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine

Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum

Prostanthera lasianthos Christmas Bush

Pteridium asculentum Common Bracken

Senecio prenanthoides Shrubby Groundsel

Spyridium parvifoliuih Dusty Miller

Some years ago before the blackberries infested the area orchids were abundant. At present they are not apparent but could come back via dormant seed if clearing and clean-up operatiors do not disturb the soil.

The survey was carried out by Messrs. A.J Swaby and Ian Morrison.

Relatively level area, already Selective natural regeneration to

Steep area of natural bush. Pockets

Gently sloping area with native trees

Approximate route of proposed walking track.

to be removed

and hand-cleared, with doner.

P * ’ / '

^Jvjj^W-acL

&<d$l l^\»^kui_ ^v

:(^mJ

'C%njy^\sA CsAtfW-'S ftuVvtS^j

l^Vu^^vk

Lr^^cL

^?>e£C

CV-\'QjL^\JLCA

Cy^Lw'^

li<A u3 cct£{ [j-<~'t~cJ ^j)i t>w ij^r.cf

^-O v_£(Lv^ mJ cv cTto^Jl

tVdJiLu Q

\ \ ixx K ciXh-a^t^.

4 b

(JX ^

o ^ n ')'

&jra^

C^eW - 9^

11. Q^ca £$.. cx^ Cx^c r ^ ^ ^

3«eJU riU-

\4 ^rc^-J )aJi •

V^< CvL_? £ ^2 -v_.

fw

BUiili ;OLU IlflAFIEIK

native buchland alon,. the Rooming* hrook,

Bast 33<ma401 r, mr; in ('infer of be in. v.ipod out by pino trees, E-id

a I’iohorioB and bile Lifo loneorvation Gffioor who viuxtod tho

area last week* ■

Jb. n JGbU X'l. L~___" 3,

Self soun pines, spreading fror ori ixal orchard wind breaks, have rapidly encroached on tho strip of bush in the last fow years.

Tho officer said pxno: gradually took ov; r like woods, native plants could nob eotpote, a thick layer of pino needloc made forating difficult and soon all xH^aaci and animal life left.

Such aroao oecame known as " pine deserts

The threatened area, botween Leeds Street and iiackburn ho ad, f onting (ioronia urove, abounds in bellbirds asui about thirty other types of native birds h-ve beer? identified there, and rany native plants.

Last year it was the centre of a Town planning controversy, when adjaeont reeir entc succeeded in havint it rezoned fret " Rural ' to " xublxc Gpon Bpaco ", in order tc entuit tha natural bush setting of t eir homes would be preie-ved.

to people s park

Work began this week on the long-proposed beautification of the large, open stretch of grassland by the Koonung Creek at the south end of Leeds Street.

Rotary-hoed, with the ankle-traps graded out, the. transformation from pot-holed paddock to a people’s parkland is finally happening quicker than it takes to say “council minutes.”

Money for the clean-up and smooth-out was first voted this time last year and had to he “re-moved” recently by Cr. Keith Remington, when the financial year for which it was designated disappeared—surreptitiously sucked into the quicksands of filing and de-filing systems peculiar (though, to be kind, not unique) to muncipal offices.

With its mixture of flats, gentle slopes, shady glades and open space, wildflowers and native birds, the area will be ideal for flying kites, throwing balls, walking dogs and sitting people. j. n

. *WL 7'* I:'

And it is within easy and safe walking distance for a large built-up area with more -than its share of energetic children and tired parents, previously uncatered for with anything * over half an acre not already bespoken for sports clubs activities.

East Doncaster Common would be a good name for it.

Next move, we are told, is to rid the “glades” of the potential bonfires of dead trees felled with erroneous enthusiasm early this year and also (we hope) the forest of black- I berries sprung phoenix-like in this place.

Soon council parks and gardens men, in collaboration with members of the Doncaster and Templestowe Tree Preservation Society, will start on the eastern, bushland end of the reserve (known tentatively as Boronia Park), clearing fire hazards and carefully cutting access tracks for bush walkers and bird watchers.

When a natural area is well cared for, there is less opportunity for the activities of drunks, dumpers and other undesirables.

It will be a pleasant spot we can be proud to take our Sunday visitors — without having to drive out of Doncaster. — JOAN SEPPINGS.

8 • ■ ■-» —

iMa — i7- c Vv l^VC/^O

<* 0 44x-r(< ,

X^CTf

(b^eQJi

r^.

\ \ Vi' w w " l f \

A ^ V

. ^ {— Vg'vaA^-v'

^ .

-£ i - **

V

.•/

.•#,

T

)fis

Jlpv

h +

Council is of |the opinion at-tfcJW 'Btfrge that the clearing

of this

)

i

lis reserve at this stage, is beyond the manpower resources of,

* f —ir~................-..- r~ ——■"

the Council', hut offers no objection to the Society clearing th<“

V—' I A J '«. V J *.

undergrowth etc or the reserve,, such work be done under the Engi»!ee:j, and any t

supervisi n of the ■ Engines:

lanting scheme, must

be -under the supervision of he Curatpr. •'»' minute lr)th iuly.

f ~A -As '•

r W' -4; I, 1 \

v ti_______

BUSH SETTING MUST BE BETAINEB

— Says Tree Society

COUNCILLORS SEE PLANS

Doncaster and Templestowe Tree Preservation Society has submitted to Doncaster-Templestowe Council a detailed proposal for the conservation and development of the Koonung Creek bush-land reserve in the neighborhood of Boronia Gve., East Doncaster.

The submission was considered by council's parks and gardens committee last night.

The suggestions follow an on-site meeting on February 17 with Crs. White, Peter - Budge and Remington, curator. Max Holmyard and local residents after trees and scrub were

Frontierlond

Another suggested name for the Bushland Reserve between Leeds St. and Blackburn Rd., alongside Koonung Creek where at times both human and bird life has been, endangered by lar-rikan pot shotters: "Frontierland”!

A------------------

i mi

^ & a r,

f

bulldozed by council workmen.

It was agreed then that the society would survey the reserve area and submit to council a plan for its development.

The submission lists 32 varieties of native flora at present growing in the area.

Two stages

The proposal involves two stages:

• Use of machinery for immediate clearing of blackberries in some areas.

• Construction of walking tracks and longer term clean-up by hand.

The Tree Preservation Society told council it believed the area should be retained as far as possible in its native state.

I Its recommendation therefore mainly in-olves only the clearing blackberries from the area and the clearing of tracks through it.

These features, it is maintained, will also serve as an added precaution against fire.

The long-term hand clearing is estimated to extend over two to three years.

Orchids

The society said that before blackberries infested the area, wild orchids were abund-“ ant.

Although not apparent at present, these could come back via dormant seed if clearing and clean-up operations did not disturb the soil.

The survey was carried out by Messrs. A. J. Swaby and Ian Morrison. -----------------------

The society has asked that, should council approve the proposal in principle, a further meeting be arranged in the area with the curator to discuss detailed plans.

Mr. W. H. Algar, the Society's president, said members were prepared to assist in the clearing and maintenance of the area, in re-introducing flora species previously found there and in labelling a selection of its trees and large shrubs.

No name

The area has no official name.

Boronia Park or East Doncaster Common, are two suggestions put forward by residents.

The stages of salvage and restoration of the area, haven of many native birds, for the "passive recreation" of the community is detailed in the society’s submission.

For the first stage, the judicious use of a light 'dozer is recommended to clean up blackberry and other weeds at the eastern end of the reserve (Area C on the plan).

"The trees here are so placed that minimum damage would ensue, but as an additional safeguard, a small area around each should be left for hand clearing,” the society advised.

"The light 'dozer or hand clearing, should also be used to clear an

DONCASTER AND TEMPLESTOWE Tree Preservation Society's preliminary proposal for development of Koonung Creek Reserve.

A. Relatively level area, already cleared of undergrowth by council. Selective natural regeneration to be permitted..

B. Steep area of natural bush. Pockets of blackberry infestation to be sprayed and hand cleared.

C. Gently sloping area with native trees. Bad Blackberry infestation to be removed with 'dozer.

xxxxxx'— Approximate route of proposed walking track.

access way along the back fence line of the

Boronia Gve., houses as a fire control measure.

"Towards the western end, the slope becomes such that ^Machinery could not be used with safety and would damage the environment to the point where it would not recover (Area B).

"This is a particularly important secfcioh',' as it contains the bulk of the indigenous flora.

"The proposed treatment of this steep section involve^ a long-term plan.

Tra

“First, a track $hould be cut, following approximately! the line of original * track

the

r

which is now overgrown with blackberry.

"Spur tracks should be cut at appropriate points from this to give access to both the top and creek area.

"These spur tracks" the society submitted, “would provide access for fire control and for the spraying and cleaning up of blackberries in places too difficult to work a dozer.

"It is envisaged that this spraying and cleaning up would take place over a three-year period.

"Limited machine access is possible at the western end of Area B. but hand treatment could extend to this, too.” Much of area A has already been machine-cleared and re-growth has started.

The report suggests that this be watched carefully so that only indigenous flora is allowed to remain ami any blackberry growth sprayed before it can get out of hand.

The area extends from Blackburn Rd. in the eas.t to Leeds St. in the west.

Late last year, council voted to spend $2,000 to clean, mow and grade the already cleared westerly section (Area A) to make it "useable", but no work has yet been done. The ground is fritted I with rabbit holes and j parts are swamped with I sullage from home drains. I

£

(3^y, 3;.^ ^

BUSH SETTING MUST BE RETAINED

COUNCILLORS SEE PLANS

Says Tree Society

/ • • ’ » • A

V /

•0*0*14 6 if ova

Doncaster and Templestowe Tree Preservation Society has submitted to Doncaster-Templestowe Council a detailed proposal for the conservation and development of the Koonung Creek bush-land reserve in the neighborhood of Boronia Gve., East Doncaster.

The submission was considered by council's parks and gardens committee last night.

by council

'f *>

The suggestions follow an on-site meeting on February 17 with Crs. White, Peter - Budge and Remington, curator. Max Holmyard and local residents after trees and scrub were

DIARY

dies of Doncaster and District Hospi-few 120-bed R. H.

President, — Mrs. Barbara Nixon; vice presidents. — Mes-dimes J. White and 4f. Davidson; secretary, ~ Mrs. J. Vaughan; assistant secretary, Mrs. B. Corns; Treasurer, Mrs. M. Rouch.

★

The new Doncaster Heights Primary Sch^cl, in Wetherby Rd., is expected to open on July 15 or 22.

The Attorney General and local member. Mr. George Reid, visited the school with head teacher Mr. V. Bpenccr and members of the interim Parents’ Committee on July 4.

bulldozed workmen.

It was ag that the society would survey the reserve area ancl submit to council a plan for its development.

The submission lists 32 varieties of native flora at present growing in the area.

Two stages

The proposal involves two stages:

• Use of machinery for immediate clearing of blackberries in some areas.

• Construction of walking tracks and longer term clean-up by hand.

The Tree Preservation Society told council it believed the area should be retained as far as possible in its native state.

Its recommendation therefore mainly involves only the clearing of blackberries from the area and the clearing of tracks through it.

These features, it Is maintained. will also serve as an added precaution against fire.

The long-term hand clearing is estimated to extend over two to three years.

Orchids

The society said that before black her rlea Infested the area, wild orchids were abundant.

Although not apparent at present, these could come back via dormant seed if clearing and cleanup operations did not disturb the soil The survey was carried out by Messrs. A. J. Swaby and Ian Morrison.

The society has asked that; should council approve the proposal in orinciple, a further meeting be arranged in the area with the curator to discuss detailed plans.

Mr. W. H. Algar, the Society's president, said members were prepared to assist in the clearing and maintenance of the area, in re-introducing flora species previously found there and in labelling a selection of its trees and large shrubs.

No name

The area has no official name.

Boronia Park or Bast Doncaster Common, are two suggestions put forward by residents.

The stages of salvage and restoration of the area, haven of many native birds, for the “passive recreation" of the community is detailed in the society’s submission.

For the first stage, the ludiefous use of n light dozer is recommended I to clean up blackberry and other weeds at the eastern end of the reserve (Area C on the plan).

“The trees" here arc so placed that minimum damage would ensue, but as an additional Nurcgiuml, u small area around each should he left for hand clearing," the society advised.

“The light ’dozer or hand clearing, should also be used to clear an

DONCASTER AND TEMPLESTOWE Tree Preservation Society's preliminary propoial for development of Koonung Creek Reserve.* «

A. Relatively level area, already cleared of undergrowth by council. Selective natural regeneration to be permitted.

B. Steep area of natural bush. Pockets of blackberry infestation to be sprayed and hand cleared.

C. Gently sloping area with native trees. Bad Blackberry infestation to be removed with 'doier.

****** — Approximate route of proposed walking track.

the

access way along back fence line of the Boronia Gve., houses as a fire control measure.

'Towards the western end, the slope becomes such that machinery could not be used with safety and would damage the environment to the point where it would not recover (Area B).

“This is a particularly important section, as it contains the bulk of the indigenous flora.

“The proposed treat ment of this steep section involves a long-term plan.

Tracks

“First, a track should be cut, following approximately the line of the original track

Iv s si %2. ?u *- Ol

- Z •

t-^ c>

which is now overgrown with blackberry. “Spur tracks should be cut at appropriate points from this to give access to both the top and creek area.

'These spur tracks" the society submitted, ‘would provide access for fire control and for the spraying and cleaning up ot^Sckberries in places tor^-difficult to work a dozer.

“It is envisaged that this spraying and cleaning up would take place over a three-year period “Limited machine ac cess is possible at the western end of Area B but hand treatment could extend to this, too.”

Much of area A has al ready been machine-cleared and re-growth] has started.

The report suggests that this he watched caivfullv so that only indigenous flora is allowed to remain and any blackberry growth sprayed before it can get out of liuml.

The area extends from , Blackburn Rd. in the east to Leeds St. in the west.

Late last year, council I voted to spend $2,000 to clean, mow and grade , trie already cleared westerly section (Area A) to make it "useable", but no work has yet been done. The ground is pitted with rabbit holes and parts are swamped with sifilage from homo drains.

4}

-

instant graciousness

The area proposed for Doncaster’s newest park, see story Page .3, consists of undulating open grassland running down to thick bush along the Koonung Creek.

Leeds Street becomes a dead end at its western, open end near Thea Grove, where Cootamundra wattles grew wild only six years ago, but there

are few left now.

THIS JOB “BEYOND OUR RESOURCES”.

1/

Doncaster and Templestowe Council has told the Tree Preservation Society that clearing of the Koonung Creek Reserve/ East Doncaster, "at this stage" is beyond the manpower resources of the council.

But the council has no objection to the society clearing the undergrowth on the r e s er v e, providing the work is done under supervision of the engineer.

The society had asked >r council’s co-operation > clearing the area of lackberries (a noxious

double as fire access ways.

It was hoped that council would nmko available light machinery for initial clearing.

The society planned to follow up with working bees of members and residents in long-term hand clearing to safeguard native flora and' fauna and create a

ggdj and the crgatisoJjiatural park for the en , . i n ©*XIv,vment Q[ ttu.ppoole_____________________£

if'

Running into it just eost of Leeds St. ore a series of Council-owned lots which could moke an ideal walk-through from Beverley St. to the Creek.

are

These are alone the site of a former tributory of the creek, now a sewerage ’easement.

Some of the willows bordering this have escaped the bulldozer and should be retained for any park scheme

The title of the land is with the MMBW, but Don-cnsicr-Tomplestowo Council Is purchasing it from them on a 10-year Install' ment plan.

The bushland section backing Boronta Gve. Is famed for its bellblrds and scores of other native birds.

Last year it became the centre of a Town Plan storm whon It was discovered to have boon toned "Rural” instead of “Public Open Space.”

Five-acre lots

1 “Rural” toning would have allowed it to have been cut up into 3 acre lots, or have guest houses, motels and petrol-filling stations built upon It — not such an unlikely en-ventuality as a freeway will one day run beside It on the Blackburn aide of the creek.

Over 90 people packed the East Doncaster Kindergarten to hear the chairman of the Town Planning Committee, Cr. Roy Hnrlo, produce an amended plan and announce the zoning as a mistake.

The open area Is at present unusable. It can only be walked over with the utmost care If one wishes to avoid a broken ankle In the Innumerable rabbit holes. Thick stands Of blackberry spoil much of it A concrete footway from Boronia Gve. to the “park,” recently constructed with its street-making scheme, ends In an open drain.

But Its potential In an area becoming rapidly built up and with the most dense population of any part of the city. Is tremendous.

grading and >uld add “instant graciousness” to Don-| caster, at little cost.

With only mowing, it could

Creek Gardens which will one day make us the Gar den City of the East and we will delight in taking our grand children to these.

But as paddocks turn to houses and the elbow room shrinks, we must do what we can, while we can, and with what we have NOW.

People do tire or their own feur fences ttt b"108 and appreciate nearby simple parklands in which to sit for a short respite and watch the world go by, without the risk of being hit on the head by a ckket or golf ball; without their brief meditation Intr.Tiintcd by the roar of a sporting crowd.

Every one of Doncaster’s large cultivated areas of public open space raters for the sporting public — Schramm's Zerbcs’ East Doncaster (Leeds Street) Oval and Donvale Reserve.

The ratio of sports [rounds to simple park and should be in proportion to the percentage of sports playing and spectator residents. This cannot be 100 per cent.

Yet wo have not one truly useable public park in Doncaster.

It seems we soon ipay. _ Council should hot stop at the area of its Koonung Creek land between Leeds St. and Blackburn Road.

It could add "Instant graciousness” all along its border to Camberwell — a fitting frame lor a city with the most beautful natural topography In Melbourne.

As cars speed by on the snaking future freeway, passengers wil glance Doncas-terwards and marvel (as we do now of some older suburbs) at the forethough of a Council which, though beset with complex problems of sudden expansion, considered the psycholog leal neods Of Its people by creating a gentle green buffer from the pace of the

Council curator Mr. Max Holmyard took care to tee that healthy tree* in the proposed parkland area between Leeds St.

and Blackburn Rd., East Doncaster. were not bulldozed indiscriminately.

The Parks and Gardens Department has promised residents it will "be careful" in clearing the bushland bird haven, although at one stage orders were given to 'doze all but the big gums.

Residents are concerned that bird colonies will leave when their shelter goes.

ABOVE. ----- A dead

tree crashes beside a healthy eucalypt which remains untouched.

LEFT. --- Mr. Holm-

yard points to an area that has been cleared of dead trees and scrub. The healthy sugar gums and stringy barks will give shade to the parkland area.

• Resident! oct fo sore bell birds — Poge 8.

• ■ ———i__ T —

©

PARK FOR PEOPLE?

Doncaster - Templestowe Council hat I', asked its engineering department to design 2 a 10-acre park north of the Koonung Creek between Leeds St. and Blackburn Rd.

I< Two thousand dol- i "We visualise it as a lars will be spent place to fly a kite or

-

(>3

. V'

3T* .*

cleaning up the area to make it useable.

) East Doncaster councillors are believed to jwant the area used A simply as a parkland for the people rather than

walk the dog; we have enough sports grounds,” said Cr. Russell Hardldge.

‘'Grading, mowing and planting a few trees Is probably all that is

that promises instant graciousness

The area proposed for Doncaster’s newest park, see story Page .3, consists of undulating open grassland running down to thick bush along the Koonung Creek.

Leeds Street becomes a dead end at its western, open end near Thea Grove, where Cootamundra wattles grew wild only six years ago, but there

Running into it just

east of Leeds St. are

a series of Council-

owned lots which

could make an ideal

wolk-through from

Beverley St. to the

Creek.

These are alone the site of a former tribulory of the creek, now a sewerage ‘easement.

Some of the willows bordering this have escaped the bulldozer and should be retained for any park scheme.

The title of the land is with the MMBW, but Don-casier-Tomplestowe Council is purchasing It from them on a 10-year installment plan.

The bushland section backing Boronla Gve. Is famed for its bellblrds and scores of other native birds.

Last year it became the centre of a Town Plan storm when It was discovered to have been zoned "Rural" Instead of “Public Open Space."

Five-acre lots

"Rural" toning would have allowed it to have been cut up Into 5 acre lots, or have guest houses, motels and petrol-fUllng stations built upon it — not such an unlikely en-vrntuality as a freeway will one day run beside it on the Blackburn aide of the creek.

Over 90 people packed the Klndergar-

East Doncaster ten to hear the chairman of the Town Planning Committee, Cr. Roy Harle, produce an amended plan and announce the zoning as a mistake.

The open area is at present unusable. It can only be walked over with the utmost care if one wishes to avoid a broken ankle in the Innumerable rabbit holes. Thick stands of black berry spoil much of It.

A concrete footway from Boronia Gve. to the r'park,” recently constructed with its street-making scheme, ends in an open drain.

But its potential In an

----------:----------W..IU

Creek Gardens which will one day make us the Garden City of the East and we will delight in taking our grand children to these.

But as paddocks turn to houses and the elbow room shrinks, we must do what we can, while we can, and with what we have NOW.

People do tire of their own fcur fences at times and appreciate nearby simple parklands In which to sit for a short respite and watch the world go by. without the risk of being hit on the head by a -picket or golf ball; without their brief meditation Intr.-runted by ihe roar of a sporting crowd.

Every one of Doncaster's large cultivated areas of public open space caters for the sporting public — Schramm's Zerbes' East Doncaster (Leeds Street) Oval and Donvale Reserve.

The ratio of sports (rounds to simple park land should be fn proportion to the percentage of sports playing and spectator residents. This cannot be 100 per cent.

Vet wo have not one truly useable public park in Doncaster.

It seems we soon rpay. _

Council should hot stop at the area of its Koonung Creek land between Leeds St. and Blackburn Road.

It could add "instant graclousncss" all along Its border to Camberwell — a fitting frame lor a city with the most beautful natural topography In Melbourne.

As cars speed by on the snaking future freeway, passengers wil glance Doncas-terwards and marvel (as we do now of some older suburbs) at the forethough of a Council which, though beset with complex problems of sudden expansion, considered the psycholog

leal needs of Its people by creating a gentle green buffer from the pace of the world. — JOAN SEPPINGS.

"'I' t } b OlW ^ '*?&<?

THIS JOB “BEYOND OUR RESOURCES”,/

I 1

Doncaster and Templestowe Council has told the Tree Preservation Society that clearing of the Koonung Creek Reserve, East Doncaster, "at this stage" is beyond the manpower resources of the council.

S'O

But the council has no objection to the noddy clearing the

undergrowth on the r e s er v e, providing the work is done under supervision of the

engineer.

Theesociety had asked for council’s co-operation in clearing the area of blackberries (a noxious

double as fire access ways.

It was hoped that council would ninko available light machinery for initial clearing.

The society planned to follow up with working bees of members and residents in long-term hand clearing to safeguard native flora and' fauna and create a

jwvcdJ and the croationjitatural park for the en-.

” ^‘k'vment ©f tll_LRP0Dle___|

The beautiful bush walk along the Koonung Creek, created by Boronia Grove residents and local Boy Scouts.

It was still idyllic in 1990, before the area was bulldozed for the Eastern Freeway.

Pictures © Joan Seppings-Webster

OUT OP CHRONOLIGAL ORDER. IN TOPIC ORDER.

_____TOM. PLAN! _

( DONCASTER-T©PLESTOWE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE )

......1966-67  -____-_______ ______________________

See also 1964 for fcaxia Park's early development, and 1965 letter pre-amble for Koonung Creek parldad ( Boronia Park Comnon ) development.

Prpopsed rezoning of Naxia Park fioom Public Open Space to ______^ " PUBLIC PURPOSES

and proposed re-zoning of Koonung Creek Bushland, including Boronia Park Common, from Public Open Space to Rural.

See also my newspaper articles, East *arra News, reports of public meeting, organised by Krs Patrioia Woolmer and myself.

______________We had 100 persons in the ^ast Doncaster Kindergarten

for a protest meeting on these rezonings, and Or Roy Narle, Chairman of the Town Planning Committee and a general re zoning enthusiast ( rezoning by stealth was his forte ) re-rezoned the areas back to P.O.S. at the meeting. Which was actually illegal, as it should have gone through due process of fornal objection, in writing, to the Town and Country Pinning Authority.

Cr. in sick bed seek& say in Town Plan

'W *. I H

«w;-f

■■-----Xl^0

Cr. Russell Hardidge recommends redrawing ' and re-exhibiting the n City of Doncaster and Templestowe's Town Plan. • *' " ’ '■ f"

"I believe o decision on this important matter will probably be decided during miy ^ absence on leave/' he said yesterday from his bed in Bethesda Hospital.

Recuperating after a use and the associated

serious operation, • he said he wished the public to be informed

of his views.

lie has asked fellow councillors to take these into account when determining the Issue.

Cr. Hardidge said that when council sent a deputation to the Town and Country Planning Board seeking an In-terlm Development Order, it was stated that it had no Intention of Interfering with the MMBW • zoning boundaries, but wished rather to control the development within these boundaries.

Living areas

Specific reference was made to the planning of residential subdivisions to conform with the contours of the land and to beautify the area, to control Industrial and rural zone development, and plan a road pattern, he said.

It was true the ordinance as exhibited did assist In controlling Industrial, rural and commercial land use, the type of advertising signs and the removal of trees.

But the section pertaining to residential

plan as exhibited were a direct negation of council’s stated objects, he claimed.

The plan was negative and with the exceptions noted there were no positive

r;

CR. RUSSELL HARDIDGE

Regarding future development, he said council must decide whether It desired essentially seml-rural, one-acre development, or essentially suburban, quarter-acre development.

Arguments have been put, strongly In many

* cases, for both points of i-ivlew.

/ Large blocks '

Cr. Hardidge said there was undoubtedly some demand for blocks larger than 7,000 square feet, and also no doubt that the rights of people living in established one-acre areas should be maintained.

He therefore sug-4 gested that existing

* one-acre areas which had been developed should be maintained, but that no extensions

■ A should be permitted, ex-A cept In areas bearing

rural, should be residential-medium density, this land should not be released all at once, but In a series of stages — possibly at two to three-year intervals,” he said.

"However, council should have some guide to the future of each area.” ' , . ..

___ • • V - I L ■- -

1 -.ifs

aspects to It—no road

rattern, no provision or local open space, schools, community facilities, commercial or light Industrial centres In the area broadly zoned one acre (at present zoned rural by the MMBW). Cr. Hardidge said the plnn as It existed should not be adopted by council. ISaiijLi;!').

lit l» '•

I '! >i

natural tree and scrub growth, which were not suitable because of their terrain for quarter-acro or half-acre development.

lie also suggested that the minimum area In residential low density (nominal one-acre) should be halfacre.

"If we are prepared to agree that the future development of. . the areas at present coned ■ ' ______________

Gentlemen df tT, 'ounoil *

l y objoofci n relates to Lots 240,241 and ' 42 I axia Hoad, Hast Doncaster,/wftiafi is' In^ui o^ao M5lL8r^pon Spaoo, “but is narked on the Town Plan as Publio Purposes.

Hi thin tho Town Planning Ordinanoo thore is a specific xsodqgsz? land-use oategoiy for areas suoh as this - that is -*' Reserves for Public Open Spaoo " - Clause‘34*

" The several pieoes of land coloured dark groon on tho maps are reserved for publio reoreation reserves, parks and gardens / or any other purpose for the enjoyment of the publio, subject to ant bylaws or regulations that the controlling authority may make/ for the proper oare and proteotion os suoh reserves* "

Yet here in I axia'Koad we have a piece of land already developed and used as a pl ayground , and partially developed as a park -whioh is NOT coloured dark green*

It is coloured YSLLOF, and marked " J. ",

" Reserves for Public Purposes " , Clause 33,

states — n Tho sevoral pieoes of land coloured yellow and lottored A to L inclusive .are reserved for publio purposes as described in cybolause 2 of this clause.

Those lottored A to I have definite designations — people know their future — hospital, cemetiy, polioestation, eto. *

" J " can mean almost anything* It is, vaguely,

" Iainioipal and Public Purposes ",

Nowhere is this use further defined and nowhere Scaas- park, or playgrounds^ mantioned as being within its meaning*

Indeed, this oould not bo expected, as there is a category and colour specifically for ^aaduE them int the ^planning of land uses within the municipality — Publio Open Space - for reoreation reserves ^ parks and gardens.

Yet I nxia Road Park has not been so zoned,

Kg for the needs of the people - this is the only USEABLE {^roopy area, with trees arid park benches and playground equipment in tho moot densely populatod area of the City, tho aroa with tho greatest CHILD POPULATION - as proved by the nearby school of over !,• 0 children - the area known as Beverley hills.

Tho park and playground has proved itself by

its popularity and use.

COUNCIL has AGREED with its neooosity by-

providing the swings, slide, seats and trees.

It has BEAT' TRH3D that the uso of this land is

necessary as a playground-park for nearby families, by its recent

dooiaion against tho reouest of the Beverley hills State School for its

.

use* By agreeing to a .petition from nearby families that tho park was needed by mothers and their youngsters.

Yot it has 0ONTRADICTED all this by its zoning.

This piece of land has been SET ASIDE in the minds of

Cortncil -and its employees for development and usea as a park for at least

five years.

Five years ago, when residents built conorote ACCESS STEPS up a steep >anlc between tho park and the adjacent school ground

we were requested to keep the steps

. with Council permission , at least EIGHT FEET from the western boundary of t’.e land, as an

eightfoot GARDEN BSD was planned there.

It seems a complete reversal of planning principles to develop land for a specific purpose and zone it for eke uiBTKhriigCTCTnrarontay3MMH3c£m a contrary use.

I cannot help fooling that if tho use of this land ir left open for some other future Municipal or Public Purpose, the offioial attitude oould well bo - " Why spend money on beautifying this area,

on {jirden plan tings and proper lawns — some day it oould have a kindergarten or scout hall on it. *'

It oould havo a drill hall for the Beverley Hills KHitia. ••«•••••• If Fr ! eagher's monorail cores along the Koonung,

it, oould become a car parkl

Rwfc onoe a piece of land has bogun to fulfil a npooifio role in the life of its community* merely planning should give tho pooplo SECURITY of environment#

Puoh thought has "boor put into planning huge aroao of Public Opon Spaoe/f°&>5b$h£c^£3ge suns of money will bo spont and on which huge arounts of time will bo spent in objections#

I fear little time and thou^it has boon put into the preservation of small areas of parkland for tho IFFEDIATE uso of families.

I am all in favour of largo parklands - but most

'

people will need the use of a car to reach and enjoy then. Their uso will entail an ” EXPEDITION •'# They will he mainly a week-end pleasure#

They fulfil a different purpose and IX) NOT NEGATE the ne :d for small breathing spaces.

These small areas of Public Open Space, within PHAN HJSFUTG distance of homos, are infinitely more important to tho everyday life of the faBily and should be SAFEGUARDED AS SNCJH by ZONING T^EF AS SUCH. I

I feel this for all the little playgrounds and parklets in tho City which you have painted yellow, but for I axia Ed. Park in particular.

>Jhen we first came here seven years ago with no oar,

I would walk grarateiarxir^iwid the mile from Springfield Hoad with my

■ >

shopping, pushing a pram, and would,pause for breath at the top of tho Faxia Road rise. I would IMAGINE resting on a seat in tho THEN

vacant Council land beside me#

Even thbuf^i I oan now climb that rice seated and in seoond gear, it still gives a good feeling to see oth; hs resting on the seats I was -iIjLq to poreuado yon to put tT’ore, many as they wait for their children to return home from sohool, arcc* to wait oh the children enjoying tho playground equipment, and to notice the trees growing into useful shade *

I hop© when I am an old granny and too dooropit to drive a car up the; hill# tho seats. and the trees will still be there • C under which to root my arthritic bones /and the playground equipment still there for fTnntiHimu my visiting grand children,

I feel sad that your Plan is denying our little park recognition of its oor.munity role and IJWI3ASY that you apparently think it KXraTDABLE.

It has been said that the needs of an area change/

. that the land nee of Lots 240,241 and 242 I axia Boad may neod to change with , it/ and for this reason it oannofc be FROTBOTED and preserved for what it ‘is by zoning-it Public Open Spaoe*

■ This is as unnecessary ae it is illogical!.

What Oily, anywhere, has had its needs go changed

-• h ■ ,

by * time that it has no use for a playground, a small area of public opens-spaoe, a resUful spot outside ■ t^e home In which to sit and casually meet with others#??

. ^ v OLLSP 5UBTJRBS than ours are still creating

these spaoes, continually reclaiming; land and developing scattered parks and playgrounds.

If needs for oth r I unioipal and fublio Purposes arise in the area - and no doubt they will - there are numerous other yellow patches, J, only a block© fin and a 1 a If away from this, all along the reclaimed tributoiy to tho Koonung Cfceek , between ' Doncaster Hoad and the oreok — whioh are as yet undeveloped and m BESPOKEN.

IP, in time, those all do have buildingB and halls and other municipal and public purposes on them, and our little park is the only suoh remaining email open spaoe, WOULD GOUJHIL WRD THE FLMT1TERS give it to be built upon ? So that DO FLAYOROtilD or Park exists in this area ? So that residents live in a desert of walls rend roofs ?

If they would do so, then the Plan as a Plan for balanced living is a PM?0S#

If they WOULD WOT, then why not ha.vo tho courage

6

C v , • H

■’ ' •' ~ . V

of their-principles find none tho land for what it is and should remain - Publia Open Spaoe, — groon#

I do not want to fool thin Plan in a farce. I want it to bo in depth what it is on the curfaoe - a harmonious blend of neods and wants, of practicality and ideals, of brilliance and commonsonse.

V

It has entailed so much work for you. all and I if oil understand you havo not had the time to devote to its study

as you would liavo liked.

I know it io quit© possible the proper zoning of this littlo park has boon overlooked - that merely a mistake in artwork has o -cured.

1 . I know otho^ mistaken have Oocured. Vhon I

first perused the Plan our littlo park was not only a .DRIED UP YULLOU instead of a vordsnt. green - it had I.U.O. lettered on it -Infant 'Welfare “'ontre. how, as a mother and a trained nurse,

I am all in favour of Infant Welfare Centres - but not on our park when tho^e is so much other land availablepvor,pto

' The Committee mtzcfcfras Beverley TTills Pro-Enhool and Infant Welfare Centro were as upset as I was when they found it zoned to be built hero and KOT ON TTTB LAUD HT DAHALA Street wbichhich they and Council had already agreed.

This was a mistake — hastily erased when attention was drawn to it# I hope my plea for tho re zoning of this land will * I

It seoms perhaps a small thing - but what ift email to a Counoil of men can bo voiy big to a oommunity of women - of families.

I appeal i^o you to zone a spade a spade and a space CpSHED to the public as Publio Open Space - to say - ’ This is a much needed park - a park it shall remain • ”

mvs you s»r»- tt--; i''" ['0K ~->'M ® by ir,®!

svK3XDJi:i?TAl « P M y;;, j v» ;;c: 7

wjtii

i r H, i 1 ?

TO

LB

ivmaa 01

i> ajitf Oir I 4Ji /\ TK ctlorii.: t’>o TO ■ . " to 11 Kl'3'4U.

roc

T* *I7 Y07 * n AT ... (a ' TtUHAL nJ.?.own thr twiX!cY of Xiooxincd

° to In - d rot win, poin ol fill in,: otitionn nnd rrubd iyiaion of land?

(’>) ire a of land bounded l$r the T'oonun • irooJr, i.0odo Street,

rear o: honoer n *R*a and lloronia ‘’rovoe, o**fl laoVburn J-cnf, bain# li> a'Ter, 0 Tooilr. ?0 r-afehne, i- boinf; pur ,1 rwocl fro* the T .f.3.K. by tba Shir® ;oun,oiI ?

(},' T.ota a;id ?4* > nxin nd», and T.obo 144 a: d 145 Bovorlogr St*,

uccc1 an pl^ygjround e , bauld 'bo bn&4t0o^?i-Tblj/ aai*oj poned " jpnblio puopocac U) o provision in nAc r0r F'BUO OXFTT "f' IS St oval,to

' ox-bo'i- renervs^ubd- 7 arwnla oval' ?

(c) ■ "biection fonsa osco bbtoliatlod at the "ri '»• *-f. iono*

(f) X'.li I'LWSR fcr J. S'KCY :H till DISPLAY IVslUIf & AlSV© OTSS'KOKS

at a P’ HLl *-:• ..jJii.ro on K.T' f.TAY, : '• !. Plot at ft P.X. at the

bV.V? T'C’T’A.f.? H FRlt-SnBDfL CL T-'o-,, iHLRCKILL tLVRKLT.

\IRJ-All - *'!r. iarcaell Harf.id;;o* Other 'onn nil lore rill attend. .

I'o further irf err a-,ion................ .pb«u®..lro J|*3, Sopping® OAZ.~Vjyj

Ire K.l. Uoolrer a4P—1621.

*

HAVE YOU SEEN THE SHIRE TOWN PLAN?

ARE YOU CONCERNED BY THESE FEATURES?:

* RESIDENTIAL "D" ZONING NORTH OF DONCASTER ROAD

* RE-ZONING OF BUSHLAND and OPEN SPACE along the KOONUNG CREEK from "PUBLIC OPEN SPACE" to "RURAL".

DID YOU KNOW THAT..

(a) RURAL allows the building of licensed hotels and motels, petrol filling stations and subdivisions of land?

(b) That area of land bounded by the Koonung Creek, Leeds Street, rear of houses in Thea and Boronia Groves, and Blackburn Road, being 16 acres,

0 roods 20 perches, is being purchased from the M.M.B.W. by the Shire Council?

(c) Lots 240, 2t1 and 2^2 Maxia Road, and Lots 1t4 and 1^5 Beverley Street, used as playgrounds could be built on? They are zoned "Public Purposes".

(d) No provision is made for PUBLIC OPEN SPACE between Leeds Street oval, Zerbe’s Reserve, and Donvale oval?

(e) Objection forms can be obtained at the Shire Offices.

Ki) T0-.V11 PLANNER MR. J. STROVSR will DISPLAY THE PLAN and ANS /SR QUESTIONS

at a PUBLIC MEETING on WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST at 8 P.M. at the EAST

DONCASTER PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE, CHURCHILL STREET

CHAIRMAN - Cr. Russell Hardidge. Other Councillors will attend.

for FURTHER INFORMATION phone Mrs. E.S. Seppings 842-1739

Mrs. K.D. Woolmer 842-1621

(

wu'fjn. Jtuu

Council?

ifm .ttn»trt vm*

ARE YOU CONCERNED BY THESE FEATURES^:

* RESIDENTIAL "D" ZONING NORTH OF DONCASTER ROAD

* RE-ZONING OF BUSHLAND and OPEN SPACE along the KOONUNG CREEK frort "PUBLIC OPEN SPACE" to "RURAL".

DID YOU KNOW THAT- ..

(a) RURAL allows the building of licensed hotels and motels, petrol filling stations and subdivisions of land?

, i * t

(b) That area of land bounded by the Koonung Creek, Leeds Street, rear of houses in Thea and Boronia Grcves, and Blackburn Road, being 16 acres,

0 roods 20 perches, is being jurchased from the M.M.B.W. by the Shire

t

.................      , . r , ■ « . -k } I--TV

. ' " ' ' , ...ji v*r+!| < / )

(c) Lots 2*t0, 2*f1 and 2*f2 Maxia Road, and Lota l4*f and 1^5 Beverley Street, used as playgrounds could be built on? They are-aoned "Public Purposes"

(d) No provision is made for PUBLIC OPEN SPACE between Leeds Street oval,

Zerbe's Reserve, and Donvale oval? \r V

(e) Objection forms can be obtained at the Shire Offices.

(f) TOWN PLANNER MR. J. STROVER will DISPLAY THE PLAN and ANSWER QUESTIONS at a PUBLIC MEETING on WEDNESI AY SEPTEMBER 21 ST at 8 P.M. at the EAST

DONCASTER PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE, CHURCHILL STREET.

CHAIRMAN- Cr. Russell Hardidge.

for FURTHER INFORMATION

phone Mrs Mrs J

Other Councillors will attend.

E.S. Seppings 8^2-1739 K.D. IVoolmer 8^2-1621

17 Bbronia tovo, pact Ponoanter, G4<-4739

' mm t SF <ty :* 1 -\iW f VsJj Ay- - v ‘ A: \\c pt omber 1st,

“* W ' jF' V .'^Bk m 1 %'

|Cr. M,A, imie. •.fcSpf J ’* \ i

Chairman,

Town A'iimning Jor.r it bos ,

lihiro of Don Oft.: torufe ’oupleatowe,

a or favour C*r. P. Hard id go.

Tear Fr Mario,

K*'’JHflTir*" ’• Jk, .. '4 .

A. Public Foot in, Ins been arranged on behalf of rcGidsnts of Bast Done?- tor, for Wednesday, September £’lot, at the lia81 Doncastor Pre-Cohoo! Centro, Ohurohill Street, Or. Ruanoll Hardidgo will proBide.

Purpose io discussion of the Town Plan, which Hr StTover has consented to display and explain,

tfo would, be ploaood if yon would bo free to attend in your capacity atift Chairman of the Town Ilannin^

/0o!*r ittee, « ' \ ■'

■ ^§vf S' 4 »'■'•'• •*- f* | ; ? | j 4;;

It is urnortuuate X am unable t6 contact you in person abdufcjpthiB, but I will be amy for six daya from boptombor 3rd and understaiid you have boon amy for the latter h?If' of- fhir weak* Sr. Hard'idgo lias graciously of J. ored to pans on Wig roquett and I pould be grateful if a reply could be returned through him, or through I re K, tfoolmor, 842-1621. Otherwise I may be contacted af ter September 10 tli,

All Ea3t Riding councillors have boon invited and also Or, Leo Cameron whoee knowledge of the area, wc feel, will bo of assistance to disouBcion*

Representatives of various local or^nisit ms, iiioluding tho Tree Prcconr tion Society, Tunetall Square Traderr?,

:’act tonoaster Prsgross Association and parent bodies 1 ave been invited and indicated they will attend.

Yours sincerely.

_ (C W*

( Joan K, Soppings ) Frc.

PHONEs 648 1611

re of Bortcaster mb ®empkatoto

Address all Correspondence lo Ihe Shire Secretary

IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE

OUR REF NO.

iHuttiripal (Offices Doncaster,

14th February, 1967

A/117/8

JHS/RB

Fir. & Mrs. E.S. Seppings, 17 Boronia Grove, DONCASTER EAST.

Dear Mr, & Firs. Seppings,

Objections to Council’s Planning Scheme

I refer to your objection to Council’s Planning Scheme as placed on .'exhibition between July and October, 1966, in the course of which you indicated that you wished to be heard by Council in amplification of your written objection.

You are invited to attend Council Offices at the above address at 3.00 p.m. on Wednesday 1st March 1967 and may make your1 verbal submission personally or through your solicitor or agent,

\ \ 1- It 'I

Hearings have been arranged at quarter-hour intervals and you are therefore asked to make your submissions as brief as possible consistent with making a fair and proper statement of your case.

i f i|

Yours faithfully,

J.W, Thomson, Shire Secretary

PHONEi Ml 1111

City of Doncaster and Templestowe

Address all Correspondence to the Town Clerk IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE OUR REF. NO.

JHS/MB

A117/8

Mr. & Mrs, E.S. Seppings, 17 Boronia Grove, DONCASTER EAST. Vic.

If

Municipal Offices DONCASTER

2 8 JUL 1967

Dear Sir and Madam,

OBJECTIONS TO COUNCIL PLANNING SCHEME

OBJECTION NO. 2A1 -------------------—

OBJECTION TO RESERVATION OF LAND FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES LOTS 210. 211. & 212 MAXIA ROAD

I refer to the above objection to Council's Planning Scheme as placed on exhibition between July and October, 1966 and have to advise you that Council at its meeting on 10th July, 1967 resolved that the objection be disallowed.

MMBW

Areas are designated by The Mirror for the convenience of readers.

i

AREA A

OCTOBER, 1966

East side ol Bulleen Rd. from Brickworks to within three blocks south of Elizabeth St.: west side Elizabeth St. to England St.; south side England St- through to Glen Iris Brickworks area: west side Dumossa Av(j. to Maringa Av„ two blocks Along Maringa Av., then through to Carrathool St.; west side Car-lathool St. to Mannlngham Rd.; South side Manningham Rd.; eight blocks east of Carrathool St., then along line of Brickworks to Bulleen Rd.

AREA F

JUNE. 1907

Williamsons Rd. Doncaster Rd. corner, north to Law ford St. through to Eastern Golf Links: along boundary to Doncaster Rd., back to Williamsons Rd. comer.

AREA G (Available)

Boyd St. to Neel St., south to Koonung Creek; east side Esta Crt. to Katrina St.; south side Katrina St., up Elgar Rd. three

blocks.

•At* ‘

*b'."

AREA B

JANUARY, 1967

:!fcalwyn Rd.. from corner Bal-wyn Rd. and Nirvana Cres. to Jtobinson Grove; east six blocks then through to Thompsons Rd.; north side Thompsons Rd. to Manningham Rd.; north side of Manningham Rd. to four blocks east of Lakeview Terrace' east Side Lakeview Ter. to Tasker St.; south side Tasker St.; south side Manningham Rd. to Nirvana pixs~; south side Nirvana Cres. ta Balwyn Rd.

vi ' r .. •

• AREA C

OCTOBER, 1966

Thompsons Road comer. Kenneth St east to Manningham Rd., along Manningham Rd. for five Mocks, past Harold St., through t« Walter St., back to Harold St. West side of Harold St. to Valentine St. West side of Marjorie St. to Koonung Creek. East side Kenneth St. from Thompsons mi. to Koonung Creek.

AREA D

JUNE, 1967

Manningham Rd., Ave blocks West of Madeline St. to Soder-hmd Drive; 12 blocks south in

rlerlund Drive through to High ; west side High St. to north Vide Village Ave; north side Tudor Rd. through to Menarra Ave, back to a line running north at Ibe rear of Rolund and Madeline Sts. to Manningham Rd.

AREA E (Available)

Koonung Creek, west side of Xtogsworth St.; south side Ayr 8t; around Doncaster Park School; south side Doncaster Bd. to Harcourt St.; west side Harcourt St.; both skies Flnlay-Bon St. and Ruda Sts. to the creek.

Doncaster Rd. from corner of Mitchell St. to 12 blocks east of Leeds St. through to 10 blocks east of Leeds St. In Franklin St. north side, seven blocks; south side through to four blocks east of Leeds St. in Beverley St. north side R.C. School south side: north side Ross St. to Morinda Cres., west side through to Tristania St. to Leeds St.; West side Leeds St. to nine blocks south of Renshaw St. to Meryl St., 12 blocks, Gedye St. 12 blocks south of Renshaw St.; Mitchell St. east side to Ross St.; Ross St. south side to Elizabeth St.; Elizabeth St. east side to Karen Crt.; Karen Crt. north side to rear of Calvin Cres. to N.E. corner of reserve, then in a line touching Vicki Crt. to Koonung Creek.

AREA I

OCTOBER, 1966 Comer Cassoway and Leeds Sts., along south side Cassoway St. to Rosella St; north side Rosella St. for Ave blocks from shops in a line through Maxla, Thea and Boronla Groves to the Creek; along Koonung Creek to Leeds St.: east side Leeds St. to Cassoway St.

AREA K

AREA J

MARCH, 1967

Cassoway St. north side trom Leeds St. to four blocks from Blackburn Rd.; a line across Avocet. Turnstone Sts, excluding Blackburn Rd.; west side Black-bum Rd. from Roger St. to Beverley St.; north side Beverley St. to Rupert St.; west side, line through to six blocks east of Rupert St. on Doncaster Rd. west and south side Pineway to Blackburn Rd.; south side Montgomery St. to within three blocks Churchill St., through to Doncaster Rd.; south side Doncaster

Rd. to seven blocks east of Devgt__ __

on Drive, then through boundary two blocks Margaret St.; line of Area H to east side of Leeds | through to St. Clems Rd., Bow-St. back to Cassoway St. ' f ens Rd. to Koonung Creek.

JANUARY, 1967

East side Pine Way following boundary of area J to Beverley St. - Blackburn Rd. then east side of Blackburn Rd. to Green-dale Rd.; Ave blocks north side Greendale Rd. then line up to west side Lionel St.; north side Maggs St. to within two blocks Am dura St., then west side Am-dura St. to north side Beverley St.; west side Tunstall Rd. to south side Doncaster Rd. to four blocks east of Artunga St. through to Arawatha St,, then west side Artunga St. for seven blocks through to Pine Way.

AREA L

MARCH, 1967

West side a unsiall Rd. from comer Beverley St. to Hamal St.; south side Hamal St.; both sides Craileen St., Gllkn St., through to seven blocks east of Tunstall Rd. in Sonia St., Lynne St., Ave blocks east of Tunstall Road on north side to Tunstall Rd.; west side to Creek, excluding about eight blocks around Paula Cres. junction. Amdura Rd. to Maggs St., seven blocks west of Amdura Rd. in Maggs St. through to Richard St., north side; both sides Ellin, north side Russell to two blocks west of Ellin; line along vacant land to east side of Thomas St.; south side of Glenview Rd. to within

(from Front Page)

• Density Development:

The MMBW requires a 50 per cent, development in any sewerage area before it will consider that area for allocation of funds.

• Survey: This work it being done in East Doncaster. Where accuracy is required under two inches, ground survey must be conducted. Some areas have been completed. In other! the work is proceeding.

• Design: This has been completed in some areas and is proceeding in others. At this time any extra easements are negotiated and boring to determine ground hardness is performed.

• Re-check: If design

shows any inaccuracy, a further physical inspection is necessary to determine true location.

fcoOho*

• Construction: This usually begins within three months of acceptance of tender.

• Inspection and Testing: This is progressive and occurs as each section is being constructed.

• Connection: All houses will be required to convert to the system within a period specified by the Board.

• Further Areas will be determined as development reaches 50 per cent, density.

The Ruffey‘s Creek basin, east of Church Road, will probably be serviced by a tunnel under Doncaster Rd.

Most areas are expected to be sewered in the next four to five years.

Billed

drains don’t want

Twenty East Doncaster ratepayers have received notices charging them for a Council-constructed easement drainage scheme which they claim is unnecessary and unwanted.

They say all the affected lot owners will object to the scheme in the hope that it will be, dropped.

The scheme, known as the Thea Gve.-Boronia five. West Easement Drain Construction Scheme, has been prepared by the City Engineer’s Department to take storm water from premises in Thea Gve. through drains laid at the back of houses in Boronia Gve.

But residents say they laid their own drains long ago in a self-help scheme and they have no storm water problems.

“Surely there are plenty of urgently-needed drainage works to complete without digging up our gardens for no benefit and then charging us for it,” one resident said.

Estimated cost a lot is $77.66. .

Two years ago, Mr John Knoll, of Boronia Gve., complained to council about murky water running down the hill from other houses on to his land.

It is on the basis of i this complaint that|| council officers say the scheme was prepared.

Bdt Mr Knoll Ls now high and dry and has no problem. “They told me then that they could do nothing shout It, so I put in some drainage pipes across the back of my yard,” Mr Knoll said.

“This, together wit drains laid by other residents, and tho coming of sewerage, has completely solved the problem."

KKlOlilU.

UMUTIBIVH or .'tilt HI DUO

imo uut k :/urr» t> tmr bohqaBi'rk

ism

#

Jr. s

' fc $

Tho Editor*

Tho 'Ract Hows,

216 Lover Fcidolbor- Fd«, g*l B IV‘Vl,TOK

'f.i 17 Boronia prove, i v A

r# ^ §.fk. - f A Si ,> Vl ■. ? . Sishstr honcaotcfr. k! ■„ % \

• Ms.* ? lf>,B#66 \ J ■

Soar Sir,

Beforo tho fission of Lonoautsr Riding ia oomploto "ii *m *

and its East and West entities emerge, I Tronic? like to pay

tribute to tho tTro M carry-over H (lounoillorc.

Crs* Las Cameron and iftucceli hard id £» have

at all times boon ready to discuss a ratepayer’s problem

uflt- "% •»,- ",-Jr Bl*- gfedfe • It-'3V ?T

individual or in general.

II

In particular, various matters of public amonity and safety put before then havo been received vrith genuine concern and followed with support in the Council ohambers,

I 5 t §

Fo matter vhat the merits of other candid* tee, I

it would be disastrous for odAjper riding to outer a new era of

municipal government without a residue of^experience in its

ehoeon repreeohtativoa.

Yours faithfully.

■y - ;«r;C & ^ .fl

® * r- f;/ ^ JL 'jpW * - # jjf

d Vf

( i d gar Sv Sjappin p )m

%&

\ \ ih- i&; #1

' 11 i s /s spv

TO Tii^ *DlTQ,i

The Editor*

Dear Sir*

Mr Basil Bins states that the Council should work as a team* Who would be the teamster ? Who crack the whip ? A team works with but one mind* Where there are independent minds there will necessarily be differences of opinion at times*

> Mr Elms has indeed produced a strange policy with

r

which to oppose Cr* Russell Hardldge* whose footprint is already firmly Implanted on each plank of his opponent's platform*

Cr* Hardldge has proved his sincerity by his act!ona* Taking plank for plank i

# " EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION FOR D0NCA3T2R *• and * A

COUNCILLOR FOR WEST DONCASTER »* • Cr. Hardldge vigorously supported the recent motion of Cr Watson for eoual subdivision of the Doncaster and Templestowe ridings ( giving 5 ridings within the Shire* 3 Councillors for each ) which could have made these Ideals a reality*

# • NEW RESIDENTS• REPRESENTATIVE " - Cr Hardldge has most

effectively been this* Living himself in a new area* with a young wife end family* he has been ever ready to sacrifice his time and talents to help a ratepayer with a problem* Mr Elms is certainly a new boy* One wonders how well he can know the Shire in such a short residency?

# » FACILITIES FOR CHILaiEN « - Cr* Hardldge was instrumental

in bringing about the reinstatement of yearly Council grants to

Kindergartens* r# well* he an! Mrs Haraidge worked hard to help establish the Tunstall Square Pre School Centre* it * parks /*nd gardens * • Cr. H*rdidge's eupport of

requests to Council for playground equipment in parka hoe expedited their erection* Maxi a Road Fork la a recent instance* a " HEALTH SERVICES * - Cr* xiardidge and hla wife are both

Chemists* therefore vitally concerned with all health aspects*

# * ENGORGEMENT Of YOUTH OR&mSATXONS * - Cr* Hardidge'a approaching Youth Council meeting is a culmination of his longstanding interest in youth matters,

tv

* % " HOAD SAFETY * - Cr* Hardidge'e alertness to this problem

greatly assisted toward's Council's agreement to erect 11 Children Crossing * signs near the Beverley hills bdbool and shopping centre*

# rt ROAD CONSTRUCTION « - Cr. Hardide wants roads and footpaths as much as we all do. Actual working priorities are often dependent on residents' objections retarding plans.

Add to the above points, for good measure :

# BOSES - Cr* Hardidge has given us every assistance in our efforts to have bus services improved*

I # BUSH FIRES - Cr* Hardidge's vital role in connection with

the Civil Disaster Organisation gave immeasurable benefit to the

Shire during the bushfire emergency* The thoroughness with which

he applied himself to this problem is typical of his approach to

the duties of a Councillor as one of service to the community*

To lose Cr* Hardidge's integrity* foresight and proven

ability for an unknown factor who offers nothing new, would be a

disaster for the residents of Doncaster - ola and new*

JOhN AND EDGAR EEPPINGD*

17 Bororda Grove,

East Doncaster.

1967 - KOONARRA

In 1967, the year the municipality of Doncaster and Templcstowc was declared a city, it very nearly had its name changed to Koonarra: a name to immortalise the ancestral borders of the Koonung Koonung Creek and Yarra River.

■ j

: i

WE

“Don't "Call Us Koonarra”

S3?

DON’T UK KOONARRl

-Don. group runs ownp

Doncaster East Riding Comm

ity Development Association wilf C

duct its own referendum in an efi

to persuade the Minister for L<

- Government, Mr, Hamer, to cha

i his mind on the name "Koonar

for the City.

The referendum will be condu through newspaper advertising and I shopkeepers, : 1

This was decided ot would wmwii

. . . . . 1 r\er Cm . k* .

the Assoc lotions first general meeting on November 8,

WHY DONCASTER WANTS THE NAME CHANGED

Soma Doncjjter resident* hive been teething with indignation unci the announcement Hut Ike Shine will be celled the City of Koonerre.

In Em*-iAi, L,

r>nr<alter r“ -H"'on »'«• «w»w

L1U.W ., rt< imH^d t‘. «nih Ou •* • «/• Hf

rfutch rvs, or »|«h r-ew«nr*WTrj mU'*f *sn<d

Jinc Qvd-. c ms k It red cm a*4> p

olitctirg i pemio

3 The *.,1™..

« t«l

irjer^Ji

will

Wffll

taking The Mirhtir -Yu,

lc4<*- iwiwvi on 1 bu/r n/*ie:f<4 eai?# «,iOWy tr- unit irtrmr unNi a wWch a Tidam** Tr^rfcMUerr.

.J * * r5 , hn-rx »»J Y.arrrtdii*. n* w*l,

I ‘ *Miwt i

Jam hfd brwire hwln

stif tu4 two Vw*; w!4 Otr/ wraid

tnu mi;ir b> u/ pay a;

4rfr<u<y rlw*Wrr Dad dun

d?? ru

old t* Mr, Mm.vi ifwi: i At vrc.-h# 'R'j.vr*; nit car-sra out

•»r»A& I bo nu:l. coUi

V»V» ftp dEci-t nth 'rue

VUltfl.

)K» ;w o/

tw»r qw+tzrx* it.

i fkndrdn »l #4 4nv

*AI cJwvaapUiu* Tt )U ftxrtt KsAK.*n*i<ig<LV

'-Ik v-upr

Uw> Kjuuktn Tfc%* Mali

ustAJueiaf i •urt*i an \tmjt •

iMTTHKU** *M*» *

»«wn to our im

!nry trr^ ftiovn

H* wo fie tuc AitH 'j tsrd CMM phWf l.\ Urirl

■tartar oonoWrii »b*n i> matt*? mi dy-M t*i4< in OjuaH eum ufcr- '

£<4444 vvi til*

id fkr rr*eid«r»c ""’i?

Itw IK 134 lnt*«»,«r

WTUTVlS- Mvil. ■***&'.

Significance

CVo.isunetaar* «W '    —r

««4< »iy«U-Mer •£ ha |.e«aj V- » prWwtf*- l.Jf‘ M/»* lluetrain, i*r, r^* Wv-rd

',r^ Bom herded

1 **trr»n

tud

U/«ulr fa* iKU

xt.ct K-er .w'

si

Kiwoun.

^ i\2 Dujtdmar . ?r ri ^

■V lM V^r. Duncenir

-I v Uv5?vr''

rc Uvor/’Ts «ai uibim. I>:ra««i»r rw r*rr /»tK wj

'."."II ffll ib, men. - --

tit sZntitoncr' Tv'ir^f i ■*.»!>, ftM-ie-io r,*a» '*>' OMR ary

CittlllO tr*r.i

IlAlcpaycrs »rt* anked io indicate their preference for “The C3ty of Doncaster and TcmpleStovrc’* or “The City of Koon-arr»*' on sjeocial coupons (see advertisement on pa<e i) and either post to x central address or drop In receiving bore*

In shopping centres. PotUiang to both ih*

}- Minister and the Shire Council, roqii?strng that dhe name be “The City oi in Donciister and TcmpJc-stowe“ will be collected.

The association hopes to have copies of the pcUttons in every shop In the fhire. Its-members also will visit as many, homes a9 possible. Kears that the name Don

I fmaiidp i ka rtiWiah ift

lost Sit favor pf Ko wore expressed a mee’dnK-

“Thc confusion gri by a Koonarra f Hail in Doncaster make us lose our ni and Identity,” Mr. Hobbs said.

. - V . -r » w -w,

I- M- f.TM pm o J r

rvrr TS, VV ,«»W W. bklvOt <i *• ruo <m fclji

\r*V^Kt

^SKS

Supporting him. Clive Potty said this happened with the st of Tims tall when the ot Jfunawadingr was claimed.

The situation a j all Doncaster eoyn<! supported the ndep in their wishos, but pow«rlp.?s to help t was dORCTtbed bv -man Mr. Dave Deu as “most unfortunate.

Mr. Ivan Pcter-1 envisaged a City of cseter in iw toi years, no matter who

n^w.-w»a.wi4i‘,'.l cL.v-1*..:-

\rticles © Joan Scppings for East Yam News

367 SAY “NO” KOONARRA VOTE

Petition in Council

Feeling against the name “Koonarra” for the new city to i>«. proclaimed on February 23 ia not confined to Doncaster, it acorns. IflMHBflH

Tho Dpncasfcr East Riding Community Development Association claims it has the support ot residents in both Templestowe and Warrandyte in moves to retain the name of Doncaster and Tomplestowe.

In o

rclciamlum eoii4ut»*S by tk« Avtocimion 2(7

rcconl poMol ion<-*Tr ot

lt«n *t\0 lix trua< ««-

U>» |Uo,i cv^lAbuM ih» i

, CWwwat <*}

VI«ou tn ts*i\ •ai fcwwj St. »tu ?x M¥> TVCLfW.

»sv»*.

rolidvnti v o I * d "agoixtt" anil only 3t “lor1' Koonarra,

nuxlrtt.

I ot l'Ui» reaaoWt wquiCt-ilna Hint lh» n»<u« a/ Oan-1 cAskar uia tonmltuw*. u* retalDMl.

nt ite P»UU(V>

4

maooiiK s-niiuj* lu u*t<

asfir^>"2ra

>mt wunuvUvv. u w*u .

t> rxv,»>c«r ;

Two r innr*C tixl tluriy- j

fi*» uKUntuix n» limn’ io ftai-n ixs-r. o*UL£M_ it IV'.uuioKTrv, C in iSl-Inca law IS In W«mn-ill i*. ,

* vl> item rrn«W«!t

Mr. U*»V UVTJTD..K* Mia 0«, i.TlUtr r»|ir«»pice loom Unto I* jvir otai. of Uie UiS»*> misosyus.

Experiment

An ItkrnUilf rAyrU nwm tti ittiini OUT St

u 1 ratrltMoou ro>Maai

wUi 11 uul t HWtqbrr ttl 40 V McitlM arrtntft.

Un corjluctcl 4 <kt4li*l -UOtJ 01 ojiiilon lu Out* Tuaptutkiut mtocu. unit .ooa jijiutma Irvtt nmo iKtAipittl o<vnT) >h wiuai tor o. t>r*l;wu «x4.oo. Kocnonu. tu«l (or Uia turmioti of ixv«<i««r ooo Tcu»dle»Wff».

Ot lOr prop'e l.-.’w-tw«i. -i, <ur IMS' truonv: -uooeiJlar -mO

XUWtiMlottS.' MX* U«iw<«

Ui*:p»Jikin.' '

1\>e rmkUw's t* ta-rkit'ttl I two wiw “<UWiT,

<tuV' 4* wi-U 4K moaaxor

K*a’"TA . -T- ____

KOONARRA

(Excerpted from Joan Webster OAM’s book Fruits of Their Labours)

Doncaster and Templestowe have been municipally much married and divorced.

From the area’s baptism as part of Unwin’s eight square-mile Special Survey of 1841 as the Parish of Bulleen, to its coming of age as the City of Doncaster and Templestowe, its farming flats and orcharding heights lived together in a love-hate relationship. Squabbles over how to spend the housekeeping budget, whether to live municipally semi-detached or entirely apart, make its pre-Manningham exploits seem like the foibles of a disfunctional family.

Leaving home and reuniting, partitioning and opening up the municipal home was an inveterate habit.

It started in December, 1856 when the Parish of Bulleen and a piece of Deep Creek tied the marital knot and took the conjugal name of the Templestowe District Roads Board. And local government began.

The first communal debates developed into arguments over whether to spend the meagre housekeeping money on improving the road to the district’s front door or (depending where you lived), the back door: on the route from Heidelberg to Templestowe or the route from Kew to Doncaster.

An 1863 an Act of Parliament allowed the creation of shires, and by 1875 the Templestowe Roads Board was deemed ready for a rise in rank, declared a Shire, renamed for its ancestral Bulleen, and the home divided into two apartments, called Ridings. Templestowe lived in one; Doncaster in the other. From then until 1926 the recurring partitioning was like a house re-modeller’s dream.

In its first year, the Shire of Bulleen had a fling with the Shire of Nunawading/Box Hill, calling their menage a trois the United Shire of Nunawading. It didn’t last. They split up after only three months.

In 1892, the fifteen years-old Doncaster Riding was granted independence and the right to use its own name: the Shire of Doncaster, and built its own red brick home in Council Street (See Centre of a Busy Terminus). Its forsaken consort lived alone, as the Shire of Templestowe. Then the seemingly self-reliant first Shire of Doncaster did what many other teenage breakaways do in their mature wisdom - or lack of funds: it returned to the fold. This was 1915.

It would be sentimental to imagine the then World War had something to do with the reunion. No. Doncaster was ordered home by the municipal ‘family guidance clinic’, the Local Government Department. And the Ridings of Doncaster and Templestowe cohabited again under the same rate-collecting roof. The recombined household took the name of the Shire of Doncaster. Sadly, there must have been in this remarriage a continual bickering over whether it should be titled by a matronymic or patronymic, for in 1926 the name was altered to the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe. The identity crisis over, in that same year the happy couple were blessed with a new riding: little Warrandyte.

A rapidly expanding population after World War 2 led to the building in 1957 of a large new house, a Shire Hall in Doncaster Road. Exactly ten years later, when the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe was to receive initiation into adult status as a city,

another identity crisis cropped up.

In 1967 Doncaster wanted the metropolis to be called ‘City of Doncaster’, because it possessed the matrimonial hall; Templestowe wanted the ‘City of Templestowe’, after the ancestral Roads Board.

Bulleen, the original parish name, was suggested. Then came the inspirational ‘Koonarra’ (see Koonarra). Koonarra was meant to be the brainchild of compromise: the Koonung Koonung Creek flowed by the back door (or the front - depending where you lived) and the Yarra River by the front door (or back). Who could knock this? Practically everyone. Voting hands were raised in horror. And so the combination name remained: City of Doncaster and Templestowe.

Peace settled on the urbanized household. The pair concentrated on raising its growing family. Then distant relatives visited unexpectedly. Took over. Interfering, manipulative and coercive. A Big Brother. And precipitated change of life symptoms.

In 1993 The State Government, led by Premier Jeff Kennett, sacked all the old family retainers (elected councillors) and appointed instead, impersonal caretakers, (unelected Commissioners1), to run the many municipal homes throughout Victoria. They moved in. They stayed for four years2. Redrawing relationship boundaries and forcing previously unattached singles into arranged marriages. Doncaster and Templestowe’s sagging silhouette was shape-shifted: a bit of padding here, a bit of tightening there. Wonga Park was added; part of North Ringwood subtracted.

After the plastic surgery, the twenty-six year old city underwent a total identity switch. An enforced identity switch. The City of Doncaster and Templestowe disappeared from maps, telephone directories and rate notices. Never to be seen again. Not to be mentioned in public. It became persona non gratis.

Some say they see its ghost flickering around old organizations, and ectoplasmically looming over letter heads. Nevertheless, from December 15, 1994, the revamped municipality would answer only to ‘the City of Manningham’.

In 1967, the municipality of Doncaster and Templestowe very nearly had its name changed to Koonarra. That was the year the shire became a city.

While preparing to polish up the old brass name-plate ‘Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe’ for the new title, someone suggested a new-look name was needed. The arguments that followed were like those of a family in dispute over naming a baby.

Doncasterites wanted ‘Doncaster’; Templestonians wanted ‘Templestowe’. Bulleen, the first municipal name, was suggested, but this was felt to be old fashioned. Then came inspiration: ‘Koonarra’: the brainchild of compromise, a name to immortalize the ancestral borders of the Koonung Koonung Creek and Yarra River.

Like relatives before a christening, ratepayers’ feelings ran high. Indignation seethed, polls were taken and petitions gathered, and everyone had their say.

The Doncaster East Riding Community Development Association (DERCDA) conducted its own postal referendum amongst three hundred and ninety-eight residents

1 Local Government Amendment Bill (No 2)1993

2 Until 24 March, 1997.

and found that of these, three hundred and sixty seven were against Koonarra. A telephone poll conducted by the Doncaster Mirror found ninety per cent of those consulted contemptuous of the proposed new name.

Reasons given included: ‘No-one will know where it is’; ‘We’ll have to explain where we live’; ‘It has no meaning’; ‘It’s a silly, made-up name’. Asked what they thought of‘Koonarra’, many asked back: ‘What is it?’

The few who approved, did so with reservations: ‘It’s not so bad, I suppose’; ‘Worse things can happen’. Some said they would prefer to pay rates at the Doncaster and Templestowe Town Hall, rather than the Koonarra Town Hall. Doncasterites thought the confusion created by having a Koonarra Town Hall in Doncaster would ‘lose our names and identity’.

The significance and wide recognition of the name Doncaster was eloquently put forward by Cr Les Cameron, a descendant of Doncaster pioneers:

‘Doncaster was noted for its lookout towers. Doncaster had the first electric tram in the southern hemisphere. Doncaster built the first Government Cool Store. Doncaster still exports its fruit products, acclaimed throughout the world for their quality and their keeping characteristics. Doncaster apples are known by that name whether they were grown in Templestowe or Warrandyte. So, by inference, should its people be known’.

Despite public feeling, Shire President Stan Shepherd, a Warrandyte councillor, pushed for Koonarra. Twice, in council, Warrandyte and Templestowe councillors (a cosy coalition at that time) voted together for Koonarra; twice East and West Doncaster’s councillors voted against it. Twice voting was deadlocked, and twice the shire president settled the matter ‘once and for all’, giving his casting vote to the new name.

In those days of accessible democracy, ratepayer Mrs L. Hutchins of East Doncaster, telephoned the Minister of Local Government, Mr Rupert Hamer, to ask that the naming be deferred until a referendum was held. His response that a postal referendum could have an effect on the name, boosted spirits and action.

The DERCDA, supported ‘one hundred per cent’ by the West Doncaster Progress Association, conducted its own referendum. Led by East Doncaster councilor Russell Hardidge, people collected two thousand, four hundred and thirty-four signatures on a petition and presented this to the minister. This was more than 10% of the less than twenty thousand eligible signatories. The minister said ‘Yes’. That is, ‘Yes’ to the referendum, ‘No’ to Koonarra.

It was now November, 1966, and the date for the Proclamation of the City, with its name, was set for February 28, 1967. The clock struck, the official pen wrote, and with no time left for counter-petitions, the old ‘Doncaster and Templestowe’ dies were recast. Commemorative medals for school children could at last be struck, letterheads printed and invitations issued for the ‘city celebrations’. Guests would know where they were going, and ratepayers where they lived.

Maybe if no time limit had been set, some other monikers might have been mooted. The city might have become Donwarrenstowe or Templedytecaster.

I wonder what ratepayers then would have thought of‘Manningham’?

On December 15, 1994, without a whimper, the City of Doncaster and Templestowe gave in to an obligatory identity change. Mandatorily trade-marked Manningham.

Residents had requested ‘Mullum Mullum’ or ‘Koonung’; so many locally historic and symbolic names could have been chosen for the forcibly restyled city; but that chosen by its imposed triumvirate of Commissioners (see Home Sweet Home), was Manningham. Named for the inconsequential Manningham Road. Short in mileage and short in meaning. Around the turn of the nineteenth to twentieth centuries, Edwin Lawford’s orchard was bounded by this road. Edwin’s parents had emigrated from Yorkshire. Manningham is a region of West Yorkshire.

Unwin’s aboriginal-inhabited ‘gum and oak-clad good soil and Stringybark Ranges’, the cattle runs, Burnley’s Carleton, the orchards, the muddy, dusty streets and roads were now entirely transformed, not only in name, but in nature. New immigrants had come, many from lands once prohibited. The bi-cultural heritage had become multi-multicultural, with residents from over one hundred and forty countries.

Just as the orchards had been bulldozed, now the minimalist homes on quarter-acre blocks with back yards and front lawns were being bulldozed for units; ‘McMansions’ with no yards (back or front) shot up; schools that had been as familiar as home to generations, disappeared. A new identity; a new entity.

Only the street names and a few reserves stand witness for the lives of the nineteenth and twentieth century pioneers: mute petitioners to twenty-first century Manninghamites not to accept unthinkingly the glowing super-suburb’s opportunities and amenities.

• Pag# 4—-THE REPORTER

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Strange Policy

Sir, Mr. Basil Elms states that the Council Should 'frork as a team. Who would be the teamster? Who cracks the whip? A team works with but one mind. Where there are independent minds there will necessarily be differences of opin ion at times.

Mr. Elms has indeed produced a strange policy with which to oppose Cr. Russell Hardidge, whose footprint is already firmly implanted on each plank of his opponent’s platform. Cr. Hardidge has proved his sincerity by his actions. Taking plank for plank:

“EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION FOR DONCASTER” and “A COUNCILLOR FOR WEST DONCASTER” — *Cr Hardidge vigorously supported the recent motion Of Cr. Watson for equal subdivision of the Doncaster and Templestowe ridings (giving five ridings within the Shire three councillors for each) which could have made these ideals a reqlity.

“NEW RESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE”

Cr. Hardidge has most effectively been this. Living himself in a new area with a young wife anc. family, he has been ever ready to sacrifice his time and talents to help a rate-

payer with a problem. Mr. Sims is certainly a new boy. One wonders how well he can know the Shire in such a short residency?

FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN” — Cr. Hardidge was instrumental in bringing about the reinstatement of yearly Council grants to kindergartens. As well, he and Mrs. Hardidge worked hard to help establish the Tun-stall Square Pre-school Centre.

PARKS AND GARDENS” — Cr. Hardidge’s support of requests to Council for playground equipment in parks has expedited their erection. Maxia Road Park is a recent instance.

‘HEALTH SERVICES” — Cr. Hardidge and his wife are both chemists, therefore vitally concerned with all health aspects.

“ENCOURAG E M E N T OF YOUTH ORGANISATIONS”—Cr. Hardidge’s approaching Youth Coun cil meeting is a culmination of his long-standing interest in youth matters.

“ROAD CONSTRUCTION” — Cr. Hardidge wants roads and footpaths as much as we all do. Actual working priorities are often dependent on residents’ objections retarding plans.

Add to the above points, for good measure:

BUSES — Cr. Hardidge has given us every assistance in our efforts to have bus services improved.

BUSH FIRES — Cr. Hardidge’s vital role in connection with the Civil Disaster Organisation gave immeasureaole benefit to the Shire during the bush fire emergency. The thoroughness with which he applied himself to this problem is typical of his approach to the duties of a councillor as one of service to the community.

To lose Cr. Hardidge’s integrity, foresight and proven ability for an unknown factor who offers nothing new, would be a disaster for the residents of Doncaster — old and new.

—JOAN AND EDGAR SEPPINGS, 17 Boronia Grove, East Doncaster.

East Doncast

Easl Doncasler Progress Assocl lo submit a four-riding Shire resubd Templestowe Council.

But1 the Association will call a p residents think of the proposal.

KOO/Vtvyg ^

The association drew up its proposals (see map) at the invitation of the Shire Council, who will be considering the resubdlvi-sion of the Shire at its meeting on Monday, November 29.

All interested organisations and persons have been invited to submit new riding boundary surges tions.

The Council has as yet no fixed idea as to whether the resubdivision, based on information provided in the “33 area” report compiled by the Shire secretary. which sets out present and projected population and revenue figures, should provide for four,

five or six ridings, or in

eai

\

fact any ridings at all.

Not- Likely

However, it seems unlikely that the East Doncaster Association’s pro posal, which doubles the voting strength of Doncaster riding, and makes no provision for equitable representation for the rapidly growing Tempie-stowe riding, will get very far in Council.

Doncaster riding' will be seeking the greatest possible advantage frqm re subdivision, which i3 considered to be the likely alternative to severance, and the establishment of a new Shire of Doncaster

Although the riding voted 12,941 to 5,116 in favor of severance in

August, most observers feel the Minister for Local Government. Mr. Hanger, is unlikely to grant severance, for the same reasons which he gave after considering the evidence of last December’s enquiry severance hearing.

In announcing his decision, the Minister did, however, suggest that resubdivision should be considered at an early date.

Public's

Opportunity

The Association’s public meeting on Wednesday, November 24 will be held in the East Doncaster Methodist hall, starting at 8 p.m.

As 'well as enabling the association to pass on the

detailed information made available by Council, the meeting will also provide the opportunity to those who attend to present their thoughts on proposed ( boundaries for the ridings !

T&BSS 1961

Council to r. v letter to Curator ! ax Holayard for

ntm trees to be planted when streets are full;*’ cor st rue ted.

I

I

1

uontlomen of the Council,

City oflonoaBter and Temple stove, T uniaipal OffiooB,

' I'onoa^tor Hoad,

HO 'AVVAR 3108

17 Boronia Grove, East Bonoastar 3109.

November 12th, 1967.

i

Hear Sire,

The reoiderits of Boronia Grove, East Honoaster, would

be grateful if the nature strip plantings provided for this

street oauld be native Australian trees, with euoalypte and ■»

nectar-producing plants predominating.

This would enhance the bushland sotting in whioh we have built our homes and provide added refuge for the native Birds whioh abound in t i seo^ionxof the Koonung Greek.

mSc - > ./iw's v: \ V ■ ,1

Lines of prunus, w' ioh appear so popular in some neighbouring suburban streets would, we feel, clash with the existing arboreal decor of Boronia Grove, and we would .be disappointed if faced with a presentation of these to nurture.

He have taken a pride in our efforts to preserve the bushland surrounds and encourage the bird life ai d hope you will assist us in this way. The residents of this street are unanimous in this appeal,-havinL asked mo to write on their bahalf.

\

Yours faithfully,

daioj/ joiswcudjk ‘iTOunoc etft je ueme-^uor oq*p

«< -mJsaeh ***** i1? • r>

•^ceq.nwouoa q.sv3 ‘oAaxn -puojog lx

mML -mmsm

City of Doncaster and Templestowe

Address all Correspondence to the Town Clerk IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE OUR REF. NO.

Municipal Offices

DONCASTER 3108

A85/2/22-70

MM:HFL

2£th November, 1967.

Mrs, J.K, Seppings,

17 Boronia Grove,

DONCASTER EAST. VIC. 3109

Dear Mrs. Seppings,

In reply to your letter of 12th November 1967, I have to advise that your request for the planting of native Australian trees in the nature strips of Boronia Grove will be kept in mind and, if practicable, this will be done.

Yours faithfully,

r

J.W.THOMSON Town Clerk

Ttefi. ( 3.

w) a -9 7

Dead end drivers seek way out■

East Doncaster motorists ore becoming exasperated by streets » with dead ends. i,

* They understand that road works often call for temporary road blocks, but really boil over when they drive round a block and fail to find a way out.

! JV/2 ^

Last week they were asking why "Road closed" and ’Detour" signs were not displayed more often.

t They said: “Trying to enter and leave one large estate for the main road is like trying to And one’s way through a maze. Road blocks are often hidden by the brow of a hill.”

Some drivers found three alternative outlets blocked at the same time. One woman could not leave her home from any direction.

Chaos was caused outside the Beverley Hills State School in Cassowary St. when the road was blocked at ‘the Rosella St. junction — just as school came out.

Trucks and cars pc-Ing to the Rosella St. shopping centre could not turn the corner.

Neither could cars trying to meet children at the school's Rosella St. exit.

They could not return to Blackburn Rd., because of other cars behind them.

St., blocking cars parked at the kerbside.

I Children took Uieir lives in their hands They all stopped In the centre of Cassowary

crossing Cassowary St. as bewildered drivers tried to back down to Blackburn Rd.

Others waited tearfully In Rosella St. for mothers who seemed not to be coming.

Cars were left driverless in the middle of the road as worried mothers went to look for them.

The reason given for the absence of a sign to avoid inconvenience and confusion was — “It's only for half-an-hour.”

But what a half-hour — 3.30 to 4 p.m. outside a school!

RESIDENTS WANT NATIVE TREES

Residenfs of Boronia Gve., East Doncaster, may get their wish for their street to be planted with native Australian trees when street construction is complete.

# I f

Boronia Gve. adjoins Kopnung Creek, along which is a thick stand of bushland.

Pointing out their efforts to preserve this bushland and encourage bird life, the

residents say they will be grateful If nature strip plantings in their street are confined to native Australian trees with eucalypts and nectar-producing specimens predominating.

They believe these will enhance the bushland setting i n which they have built their homes.

Lines or prunus, they claim, would

“clash with the existing arboreal decor” of Boronia Gve.

Council says the request will be kept in mind and if practicable native Australian trees will be planted.

Council denied a request a few months ago. by Mr. Don Maggs, of Barratta St., in the same construction group, for fruit trees in nature strips.

CITY-STATUS CELEBRATIONS 1967

PHONE: 848 1(11

City of Doncaster and Templestowe

Miininpiil Offices DONCASTER 3103

Address all Correspondence to the Town Clerk IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE OUR REF. NO.

SKS/DC 22nd August, 1967.

Dear Mrs. Seppings,

At a recent meeting of the City Council, it was unanimdusly agreed that the Council's appreciation of the great assistance afforded by yourself and your associates to Cr. May and the Arts Festival Committee, should be recorded in Council Minutes.

Accordingly, Cr. May joins me in extending to you the Council's thanks for a job well done and expressing the hope that you may be willing to help in the event of the Festival being repeated at some time in the future.

Again my grateful thanks.

Yours sincerely.

THEY NEED THE EVIDENCE

W*M«d

Search for local history

In them It Is hoped to embody a display of luml-ture of the period between I860 — 1900 a display of soft famish Inns, historical Items relevant to the development of the city and a historical photographic exhibition.

' **T

to Jane Fllnn of Andersona Creek State School, with which to start a collection. Mr Pullln’s

____   forbears

were pioneers of the Tern* plestowo area

prising members from var Ions parts of the City will coordinate collection of borrowed items.

Those willing to loan rw lies are asked to contact their nearest area collector: E Doncaster <Mr M.Wlera-bowskl — 842 1665); West .Doncaster l Mrs. Loris Weh sler 84*1117): . Donvale

Green were Heeled provisions! chairman and secretary respectively of an Interim Committee appointed to form a Society.

1 How Schramm’s Cottage escaped demolition

full expression of public opinion.

Led by Mrs. P. C. Whitten, this opinion was expressed to the extent of 754 signatures to a petition “for the restoration of Schramm's historic home, which will probably be the Inst link with early Templestowe.”

The house was built In the 1800 8 by Max ▼on Schramm from the local atone of HufTcy’a Creek.

■* 'In a room at the tear he taught Don-c a s t e r'a children, Lutheran and Eng* lish alike; In the district's first' common rohool.

So keen was local Interest, that extra chairs had to be brought into the public gallery of the council chambers for the hearing of the petition.

It was presented by Cr. Les Cameron, whose family had

Wednesdoy, March B,

HISTORICAL SOCIETY i f FACES FIRST TASK

About -50 people. Including rap rasenta-1 .fives of the Bex Hill, Nunawodlng and Croydon .^Historical Societies, attended a meeting at the ' • Anfhenaeum Hall, Doncaster, an March 1 to form the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Socioty.

Mr. Frank Hogan was elected chairman and a committee will bold office for three months to forme-late a constitution which will be ratified el the first general meeting In June.

At the same meeting permanent office bearers will be elected

The first task of (he

I society will be to organise a display of items of historical*- interest from throughout the city to be held »lr» Schramm’s Cottage during April as a part of ’city proclamation festivities.

I

Tho Mirror has already

deriiolltlon until after the Christmas recess,,

MIC Vylll IMVIIIIUI H U M,

to permit tlme^for\

• Tito subcommittee, elect ad- at a society meeting ‘last Webk, comprises Mr F. G. Hogan, president; Col. E O. Keogh,- City His torian; . ‘ Mrs, Campbell, owner of “CHemern. Templestowe. an historic home classified as worthy preservation by the Na- _ * tlonaf fr™^*a/ldJdr. Mnrk • Wlerbowakl. op architect I

are willini nate for ll contact 842-UM*

to lend or do-i display should r. Kogan on

and committee member I No building was unre- J * atorable. it was said, if it J was demolished In such a ■ way ax th make reconstruct I lion possible. ^ I

However, the society did J not want t<y try to save ■ any and every building I merely because of its age I Expert opinion was needed | , |o determine Its historical | and architectural worth | and economic feasibility of ■ any preservation scheme. , H the hotel could be re-1 stored and funds became ■ available.' U could be n , tourist asset In the nearby , park. s v j

■ Turn to page 2 8 {

offered to make its file of negatives of photographs of historical interest available to the society for this purpose.

Any present or former residents of the city who have items of interest they

r<i

C'tV-

ATMs' <9 ‘7

been lit the district for the past 100 years.

Support was given by the Royal Historical Society and the National Trust. (The Trust has now classified the rot-tage “C").

Council carried the motion *to preserve the cottage unanimously, and agreed to share the estimated cost of 16.000 for restoration between the (theni three ridings.

The Shire Secretary was asked to record the petition, v correspondence and council’s viewpoint In • the minutes for the guidance of any future council faced with a similar decision.

At a meeting of the Doncaster - Temple-stowe Historical Society tonight Coif E. Q. Keogh, City Historian, will speak on the history of the / City

• nsrortcol ^5oc-7 lety has asked the City |

Council for a stay of j execution for Finn's I Upper Yorro Hotel.

A rsub i committee 1 seek expert opinion on the feasibility of its preservation.

FINN'S PUB EXECUTION'

• Continued from page 1

The society did no oppose eviction of the tenant*. This, It was said was a t natter for the Health ana Housing Cum missions.

The Mayor. Cr. Stan Shepherd, Is reported to have said council would be happy to discuss any piims lot removal of the building

"I would like to see this building restored because I think Australian history Is very valuable,** he said.

Seven years ago a aiml lar "stay of execution plea saved Schramms colls from demolition.

Mr Kogan said public *u|M»ort would need to l» emitted for any restoration plans.

lhe society Imd been In existence for one month only, and Its funds naturally are limited.

\r

jt:

I

!l

* »*f ( 17

yt*

.

Pag* 40—The Herald, Sat., April 15, 1967

f|« - • f f

Historian looks

at

* s

s

Full value could only be gained from a study of local history when this was placed in the context of the society from which it sprang. Col. E. G. Keogh, City Historian, told the Doncastcr-Templestowe historical society last week.

Col Keogh referred to the .obstacle of the River Yarra ond the attraction of its plains in influencing settlement and expansion of the Port Phillip district.

The attraction of the Bullccn and Tcmplestowe r I V e f flats compared with the high. timbered ground of Doncaster led to the first settle-nirnts in the muni* clpallty on these flats. First settlors wore Che Wood brothers In 1338, followed by Anderson and Major Newman lr< 1839.

The Wood brothers and Anderson were over landers.

Newman, r former Indian Arir / officer, who had fin , settled In Tasmania, Lad brought Ills stock tn Port Phillip.

To thes , two types of settler was then added a third — the Immigrant.

Colonel Keogh divided Influences on the early settlement of the City of Doncaster and Temple- , stowe into four sec- f Uons:

• The availability of land in the river flats and high, timbered ground.

v • The discovery of gold at Anderson's Creek tWarrandyte) In 1851.

• Comm unlcatlon* with Melbourne.

• The Lilydnle roil I way.

bourne, through Box HU1*

It diverted Warran-dyte traffic from the Templestowe route to the railway connection at Rlngwood. When the Heidelberg railway was built this drew Templritowc tlMHc. /

Thus the three lines of communication to and from the municipality were divergent. All roads led out.

There was no township of Doncaster or Tcmplcstowe as such until present suburban development.

Motor transport and good roads evened up the development of Doncaster and Temple stowc, but communications remain a divergent influence.

Even today the City has no true centre os have most other cities.

Col. Keogh said the first settlers overcame the challenge of the virgin land From this they made a place In which it was good to live.

"What Is our challenge today with all our suburbanisation?” he Asked,

'*Today the concrete Jungle is encroaching hard upon us, and wc have got to do something about It, If wc want this to be a good place to come home to.

°We have, tho challenge of our population growth, which we must overcome if the City of Doncaster-Temple-stowe Is to become somewhere to live In the full sense of the word and not merely somewhere to sleep — a dormitory suburb."

Because of the accessibility of the flats Templesu>we had been declared a village In 1852, when the first Doncaster settlers were just arriving.

Development at Templestowe was favored further because the best route from Warrandyte to Melbourne lay through Heidelberg. .

The alternate route was though Doncaster and Kew.

When the Lily dale railway was constructed. It gave Doncaster the best, quickest and cheapest route to Mcl-

pASTOR Schramm's Cottage, soon to bo the venue or a historical mm reconstruction and ex- MU hlbltion at Doncaster as UM part of the newly proclaimed city’s Festival of Arts, was all but doomed to demolition seven yeara ego.

The only chance that It would remain to remind Doncaster’s newer geneialiens of the past rented on the odd hoi* thnt Us attractive local stone work would one day adorn the foundations of sonic municipal building, perhaps a bowling club.

But the voice of the people — and the readiness of the council tc hear It — saved the day and the house.

In tho cottage, most of Doncaster's forefathers land mothers) received thch early schooling. Por many It was the only school they knew, and was the forerunner of the

gresent Doncaster State chool.

Max von Schramm first came to Doncaster teach the children

Lutheran settlers, but soon his classes arew to Include those from all nations and faiths.

HALL USED

He taught first In (he Lutheran Church hall and later, from about 1864. In a detached room behind the cottage.

When the State system Of compulsory, non-secular education became law in 1876 and the present primary school building was constructed, Schramm continued to give Oer man lessons in his home It has been declared "C” — worthy of preser vatlon — by the National Trust.

But In November. I960 hopes that the cottane Oould be renovated for use Os a municipal llbrarv or museum were dashed bv a report that recon st met Ion would cost between $3600 and $4400 Led by Mrs Phyllis Whitten, a descendant of one of the earliest pioneers of Doncaster and the orcharding Industry, a petition of 754 signatures was collected and presented to council, praying Its preservation and restoration.

UNANIMOUS

Council's reprieve for the condemned cottage was unanimous.

It even asked that all coi respondence on the matter bo recorded In the minutes for the guidance of future councils faced with a similar decision.

The Doncaster-TcinJle-stowe Historical Society — two months old—hopes to fully restore the cottage.

From April 21 to 30 tout rooms of the cottage will be on show, completely furnished In the fashion of the pioneer families of the district They can be seen from 7.30-10 pm. week days, Land 2 pm-5 pin. week-Jpr the Display f ~

x .tnge Is In front •- miplclpski offices.

N e Road.

frAN 8KPPIN08

§

.............................................. '

■ ■ ■ m •9*w9ww9w*w9wwm'9'wmwm9mmm>

nwwww wruwpagi"

rwwvn

*r*rm'mwwm*wmww*wmw

1,000

relics in first 10 hours

Doncaster* East Yari

owner

century-old cottage, wreathed in the legends of its original , came to life in Doncaster this week, ^ ~

Printed ami published by Heidelberg Puhlhhlnr Co.. 4*1 lll«h Bt., Norlhcoie

EDITORIAL OFFICE: 481 HIGH STREET, N0RTHC0TE. PHONISt 419-2222 (IdiforUI). 411-2222 (Advtrtblft«).

1 ; v . —-—:------1—:—-------;

Vol. 6 VNo. 17 WED., APRIL 26, 1967 Price 1<

* It was the home of Pastor Max von Schramm. In its new role it houses many of the City's most highly-prized historical pieces.

The scene of. on exhibition which the newly-formed Hit-toricol Society is conducting in conjunction with the Festival of Arts, more thon 1,000 people flocked to see the building and its contents in the first 10 hours of the show lost Fridoy.

F

Nooe-of the at- , The e«lUfce la o»tn . In the exhibition

mospherc wo$ miss- each week night from mg. Walking seven until 10 o’clock . . - , and from % p.m, to

, through the door or 5 p.m. • oll Saturday

the low, yellow and 8nd Sunday when the | white stone cottage, * tcstivul ends.

the illusion was Sf£: V1**1?.. ^kPl&y J)a*

. ^___ , . •.t something for evtry-

real that one almost _ *0Ullg und

expected to meet c 0ld alike.

the learned pasto' in * _ ..

. . 1 ' . In1 the grounds of

1 ,.e. .* the cottage’s original

polishing his read* hoinv oreliard, three

i mg spcctoctes / **_ orange trees are ob-

*_ i ———------.■

llgingly laden with fruit.

,*ln ' the bedroom, complete with berlb-- boned jtaur - poster bed (hand painted with pink roses on black wood), stands '‘Hannah”, a National Trust model In calico nightdress and cap. her auburn hair let down In a long plait.

Half close your eyes and you’d swear she was about to use the giant washstand at k her side.

The nearby “maid” (With key to the tea caddy and other mysteries safely chained to her apron) has obviously just folded her mistress’s day clothes away In the chest. of drawers.

A pair of knickers and whalebone cur-sets con be seen demurely closeted.

A doll’s corner has beeu utilised by room

Turn to page A +

1000 see cottage and city relics in first 10 hours

Continued from pnge I

arranger Mis. Loris Webster, to display christening robes; a copy of “Pears Journal” lies on n plush chair.

Across the passage in the sitting-room, a large portrait of Pastor Schramm looks down from above his own piano at a bride In limerick lace veil, about Th serve tea from a sliver service.

An intricate muslo box plays hymns. This belongs to I he pioneer Tcmplestowe family of Chive rs, forebears of Mrs. A Poulter who Is responsible for the arrangement of this room.

In Mrs Alice Latimer’s kitchen, family portraits, a cutthroat razor, pipe rack on the mantle-piece and set of knucklebone Jacks in tho crockery cupboard give the room . “lived In” look

A butler rliiirn stands beside Mr*. Ilceton's Book of Household Management, copper pans, clothes irons with

chimneys (they Were flllcil with hot coke* bear testimony to the housekeeping skills of the “lady” In the black lace frock with bustle

A popular painting of the times, “The Homestead Saved hangs above the mantle beside a'German text, “God Is In this house day and night''.

Above a doorway another text asks: “What Is a home without a mother?”

The transformation from Council storehouse lo a mld-Vlctorian home, was achieved in three days by n nucleus of about half-a-dozen enthusiastic women who painted walls, scoured benches, collected. shifted, polished and arruuged furniture. made curtains and laundered ancient yellowed linens.

They had been collecting for about a month, but from last Wednesday until the opening on Friday,

worked at the cottage until the early hours of the morning, adding loving core to tliclr authentic arrangements.

Mrs D Whitten, her sister, Mrs. Grover. Miss Audrey Walsh; Mrs. Neil

F. lliott. Mr and Mrs.

G. Huggins and Mr. Brian Mullens assisted those In charge of rooms

Floral arrangements were by Mrs Joan Norhury

So great was the response to requests for historical articles that three other nwms have been filled with displays of documents, photographs ami indigenous items, by Mr. Mark Wlerbowskl.

Among them are a gold pan with quart*, the flag pole from the Doucastcr Tower, aboriginal implements dug up on h»cal properties, u lucc-making machine, spinning wheel. Mm Schramm's pen and — weird remedies for horse ailments written In copperplate.

♦or® retiring — cheaper, perhaps, than an electric blanket.

V; V

? •*,5hfx

MRS. “ 10RIS WEI. STER. of Ike Donea«ter> Templc*tow» Historical Society, t isn't really jb»«t to bed down In >-f^Scbramm'i cottage.

' Her n ght attire It dit*

played jn models at the

Mittor’cal Exhibition

which it being run in

conijnction with tho

Fe* ival of Arts

* t*1IIW7 '• fVrff The nightgown it from

» vo estato of tho late

Mr*. A. A. Goedson. The

cap wat lent by Guide.

leader Mrs. O,- Sodcc-

lund, and tho warming

pan, gin>|ar hot-water-

\ bottle, and stiver candlo-

ttick complete with

inulfer by Mrs. D. C.

Whitten. *

Once the warming pan v / -

was filled with live coals **

and placed in the bed be-

FINN’S PUB TO BE MOVED ?

Finn's Hofei could bo moved fo Ruffey's Crock Reserve fo become parf of a folk musoum. Schramm's Cottage would be included.

Cr. Morris Willioms presented fo tho Doncaster and Templestowe Council on Monday night a proposal that would proteef tho future of the two historic buildings.

He so id the reserve iflclcnt funds arc rnl.vxl

1 * *•- » » -1 i-at.ft

The Member for Box niU. Mr. Goorjfe Reid, MLA, lias received advice that tenders, closing on Tuesday, May D. ore being culled for 'he creel Ion of the extended third section of the Koo-nung High School.

Ml .....

would costJ millions of dollars before it was completed ortd h<» won-ted lo see it, earning money.

■ . A folk in ti s e it in '’would help to ofTsft

tin cost.

RufTey’a Creek reserve could become a world-fnmous tourist attraction If council went about tilings the light way. - fjk

He praised the Historical Society for lls Interest In wanting to preserve Finn’s Hotel. ~

The Society has Informed council that a

Mill-committee Will Investigate the preservation of Finn's Hotel.

Council was asked to '^ postpone-the demolition., of the building until the committee presented a full report.

Council will Inform the society that If sul-

Ito move fhe hotel buildings It will provide a suitable site for its re-crectlon.

Hut it will not contribute to costs.

---------fVttcn -s*

Historical group meet tonight

Tta#* flrit annual inert-Inf of the Doncaster-Templestowe Illntorira! Society tonight. Hedno day will (IKcn.se the ae-©e planer of a proposed constitution

Office brirerft for the coming year wll] also be elected.

The Boolety has functioned with nn Interim commit-teo since Its formation In March

The future of Finn's Hotel h expected tn com® under discussion and some “new movo** disclosures are likely

e

MRS. lORIS WEB-STER, ot lh« Doncaster* Trmptcslowo Historical Society, * isn't really *tMl to bgd down in ’‘Sekrarnns’t cottage.

Her night attire is dis* rlayed on modolt at the Historical Exhibition which is being run in coniunclioit » * with the Festival ot Arts.

The nightgown is from tho estate of the late Mrs. A A. Gesdson, Tlis-jw#'! cap was lent by Guide leader .Mrs. O, - Soder* T' lund. and the warming P*n, gin-jar hot-water-bottle, and silver candle-stick complete with snuffer by Mrs. D. C.

Whitten. " ,

Once the warming pan v**»

was filled with live coals and placed in the bed before retiring —. cheaper, perhaps, than an electric blanker.

____, _

HIGH SCHOOL TENDERS

The Member for Box HID,

Mr. George Reid, MLA, hns received advice that tenders. closing on Tuesday,

May 9, are being called for file erection of the extended third section of the Rooming High School.

FINN'S PUB TO BE MOVED ?

Finn's Hotel could be moved to Ruffcy s Creek Reserve to become part of a folk museum. Schramm's Cottage would be included.

Cr. Morris William* presented fo the Doncaster and Tcmplcstowo Council on Monday night o proposal that would protect the future of the two historic buildings.

He said the reserve'Hclent fund* are rnlsod

would cost millions of!'""10.™

... , . .. Ings It will provide a

dollars before if was Hiillnl>lc site for lli rc-completed and he yvan-;erection, ted to see it earningj but it will not contri-money. |bute to cotta.

. A folk museum would help to offset

help

the cost.

RufTey’s Creek reserve could become a world-famous tourist attrac-llon If coimell went about things the right way.

He praised the Historical Society for lls Interest In wanting to preserve Finn’s Hotel.

Tho society has Informed council that a sub-committee will Investigate the preservation of Finn’s Hotel.

Council was asked to postpone the demolition, of the buUdlng'iintll the committee presented a full report.

Council will Inform tiie society that If sul-

Historical gtoup meet tonight

The first annual mcet-li»I of the Donraxlrr-Trmpfrstowe Historical Society tonight. Wrdnr*. day. will dLaras* the a<v eeptance of a proposed constitution.

Office bearers for the comint? year will also be elected.

The Society haa functloiv ed with an interim rornmlt-toe since Its formation in March

The future of Finn’s Hotel Is expected to come

under discussion and some “new move** disclosures

are likely

■<£

■ -V

V*\ »o 6 ^ N

HISTORIANS READY

ON

Historical howlers

‘ •

f (Ommonts of to mo of the S00 school chil./rcn who taw the historical display at -Sc’uamm's Cottoge as part of the Don-cojtcr and Templestowc Festival of Arts could make history themselves.

.1

• . Kx»minln| a century* old double . ended in-if*nl feeding bottle, one child declared, "It must l»e for twins.**

1 Of a patchwork quilt <\««ttn|hcr oninmeiited:

* Mint must he very old Look at all the patches

In It!**

A hymn pluylnc music box brought the re-'( quest: •Would you turn up the volume, please?*1

A clothes Iron with i chimney for tlie escape i( of smoke from the hoi coke Inside was know* Ingty described l>y a woman visitor to her *{( frtend: “I remember)

I / them. You put meat\

In the bottom and It comes out tlie top ns sausages.**

More than 4,.100 people I went through tlie col taee In 10 day*. It was the most applauded section or tlie festival.

Receipt* were $194. Moat of the money will R® to the steering com niittee to help offset losses In other spheres. Virtually the only rt-penditure on the collage display was Insurance.

/ l~l * cel^^.

- -i%i

m

$10 prizes for essays

*

The Doncaster and remplestowe Historical Society Is sponsoring an hisloriear tssay competition for children of primary school age.

More than 500 children from primary schools saw the exhibition at Schramm's Cottage during the City's Festival of Arts.

Two prizes, each of $10, arc being offered by Mr. J. S. Webster and Mr. D. Whitten.

Sections arc:—

UNDER 12 YEARS on January 1. 1007. an essay of 25 to 30 lines.

UNDER 10 YEARS on January 1. 1W7. an essay of 15 to 20 llues

The title for both sections Is "My V to Schramm Cottage."

Entries, which are non-returnable, must reach the sec re try, Mrs. Muriel Orecn, McOowans Rd.. Don-vale. by June 10-

»

■

riojefw

TO MOVE IN FINN’S HOTEL

"When Ned goes out, we go in .

This is how Hisfforicol Society President, Mr. Frank Rogon, describes latest moves in the “Sove Finn's Pub " drama in Doncostcr ond Templestowc.

Mr. Rogon outlined problems associated with the restoration of the hotel ot the His-torical Society's annual meeting lost week.

Hun's Upper Ynrra Hotel, at Temple-slowr, |s under threat of demolition and the Council has obtained an eviction order against occupants, Mr.

Ned Finn, and his relatives.

F. Kogan; vlce-presl-(lent, C r. I.oh , ~

Cameron; serretary, 1 Miss Muriel Green; '! treasurer, Mr. J. Ilohill; committee, IMesdames W. I.atlmer,

A. Poulter, V. Kush, E. Sepplngs and J. Webster, Messrs. Erie Collyer nnd Co., and E. Ca. Keogh.

Council has Riven the Historical Society the right to enter the hotel, when It Is vacated, to examine, search for nnd collect historical relics.

Tlie Council has also agreed to postpone demolition untl) the Historical Society, aided by experts from the National Trust of Victoria, thoroughly Investigates the prospect of restoration.

"Face reality"

“There has been a great deal of emo-tionalism about Finn's Hotel, but we must fare reality,** Mr. Kogan said.

“There is no doubt It should be saved, but there Is considerable doubt whether this cat* be done.”

The rear of the building Is said to be In poor condition. If restoration Is possible, the Historical Society will obtain two costings — one for restoration on the 'spot, nnd one for restoration elsewhere.

If the hotel can be saved the Society will sponsor a public meeting to form a Finn's Upper Yarrn Hotel Public Trust.

Mr. Hogan told the meeting that this would be fnr too big a project for » the Historical Society alone.

If undertaken at all. It would have to bo by the public, chiefly, but not exclusively of this area."

Minimum estimated cost of restoration Is said to be $20,000. Office-bearers elected at the meeting were: President, Mr.

FEW FINN'S PUB RELICS SAVED

The ashes of Finn's Upper Yorro Hotel had barely cooled after last week's spectacular fire, when members of the Doncaster and Templestowc Historical Society began sifting the debris for relics.

They hud hoped to find a visitors* book, hut nothing of real historical i value was saved, except a few Items useful for display purposes.

These Included a brass front door knocker.

Mr. Brian Mullens, of the Historical Society, who lives In Anderson a bit of cheek and took 1st , T e in p 1 c s t o \v c. possession on behalf of thought looters had the local society, having beaten him to the Job. first. informed the although he tlrst arrived,secretary on the scene at 8 p.rp

At 10 p in n fireman

told me there was a man from the Historical Society going through the place for.relics," Mr. Mullens said.

"1 had a look at him and he didn't Itclong to us. so 1 armed myself with a crowbar, shovel, axe. sledgehammer and

while the Fire Brigade was still In charge.

"Ol course, we could not do much until the Arson Squad had cleared It." he added.

Th e early looter proved to be a member of another society who recognised the historical significance of the 125-year-old hotel 'Later other members of our society arrived and we went through the place pretty thoroughly **

Hellos saved include a copper, doorknocker. I the front d«»or knob, a verandah post, Jardl- ' nlers, dishes, a fine (laied stone Jar, 300 hand-made bricks — and the coveted brass front-door knocker.

"I have already had two people wanting to buy it from me," Mr. Mullens said.

P **

rt

d

£ rA .

mwwmwww*

THE FACE ON

THE $5NOTE

Considering »hc colors of tho new $5 note — mauve and orange — r erhapt it it just as well a mistake was made by depicting A r*. Caroline Chisholm with black hair.

Mrs. Chi* lolm had dark red cutlj hair.

Mrs. Mary Iloban, president of Use Kll-^ ! more 111 s t o r 1 c a 1 Society + said this In a talk to the Doncaster and Templestowo Historical Society.

Peopled land

In the early 1800’s, it was said of Caroline Chisholm — the first woman to grace on Australian banknote — that If Captain James Cook discovered Australia, If John McArthur planted the first seeds of Its prosperity, Caroline Chisholm has done much more; she has peopled It.

She alone has colonised Australia In ft the true sense.

She helped “bounty” migrants to their feet by finding them jobs and en-Jcouragcd the migration of families.

5 Her special concern were the unprotected girls who, without noney or friends, ere forced in live as they could In the domain or on the aches.

“Usually they gave up the struggle to five a decent life after one or two weeks and became prostitutes,” Mrs. Hobun said.

During the early 1840's Caroline Chisholm was a familiar figure on tho bush roads, from as early as five in the morning, seated on top of a bullock dray laden with goods, a dozen or so girls on the dray with her, while perhaps, 30 or more walked alongside.

Between 1841-45 she settled 11,000 people — one-third of all newcomers during that period.

In her memory

The Federal seat of Chisholm was named after her.

Partly financed by < the Government, and partly by private subscription, Mrs. Chisholm bulit a line of 11 travellers’ hostels —known as Chisholm Shakedowns or Shel- . ter Sheds — from Melbourne to the diggings.

Each was about five miles apart — a day’s walk for a family on their way

to rejoin their father at gold towns.

For one shilling, a

bed for the night, wood, water and a stove were provided.

She Is given credit for the provisions of the Passengers Acts of the 1850’s.

Before her agitation for Improve- j ments, it was usual for 501 to 80 passengers in a shipload of 500 to die on the voyage from England to Australia.

i—- -

ia

SOCIETY TO MEET AT SCHRAMM’S

The Doncaster and Tem nlestowe Historical Soc lety has been granted per missive occupancy of Dehramin'a Coltago Don castor and Templestowo Council.

The Historical Society Wifi use the cottago for ineeilngs and for storing historical relics and records. •

Two cheques for $10 were presented at tho Society’s June mooting to the two winners of the Society's essay contest “My Visit to Schramm’s Cottage” which I was held during the Festl-j vttl of Arts. I

They were Jennifer Drown of Blackburn North, who won the under 13 section prize donated by Mr Doug WhIUeu and Anne Mottrnni of North Dalwyn, received the under 10 years prize from Mrs, J. Web ster.

I

• *9

P d ~L

H

"FRIEDENSRUHE"—STORY OF A FAMOUS HOME

For more "Fricdensruhe"

than a century the kitchens of

— historic Doncaster homestead of the

Thiele family — were managed by only two mistresses.

the colony to cat all the fruit Frederick would grow, Frederick

Hew history group

A Worrandyte-Elthom Historical Society was Formed on June 6.

Warrandyte Is the site of Victoria's earliest gold discovery.

The Society will embrace Warrandyte, Kinglake,. Hurstbridge, Eltham, Kangaroo Ground, Panton Hills and the St. Andrew's area.

The newly-formed Doncoster ond Templestowo Society will be extended to provide for the introduction of working groups, each undertaking a prescribed investigation.

•V

The first was 1‘hll-lipine, who from 1853 cooked In a stout stone outhouse some distance away from the .'living quarters. Then followed her daughter - In • law, Minna, who died only a few years ago.

Mr. Eric Collyor, great - grandson of early settlers Gottleib and PhlUlplne Thiele, recently recounted to tho Dopcastcr and Templestowo Historical Society the story of the historical homestead which is classified by the National Trust, from Its primitive beginnings.

Mr. Collyer’s mother, and aunt, Ml6s Elsa Thiele, now control the culinary department In a large room with modern appliances.

The original kitchen has gradually been enveloped by additions to form part of the whole house and Is in use as a laundry, though Its huge mangle Is seldom turned

The two - roomed, wattle and d*.ub cottage, built In 1853, Is

Intact and lr. use as bedrooms, the plaster daub protectively encased by stucco on the outside, and wallpaper Inside.

Over the wooden shingle roof, galvanised Iron has been laid, but the shingles can still be seen from within the attic.

From the original verandah — now an Internal passageway— can be seen a holt* high la the wall GhhdrCn climbed a ladder to this to roach their attic sleeping quarters.

Pumps wafer

A well under the house qtlU pumps water.

In tho shingle-roofed barn is n grain flail, proving that wheat was oncq grown and harvested on the property.

Frederick Thiele, great uncle of Mr Collyer. aud son of Gottleib, was a driving force In supnlantlug general farming ana berry-growing by orcharding In Doncaster Though hls father scoffed that not enough people were In

persisted In his belief In the commercial possibilities of fruit trees ._ .

Each time his futher was absent from home on a trip to the Evangelical Lutheran Bynou In Melbourne Town, Frederick uprooted some grape vines qnd pUnted fruit seedlings in their place.

In “self defence’ Gottleib sent his son to learn the care and propagation of fruit trees from Mr H. U Cole who conducted an experimental nur sery in Burnley on the site now known for Its ^skipping girl” sign

Much of the orchard around 'Trledens-ruhe” has been set aside as part of the RuITey's Creek municipal parkland development — Joan Sepplngs.

af 'f-

Don’t miss it this time

Those Interested in pioneer homes will have another opportunity to see Inside Pastor Schramm's cottage, on August &

The Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society will hold its meeting that night, at 8 pm.. In the drawing »oom of the cottage,- which adjoins the City Hall.

Those In possession . of old letters or other wx

written relics relevant to the history of the cottage who arc willing to lend them to the Society for copying and return may now do so.

AU Wednesday's meeting a “Know your City” discussion will be held.

p M,

id

HISTORICAL

MEETING

Slide* of holrlj ami oihrr historical buildings In Doncaster by photographer Irvine (lr*<-n will be shown at • meet-lui of the OoueAslor and rcaiplt’stowe Historical boctetv on tVedneeitay, Nvpt. 8, a| Schramm s Cottage,

Many anecdotes will bo mailed in Mr Owns talk, Including * how they delivered the milk” In the good old days of Don-v aster.

F t" ^ 17 fa ^

HISTORIAN

• mmwww.#fffw.f^.itvviivwigj * *1

Finn's pub //

ives <

WHY m stoneware fif/ai

Whnro that#/* tMuL iJ yliiM thtfG I

WHITE’S CORNER?

The story of White's Corner as told by Mr. Inrine Green In an illustrated address at the last meeting of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society led members to ask why it should not have been named Serpeli's, Laucr's Tuchcbraund's or Gallos' Corner.

Where there could potter Mte. Jean

thye'i smoke there's lira, and where there I be an exciting new stonewore gloie for Done

For oil would have been more appropriate, it was cloimed.

If a name Is com* memorated when the corner site Is developed 43 a modern short-pinf centre, It should he that of a pioneer who lent color to Don-coster’s history.

While had little to do with any of this.

The store was built in the 1880s by Richard Serpeli, a shareholder In the Box HlU-Don-castd Tramway which had Its terminus at the comer.

A Mr. Orecn said Lauer. the baker, kept a toll gate there at one time.

And Callus, in 1887, ran the first dairy on the site where horses of ' the Kew Model Dairy now grazes although he did not buy his hist dc livery horse until 1918.

UntU then the Qallus children delivered milk by hand In billycans before school each day.

Church

The corner is also ^ believed to have been the site of Doncaster’s first church, built by Baptists.

With slides made from old photographs '\d some of his own Mr. Green lewers from the

the

n?

K<

oonung

boundary, saLnglo

Creek past a roofed -toll bouse, Smedloy’s forge with a door so low that one had to stoop to enter, the "two-storied** house of pioneer Tom Petty who produced a whole range of Implements to help the orchardlst, and then to pause awhile at the tome of Dr. Thomas Fitzgerald — now the Eastern Golf Clubhouse.

One of the doctor’s grooms was a Shakespearean actor, David Mitchell, father „ of Nellie Melba, and on this land Melba lived and played as a young girl,

Pastor Schramm

The E.S. anrl A. Bank was plctorially peeled of lts#envclop- 1 inn layers of building additions to reveal .[ the first home of Pastor Max Von f Schramm as its core, i Tills was where hej became the first head-4 master of the Doncaster] State School before, moving to the wcll~=j known .stone building ’tew

\U dUUlO

/dings,

Sylewi

Doncaster after his home town In Yorkshire.

The church Itself was shown in lta original state — a disused butcher’s shop carted from Warrandyto by bullock dray by pioneer Henry White (no relation to the comer of the same name).

At the turn of the century this building marked the “end of the road.” ,

Beyond the Intersection of Doncaster and Blackburn Rds., now equipped with traffic islands and automatic lights, were only rough tracks and a few wattle

and daub huts/ _____ ____

The land was poor, so like Top.lft

Infertile that one T couplo, trying to fam at the corner of whn are now Doncaster, MU cham and Old Warran dyte Rds., starved death, and gave that in tersectlon Its name — Starvation comer..

Grew like Topsy

Unlike Templest/ i?e. War randy te and most districts, Donca iter

was never * officially laid oat as a township. It stragrled along Its main road.

Ana when boom times caine, as in 1880-90, when the Box Hill train brought subdivision and . a doubling of popuIa-|l| tlon, and as now* It grew 1

11

He wants it for folk museum

Schramta's Cottage would be ideally

'I

ft 1

where the Histories Society meets.

A little-known* pic ture of the original Tower Hotel as a wooden boarding house of 39 rooms and 20 stables was witness to the fact of Doncaster’s early popularity as a resort. :

After the boarding house was burnt down La*1885, the well-known solid structure with arched entrances, part of which . stiff stands/ was built and converted to a hotel.

Builder Alfred Hummed claimed that after visitors climbed his 185 ft. Oregon tower to see the breathtaking views, they needed more the amenities offered by a hotel than a boarding house, Mr. Green confided to the audience.

Rlflo shooting, teenage dances In tho upper room of ScrpcU's cymqf[ store, a racecours'/in u I'M)-A crc paddO'X behind the Djncaster Anns Hotel (described, by tho contemporary

?rcs3 as "tho most pic-uresque racecourse In) Mdoour no”) were among the entertain men Li which drew people to Doncaster,

Horso races

this course 1- races

; suited as n folk museum, a member of the National Trust said last week.

Trust

ber;

Si__2

Noel Goss, a Council mem-

was speaking to

tho donca ster-Tom-

plest

Socie

Od

<efC7

if

iety.

Preservation of the historic building would have Important consequences not only for the present-day community, but for * all those who would follow, he said.

Mr. Goss hoped that In 2067 the cottage with j Us restful symmetry; . would still be a * ro minder of the past.

It was one or the few Victorian buildings possessing the clear, squarecut stonework and a type of architecture! shape thnt aJ->cady were on their way 1 4 before the birth 0/ colony, he said.

WHAT'S SO SPECIAL Aikt Mint, the tit/ •» he JftulHt Inquliitively et tht unique piece of pottery his mistress, Mrs. Jejn Shore, h»i produced.

Mrs. Shore, of Walker St., Donceittr, glared the howl with ashes from Hie remains of Temple* Stowe's nbtoric ft Inn's Pub.

When Temple- **

stowe’s historic hotel, burnt down early this year Mrs. Shore raced to the ruins and with ashes salvaged from under the nose of a bulldoxer, glased some ol the bowls and Vases she Is ... exhibiting this week at a eontempor ary art exhibition to aid the St. John’s children’s homes.

Mrs. Shore exhibited for a time at Potters Cottage, War-randyte, but now works a? electrically-fired kiln under her kitchen.

Proceeds from the contemporary exlii-bltian of art and pottery will go to the 1 East Doncaster cottage as well as other | homes.

1 It will open at the Canterbury Homes,

Bftlwyn Rd.. this Friday, with a preview and dinner

Other local exhibitors include Marjorie Bccchaiu, who won the pottery prize at tho Do n caste r-Templestowe Festival of Arts with a. mural depleting tho1 growth of the city,; and \VllJfam Feruu- < son. winner of the major painting prize.!

%

fe?.

.jmmwmwwm■

i\]

Os'

».hii~* ..:•= .,w-'-*'..a;t-.ili

r u*.

IMc C . 'f6~?

HISTORIANS SEE LINKS

WITH

A retaining wall in Ruffey's Creek, to which gold-bearing quartz and soil from the now defunct Thompsons Road Mine was carted to be washed in the middle of last century, was inspected during a tour of the city's historical sites on November Il#

The tour was •arranged by the Doncaster and Temple-sfowe Historical Society. 4

Another crumbling link with the past was the Lutheran Cemetery on Waldau Hill, where 44 adult and 72 pioneer; children were |i burled before It was died In 1888.

Starting at Schramm’s \ Cottago (classified ”C” by tho National Trust), members visited tho E.S, li j and A. Bank, the centre section of which Is bo-, Jicved to have been the first home of Schramm;

I the old Shire Ball in

5--------------------

PAST

HIGH MARKS, HIGH PAY FOR TEACHERS

Teachers were once paid according to the examination results of their pupils, Mr. Lcs Blake told the last meeting of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society.

lems In compiling a

complete history of V 1 c t o r la's State Schools for the centenary of State education In 1072," be $ald.

The number of ■ Back Creeks” and » ’Deep Creeks” In the

Mr, Blake, president of the Royal Historical Society, is also District Inspector of Schools for Doncaster.

He said that In 1878 when Oswald Thiele was head teacher at Doncasv-r he received 59,1 per cent of the possible salary because this was the average of the pupils* marks.

Speaking of school histories, he asked; "Where was Smith’s Steam Saw MLJls State School?”

Pinpointing and recreating the life of » schools, which had long since disappeared, was one of the challenging prob-

State was astounding.

Mr. Blake appealed to the local society and others to pass on any Information of a school’s past to the education Department.

Many State Schools had their origin In small church schools, he said

In 1863 Templestowe School was a Church of England school with 38 pupils.

Anderson's Creek

had 19 children and Pastor Schramms Lutheran School bad 26 children.

Headmasters were 1 paid £100 and the • Anderson’s Creek J school headmistress « £80 a year, plus » 1 child a week by the \ parents.

Schramm received I C 337/19/8 for his 64 | pupils In IS73.

Mr. Blake praised ! the formation of the < Junior Historical ] Society by pupils *at i the East Doncaster State School More schools could well develop them, he said.

The school society has now been admitted as a corporate member of the Doncaster - Templestowe Historical Society.

Cemetery, the grave of Major Newman, Tcmplcstowe’s find settler, was pointed out by his direct descendant, Mrs. Ilasel Boulter, of Ivanhoc.

Tho remains and monuments of Major Newman and his family were transferred from a

firlvate burial ground at its former homo ’’Monk ton.” In 1008

The tour ended nt the Pound Rend Tunnel after a short stop nt the Warrandyte Cemetery, I which holds many sec rets of the gold rush ernj when Warrandyte was! known as Anderson’s Creek.

Tho 034-ft. tunnel was dug by a company formed by the father of Dame Nellie Melba — Mr David Mitchell In 1870, to divert tin* flow of the Yarra River and recover gold from Its exposed bed.

The popular picnic ground nl round Hcnd was In 1841 a reserve for iborlglnes.

< .

•J ' « • 1 i w

' t u %

■ \*x> ¥

I**! h , ..VSSirUsMl, *

>fUL

NX

■ Ha1uw4

MR. L J. IIAKI, DONCASTIg DISTgICT ln»pac*#c oi 1 JVUA Aat •# tk# l«ril Hlitifkil S#«i«ty, uu a r»lk it Hi# tO jnitw Sbti SAmI •• tk# original tckool ball. Showing kim Hi# kill t Ik# tk*4 ftnoration of kit family I# attend tk# ickool, and V •ckool historical group, T

Tk# b#B wai originally mount*4 in tk# tckool yard #n a /

ramavtd jn 19d2 to mak# way tor oitontiont to tko building, to romoont it in a prominent placo.

g --. ~a -   - - ’ • ’

■J

?^ I ^

<7^

How t* say W-1870 style

"My father me to answer the

This, for nil those perplexed maidens who write to Sibyl for Advice, is how to turn away ah unwanted suitor — 1870 style.

When he wild “Let's fret hitched." she said Ask my father."

Dad said, "put It In writing.” and poor swain (lid.

Then Dad said, "an-

has placed your letter fo him in my hands and desired flattering proposal which it contains "

swer It" and blushing maiden turned to the "Ladles Model Letter Writer" — a complete Guide to Correspondence on all subjects.

A copy of tho booklet, published In the 1870‘s, was discovered among old papers at the lAst meeting of the Doncaster and Temple-

stowo Historical Society.

The sample, "refusal of a proposal," proceeds:

"It Is with profound regret that 1 obey him; for I cannot — unhappily — respond to the feelings you me

fond enough to enter-ain for me.

"As a friend I shall ever like and esteem you, but I cannot feel for you the love which alone can moke married Jlfo happy.

"Allow me, howevrr, lo thank you very heartily for the great compliment that you Imvc paid me, and to entreat your forglvo-ncss If anvthlng In my manner has unconsciously given rise to the hopes I am obliged t to disappoint. \

"Von will doubtless meet some far worthier objects by-and-by on whom to bestow your affections.

Your obliged friend.

LM.

Mr.**4*«

V

\ W'c/V

ffV.<

IT PUDDLES FOR GOLD

THIS GOLD puddling machine, retcued from obscurity by mamban of tho Doncaitcr and Tomplottowo Hij oricjl Society, it r/*ror«d to Working order by member* at a meeting in Schramm's Cottage. f

Those working on the michme ere Messr/ Barry Murnane, Irvine Green, Brian Mullen* and J. Hobill, ,

P

HISTORY

THE MIRROR

...ALMOST LOST

TIic historic memorial cairn in Gold Memorial Road, War-randyte, which marks the spot where the first gold was dis-J covered in Victoria is rapidly disappearing . . . behind a cur-

tain of scrub and rubbish.

The Doncasler Historical Society are most perturbed about the matter and will discuss it at their next meeting

Doncaster Jaycees have offered their assistance to clear up the area so that It could be a tourist attraction in the city.

A COLORFUL PAST, Society Sees

/ v _ g * * ’

PRESENT PROSPERITY,

tn VW»

historical

PROMISING FUTURE

*• 4 i *■ \ • * > • • 4-’**'

Formation of a Doncaster and Templestowe Historical i( Society one year ago could well mark a step from the colorful'1 past to a prosperous present and promising future, secretary Mrs. Muriel Green said a.t the annual meeting on May 4.

The society had come into being after a momentous occasion —- the proclamation of a city —she said. This certainly was pdesent-day history in the making. n

An authentic historical display in Schramm’s Cottage, prepared at short nollco by a small group of residents a i part of the city’s Festival of

2 Inspected I i r 1 people in 1 impetus to the socle I

. «''■<?

M .

Arts celebration, and by over 4,500 \ days, gave the birth of society a month later.

Tho society now lias 40 members who meet, regularly at Schramm’s Cottago under permissive occupancy from the city council.

• A Junior group has, beer formed at East: Doncaster Stato School where pupils and teachers aro collecting tho history of that school for tho Education Department's centenary.

Activities in tho Historical Society’s first year Included:

1. — An essay competition for district school children entitled, "My Visit To Schramm's Cot-tago," to fosto.* their in-J terest.

' 2. — An attempt to save Finn’s Pub, a Templestowe landmark destroyed by fire before negotiations 77ore complete.

3. — Talks on local and general Australian history.

4. — Visits to places of historical Interest, working bees to restore local

K historical finds and the < commencement of % society archives.

Although cataloguing of historical information has only just begun, the society, through several of fits members, lias already assisted university stn-denLs engaged in research for various theses on early days of settlement.

A photo -copying machine and filing cabl-net presented by the coundi will greatly assist this community work.

Members ore actively engaged at present in collectlnr the .histories of 80 pioneer families. .Those with Information of pioneering forebears may obtain from Mrs Green, 842 1807 or 63 8302. <speclal forms for listing details.

Tho society's next task is to negotiate with tha developers of tho West-field Project (White's Corner) in the hope that they might incorporate In the building a reminder of the colnrful «hiMocx-p.o( dbajriU#

to

Plan to

r • f jf *

beautify

Schramm's Cottage, tho vontury old home in Doncaster ltd., oX pioneer teacher Pastor Max von Schramm, will have its surroundings restored to those of an old-world garden, IX tho Doncaster Templestowe H1 s 16 r 1 cal Socioty is given permission rby Council.

It has written to Coun cil, asking for Its co-operation, and permission to discuss a landscaping plan with the curator.

Oontury-old c a m e 1 i a bushes have been offered from the garden of the nearby old Coodson home, and trustee Mrs. Nell El liot has offered tho society the uso of a bulldozer If transplanting Is found to be practicable.

If anyone has n hand I pump, such as those used to draw water from house ' wells, the society would like it to fit It In the garden plan. Secretary, Mrs

I. Green (842 1807) would ae glad to arrange Its col-.ectlon.

y

told story Gienfern"

"Gienfern" one of three buildings in the City of Don-

caster ond Templestowe classified j Trust, was built in 1855.

The story of the 41

homestead and those who built it was told to the Doncaster ond Templestowe Historical Society by its present owner, Mrs.

J. Campbell.

'C" by the National

The half acre on which the house originally stood was part of Untvln’s Special Survey. It stretched from Ayr Street to Thompson's Hoad, when Ayr Street was known as Bogie’s Lane

and the whole area as "Greenland".

Glenfem, after which nearby Qlenfern Ave. is named, now stands in Ambcrley Court, Bullecn.

Originally surounded by terraced lawns, with a lake and summerhouse, It was built In the typical homestead style by Alfred Mllwater Caldacotfc for his bride, Mary Jane Young.

It was her second marriage. She had not long before been widowed at 20.

11 I

, 7fa *

Y .N *

/

A tapestry embroidered by her at a convent In Quebec still hangs in the house.

Of their five children two died In Infancy.

Though designed In the popular style of the day, with verandah all round and a central passageway, Gienfern is bigger and grander than the average house of its era.

Some say Its bricks were handmade of clay from Willow Bend, by nearby Koonung Creek others that they were brought out as ship's ballast from England.

Grapes were grown on the land as in most homes In the district then.

In 1870 Coldacott went to Fiji to try and make a quick fortune as 'a planter. After being away four years, he booked his passage to Hong Kong and was never heard of again, although It was established that ho arrived there.

Gienfern was sold cheaply — Its contents £255. Some of Its pieces of cedar furniture went for as little ns six shillings.

Mary Jane, again n widow, had to live on the Income from this | and tho sale of two ihouses ut Richmond lor '£150 each.

Present owners, architect Mr. John D Campbell and Mrs Campbell have restored tho house modernising tho kitchen and other features without detracting from the

I original atmosphere of the homestead.

takes

over In tbo mind of two-year-old Martin Webster, of Heidolberg West, who studies what ho believes is tho world's biggest wheel - chair, his sister, Fiona, 5, captures her audience with a priie-winning smile.

Tho two children wero trying an old buggy, tho tint they had seen, for comfort and site at tho Ladion collection of old Australiana at Croydon th tho Doncaster and Tomplestowe Historical Society.

EASTERN EDITION

7 : No. 27 TUESDAY, JULY 9, 1968 Price Tf

fc y/V

’f TSTT.T u

Buggy now parr or

Many children accompanied members of the Doncaster -Templostowe Historical Society who visited o collection of early Australiana at Croydon on June 22.

The secretary of the Society, Mrs. Muriel Green, said that tills type of collection provided the only opportunity the coming genera- M tlon would have to Actually see horse-drawn vehicles and other early means of travel.

our history

One small boy pointed to the first boggy be had seen. “Look at the big wheel chair," he said.

The collection, owned by Mr. Oavin Ladson, must he one of the biggest In Victoria.

It Is contained In five Nlssen huts,

house cars. and

tractors, and Includes ------------------------

household articles, ancient ‘’mod cons ', pieces of architecture saved from demolished buildings, articles of clothing, toys and thousands of old newspapers and magazines.

One hut Is filled entirely with brass and copper ware music boxes and aji^|en^ pfy^f^aphs. ;

77

^ *« S',

SAVE

Sr « 6 V

Doncaster

PLEA TO C R B

&}

('

Doncaster - Temple-stowo Council hot asked tho Country Roads Board to contribute to the cost of moving Schramm's Cqttago when Doncaster Road is widened at that point.

Schramm's Cottogc, the 19th century pioneer home adjacent to the municipal Offices, has been classified "C" —

wor|hy of preservation — by the National Trust of Victoria

m

Country Ronds Board pltne for tho widening of Doncaster Rd. show j tho now alignment of the 1

fmvement to bo onlv 8 S nches from tlio wall of I tho cottago. J

Tho foundation!

pro* J

trude 6 Inches from the « beao of the walls. 4 J Minimum set-back for J houses In the City of Doncaster and Templo-stowo is 25 fort.

Homes alTccted by widening projects within tho City previously have boon required to move back to 15 foot from the now alignment.

Once tiro pcrmancnl site of the cottage Is known, the Doncaster-Tomplestowo Historical Society hopes to furnish . it as a Folk Museum, and lually fully restore old homo.

Exports say tho only way It could bo safoly moved would be io dismember It stone by steno and number thesu for re-erection, ns was done ■ with Captain Cook's Cot-dago and others ... a costly proces «

7

f

the, siu

with epic

• by JOAN SEPPINGS

Doncaster has a link with a film to be made by an English company about tho disastrous trans-Australian expedition of Burke and Wills in I860.

Romonfic Interest in the film Is the Infatuation of Burke for Julia Matthews, beautiful actress, singer and a star of the Princess Theatre.

Julia’s brother. Will, came to live In Doncaster and nettled or uliat Is now the Irords St. Recreation Reserve.

Ills non, Mr. Jim Matthews, lives in

Mitcham Rd.

Will Is said to luivo loft home and come to Doncaster because of tho way Ills parents exploited Julia s talent for their own financial gain.

A "Reminiscence" on the actress pub

Untied in the "Age her death in 187ft, any*

on

I -“'e-y'd'i • ft^-3 '7e V |

He knows, but cant tell all

"If I told you all the things I're learnt about .Doncaster East State School in searching for its history, I could bo facing a libel," Mr. Edgar Scppings, a local teacher, told the Doncaster-Templcstowe Historical Society. - ' 7-7 ,

“There wan a teacher who wnn dismissed by the Education Department, another who burnt the school records, even trouble after the burning of an efllgy," he said.

During the troubled times preceding the dismissal action many parents kept their children at home, so disturbed wore they over tho conduct of tho school.

When a replacement teacher was appointed — a young enthusiastic fellow — he rode round the district on a "new (angled" motor cycle, knocking on doors and bepclng parents to send their children back to school. Six months later he was dead.

It was during the First World War. The toucher, who had enlisted, contracted a fatal disease before he saw service.

Many of the anecdotes told and relics displayed wero brought to / light by present pupils who are helping Mr, Scppings compile tho history for the coming centenary of State Education. They had canvassed tiro district for informal Ion. Biggest haul was a suitcase

full of old school books, school papers and other Items from Mrs. Emma Atkinson (nee Ubcrgnng).

Mr. Scppings said the task of researcher for tho Doncaster East school had been made more difficult because many records and flics had been burnt or thrown out during over-zealous clean ups.

The only official school record In existence before 1045 was on Inventory of tho toolshed.

The attitude oL the Education Department to the head teacher had chanced since the days when one had t>cen billed for the cost of clearing the grounds.

Anticipating departmental ap proval of a request for removal of some trees, ho had tried to save public money by having the work done by a contractor already work ing at the school. Tho account was finally paid by the department Doprastcr East School, No. 20f)fi, now situated at the corner i

of fieorre St. and Blackburn Rd., life as the Deep Creep^

began

school, In 1877, at the comer of Reynolds ltd. and Andcrsons Creek Rd.

Miss Matthews paronts were . . . "per fectly alive to fho treasure they had got In tholr daughter, and they watched that treasure with the utmost core whllo they were laying up a handsomo provision for their old age out of tho fruits of her talents and exertions/' (iossip said that while her father drew her salary of £10 a week, he allowed her Is. 6d. as pocket money,

“The very critics who loved her and who exhausted nil their most enthuslns tlee efforts In descrip-

ing her and her acting, cried out over tiro shabbiness of her dress." the article sold.

So Will left home In protest and came to Doncaster.

Burke first saw Julia when he was a police; inspector at Beech-worth. and she ap (roared In a travelling show. <

He followed her; from town to town,* imploring her to] marry him.

Burke applied fort leadership of tiro ex J pcdltlon being formed! to cross Australia only after she had refused him.

He even rode bark for one last try for her hand as the expedition paused encamped at Essendon.

Burke and Wills died of starvation and thirst at Coopers Creek. 1801.

In 1804 Julia eluded; her watchful mother. i ■ Turn to puce R i

roc¥ evr*

The Mornlngton Historical Society will visit Schramm's Cottage on Saturday, November 2.

They will see a display of local historians similar to that shown last week at the Beverley Hills School.

They will also note tho effects which tho widening of Doncaster Rd. will have on tho setting of the Cottage, especially in relation to the probable loss of the giant Babyabanva tree which frames the old house and city offices.

The new footpath alignment w4ll come right to the wall of the cottage, which council pr< poses to underpin.

Doncaster link with epic film

Continued from Page 4

who accompanied her on tour and sat knitting In the wings during performances, and ran away to marrv a Mr. Mumford in New Zealand.

She died 12 years later, aged 34.

a lost Sunday beneath pines planted by her brother, Will, at the (now) Doncaster Reserve, another kind of expedition force gathered — the Walk; Against Want.i organised by the Don-' caster • Trmplrstowe, C-A.A. to help starving! people in Indonesia. '

| Tha Beverley Hill! j fete on October 2fi will feature a display of local hlstorinna by tho Historical Society.

» ^ • 4

7r

— -

X t"

The fame of ' Schramm’s Cottage Is i spreading, /VUA

Richmond sohool <}J children last week I . asked permission from id the Town Clerk to see through the old plo-

neer home while

peopli also were enthusiastic after their tour of inspection.

"This cottage could be a real money spinner." visitors said.

Councillors, please note)

jpt

I

1

BEGINNING OP SCHOOL CANTEEN 1968

\

BEVERLEY HILLS CANTEEN

1st. November ’68

Dear Mothers,

As our School Canteen will be opening shortly for 5 days per week, Every Mother with children attending the school will be rostered for duty. As so much is being done by so few we feel this the fairest way. If you are unable to attend on the day allocated to you it is your responsibility to find a subsitute.

Please return this notice with a tick against the day you would prefer.

If all Mothers co-operate this will involve only one or two attendances per year.

A yearly roster will be sent to you in due course.

MONDAY THURSDAY

TUESDAY FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

NAME:

ADDRESS:

Mrs. Tarrant, Pres. 842-2686 Mrs. MactLwain, Sec. 842-2087

' ' r ' x

17 Boronia Grove, East Doncaster 3109

November 12th, 1968.

I,rtf, KadOLwain,

SiGoretaiy,

Beverley Hills State School Mothers1 Club, 8l Rosslla St*,

East Doncaster 3109

Dear Krs fcaoilwain.

In reply to the notice of 1st November - 1 consider a canteen at Beverley Hills Sohool is as oocpletely unwarranted as is the T ethers' Club demand on my personal time and energy to serve on it.

established it without full prior knowledge of the support, or lack of it.

replacement underolothing for Infants is an excellent idea ~ tho type of " serving the children " for whioh Kothere' Clubs were ^trended when initiated in 1919* I have sent along to sohool a large bundle of pant® and singlets.

It is a pity that those wanting the canteen have

However, the request in an accompanying notice for

Yours faithfully,

( Joan K. Seppings ).

'HO!HO! no!!

LITTLE 65^/6 W WANT A ) VVMlTH N

( Hippo// )

PROC3EPS To Buy A Tuning FOKKFM MVSICCl/

schoolgro u n d s, church halls and

municipal ovals, dead grey trestle tables begin to burst into crepe- • papered life.

The perfume of nostalgia drifts from pots of pickles and pinny parades; suburbia blossoms with banners, handbills and long-flowering posters as modern - named varieties. of “fairs” and “carnivals” vie with old-fashioned strains of "bazaars” and “Paddy’s markets.”

Tucked away in llv- have observed that pro-

lng rooms, backyards and shopping centres, the more obscure “Efforts” and “Functions" are in bud. Crowds flock to them all like bees to plastic flowers.

As an old stall-holder who didn't die but simply faded away, I

■ 1 i;

m

.1 J-.vr , i*

Vr . -1

• -• • i: ?■ -

■; • U

longed contact with any of this species. Fundus Elevatae, can produce wilt in humans.

One friend was struck so suddenly by it at the end of the Big Day when she was buying a stack of bargain groceries at two cents each — and discovered they were the very tins she’d reluctantly handed over from her own meagre store the day before so THE grade could win the mothers' club grocery stall prize.

Others have drooped and dropped by the wayside after hours and hours of sewing pinnies and doll's clothes and laundry bags and Icecream - tin - covers for toilet rolls and no-longer novelty oven mitts while their own children went practically naked.

Irritable mums

The insidious, guilt-complex wilt has been brought on in overtired, Irritable mums whose children unfairly expect attention and refuse to see that fete work is all really for them; from put-out husbands whose needs hamper output; from convictions which sag with the lower back after a three hour stretch behind trestle bars.

Then there is the schizophrenia - inducing wilt. A split con-

science stirs up nightmares with the toffee-mix. Taunting voices chant: “This is the ‘effort’ that will stock the sweets stall that ruins the teeth that eat the toffees that make most money to buy the books that build up young minds and fill up the library bought for the school with the last 10 fetes.”

Hysteria wilt

But quite the most pitiful cases I have known are those caused by the hysteria-wilt, peculiar to "small functions."

Evidence it is about to strike may be discovered amongst the left-over crusts and half-eaten apples of a school lunch box or pinned to the back of a kinder kid;

"This is the morning coffee to buy the silk, to make the dress to clothe the bride doll to sell the raffle tickets to pay the expenses and buy the kewpies that mother will dress and tie on a stick for the toy stall PLEASE."

Victims are hypnotised into the only form of perpetual motion known to science. It is a fete worse than death—enough to make the strongest lose her grasp and madly go to seed in the stagnant backwaters of normal home life. — JOAN SEPPINGS.

" A Lamington Dr ivo,/towards the cost of an Plllyvill be hold by the Pilots Wives aid Pothers Olub ." c^-

/"\jvords had been turned to Co-op. shares.

A The Ions bullet-in was over.

Revolting students had ooarroatly thought they saw a ooup d*otat overnijit, Escalation of Education became

an election cry*

Pundc for all battleships and bayonets, bombs

.v. '* V -t j ^ ' i .• /’«• ? ■**. 7 * ■ ■ l . ' * -

and bugles had r»ow to bo raised by the same methods as was traditional for school buildings and books, burglar alarms arb blackboard rulers. Kitbags carried home memos that M a Forning •Beer T;ill be held at tho home of ox-Brigadier Blimp, President of the Pucka P.C.A., towards funds for the Wet |fantoon. All Welcomo.

Gentlemen bring a mug M and M voluntary donations of $12 per

/

Regular Army and $9 per Rational Servioe son or spouse are r.ow due Camp Committoos pondered whether money raised at tho r ooping of the Colours 4lPuld bo o ont on brasso, bullets or an Assembly Hall for indoor parados.

Frustrated C*Os. wheedled hums and Rivoc Groups for sots of bnyo) et drill dummies irotead of t>»o projootort, proposed

Ujtt*

1^- tib'Ctr for the Recreation

Ilall and tho hums and Wives ii sictod

t at oinoo homo-typo ratiorm wore being Bold fcy thorn as a fund raising aotivity, the eating hall must no longer bo roforrod to as the " tfeBs w *' -

Parents anflf lends of the Forces arranged Offioor-Parent nights for better understanding* of the role of war in peaoo time.

At one of those,a strongly xrorded appoal mndo to t oce present to support a Dress Parade funotion ( donation 50 cents ) tugged with familiar rhetoric at the h<,art strings . of all parents »x " D. Company is without a tank. ¥0 do not want to Gerd your boys off not fully equipped and if you don't rally round they xnill probably have to miss out on the battle. " Following the r ading of the rrinutoc of the la^t reating, the Ueoratary reported that forty two members had beeri present at the launching oeremony for a new aircraft oarrier

and four apologies received.

/ . . •

" The Captain thanked t^o P.C.A, for its t ile? did

efforts, " the Hon Sec. road. " He would have liked a? ti-airornft

guns and a bit of radar, but all this year's subsidy ms used up.

" Two portable barracks havo been promised by

the Government, when flnanoo is available. "

Things for fitting had boon given the equal

pay-off with things w^rth fighting for*

The Treasury tables had boon turned.

The V.T.17. prorounoed the koo-koo coup an

unqualified suooess

I As I see it

j by Joan Seppings

one way to a

■'Lfk'JP'y.' ‘ ■

lamington drive will be l^lietcl', by the Pilots'.'Wires and § Mothers', Club to-help pay

■- ... With a i‘eminaeKm that "voluntary "clQna-^

jp_fof ■

&&f^ayOnett^Hfflb» dummieSrin^placd' of| j:suggested ['projectors I ; .for the recreation ‘ *jpll. - —■■ •' • vi • {

2* In turn, the mums ~ind wives ’ would insist r that since 1 the filing by them las a '^und-raising activity)

*““ *-'"~?-type rations .hall must

.Cam'

Should >tbe faced

ev rplrdbrem-i of lether money taken the .'annual troop-rihic of-1" the colors ‘•should- be- spent on j.brasso. bullets,, or an i assembly hall. for. in-| ’doot* parades. V..

'.'-■ Kept'posted i

F: "N6ct, of kin would { be kept posted on all i unclassified activities i "forty-two ifiem-

t

bers • were pres jnt at i the launching cere-j mony for the new air4 J craft carrier and four i apologies received.

» ‘The captain thank-

p^.£Asrl see it, this should be no more Jj^crpiisr e •;proposition than a school ^^Ittee .such as that at Donvale High _&KooK being forced to consider the I gHyvate purchase of portable classrooms f P^ndjother basics."-

j 'This- would be ' done, of course,

i {^through. the tangled economic web of '*■; 10-year-TO per cent loans paid off by

for a

i - progressive dinners and apron parades in |; perpetuity.

its i

If swords only could be turned to ; ' co-op. shares! Things I worth x -fighting for,

• given the equal pay-! off - with things for

I, fighting}: -

• '. The incongruity .of

J. the "customary rJnajiddle go - round { of* methods finance { needed now for keep-

. i lng alive, through } education, the way of • ' {.life that armed forces > exist to defend, would |3t>on be seen (and gHbely rectified) if

i'A If funds for all ttleships and bayo-ts. bombs and had t to be by;'the same means ’ as for school • building and books. iTaurglar alarms and

■ .blackboard rulers.

■ ®?Home* memos

tbags would carry _^_e memos that —

J "tf&momlng beer will i be ‘'held at the home . *:bf ivyex-Brlgadier ■

pBliinp,'/ president of I Oie Pucka PCA^*

{‘Wards funds ^or .th$,.; .$<

ed the PCA for splendid efforts.

“He would have ■ liked anti-aircraft J guns. and a bit of i radar, but unfortu- J nately this year’s sub- | sidy was all used up. i ■ “And two portable J barracks have been * promised by the Gov- J emment when finance ■ is available." -1

Parents and friends { of the forces might i arrange officer-parent J nights for * the better J understanding of the i role of war In peace- * time. ,

Swing-swinging !

Perhaps, when the ! eternity-long..» bullet- ■ In is over, education*! might be really swing- i winging. * J

• Strike - reconnais J sance for schools i might include:—

• Fatigue-testing teachers after every i class, and

• Carry - through* boxes (modified to J carry-on boxes) fitted i to>jill untrained per- ».

:\j - »■ }

i

'!

i

il

of!

could send them in for ex-change. They would probably he swapped for those of a First Lieutenant, Barracks, whose shufflers had shrunk following his spate of desk resting.

A white elephant stall could well he inundated with sets of Bombay Bloomers (from Inja days), which the Kegimentettes (wives' group) could lake in at the sides and lengthen with the off-cuts to convert

ARMY. SENDS

OUT'AN SOS

"A lamington drive will be held by the Army Wives and Mothers' Club to help pay for a guided missile.”

"The Pilots' Parents' and Friends' Association has launched a rag appeal for flying suits (reconstituted)''.

The defence forces are said to he short of ammunition and equipment because of the Federal Government's spending curbs. The obvious remedy is (hut swords will have to be turned to co-op shares, and things for fighting will have to be funded in the same ways us are things worth fighting for. Like education and hospital equipment.

Said to be in short supply are food containers and screw-cap cans, along with summer dress trousers, tank ammunition, flying suits and decorations.

So kitbags could carry home leavetime memos: “A morning beer will be held at the home of ex-Brigadier Blimp, president of the Pucka PCA. towards funds lor the wet canteen. All welcome. Gentlemen bring a mug."

These notes to Mum or Missus could add a reminder: "Voluntary donations of $20 per officer or $11 other ranks per service son or spouse are now due."

Next of kin would be kept informed of all unclassified actions, as teasers for patriotic donations . . . fnrtv-two members were present at the launching ceremony for the new aircraft carrier and four apologies received.

"He would have liked anti-aircraft guns and a bit of radur, but unfortunately this year's subsidy was ull used up.

"Two ixtrtnhle hurrucks Have been promised by the government when finance is available."

The shortage of black shoes and Army summer dress trousers could he easily overcome by the traditional Swap Shop.

Too big

Lance Corporals who have grown too big for their boots

nrnmnlinn In

to a presentable summer dross.

A dearth of decorations is causing dire distress.

An army marches on its stomach. This is where

decorations become vital.

Warning

With a decoration dandling from above the diaphragm while the soldier is in this prone position just above road level, it acts as u warning device to prt enl a I) do m i ii it I a lira sinus. Something like u cat's whisker.

Surely the Old Boys' Association, the HSL, could scrape together enough old medals to save sinking stomachs and morales.

It wouldn't matter how old the medal or how far in the past the campaign for which it was struck. The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry will not be available until November this year, the money shortage sources say. and the Crimea and Boer Wars are not much longer away in people's minds.

Obviously, walkathons — or marchathons — will be naturals for fund-raising, as for any Army campaigns.

A twist could he that the soldiers paid their COs so much a mile inarched!

double!" I'rivflte Uloggs could bargain a dollar a rock lor llic lank fund.

An intriguing part of the report is l hat no Army activities have stopped because of tile lock of ammunition. I‘crimps, true to the ads., the Army's a great life and gunners simply say: "Bang, you're dead.”

Or maybe, to adapt the circumstances, bat talions are going in more for the other kind of hanging. With murder more low-key and rape and looting accelerated.

Brasso

With funds for all battleships, bayonets, bombs having to be raised by the same means as traditionally lor school buildings, books and blackboard rulers, of course there will be problems.

Camp committees will be laced with the problem of whether money taken at the annual trooping of the color should be spent on Brasso, boot polish, or an indoor assembly hall for wet weather parades. Frustrated COs will wheedle wives and mothers' grouus for a set of bayonet drill dummies

Fatigues

Fatigues open up a wide range.

Troops could huy themselves nut of purposeless parade ground punishments.

When Sarge roars: "Move tliut pile of stones from here to there six limes on the

while the Adjutants' Advisory Association will prod the same pockets for a projector for the recreation hall.

Certainly, Parents and Friends of the Forces will set about arranging officer-parent nights for the better understanding of the role of

war in peace-time.

Did aoine revolting member of the Opposition say: "I Tort I saw u coup d'etat"?

}j*)G

it) hi.■ m/u ' sword:.; tu cu <«•

SHARES' and ‘QUID HfO villi)

£. J

<•-, V .

f( 6tj

MONEY FOR JAM

Sr

JOAN SEPPDTGS

” The Pilots'/Wives? and Mothers' Club will hold a

f> ' . "■• 1/

lamingten drive towards tbe oost of an Pill

A Keming*Beer will be held at |the home of ex-Brigadier Blimp, President of the Pucka P.G.A., towards funds for the Net l^nteen. All Welcome. Gentlemen bring a

WU i -QbM,

Gould it I come to ithis'?/ The " sinews of war " to

muscle in on the highly educational subsidy system ?

yi * .

Where there’s a wa!p, Governments have always found a

1

way t© finance and equip it. The equal pay-off for those who benefit is theirs for the taxing.

Now - if " Escalation of Education " were ewer an

•> ■

election cry, and the Treasury tables turned - ohi the swords that weuld be turned to Co-Op. shares!

There would net, of qourse, be enough money in the kitty for both'ultimate deterrents and ultimate motivators.

I

Funds for battleships and bayonets, bombs and bugles

' , jJ

would have to be raised in the same way as now for eohool buildings and books, burglar alarms and blackboard rulers. &un$ttiees would spring up to weightily decide

whether money raised at this year's Troopof. the Colours

would be spent on brasso, bullets, or an Assembly Hall for

indoor parades.

Kitbags would oany home memos that * " Voluntary

donations of $12 per Regular Army and 39 per National Service -

son or spouse now duo.'".

Bulletin hoards would decree — " £3x± ce home—type ratio) are now being sold as a fund raising activity by the Kums and

Wives Group, the eating hall shall no longer be referred to as

/ ' ''

the ' Ness » ”,

ParentJj^nd Friends ef tte Forces would arrange Offioer-Parent nights for bettor understanding the role of war

Frustrated C.0.e would wheedle Wives-and-kothers ’ Clubs

for a preferred Bet of bayonet drill dummies, instead of the

/■- ‘ ' ‘ projector proposed by them for the Recreation Hall,

Newsletters might report that two portable barracks

had been promised by the Government.when finance was

available.

A strongly-worded appeal to roll up to a Dross Parade ( donation 50 cents ) would tug with familiar rhetorio at the

-J* V-:<-'r‘v • ' % \

heart strings 1 " B, Company is without a tank. We do not want to send your boys off not fully equipped ar.d if you don’t rally round they will probably have t® miss out on the battle. "

Further information, designed to stimulate the interest

n or EY FOR JAM/SBPPI! GS

S'

f /

ar.d co-operation of the fund raising support force would "be cuoh-like *

” Forty two members were present at the launching oeremory for the new airoraft oarrier and four apologies received. The Captain thanked the P.C.A. for its splendid efforts. He would have liked anti-aircraft guns and a bit of radar, but all the subsidy was used up ’•«

What’s sauoe fer the goose is sauce for the gander — but It’s the propa-ganda gets the golden egg

Perlaps one day it will be reoognised that everyone has a liok of the jam whioh a modern educational system spreads over a country’s ” way of life butchers, bakers, atomic

" oandlestiok makers "....these who buy from thorn, soil to them, add, subtraot, read and write.....and THINGS WORTH FIGHTING POE

will be rated equal, financially,'with THB OS FOR FIGHTING

HAWTHORN

ESTATE

DONCASTER

BLACKBURN RD. OFF DONCASTER RD

DONCASTER TOWN HALL

6th MAY at 2.30 p.m. on the

LAND IN AN ALL-WEATHER SEATED MARQUEE

CATHOLIC

SCHOOL

SHOPS

JchurchT

SHOPS

TIMBERED

PARKLAND

I FEATURING

j Tree-lined Crescents,

’ Courts, Sweeping Drives •

]ENTRANCE ITO ESTATE

PRESTIGE LAND at PUBLIC SET PRICES!

iAJrOTJWO 9B

An exceptional residential subdivlsional plan Incorporating the most modern overseas concept of Community Living. Featuring elevated contours, tree-lined crescents, sweeping drives, creating lots of distinction and Individuality.

DON’T MISS THIS AUCTION! BLACKBURN RD., OFF DONCASTER RD.

‘Auctioneer: Mr. Lindsay LORD

OVERLAND SALES PTY. LTD

267 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE

Bank of Adelaide Building

S/5112

At its last meeting before the Xmas recess of 1967, Doncaster and Templestowe Council resolved to borrow $200,000 (approximately $10 million today) over forty years to buy twenty two acres bounded by Blackburn Road and King Street for an engineering Works’ Depot.

The site was prime residential land, zoned Residential C, adjacent to the as yet unpopulated ‘Saxonwood estate’ just north of the East Doncaster Primary School. Heavy trucks would rumble in and out and blasting would take place. No building had started, but some lots had already been purchased by hopeful homebuilders, ratepayers, who lived elsewhere and were totally unaware of what was going on.

Cr Doug White immediately lodged a recision motion. Cr Russell Hardidge (commemorated by Hardidge Court, Doncaster) rose from his sick bed to vote for it. This should have put the process on hold, but council proceeded to draw up a contract of sale and placed an advertisement applying for the loan. Ratepayers read about it when they opened their local paper’s first edition of 1968.

Council already had a depot on the Heidelberg-Warrandyte Road. No proper plans or specifications existed for the project - except for a draft considered by many to be a deceitful sham, and which one ratepayer described scathingly as ‘parkland with two cricket pitches, four tennis courts and a bowling link - and hidden in the centre, a council depot’. A storm erupted. The city was split by controversy.

Some councillors justified the proposal by inferring that council ‘had no depot’; others that the existing depot needed expansion, still others that the land was to be used for recreation. Whatever the objective, it was not for the land’s pre-existing purpose: building lots for two hundred houses.

Cr Doug White was worried about what he saw as a financial fiasco. Annual interest on the loan would be $11,800 but, he pointed out, the future two hundred households could bring in $8,000 rates. The existing site had a substantial caretakers’ residence, machinery sheds and an amenities block for workers. With construction of a new depot added to the proposed loan, total cost to ratepayers could exceed $1 million ($21,150,500 in 2011 money). Land was available adjacent to the quarry in Warrandyte Road for only $24,000. And he was incensed that some of his colleagues made that out no depot existed.

The only way to stop the land purchase was to stop the loan. And the only way this could be done was to have the loan contract declared null and void - a possibility, as the loan advertising had not followed due process. It had been lodged while a recision motion remained undebated. The process to achieve the voiding of the loan contract was a municipal referendum over the advertised loan. A Demand for a Poll. These polls are seldom held, as the requisite number of ratepayers’ signatures is notoriously hard to procure.

For a Demand for a Poll to be granted leave to proceed, it required a petition with the signatures of 5% of ratepayers. The shire’s population was 44,600, of whom 21,079 were ratepayers. No less than 1,054 signatures were needed. Signature collectors organized and led by Mrs June White. The community rallied. Within four days, twice that number was obtained.

Meanwhile, ratepayers calling at the municipal offices to inspect plans and specification for the project, and estimates of proposed expenditure for which the loan was said to be

needed, found that no such documents existed. This invalidated the application for the loan, which was withdrawn. The poll was not needed.

Council re-advertised with slightly different wording. A new poll was needed.

A poll, or municipal referendum, has the same status as municipal elections and is conducted in the same manner. A majority of one third of votes is necessary for it to pass. It was held on May 4,1968, with a resounding win.

The existing depot was upgraded and unwitting new residents built their dream homes.

RATEPAYERS

DEPOT POLL, 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. SATURDAY, MAY 4th VOTING IS COMPULSORY

VOTE AGAINST COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO BORROW $200,000 FOR' KJ'rCWaSE OF 22 ACRES OF RESIDENTIAL LAND IN BLACKBURN RD.P EAST DONCASTER, TO RE-SITE THE EXISTING MUNICIPAL DEPOT WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — UNECONOMICAL IRRESPONSIBLE USE OF RATEPAYERS MONEY

COSTS

PROPOSED LOAN > . . $200,000

INTEREST CHARGES . . $344,746

TOTAL COST OF LAND TO YOU $544,746 (for land alone)

ULTIMATE COST OF DEPOT BUILDINGS HAS NOT BEEN REVEALED Full development costs plus interest Is conservatively estimated et

$1000,000 A JOIRECT CHARGE ON RATEPAYERS

PO NOT BE MISLED

This Depot has nothing to do with the provision of a bowling green, tennis and basketball courts,1 as has been stated by some councillors. These would be on land already owned by East Ward ratepayers. The claim by Council that it is intended to “screen" the Depot with playing fields cannot be accepted. The land is on the side of a hill with a fall of SO feet.

ZONING — THE LAND JS ZONED RESIDENTIAL IN COUNCIL'S TOWN PLANNING TO USE It FOR INDUSTRIAL USE WOULD SET A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO REJECT COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL CROSS OUT YES TO DEFEAT COUNCIL'S PROPOSAL

The three East Ward Councillors — R. J. HARDIDGE. K. REMINGTON and P. WHITE, together with Templestowe Councillor W. J. MONTGOMERY, have consistently voted this proposal in Council debates.

_____. POLLING BOOTHS AT NORMAL LOCATIONS__

BRIAMAR PRESS '

AUTHORISED BY A. R. NANCAFtROW DONCASTER EAST

In 1967, Council resolved to borrow $200,000 (approximately $10 million today) to buy 22 prime residential land on Blackburn Road on which to build a Works Depot.

acres of

Articles © Joan Sopping* for font Yam News

mm $ g gwesgi

PRESTIGE LAND of PU3LIC SET PRICES!

sjmwivrooD

I GRAND OPENING LAND

* AUCTION

Sk»3M?NW4>.0D

DUCK8UHNP0. ESTATE

on doncasick ro. DONCASTER

mmoMSS issASSPJtxEais \ 4 MU’ .-tUI?; S3T< i V r-rre-irl • . - lipH’

Vol, 7 : No M WED., MARC

Second

dAinaiid; ____________join

Ratepayers in Doncaster and Tcmplestowc are reported to bo organising a second Demand for a Poll on the controversial depot issue.

They question council's intention to borrow $200,000 with which to buy land for a new sito in Blackburn Rd.

Under the Loco) Government Act • poll may bo d*u»o«dod on production of lira per ccr\* of ratopayovs' •ignare'ct omd a dupmit ot SI 00.

A. damond on February 9, with

2,350 j'flnoiure>. vn«- involidored when

of council's intention to borrow >200,000 'wc» w>rhdrown.

The Mayor, Cr Batll tlmi, paid h* hod found that a technical etep hod been token tut oi tequanev end in the iteiKei (oiuUercit it prudent ty‘Wp*r tho odvertfolny *0 that procedure* miyhr be relnetirutrd.

?CH2^196« Price lc

TIk Locn, No. 105,1 has **ow been rr-odvertlvcd

IlMtDK the »»rd- ; Inc ll el/stitty differ-cot Iren thee In the .

first edver (kneent, u

ftt-Ot d»m»«rt MMtf »-» 1mU«4 tr u pull K to

tr 1#K«.

lo boUl edTrinUa-nuuiu tree e*iU

to? uK’ m.irl

3

Icar^ Ru«^

Dor.rUlw

a«Alal if)« scuth-

,*c*t cos^ir o( H-eoit-

th« *A

ol tu iU>.1 Kl:>#

rut

TKU wit* rcr * jttUM-Kipel Urpol eiul wvrt, ieUOP eau l*T»d fet

IrwctvaU'wi.

t T6p Qnitutl bUiHltt-llnp mruietk* the tx~

I ni.lining $S0.0i» i>:n»cj-

iu»!c£|c, fraciiu: iuwi .*a)uUi<v\i CpA*| coil'.

VrovLilue niirrtairg u;rv»ma ‘ trw.tcM ki o*U Cent *{ devo, Wiflvk.

,«**■ ■' ' i Refrtrvnf *0 thr } mAjo*** rniwren eji<u Uic fW*l d*in*M tie e | mO, rr.PMNC.WuMH ( hula Cl*, nau hjd been otout i

Lai*u “*

set

Incensed residents presented a petition for a Demand for a Poll that forced a successful referendum that stopped the purchase.

The former ‘Saxonwood estate’ is now a long-established elite residential area.

THE " DEPOT " CONTROVERSY AND SUBSEQUENT REFERENDUM

\.r V f" n r\ wi /*vi 11

fQ 0,7

U7 ' jl-

) O

b 0<^ fs

7

I* It too # the holv on jil,

# Of -O t iiw i*$*JU

17 JJOi’fi.nlr r >*«,

- r~ *-*:>■>■ li; 9

i irti, 1968,

i

«

'I

I

’*H» iSbmjjfcv. w oofieft ‘noth ttn a$ft a *> nation

r» ,-ar'*>•;.. tl.&Aproi^mat", iwirofca^o or Jtfifd %t tl| xffltotr oi . sift&,j.;r.

Fo-'-r' or* U fct*»>i9 v,v t ' a*, ©i rr fotf&fc’■ a.

f JtOilol -.1 * ot.<»t fe’W* Ditu*v ? % ’’W

I <• ■■ ■ i- f |v vft|r

Jrt If ff? Lbu »ixuv'^t irv< ec verity*

of o:inilici7'r»ar t* '' *

t I vfcly" tuat yt^r ifei". : -we fit* v-« spo *6 i.cisito tial k thteuo* saqfc ton. On tljU ftuus* • ».« ?il, ft> t"'t> ike lftcL® of AvHSjkt .ifct n*7|\ or * »f mu* - j»or ttw '© . 1 w-> x> aor itl:«a

Vi’ -*|Mp -r-|B *%MQ iipt it ici- a fro* 'll %t i*c. irifii os*

&*e t« tovle <v* v jit 1" 4 zr> tlx tuf^ v„u».ii ,.a*o vo«d

ftfttxtajh t$w Mtlxm at 4or®ljfr¥**t rc.tV of #<*# ■ >-«l/ . ,• r ■ 'V* io tpftxkl Jl .aai Sov ••>«€ ly* i ** Jos Ktem-an^&i g.,j*5 ■- -o-a o

iw y*t t • rf* yt'.c tliey :#c, it will b© to' tie A'i-tn of

aa'-rrpnf t« fat" ;*iifc * i— of *x#a . •;?*:«

•vsd t •)ati J.oxjp, af$bil lowtn^ #u t ®fct iooo* bulk -ctor*. o 0 . -jrth

irku jj|.£»* r

ihoxli' t-oivo Pipfio f'ltHfcr v Hte i «rot JfaUy »,» r* of

*bnt,i .toy war * vlrc 5, -im . t iri-u’ tH« - t m

i shbi^TJ .off W-. •-. tl.it at* 3ut •■ 1 a*. : i t Si.-*; t.’-oir

aboo ife> fsba^l^ i a eacnlc i^pu' *

Vj i oo/tot;iV» Ir %' t ii-0 ’ •■••• f'.j'ni : ..*t U'flU > opwta..fi|i»*• U'.v-tftt ,f# tH4H i#* th« -| r-r.ot a-f tfc - refo: t V) :

| i&et ftcm .>©>1 oo xv. h «- m * | t*i. Jlliit

ar*»t fill; t t'.Jly if • 1 Uafe • t*4 i w<- ©t'5f

j -ft.'booi^t ft*

|pl V''O '.f b'»; to ;h? a* -t o o *.# ilo < .

rook to, lir ;. *r t: i- «* >• t’ *'* i* vN l'« ■ ii! «r J

};pot.' r^orta 4 a ^ van lioa. a oarrAocif to -x • w, » o r J

*OU t> o' >;^t' if 'wh^'C H* , ' .j' t ki <i 5. • a. i. ■ i th ; \.:;.ty

vtlH hkfio ft Toabt .irvui^ '“ ? aif* • ?v: I 1

1 !' 11 ' J- -a :• , to *;

Krf: v^H tl - p;r oo *li f jpfton ';

;nr Kin St and .Blackburn Road

■which could lead to an economical a c ae

As an ordinary ratepayer,/! feel ooliged to set out my reasons for oojectin, bo the proposed!" resitinf of the unicipal depot on

Tha letter is not rerelj one of n . gative objection* I have a bulgesti n to offer which I hope in all sincerity - ay engender discussion

A

Ph-Q OOPO -&J- ■oh jaotioii^ir* thl conviction that reside: .ts should

have security of environment

Only last year this same site was zoned residential 0 by these

same men on this same Council.

hot any one of you, nor the Engineer, nor the Tom Planner, s.u.ht

to set it aside for light industrial purppses. ^________-—~—

Since then, peo le have bou:ht land in the Saxonwood estate' i the

belief that development north of t1 em SoulA'hi/resfaen^xal only. Some

building has coinenced. But no one isl^iiving~~therebyet.

(pLw A

nofee to the vista of escarpments and factory—like buildings, the noise of rewin; trucks and plait mac ir.ery, o Dil Lowing dust from loose bull storage on north wind days.

Should these peo le already live there, fully a "re of what is goin, on, tioaaxix, and not mind, tv:en I should not mind.

______But it ic not rig1 t that the r absen -e should be exploited.___

x;

If Council a: a whole persists in denyin. East Don m t r Councillors the rijlvfc fan *.rd frlnr-i nil t n-±r, - finan ci al—aM.-ae t etic -

, C ' n l -Tpady

of- ti. gir electors^ r.hg -n, ht. to preserve the orderly and/plannea. development

of their own ward, then Council as a whole must admist a responsibility

towrdds E. ward ratepayers.

I ask you to exai ine your responsibility towards these

rate ayors who have bou ht land on which to build tbeie

homes, adjacent to ±kj/bqpxx. site now proposed as l.i; industrial, in

i^f i-.ba-fc, -b,e 1 ievin; their

fv tiref'■% vfouldubd1ch.b6!6r<?iifflf td rth#°f6c,-n ^ldff Vfri “’ll yoti'0'Ty ourslve^

fo:rulated and approved so recently

rted they would prefer

meer gave

Thor<——PitTpyo-. l. lid;- jl .

UU^A*^ * A *VH P°^J*Uae'^"

ri'j/.

That the De'$ot' will be ugly is adm itted a. d a ticipatec^ ir the tated neoeseity to hide it - and—lliafnu ar ourrtr OT~17p^3TS-ffnof 1.—jtr^eoessarr~<o a^ompl i r.Yi j-Ki r . y

CSl>v^

pidt° 3

\\beside the\quee/t

of economy.

I 0.0 not

bowl m

his .taf e wed need more I „.,________________

' csuvvc- c.v^

c«_t-a c-voj ,_L\

.courts j^rdr-^rt^.^roa.„ Thip is,

n of ffectiy^/soreenii , birt/not be'sid^ the question

~"*h

A plantation would have to be as cense as t e Ko or rung;

Greek bush to hide anything of such substance as the proposed new T»exot.

c, . even less .a , ,, . and sound, .

^_____v bportp^, rount s^are j>e~to Ah' si, St of what is beyo

Hw tfe^is acricket pitch ? How opaque sp a tennis x et ?

How hapl the turf of a bo ling green ?

People living near by and driving pas\7a'^^IlL will be aole

to see strap ht through these to the Depot as readily as they can

see through the x^ropositi n that Depot buildings, bulldozers a d bulk

storage , the scores of derelict electrio light poles littering the

pad or a bowl in JRVP.

en over.

And what of those s< eking r ,st and recreation in the park and play in, fields ? They will not escape the eyesore.

Aod. eysore pt must be if it requires such acreage to"screen"it It is i y view that nothing out a hi h brick wall will screen the Depot described in the engineers report and plan - i ia't, any Depot or :

round, can hide behind a ’ r ' * - 'fi-

shing a wicket, a batsman's pad - a ra T)c--irrcPt;

rguri erir ccwld ot sw bowl a 1aic,(

be most s it,able >.

, avow to

an already prejudices

----tiTli'1.:- KrrcTvrt^i i>riv^

u) y§ow j% «\*vj £

V i ■ L .1 ^ ^.1;.'. '-fx^JAfi.,1 J rvttw/ CS.e^^c^ 4.

I .

JJL, c\ji

‘'-o^.OKS.y'-C'-f"*’

“a

That the De#ot'will be ugly is adi itted a d a- ticipatecTi ^1;,6 tated necessity to hide it - and—Ilia fan ar otHrlr'gf "14 ~bPfrbB of

'^•!,Trr! tTrTTeceSSart^tn a noi-impl -j r.h thic. / *

S' (3La^ s\

I do not believe that this stage w^need more^J ^..

' 0,1^,C^iiJ

a Thi/ 1R

pii0’4^^^?kL. I__________________________

X^oeside the\quec/t n of ffective/screenin, , q

is.courts

Voj

°f economy.

-i, ■ if ;rviL- %/) i.uJ.y-

■^fervr SjKc.-cO^c-c/ Co^

h«lfe-irld the question

rp.

A plantation would have bo be as cense as t e Koonung C'-ceek bush to hide anything of such substance as the pro osed new ^epot. Sport

S5)j

rouge s^afyS^-lai-s^r to ih si, K‘;C ox °wliat is beyond, w t^il^is acriclcet pitch ? How opaque a tennis vet ?

How lbai,l the turf of a bo ling preen ?

People living near by and driving pas^3"^^’ L will be able to see strai.ht through these to the Depot as readily as they can see through the propositi n that Depot buildings, bulldozers ad bulk storage , the scores of derelict ele ctric li/ht poles littering the

round, can

<-JU(

Th°2fc kTric'' of

I

id.e oehinc a wicket, a bat 1 i1tM 11

dli id

ic. r> '\'M

' rguc em

atsn.an's pad o: a bowl in (F. r,^i. bowl a ? axd en over.

And what of those seeking r st and recreation in the park a>d play in f ields ? The„ will not escape the eyesore.

Aod eysore £>t nust be if it requires Euch acrea-e to"soreen"it It is y view that nothin,; but a i h brick wall will screen the Depot described in the engineers report and plan - i fact, any

71Sirrir-ft

XJrs Elms a d Hillxans have frequently

Athe Depot on the hot^T site.

Crs White and He .ngton/a^erF^a^they would have v ted

for the hotel site had it been smaller.

^The City Engineer tave t

Denot or industrial undertaking.--------- ■ , ^ . i.

1 ^ /'■hf—d~5—is nT xu1 ca—tri»i 1 ■,-1. in t} 1—o*P—nr—rovm rrt*- t.<> ni’weivlrf 1 LeiU

freauentl a. erted thay would prefer 1

hrsL first choice

Could n(

,er a.

TiHey all avow to

be eos

t s itable 9 £o\ rugh .;nN~oes is, transport a: dl a. ai already rreg'i i :es

area

If it in agreed that- the* Depot ,1 bb'J? ye move a f,iio its pr- sent site,

attfr-TN-y*hQjtejr-gi:te^br^^orT^TTr^ e

v-lt

could not Council consider ngarix fch^ otel Bite a<ain, and, by

. yaaa3L creenm,. plan,*i ropoee

at i ending, thei32n *. ineor1 s s <

to purchase only

that amount of land advised oy hiir as necessary for the construction U^cXu* ,

of the Depot

spot j5»s expansion., viz, llficres? / * /) fj\

It is oby>k£fuei itha^,,. ^JiOrtev.e^ .•thf^(J1ina^f .^yl^tfljOry *jpon^. ,^p.ll rH*

be made t9 »th^ p-r.erfludic^fr,px;:pr,eiepences of (sp^e .per,sun rfgwy or r pet^le, J whether \t* be oui-1 t(..oi} sifte Kosgl,?.3 elfpwhepe, .  , J

■35^ fOT

VOJOT. .[OO'^C

ly sui gestion is that

Oil */ -V: ■ T.; •! r:-X J £4,

,. ,^a, ,X . .tp *i

aseoa in g bu. a h i, h o rnam en ta 1 wa 11,

h ->r ; o 1 • i.• j.'11 ') r. . i r. r

set back from the pavement 6-- ltrfeet arid tw is set-back planted with allld ' rj^ 'itore - 1 ff ' ‘'f - c • ' r . ,. • f.

trees and sbrubsv^woula/economically, aesthetically and adequately

ao

x&.

od?cA

screen the Depot fror the public ;tha^.the pypsent reqomi: gnd^tions. Some of

The cost of -b+Te ornamental wall .would be aosorbea ±sfaax±hEx by the existing allocation for thief proof ./encin. .

Sfe€" shrubs would fcidjExikxx soften the ^KE£X±XXE ^6 h e iieusa

r~j - (.iL^^ ft

wall would hide nuaU-iil^ the Deopt buildings and machinery, 4#*t be a barrier fron jiHX±ao¥owin dust#

consider fully screened as

nob now be available, why not e already owned by Counoil ,

BLASTING EFFECT

“NOT HARMFUL”

Referring to the amenities block at the present council depot, see story page 1, the two objecting councillors say:

gln . | - . I fronting Victoria Street,bring the project to

'Certainly there are no vinyl tiles on the floor — it is bare concrete — or ceramic tiles in the slower. But the men wear heavy boots and a strong concrete floor seems suitable. *

On blasting Crs. White and Remington have this to say:—

“It has been said that blasting from the quarry would have a detrimental effect on depot buildings constructed on the present site.

“The brick veneer caretaker’s residence already there is about 18 years old. It is interesting to note that there are NO cracks In the exterior brickwork. “Fibrous plaster inside

residential area in any ward.

“We took a similar attitude when we supported the residents of West Doncaster in their appeal to Council’s intention to place a business C zone on Williamson’s land in West Doncaster.

“In April, 1965, council approved in principle the report and layout plans to develop the depot on the site, prepared by the achitects at a cost to ratepayers of $9,000. Tenders were invited.

Immediately north of Don. caster Rd., has all the geographical advantages for an efficient operational base in a residential area already prejudiced by other adjoining classes of development.

The cost of establishing this site would be slightly less than the alternative site in Blaokbum Rd., as the earthworks and costs are not so involved/

“His report also stated: ’The depot sites in Victoria St. and Blackburn Rd. North, south of King St., do not as previously stated provide for the needs of the Electricity Department, which is an entirely seper-ate entity/

“Ratepayers should be told that a caretaker and residence will have to remain on the site adjacent

foundation stage.

“It is interesting to note that the $200,000 loan contains no provision to repay to the lending authority any principle amount until the year 2008.

“The loan Is of a hire purchase character. The same amount of interest of $11,750 being paid in the year 2008 as In the year 1968.

“The gross amount of interest payable over the 40 years is $470,000. *

$670,000 gross

“At this time, the initial amount of $200,000 becomes due and payable, showing a gross expenditure of $670,000.

“To meet the principle repayment of $200,000, an amount of $1,868.64 Is pro-

shows the normal wear, hut council decided, on and tear; It has suffered ’September 27, 1965, to

“ * defer action.

no effects from blasting.

“How Is It also that this blasting has no apparent effect on the development of the S.E.C. terminal and our own Electric Supply Depot, with its sensitive and delicate equipment?

Planning

The mayor has said that the council town planner has approved the Blackburn Rd. site as best suited to the development of a non-resi-dential amenity.

“The controversial Town Plan shows this area as purely for residential development.

“Surely if councillors wanted an alternative site set aside for a depot, provision would have been made for this in the drawing up of the Town Plan? No councillor asked for this.

“We believe that the Depot can be best developed on its present site and can be carried on there.

“If for other reasons councillors wish to move the depot, they should 6hift it to a prejudiced area and we would take this same attitude if they tried to put it into a good

On July 31, 1967, a detailed engineer’s report containing full costs, stages of development and plans for extension on the present site was submitted to council.

n

Three sites

“In October, 1967, the engineer submitted a further report suggesting three sites — Victoria St., near the hotel in Doncaster, the Blackburn Rd.-King St., comer in East Doncaster and at the corner of King and Victoria Sts.

“In a spirit of compromise and realising the deadlock of attitude, we did support nn area which we believed to be six acres adjoining the hotel, as this was a prejudiced area, flanked on one side by the hotel and backed by power lines.

“This size is comparable with depots In other cities.

“We withdrew our support for this when we were amazed to discover that, in fact, the area being negotiated comprised 26 acres.

“In a report dated Feb-

to the quarry to care lor

this equipment.

“Extra staff required at a new and seperate depot will add to administrative

costs.

Finance

“It it remarkable that within weeks of saying they regretted the need for rate increases councillors should embark on this costly and uneces-sary development.

“Council originally decided to use $55,000 of unused loan funds for the development of the depot on its present site and in this regard they paid architects $9,000 of that $55,000 for plans and spec! fleat ions and a report.

“Repayments s of this loan are still being servlc ed from revenue, although $46,000 has never been used.

“This can only be des c r 1 b e d as remarkable financing.

“The mayor’s statement that the cost of the depot to 1967 will be no more than $250,000, including land, reads like a fairy tale.

“The cost of developing the rest, of the land has

posed to be set aside annu-

ally out of rate revenue and it is assumed that by astute investment the amount will Increase by $125,280 to the required $200,000 over the 40 years.

“On the basis of this the nett cost of the loan will be over half-a-million dollars — in precise terms — $544,748 — which would pay only for land, grading and levelling.

An estimate of costs of buildings, equipment, sealed areas etc., must surely come conservatively to a further $150,000.

Not for a minute would we East Ward councillors si

pend this amount to provide land for two cricket

)itches on

the side of a,

ruary 26. 1068, the engineer j been excluded, said: "the alto proposed

the flnancli way.

Land cost

“As outlined In Loan No. 105, thr cost of the land is $150,000, cost of PART of the construction of the depot $50,000, making a total of $200,000.

”TI»§ liiterwM payment

each year for this lntiai outlay of $200,000 Is $11,750. This, on its own will, by 1975, have cost ratepayers $82,250 ~ an unpalatable, but undeni able amount — for land and part-development alone.

“It Is extremely doubtful If the initial $50,000 would

.

Wfr-

■•I A

frk

Jj

Cr. puts row in focus

Cr. White said East Doncaster councillors did not 1 support the engineer's recommendation that 15 acres of land be purchased at the back of the hotel.

& U

Vi

#

They felt the cost was hot warranted.

Cr. Lcs Cameron, West Doncaster, was not prepared to agree with this approach and Cr. Elms said it would be “political dynamite” for him to vote to acquire the 15-acre Victoria St. site as Cr. Harle had suggested.

“It Is quite wrong to suggest West Doncaster councillors were all eager for this site and that East Doncaster councillors vetoed it ,” Cr. White said. “We would have gone along with the original six-acre suggestion.

“We felt 15 acres at (8,000 an acre was too touch.”

*j $700 plans

the processes for obtaining the loan.

This could be done under the Local Government Act by obtaining five per cent of ratepayers' signatures on a Demand for a Poll over the advertised loan.

One thousand four hundred signatures were required. Twice that number were obtained in four days.

The demand was lodged with the Town Clerk on February 9.

Invalidated Meanwhile, on February 7, ratepayers calling at the municipal offices to inspect plans, specifications and estimates of the proposed expenditure of the moneys to be

borrowed, found that no such documents existed.

This invalidated the application for the loan of $200,000, the advertisement was withdrawn by order of the Mayor, ratified by council on February 9 at a special meeting. This negated the need to proceed further with the demand for a poll at this stage.

“What happens now depends on council’s actions, and on the voting when the proposal to borrow the money to purchase the Blackburn Rd. site is reintroduced,” Cr. White said.

It is believed that if the loan is readvertised, , a further demand for a I poll will be presented.

m

\ :

Cr. White went on to say that plans and specifications for expansion of the'depot on its existing site by the quarry were prepared in July 31, 1967, at a cost of $700, but never fully examined or considered by council.

Preliminary negotiations to purchase the site now under dispute at the corner of Blackburn Rd. and King St. were begun by Cr. Ivan Peter-Budge on December 9.

Council’s intention to apply for a loan to purchase this land was passed on December 18, the last meeting before the Christmas recess.

A rescission motion was immediately lodged by Cr. White, who said this, according to the Local Government Act, should have frozen all action until the next council meeting in January.

His reasons for rescission were the undesirability of a depot in a potential residential area, so far unprejudiced, and the cost of ratepayers of its development.

Cheaper land

“I have always said the existing site by the quarry can be developed,” he asserted. “If not, cheaper land can be bought adjoining it.”

Notwithstanding the rescission motion, he said an advertisement was placed for a loan of $200,000 for purchase of the land and part development of the site. A contract of sale was drawn up.

If the advertisement was valid the only way to stop the purchase was to make the contract null d void, by arresting

• The Mayor, Cr. Basil Elms, told a meeting at Tunstall Square last Friday why a new council depot was needed.

\\

an

Our depot improvised"

"We do not now have a depot, we have improvised depot/1 said Mayor Basil

Elms.

“It docs not have buildings or amenities; it docs not comply with the minimum., standards the union requires fo rits men.” Presenting reasons why the depot should be developed on land in Blackburn Rd. at the comer of King St., he said:

“Our rubbish is at present dumped in Camberwell. I understand the life of this tip is seven to eight years.

"At the end of this period we are going to have a heck of a problem with rubbish disposal.” Cr. Elms claimed that when the quarry was dug out it would be an ideal site in which to dump the city's garbage.

“We tried initially to get the depot at the rear of the hotel in West Don-I caster,” he said, ipr '

“The loan money which has caused some local discussion is not to buy land for the tip, garbage trucks or anything else. It is to buy some land, within which is to be the depot.”

He thought the depot area itself was about seven acres. The rest of the 24 acres was for screening.

“This $200,000 we’re talking about represents $150,000 for 24 acres land and $50,000 for earthworks on the site.

“But of that 24 acres, only seven is for the functional depot.

“I think this is where perhaps people haven’t understood what it is we are trying: to do.

“By developing land as open space round the Blackburn Rd. site we can hide the depot with it.

nrfgrMiffl.iPi/l

Random

comment

Speakers at the Tunstall Square meeting added these comments to a night of hot debate:—

• Council should be opening up more land for residential development near existing shopping centres, instead of turning good home sites into a depot—Tunstall Square Chamber of Commerce.

• Economically, I do not believe the depot should be removed from its present site by the quarry.

People cannot stand any more rate rises and at this stage we cannot afford this project, which only starts at $200,000 — Cr. W. Montgomery.

• The land in Blackburn Road would be put to better use if used for a swimming pool for East Doncaster. — A Ratepayer

• A new council depot is

needed because six years ago council had only a handful of equipment. This has grown and will continue to grow. — Cr. Les Capjfiron ^ ^

NEWS T,pS

PHON^ 489

move opposed

— East Doncaster residents ore petitioning Council for a referendum on the resiting of the Municipal Depot.

K-av

W

k-’ip:

They object to the proposed borrowing of $150,000 to buy 24 acres of land at the south-west corner of Blackburn Rd. and King St. for a new depot and workshop and a further $50,000 to pay ' for the buildings.

Many object to the I The proposed site is placing of industry so near a new housing de

close to residential areas.

They also feel council trucks will create an unwarranted traffic hazard for school children if the depot adjoins the built-up area.

velopment and not far from the East Doncaster school Most East Doncaster residents are reported to be asking: “Why

can’t the depot sta where it is?”

7

• •' T^Mr Iff ■

Depot move opposed

East Done aster dum on the resiting

They object to the proposed borrowing: of $150,000 to bay 24 acres of land at the south-west corner of Blackburn Rd. and King St for a new depot and workshop and a farther $50,000 to pay ' for the buildings.

residents ore petitioning Council for a referen-of the Municipal Depot.

The proposed site Is near a new housing development and not far from the East Doncaster school.

Most East Doncaster

I--- -----residents are reported

to be asking: “Why

can't the depot sta where it is?”

Many object to the placing of industry so close to residential areas.

They also feel council trucks will create an unwarranted traffic

71

Random

comment

Speakers at the TunstaU Square meeting added these comments to a night of hot debate:—

• Council should be opening up more land for residential development near existing shopping centres, instead of turning good home sites into a depot—Tuns tall Square Chamber of Commerce.

• Economically, I do not believe the depot should be removed from its present site by the quarry.

People cannot stand any more rate rises and at this stage we cannot afford this project, which only starts at $200,000 — Cr. W. Montgomery.

• The land in Blackburn Road would be put to better use if used for a swimming pool for .East Doncaster. — A Ratepayer

• A new council depot is needed because six years ago council had only a handful of equipment. This has grown and will continue to grow. — Cr. Les Caipfirp^ a ^

“You’re paying for them now”

"East * Ward people should have no illusions," said Cr. Remington. "This depot has nothing to do with the provision of a bowling green, tennis and basketball courts/'

“These will be on the land that we, the East Ward people now own.

“You're going to get them anyway and are paying for them in your rates now.”

Cr. Remington said that with the present rate situation and de velopment he was no longer sure the city needed a new depot at present, hearing in mind ;hafc all expenditure was directly related to rates.

I'm beginning to think the depot, somehow or other, had jumped from about tenth priority to first," he said.

Prejudiced site

“The staff at the depot need a definite amenities set-up, but do we need a new depot?" he asked.

The ideal place for a depot was in a prejudiced site and that was why the existing

depot by the quarry and SJE.C. power lines, i appealed to him.

“No person in his right mind would want to go and live there where it is now," he said.

“If it must be moved for good reason, there ore acres of flat land in that area which could be bought for $1,000 an acre.

This makes a total of $24,000 as against $200,000 for the proposed Blackburn Rd. site.

The fundamental facts of ' life are that the $200,000 is to provide a depot and two cricket pitches on the side of a till.

There’ll be no trees there when the site is graded."

Cr. Remington said he would oppose a depot in good, unprejudiced residential land in any ward.

Yarra News, Wed., Feb. 28, 1968

PHONE: 848 1611

Address til Correspondence to the Town Clerk IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE OUR REF. NO.

A20/2 - 80 MM/SMA

Mrs. J.K. Seppings, 17 Boronia Grove, DONCASTER EAST..VIC

Dear Mrs. Seppings,

* r

N

City of Doncaster and Templestowe

Municipal Offices DONCASTER 3108

4th April, 1968.

■3109.

< I

My Council has directed me to thank

il

you for your letter of 12th March, 1968 regarding the proposal to establish a Municipal depot on a new site and has noted your comments.

Il

CITY OF DONCASTER AND TEMPLESTOWE

Telephone 848 1611 Municipal Offices,

Doncaster.

Dear Sir/Madaa, j

tUjU X

Your letter of the.

is receiving attention and a reply will be forwarded as early as practicable.

in any this aatter.

Please quote our Ref. ,, .

further conaninications in connection

^4

Your Ref.

Yours faithfully, J.N. THOMSON, Town Clerk

—

See- {^-eu^s ; -

(V-ocovds. Q><- ^

J^r rv<Uos <^v (^*^1

O

7

STREET AND ROAD PLAYING BORON IA AND THEA GROVES 19 68

1

OSr&SS.

<3(vrci

17 Boiojiia ruvof SctKt 3 ono-aetor, 3105;

»W O «. 4^-1739

vo 1.' ah9 !$(*'

lto-tfeftv Bole, . .L.A., At co:. ct

I '.Ivor., !(■■.„

Poar I r F.oid,

i. (i t'eany tV. Jaofc i:,v ra , mrc is not deliversd no a:- a: loIcI as ^ oivr ho, o, go I no oraloain^* fqx yoi v irrfcoro-t a sopy of ai:. artiol© of i* e . ri tedt fcli- vadk.

if the thou . r er nror/ d i- io or? i a&jiQ'o of xo it ' as 'iae arc of a. y • ul'o i o*. : effortc to _v-.nn fc*o read toll, thin will ■< i t’ i 1: you aro

dci , a t rent cci'vi ..;o to fcfc. ca unity i;ith th.0 lei/uil’ &iw yov*. bn.vo forou 'b*, .'orunre *-o At to c, cr,fl*

1 'eJ.ivvo tT'CV.e i? Joint ■- *1© & Jor:? it tec o ho x sibtin^

1 . Vic-: i(

ncl ii'

%vBi(iriito:ent xy

■ iety it pivseiot

,/ OU Jilj t. r ose

O to t' r ' jr ; rax cr x'oJb ! i.oli jau

j.i.. .• r*‘xy >© of j :1v> i t heir • oliourv i, on. 9 nr brio ae- oct d.’OS, v/orre r y dnv re, ou. ooi II;

\;cron»

( cli.TC vii

n itr

iu iic'oltc i.l’ , •jo * • tV <-.r ,n

ot 1 T'< t i.0 (.( Oil

In.vc o_ to i vonc erca rOj ) VhvdlL\ If c l'-r or • ■.j. u hot 'ijri'l; $

■ v- < .

•t 1C , ‘..‘Xi

to O

People in Doncaster Rd., East are angry that money muv'M can be found to re-surface a good Mnd cloud. Of **»q$ectioil of the road in front 0f their

homes, but cannot be found to seal a trouble area. ; ; ; i ^rv ■

the centre Meanwhile, a sec-

! Doncaster Rd.. tlon of the road a few xt in this sec- blocks away has been * fully sealed.

From the bitmen * Between The Pine-edge to »the kerb Is way and Regal Av. about 3 ft. of loose the bitumen reaches stones and dirt, ; from kerb to kerb.

People have been Residents say they

asking for years that tcannot find out from this be sealed. council how this sec-

Two weeks ago, * tlon came to be made.

£5®. ’Wtv,r.kmvjt„rrf»n Cr Keith Remlng-jjJJHS ,.‘5® ’At™!} ton, of East Ward,

centre strip, although ^ ggjj that sealing

to the edgeTof Don? good condition, with caster Rd. between no potholes. . BlftCkbum andSpri^.

Holes stay

“The potholes were on the edges, and are still there/’ said Mrs J. Lamborn, who is

trying to have some with CRB assistance, action taken to com- said that he had

bat the dust menace.. Sre,aj sympathy with Slow-moving vehicles residents suffering travel with their off- from the dust side wheels in the menace, and expected loose stones and dirt, tha* the work would raising clouds of dust be completed before which j infiltrates homes, even with windows and - doors closed. . ,

S ( Lucky spot 1

A letter from Doncaster . Templestowe Council states that application will be made to the CRB for funds In 1971-72 for the widening of the seal coat of the rood from Blackburn Rd. to Springvale Rd.

But one inquirer said that the CRB stated that funds would not be available until 1973.

vale Rds. had been given a high priority on a list of works to be carried out in the next financial year

next Christmas.

________________• jT r.

; *~

I able i

l

Mrs. J.K. Seppings, 17 Boronia Grove, EAST DONCASTER

Dear Madam,

Beverley Hills State srHonr. School No. 4813......

APPRFS? Cassowary Street,...

East Doncaster

27th April 1966

We have for acknowledgment and thanks your letter dated 31st March.

As you are well aware this matter has been taken up with the Shire Council.

D.W. Gay (Secretary -School Committee)

, ■ ,.... . .... I| lM.„, B

The best news story In a suburban newspaper In 1970-71 appeared In the Doncaster-East Yarra News on June 8 this year.

That’s what the judges said at the annual meeting of the Melbourne Suburban Newspapers’ Assoplati.cn last Friday when awards for the year were announced,

■j The story ./which appeared under Joan Seppings* byline/ was an interview with 17-year-old Stephen Knapp after his Id-day stay In China with ah Australian table tennis team.

Headed “Maoism Is a religion in China—that’s what it seemed , to ‘Uncle Ping Pong’. now home in Donvale," the judges referred to it as a fine piece of reporting and a story which othe^nowspapers failed to publish, despite its International significance. . ‘«

Improved story. >

The “News" had previousjyT.won.,, awards for the Most ved suburban newspapers

TMi WESTERN SO

thfe Best Illustrated News

WKtiSm* .......

UR

SEPPINGS

YERTISER, 17/11/71

ex-

pm! ■■■ A former we11*knowii (Williamstown resident,

1 Mrs, Joan . Sepplngs (nee Webester), has won . an ; Important, newspaper

:*w*rd-

_____ . .

entries

i

I*

5®,

" "

She has been announced winner of the Best News Storys Award lt» a-Melbourne suburban newspaper ’ in the past year.

. .. ..IBP

The award wee medi by ?the Melbourne Suburban Newspaper Association from 170 entries. WmS

■ ' ‘

Mrs. Sepplngs, a wife and mother of two who is a free-lance writer, 1cpvers the Templestowe-Doncastef area for the East Yarra News.

She Interviewed a Don-Vale youth who went to China to play ping pong and wrote his story. Hr carried off the award.

. Joan Sepplngs has writ* ten an episode, titled Greensleeves, which has been accepted by the producers of Homicide on

TV

She is also writing a stage

review, which will bring her back io Williamstown.

Plans are for the new review to be presented by Williamstown Little Theatre in its theatre next June, produced by Vin Foster.

Marriage

Joan Sepplngs,v who lived in Electra St., Williamstown, before her marriage in 1954 and taught Sunday school at Electra, St Methodist was active with Williamstown High Ex-Students’ Association review* in the early ’50s.

Mirror

‘IK* '-t *«SriCrgMiia» .iia

Penguin story wins praise

A STORY written by Joan Seppings Webster, published in this paper on May 30, was one of five singled out for final Judging In the Best Topical News Story category of the 1979 sub urban newspaper awards.

Fifty entries were submitted for judging, and all but the five were eliminated on the first reading.

The winning entry was published in the “Chad-stone Progress.”

The story by Joan Seppings Webster told of the killing of penguins by motorised, CH radio-equipped vandals on Phillip Island.

Judges described it as an “excellent” and “well-written” story.

In 1971, .Joan won the award for on exclusive inter-view wit It the first Australians to visit China

when that country opened its doors to Westerners.

She has also received honorable mentions on two previous occasions.

A story published in another Standard News publication, the Town < Tier, based in Mornington, was also in the “final five”.

That paper was also runner-up for the Rest Suburban House-Designed Advertisement.

/o -n 9

AUSTRALIAN WRITERS GUILD (Victorian Branch)

7 - 3U Victoria St., EL8TERNWI0K 3185

19th. August,1972

Mrs. Joan Soppings,

17 Boronia Grove, *

E. DONCASTER 3019

Dear Joan, .....

It is with sincere regret that we, the Viotorian Committee and members, accept your resignation from the post of Secretary,AWG (VTO) sub-committee.

At the meeting on 17th. August, the members of the sub-committee asked me to convey to you their sincerest appreciation of your long and faithful service.

We all wish you a speedy return to health and look forward to the day when you will be able to resume closer ties in some aspect, in the running of the Viotorian branch.

In closing, I would like to add my personal tribute to your self-sacrifice and service to the Guild, and, in > particular, to express my gratitude for the way in which you so ably assisted me in my funotion as Chairman.

$’ /. . ': t i • "• ■. • ! ' iN .

• ‘ . ' ' • • V/

r•, Yours sincerely, j

, Monte Miller,

. '„v . . CHAIRMAN - AWG (Vic)

June 13? 1974

Regarding the proposed closure of portion of Devon Drive, East Donoaster, I have submitted an objection along the following lines t

Devon Drive is my natural outlet to Donoaster Road.

The closure of this section of Devon Drive will mean I have to travel a half a kilometre extra each way if I want to shop at Safeways, by forcing me to travel along Franklin Road, to either Blackburn Rd. or Leeds St., to enter it by Doncaster Rd. Council obviously approved in the planning stage the Safeway entry-exit to Devon Drive, so why now attempt to make it useless?

Closing one street only pushes traffic back into other streets, and while the closure of Devon Drive at that point may solve a problem for residents of that area, it will only create one for those in Franklon St. The traffic which would naturally go straight along Devon Drive to the entry of Safeways, will then congest Franklin St. If, then, the residents of Frankling St. object to extra traffic, will this then be closed also ? If so, traffic will increase in Beverley St., and so on, ad. infinitum.

This is developing following the closure last year of Highfipld Rd. East Doncaster, where traffic is now congesting Rosamund Crescent, and resident of this street have mentioned closure.

Roads were made to be travelled upon, but this situation could go on until only the highways are useable.

It should be considered also that residents of Devon Drive between Doncaster Rd. and Franklin St. must have had manj trucks anfl. heavy traffic in their street when the cool store was in existence. They have always lived opposite a business zone and should not shoulder the consequences of their decision to live in such an area onto others.

When streets are closed at the request of the few, to the inconvenience of the many, it seems council must have favorites amongst ratepayers.

In proposing to close portion of Devon Drive, it should be remembered that tha application for extensions to Westfield Doncaster Shoppingtown was refused by council, one main ground being the expected increase of traffic to Doncaster Rd. Yet here council is deliberately foroing unnecessary traffic into Doncaster Rd;, in order to use the Safeway entry-exit there, when traffic could be kept out of Doncaster Rd. by allowing normal use of Devon Drive.

5vf<

Irf'f

V."

WHEELCHAIR

i 6

^ £ L

at home of krs Edwards^;, 49 Eucaplyt Avd LT. for PS

luncheon

A©

' X TA

Mr Keith Jenkinson brought his van and transported rs Beth Shaw and lira Yvonne Smith, both sufferers. The hig light of the van has a lift so that the patient does not have to get out o the chair. Very simple in o^er^6ion. 1 rs Shaw delighted*, never ever gets out. Isclc d

„r s, cous&n been, in- chair all her life 'working rWry: well,

hrs Smith next door. ms sufSceer. su^^stpd- made anotheror.e. Prototypes Tro'tiside style. Big platfblTn that folds'-jip, mounted in the side of the -volks combi.- elect Op'erffFside' mountedSS'ome ambulfacSs have them hut/' all rear mounted ^ .said .n .l^to ..be-^pod^,from safety-angle, with side ope ing can pick up off top of steps or gutter anything, own power supply, alternators recharge the battery, self«contained* 3 times as cheap as others, than commercially made... just wheelchair onto platform and lifts all„ push b tton up you go and into vam' $600 - 700 to install... take two weeks part time.. .R.A.V.V. mechanic, everyone thinks a great idea, taken it to a lot of hospitals. .Yorralla Physio s.aid waited 20 years to see one like this, .other *' best we’ve been, ’ mitJ admins aren t people who’ll use ir by the time get thru.red tape .don*t hear any more* r.'r •-

would suit fam ily person, .many .young paraplegics in road accidents, vah cart clrry whbelchair plus 6 or 7 more people. v ^ . request from uncle.' cousin irt ;swan hull been-ifivalid all

life" she's getting older, and he's getting older .and she *s .get tin;g heavier • -and he!b getting weaker" so something had to be done bout it. in his van /or frs Smith’s, use*, • v i,r ' ''4 ••

Sim hill one going o well

•j * n

* f. j cl

j ■

\

/?..| vi:

2 ..

1 u \J

. j t •

'•-h>/ ["'r' ' V

: rg-

V ^

\ /

- //

• • y.i t-v

r* 1 •? ' '

, • h* * o■■■'

-V. OiOO . Wf *. )V

• . u % ‘IWj

pi f.oM ffi r -v. q J 8f./ •

C it

' i . u ^

] i, «rf-

Objections to Eastern Freeway extension along Koonung Creek valley Campaign for preservation of walking track, flora and fauna Koonung Creek valley 1989-95

Colon n 3^' ^~

2f 2, HcvwpsKire- QO D?nc_ S^-SS~fyo

Oou-a hUj-eUnfj ^ £*i)onc, 940--^^4

A^rW\ ”2- f\]<wv* «^reei 'Dcnccisk^«4^35"

£>l^Jo/d[ (f^ 0<V^Ca^<Qjr 8^3^^

SC 8&2,2#SO

L'x'w* “v , >* *■/ £. 9u_.

dulie -YecrSon %o Uu/idbe AshOcal W-2ssz

fooi&r-IjJdAa. K (Sleoi-ticO KsoJ, 12. .DcYNcuatcr S^-2.-3^-1

/J <5^AJvJlClot, J8crnc**U<- 31+8-Go3^.

2S /W**w/k«o . &t? 17^

£ h(t)d/A SuJZ £. . h&c/SIt <■

6 *><£*<!»"# C* . £ 7fa*<ytsr&n S^z 9-/93'

7% CPPctoA/ 0*<lf£ g- £btxyi>r,£ <f9ZZ?V£

‘Tile* * £. fi0Aja. &w

Si?

W*4frr$l ^ ’

^ bo£Sor>/

West

information bulletin N° 2

To keep you informed on the progress of this major project June 1994

Victoria on me Move VK fOCBCfa Jh*

Eastern Freeway

Doncaster Road to Springvale Road

Better Roads Victoria

Progress to Date

Following the State Government’s approval and funding of the Eastern Freeway Extension from Doncaster Road to Springvale Road, much preliminary work has been done.

Tenders have been invited for the design and construction of the major north-south roads and bridges. After these contracts have been let, in July this year, it is expected that work will begin on the bridges at Elgar Road,

Tram Road and Station Street, Wetherby and Middleborough Road, Blackburn and Surrey Road and Springvale Road in mid-August. These works are scheduled to be completed by September 1995.

To maintain existing traffic-flow patterns during the construction phase, diversion lanes will be established first around the construction sites. Although some disruption may occur at some stages of construction, access and amenity will be retained.

Contracts also include the construction of pedestrian bridges

over the Freeway near Heyington Avenue, Eram Road, Boronia Grove Reserve/Koonung Road and Cabena Street. These footbridges will be shared bicycle path cross-overs to allow easy access across the freeway to community facilities and parklands.

Construction for the new stretch of Freeway is programmed to begin late in 1995 and be completed in late 1997.

The Eastern Freeway, one of the most efficient and. safest roadways in Australia, will be extended 7 km to Springvale Road.

Eastern Freeway Extension Doncaster Road to Springvaie Road

Project Update

"ANNINou,

Doncaster Municipal Gardens

Rleschlecks

Reserve

Koonung Creek

Eastern

Golf

Club

Westfield

Doncaster

Shoppingtown

Shoppingtown

Hotel

^ONCASTER

^r.MC»s-veg.

Boronla Grove _ Reserve

Pedestrian

Overpass

Pedestrian

Overpass

Future extension

STflEET^

North j Blackburn / q Square / § Shopping /> Centre / g

Blackburn

Mont Albert

Chatham

Surrey Hills

CANTEHBU^r

STREET

Nunawading

How You Can Contact Us

VicRoads Project Office is conveniently located near Doncaster Shoppingtown, opposite Sizzlers restaurant and the RACV in Doncaster Road, at: First Floor,

2 Frederick Street,

Doncaster.

Written inquiries can be directed to:

Community Liaison Officer Locked Bag 2,

2 Frederick Street Doncaster 3108 or you can telephone 840 3100 during business hours.

Working Party Meetings

The Working Party continues to meet on a regular basis to provide direction on the development of the freeway. Working Party members, listed below, are keen to hear from members of the public on any matters regarding the freeway.

□ Camberwell City Council Mr Robin Bray

Tel: 811 0222

□ Doncaster and Templestowe City Council Mr Colin Bates Cr Irene Goonan Tel: 840 9333

□ Box Hill City Council Mr Rex Hopkins

Cr Mary Ryan Tel: 244 3444

Community liaison

VicRoads recognises that it has a prime responsibility to work with the community and to ensure that the community’s concerns, needs and expectations are recognised and taken into account in the development of the Eastern Freeway corridor. Greg Day joined the project team, as Community Liaison Officer, in March to add significantly to VicRoads1 commitment to community consultation.

Greg’s focus will be to ensure that the lines of communication are well and truly open.

Designers and decision-makers can make the best choices only

through a clear understanding of community attitudes, values and expectations. Those decision makers in turn must be sure that those designs and decisions are being effectively communicated back to you.

Information Kits, suitable for many areas of school and college curricula, are also available through Greg.

Model and Display

A scale model of the Freeway Extension is being prepared and will be available for display at the VicRoads office in Frederick Street The model will initially show only the landscape concept

the freeway lanes, ramps and access layout. It will be further enhanced following community consultation to show the final landscape and noise attenuation plans. Displays of other aspects of the freeway, along with more detailed information, will accompany the scale model.

Displays will also be established at your local Municipal offices. These will be of a more general nature as specific and detailed information is best obtained from the VicRoads Project Office.

Heavy traffic congestion on Doncaster Road will be relieved by the new Freeway.

U Nunawading City Council Mr Bob Gardner Cr Kevin Abbott Tel: 262 6333

□ Ringwood City Council Mr Graham Hayden Cr Margaret Cheevers Tel: 871 0222

□ Melbourne Parks and Waterways

Mr Colin Leigh Tel: 615 5208

□ VicRoads

Mr Gary Liddle Mr Ray Bridger Mr Greg Day Tel: 840 3100

Designed and produced by VicRoads Corporate and Public Relations, the Eastern Freeway Project Team and Working Party, June 1994

Eastern Freeway Extension

Public Transport Upgraded

Cyclists and Pedestrians Recognised

Managing the Linear Reserve

Further improvements to the service planned by the new bus operator, National Bus Company, combined with freeway developments, will see a much improved public transport system in the area.

VicRoads has held discussions with National Bus Company in order to improve operating conditions for buses on the Eastern Freeway. The new freeway will provide for efficient travel of buses - bus stops will be provided near ramps to the major cross-roads.

The National Bus Company will be developing new, more convenient routes, using high-frequency, more consumer-friendly mini-buses, to complement the Freeway bus services.

Further information will be available to commuters as advances in public transport in this corridor develop.

Better Roads

RgSL. Victoria

The Better Roads Program will contribute to Victoria's economy by improving road efficiency and safety.

The Eastern Freeway Extension is one of the first major new roads to be funded from the 3 cents a litre fuel levy introduced by the State Government. Every cent of the fuel levy will be returned to improve the road network, with a special emphasis on works which will support economic recovery.

The needs of pedestrians and cyclists are being fully recognised in the overall planning of this transport corridor. Scenic, meandering paths for the recreational user, and higher standard paths for the long distance traveller, have been incorporated in the proposal.

Cycling and walking groups are also part of the consultation process: they are the best designers of a path that they themselves will use.

Recreation Features

Community access to the existing facilities, such as the Hockey fields near Elgar Road, the Donvale Primary School and the sporting and scouting facilities near Leeds Street is of prime concern.

Many people are keen on more passive types of recreation. Whether they walk the dog, jog or admire the natural plant-life, this is an important part of people’s enjoyment of life.

VicRoads recognises that we have the opportunity to develop the Koonung Valley as a whole. Not simply another urban freeway, but a sympathetic treatment of the built and the natural, the busy and the tranquil, for the best possible solution to community concerns.

The linear park to be established on either side of the new freeway will be something the Koonung Creek community can enjoy. Proper maintenance and development of the park after the freeway has been built will require the goodwill of residents, local government, cyclists, sporting clubs, schools, Melbourne Parks and Waterways, conservation groups - the list goes on.

A management group will be needed to make sure the valley is well looked after. It is important to have a long-term outlook at this early stage.

Meetings will be arranged with relevant councils in the near future to discuss these issues.

Below: The Koonung Creek valley needs help - extensive landscaping will provide much more enjoyable recreation reserves.

Doncaster Road to Springvale Road

Project Update

Scale

500 metres

Eastern Freeway Extension Landscape Concept

Legend

■ Eastern Freeway Extension and major roads.

I I Landscaped areas.

EZ3 Residential.

1. Intersection Highlight

Structured cultural landscape.

2. Red Gum Floodplain

Open landscape, indigenous woodland, grassy understorey.

3. Civic Structured Landscape with Intersection Highlights

Active recreation, formal -planting, stylised sculptural landforms and waterbodies.

Wetland Environment

Informal, low-lying, passive recreation, indigenous planting.

5. Hillside Woodland

Narrow, enclosed valley, steep escarpments, informal,

indigenous planting.

Points of Interest

VicRoads has commissioned a detailed study of the flora and fauna species existing in the Koonung Valley. Field naturalists who wish to obtain further information to augment their hobby can browse through the booklet when they visit the display at the Frederick Street office.

Rippling of the bottom surfaces of culverts where portions of the Koonung Creek have to be diverted underground assist in fish movements upstream for spawning and feeding. Fish go to great lengths to return to their breeding grounds, so the attention to the culverts will assist them.

Artistic or cultural themes peculiar to specific locations can be highlighted to draw the attention of the casual or transient visitor to the heritage values of the area. If you have something in mind that you think is worth suggesting, let us know.

A consultant team including ecologists, architects and landscape architects has been assigned to develop a landscape concept for the entire Koonung Creek valley, both freeway and linear park.

Community working groups (nearby residents and special interest groups) will be invited to provide input to this team in developing the broad concepts into a workable and enjoyable landscape plan for the Koonung Valley. These working groups are being established.

That plan will then be displayed at the VicRoads Eastern Freeway Project Office in July and at other locations to be notified. Broad community response to those proposals will be most welcome, and you will be able to comment on them when you visit the display.

Traffic Noise

Traffic-noise specialists have been engaged to report on the likely noise levels to be expected. They will be able to give expert advice to the community working groups as to where noise attenuation barriers are needed in order to achieve VicRoads Noise Objectives.

Containing and reducing traffic noise is difficult on conventional suburban streets and arterial roads. A freeway, however, purpose-built to exacting standards, can be designed with noise reduction measures as an integral part of the overall landscape plan.

Development of a Landscape Plan

t

To Yarra River

ran. DONCASTER & &TEMPLESTOWE

Mullum Mullum Forest

INAWADING

KOONUNG - MULLUM

Forestway not freeway!

JOAN KATHERINE WEBSTER, Freelance Journalist, Author of THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE BOOK CThe definitive work on bushfire safety for the publicl

17 Boronia Grove,

East Doncaster,

Victoria, 3109,

Phone < 03) 842-999.1.

JULY 20, 1989

&NAME&

&TITLE&

MORGAN I Z$<

&STREET&

&CITY&

&STATESc S<PCGDE&

Dear

The purpose of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road is supposed to.be to relieve the traffic bottleneck at the Doncaster Rd. end of the Eastern Freeway.

Each direction of this freeway extension will be no more thag two lanes' width, the same as is the freeway itself from Bui1een to Doncaster.

When traffic now reaches the end of the freeway at Doncaster Rd and moves into Doncaster Rd, its congestion is relieved as vehicles spread out into Doncaster Road's extra lanes.

This purpose of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road in this respect of relieving the Freeway-Doncaster Rd bottleneck, could be achieved simply by widening the Bulleen to Doncaster section of the freeway, by adding an extra lane or lanes.

If the Eastern Arterial Road is constructed along the Koonung Creek Valley, what then will be the happen to the increased traffic at the other end? Just as what goes up must come down, so what travels home east out from the city to Ringwood, Lilydale and beyond each evening, must travel to work west in towards the city every morning.

Have those who want the Eastern Arterial Road to carry more trafic eastward to the hills, thought of what is going to happen to all this increased traffic, flowing citywards more easily from the hills along the creek valleys, when it becomes dammed at. the Alexandra Pde 'narrows'?

A Western Arterial Road will be needed. Perhaps the pro- PAR people should be reminded of all the trouble with getting even the Alexander Pde extension, of all the the protests.

I suggest modification of existing roadways. Flyovers and tunnels to replace traffic lights along Doncaster Road. Urging the reduction of true!: volume by encouraging a return to rail freight. Extent!on the Balwyn tramline.

Sincerely,

[Ms 3

,Koonung Valley Preservation Society,10 Jocelyn Ave,Box Hill North,Vic,3

, Mr Victor Perton , Member for Doncaster ,F'ar 1 i ament House, Mel bourne, Vi c ,30

,The Hon T W Roper,Minister for the Environment,417 Collins St,Melbourne 5000

,The Hon Kay Setches,Minister for Conservation Forests S< Lands,240 Victo

le.East Mel bourne,Vic,3002

,The Hon James Kerman,Minister for Transport,589 Collins St,Mel bourne,Vi

Dear Sir j Madam,

Your letter of..^9.^<J^J.fY5?\.....concerning

Wt/UMA 77MAWXM7

w

...................d«J.

has been received and will be answered as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

JOHN B. KING

Director-Gen

N\s U K UOaJfctotev' I-1 (3ov'0'^|0 C'dDUS. EAST OoNCASTOft 3IO°\ Reference No:..^;'.?.7'3.  Phone Enquiries:

ROADS CORPORATION PH: 860 2353

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT

589 Collins Street, Melbourne.

ELECTORATE OFFICE:

Suite 1,861 Doncaster Road DONCASTER EAST VIC 3109 Telephone: 840 1566 Facsimile: (03) 840 1534

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY PARLIAMENT HOUSE

MELBOURNE. VIC. 3002

TELEPHONE 651 8911

EXT

VICTOR PERTON, MP

MEMBER FOR DONCASTER

25 July 1989

Ms. Joan Webster 17 Boronia Grove DONCASTER EAST 3109

Dear Joan,

Thank you for your letter of the 20th July. I have read your suggestions with interest.

I note that the Government appears to be in a total state of confusion in respect of the proposed extension of the Eastern Freeway.

As always, I have been available to discuss the problems concerning the construction with interested parties and will continue to do so. At this point in time, I can only await the findings of the current Government enquiry.

Yours sincerely,

VICTOR PERTON. MP Member for Doncaster

Please Address All Correspondence to P.O. Box 190, Doncaster East, 3109

Department of Conservation Forests & Lands

Your Ref. Our Ref. Date

240 Victoria Parade

MC 36123 East Melbourne

Victoria 3002 Telephone (03)412 4011

Ms Joan Katherine Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Ms Webster

The Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands has asked me to thank you for your letter dated 20 July 1989, concerning the proposed Eastern Arterial Road.

The matter you have raised is being examined and a reply will be sent to you as soon as possible.

Edith James Officer-in-Charge

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

FORM 117

•isi<ri>

Department of Conservation Forests & Lands

Your Ref. Our Ref. Date

MC 36123

240 Victoria Parade East Melbourne Victoria 3002 Telephone (03) 412 4011

. Ms Joan Katherine Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Ms Webster

The Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands has asked me to thank you for your letter dated 20 July 1989, concerning the proposed Eastern Arterial Road.

The matter you have raised is being examined and a reply will be sent to you as soon as possible.

Edith James

Officer-in-Charge

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION

FORM 117

ROADS CORPORATION

Our Ref: 5106

Ms Joan K Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

1 6 AUG 1989

Dear Ms Webster EASTERN ARTERIAL ROAD

The Minister for Transport has asked me to reply to your letter dated 20 July 1989 concerning the Eastern Arterial Road.

Development of the Eastern Arterial Road proposal has involved extensive public consultation and planning over nearly 15 years, commencing with the major multi-disciplinary Eastern Corridor Study (ECS) in 1975.

The Eastern Corridor Study, together with the subsequent Eastern Corridor Road Action Study (ECRAS) and the Metropolitan Arterial Road Access Study (METRAS), have all recommended major new road development in the corridor as the only transport improvement that would significantly improve traffic conditions and lessen traffic-related environmental problems from Doncaster Road to, and including, Ringwood by diverting traffic from the currently overloaded arterial road network.

Traffic on the Eastern Arterial Road is expected to comprise a significant amount of through traffic travelling circumferentially between' the outer suburbs. In the vicinity of Middleborough Road, only about one-third of the traffic using the new road would continue west of the Chandler Highway. Most of this traffic already uses the Eastern Freeway. The majority of traffic would enter and leave the Eastern Arterial Road at the major cross roads to the east.

The expected increases on roads within the inner suburbs, such as Alexandra Parade and Hoddle Street (south of the freeway) are small in terms of the total traffic volume currently using these roads and are small when compared with future increases expected due to current rates of growth.

This analysis is supported by observed changes in traffic patterns associated with the initial Eastern Freeway opening in 1977 and opening of the Eastern Arterial Road extension from Bulleen Road to Doncaster Road in 1982 which showed that there was very little change in the total travel between the inner city area and eastern suburbs as a result of these roads as the additional freeway traffic was largely balanced by a decrease in traffic using nearby parallel routes.

60 Denmark Street, Kew VICTORIA AUSTRALIA 3101

TEL. (03) 861 5321

FAX (03) 862 3532

The Eastern Corridor Public Transport (ECOPT) Study 1987 examined the effect of public transport improvements on car usage in the Eastern Corridor. The Study showed that even major new public transport facilities would have little effect on road traffic volumes and would do little to improve existing traffic related problems.

The ECOPT Study has, however, identified several possible options for improving and extending existing public transport services which could help improve the service for existing users and increase patronage. These options are to be further investigated by the Public Transport Corporation as part of its ongoing review of existing services.

The proposed alignment for the road was selected after a thorough examination of the alternatives which are documented in the 1987 Environment Effects Statement. The proposal attempts to balance the needs of the wider community for safer, more efficient travel in the corridor with those of the local community who live near the proposed new route and utilise the area's open space.

The decision to proceed with construction of the Eastern Arterial Road was taken after careful consideration of the recommendations of an independent Panel of Enquiry.

The Panel's recommendations include a number of safeguards to ensure an environmentally acceptable result from the construction of these important road projects.

The Roads Corporation (RCV) proposes to implement the Panel's recommendations:

. to consult extensively with local groups and individuals on the further planning, design and implementation of the projects;

. to protect flora and fauna by implementing design modifications and assisting with the development and implementation of a landscape concept plan based on expert biological, botanical and landscape design advice and developed with local input;

. to design the maximum amount of noise attenuation using mounds, fences and appropriate pavement surfacing in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority and local communities.

Thank you for your interest and comments on our road system.

Kindest regards.

IAN F.X. STONEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

MB9222B: JML

City of Doncaster and

Templestowe

699 Doncaster Road P.0 Box 1 Doncaster Vic. 3108 Australia

Telephone (03) 840 9333 Facsimile (03) 848 3110 AUSDOC DX30403 Doncaster

Enquiries to:

KW:LC/l

Telephone

840-9284

In reply please quote:

645-2

18 September, 1989

To the Addressee

Dear Sir/Madam,

EASTERN FREEWAY EXTENSION

Thank you for your recent correspondence on this matter. Nearly 1200 letters and proformas have been received. It is not possible to respond to them all individually so I am simply advising of the result and the current situation.

During past years there has been widespread support for the extension of the Eastern Freeway. For example during the public display in 1987 sixty-one percent (61%) unconditionally support the proposal while only 5.2% were opposed.

The recent 1200 communications indicate that this situation has not changed. The support for the extension of the freeway (in one form or another - that is as an arterial road or freeway) was 85 percent. The percentage opposed was 13 with the balance making comments where it was not clear if they were for or against the proposals. These figures are consistent with the results of the referendum conducted by the City of Nunawading where approximately 70% of their residents supported the extension of the Eastern Road. It is also clear from the correspondence that their is genuine concern about the effects the projects may have on the flora and fauna. If the work proceeds this will require special consideration.

The Minister for Transport has established an independent review panel to reconsider the proposals. The review will involve public consultation and it is expected that the panel will be making final recommendations by the end of March 1990.

Thank you for your interest in this matter.

KELVIN WARtf

Manager - Road Planning and Operations

Minister for Conservation, Forests & Lands

240 Victoria Parade East Melbourne Victoria 3002 Telephone (03) 651 4011

MC 36123 18-89-274

Ms JK Webster

17 Boronia Grove

EAST DONCASTER VIC 3109

19 OCT 1989

Dear Ms Webster

Thank you for your letter of 20 July 1989 regarding the proposed Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass.

The original proposal to construct a road along the Koonung and Mullum Mullum Creek valleys was developed many years ago, and has been subjected to comprehensive investigation. It was supported by local organisations such as Councils, as well as an independent planning panel appointed to review the planning amendment required for the construction to proceed.

Also, there is no doubt that Ringwood suffers from a severe traffic problem and that a bypass would ease the congestion and facilitate its development as a district centre.

However my Government is aware that community attitudes toward the planning of new roads is changing, especially in relation to noise, pollution, visual impact and the effect on open space and bushland areas. There is growing awareness of the importance of these areas in the urban environment and particularly the value of retaining where possible linear reserves along waterways.

In order to fully assess the conservation values of the Koonung and Mullum Mullum Creeks, I have requested my Department to prepare a comprehensive report on the flora and fauna along the whole route of the proposed road. This report should be available by the end of November 1989.

To investigate all options, including alternative uses of the Koonung and Mullum Mullum valleys and measures that could increase the traffic carrying capacity of existing roads, the Minister for Transport is appointing an independent review panel. This panel will consider all submissions including my Department's report on the flora and fauna of both valleys, and will report to the Minister for Transport by the end of March 1990.

I urge all community groups to participate in this review to ensure that the outcome accurately reflects community attitudes on this important issue. Funding to assist involvement will be made available through the panel.

Yours sincerely

KAY SETCHES

MINISTER FOR CONSERVATION, FORESTS AND LANDS

Ministry for Planning and Environment Victoria

Reference:

Olderfleet Buildings 477 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

501137A

FO Box 2240T Melbourne 3001

16 January 1990

Telephone (03) 628 5111 Fax (03) 628 5705

Mr J Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Mr Webster

On behalf of the Minister for Planning and Environment I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25 July 1989. The Minister for Transport has appointed a panel of inquiry chaired by Mrs Helen Gibson to review the proposals for the extension of the Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass.

I have sent a copy of your letter to Mrs Gibson. Should you wish to make further contact with the inquiry panel, their office may be contacted on 619 6754.

Yours sincerely

ROBIN SAUNDERS

CHIEF ASSESSMENT OFFICER

Ministry for Planning and Environment Victoria

Reference:

Olderfleet Buildings 477 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000

501137A

PO Box 2240T Melbourne 3001

22 January 1990

Telephone (03) 628 5111 Fax (03) 628 5705

Mr J Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Mr Webster

EASTERN ARTERIAL ROAD AND RINGWOOD BYPASS

I refer to my recent letter to you advising that your letter on the above proposal has been referred to the Review Panel appointed by the Minister for Transport.

The wrong phone number was given for contacting the Review Panel Office. The correct phone number is 6196751. I apologise for any inconvenience.

Yours sincerely

ROBIN SAUNDERS

CHIEF ASSESSMENT OFFICER

Joan Kather i ne Webster Freelance Journalist Author THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE BOOK CThe definitive work on bushfire safety for the public!

17 Bor on i a Gr ove?, East Doncaster Victoria 3109 COS3 842 9991

AUGUST 3, 1989 Nina Scott,

Koonung Valley Preservation Society,

10 Jocelyn St.,

Box Hill North 3129

Dear Nina

This morning I discussed with an officer of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ray Walker, the Eastern Freeway 'survey' advertisement placed in a number of newspapers by Doncaster-Templestowe Council .

I wanted to knows

* Was it legal, under the Local Government Act?

* How* would the authenticity of 'voters' names and addresses be checked under a system of referendum by advertisement?

* Note that there is no reguirement for votersj. signatures

* How could the authenticity of voting figures published by Council be checked?

* What arrangements would be made for scrutineers during vote counting?

* Who would count the votes? How could ratepayers be assured this would be an unbiased person?

* How can a biased party, placing a biased advertisement, carry out an unbiased survey?

Mr Wa 1ker to1d me:

* Doneaster-Temp1estowe Council's survey method is open to abuse.

* That it would be quite possible -for ’stories to be made

up' about the results of the survey and of numbers and types o-f votes received*

* There are no regulations under the Local Government Act governing such advertisements or surveys.

* The advertisement has no formal status.

* The advertisement is being carried out under ’unusual' circumstances.

* 'It seems a strange way of going about it'.

* It would be more usual for a survey to be carried out with a ’disclipiined' approach.

* Such surveys are usually carried out so that all votes must be returned by a fixed date.

* It is most unusual to have a survey such as this ’straggle on over a period of time'.

* Any survey or referendum should be put in a way that will

not mislead ratepayers how to respond.

* There is no apparatus for verifying results.

* As there i^s no Freedom of Information in Councils, Doncaster—Tempiestowe Council would not be required to make any documents available to ratepayers for scrutiny.

* The only way that ratepayers would be able to check any documents, or voting slips, would be for a Councillor to request that such papers be tabled in Council, whilst the subject was under discussion at a Council meeting.

* If this is to be done, the Town Clerk or Chief Ad mini str a t or shouId be g i ven war ni n g„

To me, the lack of requirement for voters' signatures makes this less valid than a supermarket survey by Rita of Eta.

If you wish to quote Mr Walker you should first obtain his permission. Phone 602 9411-

si ncerely

00AN KATHERINE WEBSTER,

17 Bor on i a Qrove,

East Don c aster,

Victoria, 3109,

Phone < 03)842-9991

August 6, 1939 The Editor,

The Brunswick Sentinel,

543 High St.,

Northcote 3070

Dear Sir/Madam,

Residents living in areas affected by the noise and pollution of the Alexandra Pde extension of the Eastern Freeway from Doncaster, should be aware of the effects that its extension along the Koonung Creek towards Ringwood will have on their envi ronment.

Just. as what goes up must come down, so what travels home eastwards from the city to Ringwood, Lilydale and beyond each evening, must travel to work west towards the city, Fitzroy and Brunswick and Northcote, every morning. If the Eastern Arterial Road extension of the Doncaster Freeway is constructed there will be increased traffic coming citywards from the other end.

Those who want the Eastern Arterial Road to carry more trafic eastward to the hills, have not thought of what is going to happen to all this increased traffic, flowing west citywards when it becomes 'dammed' at the Alexandra Pde 'narrows'.

A Western Arterial Road will then be needed.

The purpose of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road is supposed to be to relieve the traffic bottleneck at the Doncaster Rd. end of the Eastern Freeway.

When traffic now reaches the end of the freeway at Doncaster and moves into Doncaster Rd, its congestion is relieved as vehicles spread out eastwards into Doncaster Road's extra lanes.

This purpose of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road in this respect of relieving the Freeway-Doncaster Rd bottleneck, could be achieved simply by widening the Bulleen to Doncaster section of the freeway, by adding an extra lane or lanes.

Existing roadways could be modified, with flyovers and tunnels to replace traffic lights along Doncaster Road. Reduction of truck volume could be achieved by encouraging a return to rail freiqht. Less need for a new road bringing increased air and

noise pollution could he achieved by extention of- the Doncaster Road tramline past Balwyn and of the Burwood Rd tramline past Burwood.

It is in the interests of Fitzroy, Brunswick and Northcote residents to oppose the extension of the Eastern Freeway by means of an Eastern Arterial Road along the Koonung and Mull urn Creek Valleys, and to support its alternatives, including preservation of these Greenhouse-counteracting creek valley forestways.

Sincerely,

CMs3

ALSO TO:

The Editor,The Northcote Leader,543 High St.,Northcote _>0/0

7 7*?

,The Editor,The Age,250 Spencer St,Mel bourne,Vic,3000 ,The Editor,The Australian,402 La Trobe St,Melbourne,Vic,3000 ,The Editor,50-50 The Sun,41 Flinders, St,Mel bourne,Vic,3000 ,The Editor,The Herald,41 Flinders St,Melbourne,Vic,3000

,The Editor,Done aster-Tempiestowe News,Leader Associ ated Newspapers,Whi I ehorse Rd,B1ac kburn,Vi c,3130

,The Editor, Nun a wad i ng Gazette,Leader Associated Newspapers, Whi t. choree R d , B1 ac kburn , Vi c:, 3130

PAGE 10 The herald Tuesday August 15, 1989

Poll results not valid

THE claim by pro-Eastern Arterial Road councillors that the results of a poll of "votes” for the so-called "freeway” and against the Mullum-Koonung forestway, proved that ratepayers want the road, does not necessarily prove anything of the kind.

Voluntary responses to polls are often weighted.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Local Government confirmed the following:

■ The council’s survey method is open to abuse.

There are no arrangements for scrutineers during vote counting.

There is no apparatus for verifying results.

It would be quite possible for ‘stories to be made up" about the results of the survey and of numbers and types of votes received.

As there is no Freedom of Information in councils, they would not be required to make any documents available to ratepayers for scrutiny.

Such surveys are usually carried out so that all votes must be returned by a fixed date.

■ Any survey or referendum should be put in a way that will not mislead ratepayers how to respond.

Eastern suburbs ratepayers should note also that the lack of voters’ signatures in this "referendum by remote control” makes it less valid than a supermarket survey by Rita of Eta.

As council election results opposed the poll results, the latter seem suspect.

Joan K. Webster,

East Doncaster

• Letters should be no more than 250 words. All letters must be signed, with names and addresses clearly written. Phone numbers should be provided where possible. Letters should be typewritten, or clearly written, and letters may be edited for reasons of space.

Poll

results

THE claim by pro-Eastern Arterial Rd councillors that the results of a poll, conducted by them via the medium of newspaper advertisement touting for ‘votes’ for the so called ‘freeway’ and against the Mullen Koonung forestway, overwhelmingly proved thay ratepayers want the Eastern Arterial Rd, does not necessarily prove anything of the kind.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Local Government confirmed the following:

• The councils survey method is open to abuse.

• There are no arrangements for scrutineers during vote counting.

• There is no apparatus for verifying the results.

• It would be quite possible for ‘stories to be made up’ about the results of the survey and of numbers and types of votes.

• As there is qo Freedom of Information in councils, they would not be required to make any docu-ments available to ratepayers for scrutiny.

• Such surveys are usually carried out so that all votes must be returned by a fixed date.

•Any survey or referendum should be put in a way that will not mislead ratepayers how to respond.

Concerned eastern suburbs ratepayers should note also that the lack of requirement for voters’ signatures in this ‘referendum by remote control’ makes it less valid than a supermarket survey by Rita of Eta.

As council election results diametrically opposed the poll results the latter seem suspect.

Joan Katherine Webster, Boronia Grove, East Doncaster.

City of Doncaster and

Templestowe

699 Doncaster Road P.0. Box 1 Doncaster Vic 3108 Australia

Telephone (03) 840 9333 Facsimile (03) 848 3110 AUSDOC DX30403 Doncaster

Enquiries to:

RB:MS/1

Telephone

840 9274

In reply please quote:

998-212

21 August 1989

Ms J Webster 17 Boronia Grove DONCASTER EAST VIC 3109

Dear Madam,

BORONIA GROVE RESERVE - MAINTENANCE

I refer to your letter of 3 August, 1989 which concerns the maintenance of the walking track located along the Koonung Creek between Blackburn Road and Wetherby Road and possible development of the reserve in regard to the planting of shrubs and installation of seats.

It is advised that a works order has been raised to provide some crushed rock along the walking track and these works will be carried out as soon as present work load committments allow.

It is further advised that with the State Government approving the proposed Eastern Arterial Road extension, any development of the reserve will not take place until the Arterial Road is constructed.

Yours faithfully.

J.W. PRINCE

Group Manager - Engineering Services

c°?y

Joan Katherine Webster Author THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE BOOK CThe definitive work on bushfire safety for the public}

17 Boronia Grove, East Don ca ster Victoria 3109 C033 842 9991

August 27, 1989

Mr John Prince,

Group Manager,

Engineering Services,

City of Doncaster & Tempiestowe,

P0 Bom 1, Doncaster 3108

Dear Mr Prince,

BQRONIA GROVE RESERVE MAINTENANCE

RE my letter to you of August 8 and your reply of August 21:

You advise that crushed rock will be provided on the walking tracks please note that in my letter I specifically requested that stone not be used as a remedy for the flooding of the track. Stone on the track is not wanted ~ stone i_l to walk

upon. What is needed is grading of the walking track in those parts where water flows along it and where it has become a muddy mire. As well as being unpleasant to walk upon, and unpleasat for the horses that use the track, stone applied at other times has soon sunk into the ground and the . depressions returned. Stone does not solve the problem. Grading will solve the problem and will be cheaper in the long run.

Please note also that I did not request development of the reserve. I simply asked for low native bushes to hi.nd the earth on the banks of the creek where they are eroding severely - so much so that in parts the track is falling into the creek and in others the weak soil of the eroded overhang constitutes a danger.

Regarding your comment that 'development' of the reserve will not take place until the Arterial Road is constructed, please note that construction of this section - east of Wetherby Road - is not scheduled until i997~2000. Ten years from now*

Surely some seats could be placed intermittently alongside the hushland track before then. By the time the Eastern Arterial Road is constructed in this section and its following 'development' of the parkland, the grandparents who use this as a safe place to take toddlers for a walk will be dead - or at least sufering from arthritis through sitting on tree trunks.

City of

699 Doncaster Road P.0. Box 1 Doncaster Vic. 3108 Australia

Telephone (03) 840 9333 Facsimile (031 848 3110 AUSDOC DX30403 Doncaster Enquiries to:

Doncaster

and

Templestowe

RB:SC/2

Telephone

840 ,9274

m reply pleasi

998-113

5 September 1989

Mrs. J. Webster 17 Boronia Grove DONCASTER EAST 3109

Dear Madam,

BORONIA GROVE RESERVE - MAINTENANCE

I refer to your letter of 27 August 1989 which concerns the maintenance of the Boronia Grove reserve.

Due to limited funds it is not possible to regrade the walking track as suggested in your letter and is not a viable solution in providing an adequate and safe surface for pedestrians to walk on. The placement of crushed rock may be unpleasant to walk on but is the most ideal option available to Council under the circumstances.

It is also advised that any development of the reserve will not take place until the Arterial Road Extension has been constructed. The date for the construction of this section of road has not been scheduled as yet.

Yours faithfully.

J.W. . <CE

Group Manager - Engineering Services

JOAN KATHERINE WEBSTER,

Author of THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE BOOK CThe definitive work on bushfire safety for the public]

17 Bor on .i a Gr ove, East Doncaster, Victoria, 3109, Phone <03)842-9991

SEPTEMBER 9, 1989

Mr O.W. Prince,

Group Mamager, Enginering Services,

City of Doncaster and Tempiest.owe,

PO Bo>i 1 ,

DONCASTER 3108

Dear .Mr Prince,

BORONIA GROVE RESERVE - REPAIR OF WALKING TRACK

I refer to your letter of September 5, 1989.

The placement of crushed rock on the walking track will not provide a safe surface for pedestrians to walk upon - there is nothing safe in stones, people can turn their ankles on them. If grading of the sections which become awash is not possible we

request you do nothing rather than put down crushed rock on the

track.

There i s an aspect of the problem, of which you may not be aware if you have not personally inspected the track. The water which flows onto it and lodges there is not merely rain run—of , but is watery effluent. It appears to come from:

Ca3 the toilet of the sports' pavilion and Cb3 houses between Leeds St and Wetherby Rd.

This is why I suggested grading, so that it can at least run away into the creek. If the depressions are merely filled with

crushed rock, the unhealthy drainage will stay amongst the

stones.

I would be willing to show you these problem patches if you would care to contact me and make a time for an inspection.

Si ncerely,

CMS 3

%i cJU **

699 Doncaster Road P 0. Box 1 Doncaster Vic. 3108 Australia

Telephone (03) 840 9333 Facsimile (03) 848 3110 AUSDOC DX30403 Doncaster

Doncaster

and

Templestowe

City of

Enquiries to:

Telephone

840-9326

In reply please quote:

998-113

MR.-KR/4

1 March, 1990

Ms Joan Webster

17 Boronia Grove

EAST DONCASTER VIC 3107

Dear Ms Webster,

K00NUNG CREEK WALKING TRACKS

I refer to your letter of 9 September 1989 and previous correspondence on this subject. I have inspected the walking tracks along the Koonung Creek between Leeds Street and Wetherby Road today and could find no signs of any water coming from the houses backing on to the Reserve.

These houses are all served by sewerage mains and under ground storm water drains. The water you refer to on the track must be seepage. This could only be prevented by grading the tracks, shaping them to shed the water, providing open drains along the sides and pipes to take the water under the track.

No funds are available for this work as it is not considered of sufficiently high priority.

The erosion of the creek is the concern of the Board of Works. It is expected that beaten paths along the creek will deviate to suit any new conditions which develop.

The toilets in the pavillion are connected to the sewerage system and any water in that area must also be natural seepage.

Yours faithfully.

MAX RICH

Manager - Construction

''Wv 0U4. .J-tL. ^C-u^cjU

<y\^ ®5<-tA (< ,j\ -w&A^

^ Ukja, Aj. <-l

to rl_».

Cc^-tccA-w-^ ,

JJo-<^>~i

^t>-M <rC\ v3

xa

>-?- ^ (UOC,o-cA °^-^'

h

^V-» u^-U- JU- oj^-v t- C^UU^ • “^Vx-La. V^uuo>^-A^ . °~=’ r

Cto ®) '

((r

ttOAN WEBSTfep! Vu !,‘ '

1 7 Bor on i a Gr o v b , East Done:aster , Victoria, 3.109, Phone <03)842-9991

ALTERNATIVES TO EASTERN ARTERIAL ROAD

The topography of both Doncaster Rd and Ringwood business district lend themselves to the concept of flyover-roads to improve traffic flow.

Both Doncaster Rd and the Maroondah Highway dip and many times.

rise again

The places where Doncaster Rd dips and precicely where cross road occur - crossroads which at present have traffic lights which cause massive traffic holdups at peak time.

The DONCASTER RD FLYOVER could start rising at about the position of the Eastern Golf Club and go over the intersections of Elgar and Tram Rds. It could go over the Church Rd and Wetherby Rd intersection and if necessary touch down at about the position of Jackson's Court. It could either rise again after Leeds St, or it could continue as a raised road from Jackson's court to, fly over Bl ackburn Rd and toucVi down at' about the posi tion of Tunstal 1 squ are, hill-1op to hill-1op .

The RINGWOOD FLYOVER could start rising at Heatherdale Rd and continue above the Maroondah Highway to a position just east of the intersection of Mt Dandenong Rd, going hill-top to hill-top

Instead of having traffic lights, Elgar Rd, Tram Rd, Church Rd, Wetherby Rd and Blackburn Rd could go under the Doncaster Rd

S !!■

Neither the DONC’ASTEH Rt> ' FLYOVER nor the RINGWOOD FLYOVER would require any land acquisition. Their construction would surely not be as expensive as the construction of an extensive arterial road. They would be v envi ronment al -f r i endl y '. Eyeing raised, poluting fumes would blow away. The flyovers and their under-roads could carry one-way traffic, thereby also decreasing the road tol1.

NOTE: Victor Perton has sad a Liberal Government will build the

E.A.R. We must convice him, by letters and petitions, that people want to keep the forestway.

Residents living in areas affected by the noise and pollution of the Alexandra Pde extension of the Eastern Freeway from Doncaster, should be aware of the effects that its extension along the Koonung Creek towards Ringwood will have on their environment.

Just as what goes up must come down, so what travels home eastwards from the city to Ringwood, Lilydale and beyond each evening, must travel to work west towards the city, Fitzroy and Brunswick and Northcote, every morning. If the Eastern Arterial Road extension of the Doncaster Freeway is constructed there will be increased traffic coming citywards from the other end.

Those who want the Eastern Arterial Road to carry more trafic eastward to the hills, have not thought of what is going to happen to all this increased traffic, flowing west citywards when it becomes 'dammed' at the Alexandra Pde 'narrows'.

A Western Arterial Road will then be needed.

2 2

The claim by pro-Eastern Arterial Road councillors that the results of a poll, conducted by them via the medium of newspaper advertisements touting for 'votes' for the so-called 'freeway' and against the Mu11urn—Koonung forestway, overwhelmingly proved that residents want the Eastern Arterial Road, does not necessarily prove anything of the kind.

Doncaster-Templestowe Council's much propagandized 'survey' has been falsely claimed to show that 857. of Dpncaster-Templestowe residents are in favor of construction of the Eastern Arterial Road along the Koonung Valley.

The fact, is that the response to this survey by newspaper advertisement was from only 1100 persons. The fact is that it is only 85% of 1100 persons whom Doncaster-Templ estow Council can claim to have responded in favor of the Eastern Arterial Road. The fact is that is is only about 800 people in favor of the freeway - 800 persons out of a polulation of more than 105,000 persons E1987 figures3, that is /. 087. of the population has been shown to be in favor of the EAstern Arterial Road.

I discussed with an officer of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ray Walker, the Eastern Freeway 'survey' advertisement placed in a number of newspapers by Doncaster-Templ estowe Council .

In the small front lawn is a barbeque ready with an uncovered stack of kindling and logs. This is sited between the school building and a row of huge, dense pine trees, the banches of which almost touch the school walls. The barbeque this envisages is not of steak and sausages.

Power lines run through pines to the school. At the end of the school nearest its long-grassed, litter-stacked sports oval - has an art room constructed of highly flammable, rough sawn stained timber and large areas of unprotected glass. The roof has open corrugations. Pines grow against it. A sign warns: "HAZCHEM".

A school refuge room is being constructed beside the school but it is not complete

use by general residents is not ensured Along the Belgrave Hal lam Road I came to 3c and 3a: tennis

courts, Colby Drive and football ground. Mount Morton Road. Neither the football ground nor tennis courts would give shelter. Neither space was large enough to avoid injurious radiant heat if nearby vegetation burned. Trees surrounded both. The tennis court club rooms was a small building with flammable shrubs growing against its stained timber walls.

Some of those who may wish to evactate to the Belgrave Heights Convention Grounds, Convention Avenue [3d], could be residents of nearby Mt Morton Road.

Seven years ago on February 16, 1983 - Ash Wednesday - 180 houses were destroyed here, endangered by uncontrollable fire within four minutes of its being lit.

On the street directory Mt Morton Road appears as a thick red line and a stranger would anticipate it as a reasonable road.

After a short spurt of bitumen it turns unmade, corrugated, one car width, embankment above and valley below, edged with ditches and scattered with steep hairpin bends. Bush and tall undergrowth flank the ditches and like fairy toadstools growing in this are the houses.

I say "fairy toadstools" advisedly, because it is a definite fantasy, a fatal fantasy, to dream that cars could safely drive along this road in the smoke that accompanies a bushfire threat, let alone the panic. On a very mild morning my passenger and I found travelling this road oppressive and felt shaken by the time we eventually emerged from it.

It is also a fantasy that the homes, as they and their gardens are now would be safe refuges, because of the Shire of

Mvi/ir-r 3fu:a1 i

n-m

| m;

BURNING OFF MUST BE APPROACHED WITH PLANNING

C500 words]

by

JOAN KATHERINE WEBSTER CAuthor of The Complete Australian Bushfire Book

The definitive work on bushfire safety for the public!

From:

Joan Webster,

17 Boronia Grove, Doncaster,

East Victoria 3109, Phone (03) 842

9991

I asked Mr Walkers

* Was it legal, under the Local Government. Act?

* How would the authenticity of 'voters' names and addresses be checked under a system of referendum by advertisement?

* Note that there is no requirement for voters' signatures

* How could the authenticity of voting figures published by Council be checked?

* What arrangements would be made for scrutineers during vote counting? ]

Who would count the votes? How could ratepayers be assured this would be an unbiased person?

* How can a biased party, placing a biased advertisement, carry out an unbiased survey?

* Why is there no requirement for voters' signatures?

Mr Walker said:

* The councils' survey method is open to abuse.

* There are no arrangements for scrutineers during vote counting.

* There is no apparatus for verifying results.

It would be quite possible for 'stories to be made up' about the results of the survey and of numbers and types of votes received.

* As .there is no Freedom of Information i_n Councils, Councils would net be required to make any documents available to ratepayers for scrutiny.

#• Such surveys are usually carried out so that all votes must be returned by a fixed date.

* Any survey or referendum should be put in a way that will not mislead ratepayers how to respond.

■* There are no regulations under the Local Government Act governing such advertisements or surveys.

* The adver ti sement has no formal status.

* The advertisement was carried out under 'unusual' circumstances.

*■ 'It seems a strange way of going about it'.

* It would be more usual for a survey to be carried out with a .'disciplined' approach.

* It is most unusual to have a survey such as this 'straggle on over a,period of time'.

* There is no apparatus for verifying results.

The lack of requirement for voters' signatures in this 'referendum by. remote control' makes it less valid than a supermarket survey by Rita of Eta.

As council election results diametrically opposed the poll

results the latter seem, suspect.

I was exhaustingly tired from all I did while she was in hospital, and when she went home I took the chance to catch up on some rest, as I need to because my own health is precarious and my medical condition flares up when I arn tired. But I could have made time to go through Dad’s box, I really could have. I did spend a couple of days doing just things I really wanted to do for myself at home, things I had wanted to do for a long time. But they could have waited.

I want to understand myself - why did I not do that for her, when I had experienced such a wonderful feeling of relief that I had been given a second chance to do it. I have done self inquiry. I have asked for dreams to explain my unconscious motive. I have meditated on it. But I still am no closer to understanding why I neglected to do that for her.

After Mum’s death, I one day found time to go through Dad’s boxes. There was nothing much in them except old receipts, old Returned Soldiers League correspondence and a few letters. Some of these letters were ones my brother and I, mostly I, had written to him as a child when he was away at the war in the early 1940s. There were poems I had written to him [naive, stirring, patriotic poems], but strangely, no letter that he had kept from Mum.

The second strange thing that happened ta me^ the ene that puzzles me most and aheut which I meat would appreciate your explanation. was my experience of the day before Mum died, the day she had the massive stroke.

It was a beautiful day, one of the few truly Spring days we have had this season. I felt so peaceful, more peaceful and unpressed for time than I have felt for a very long time. I spent the day pottering about the house and garden, all the time thinking: ‘Isn’t this lovely! Isn’t this lovely!’

In the middle of the afternoon I thought - 'I’ll ring Mum’. Then I thought no, finish what I’m doing outside while it’s light and ring Mum in the evening’. A few times this thought and response came up. About 4.30 I went out to post a letter and as I went I thought, ‘I’ll go for a walk along the creek when I get home. I’ll just have time before the sun goes down. Isn’t this nice. It will be good end to a perfect day.’ I noticed the sun sinking lower. The thought came up - ‘Perhaps I’ll buy some fish and chips and eat it on my walk. Then I won’t even have to get tea. I’ll be free’. Then I thought again - no, I don’t want fish and chips. I’ll cook a good tea later. But the thought persisted, so I followed it and bought them.

Would that I had also followed the thought to ring Mum when it kept coming up earlier in the afternoon. Why didn’t I?

The Victorian Government, is saying it wants to cut the road toll, yet it is working towards increasing road use.

The Victorian Government is saying it wants to cut the road toll, yet it is actively taking away alternatives to road use -ripping up railway lines, taking away train guards and tram conductors, making it as difficult as possible for people to use trains by forcing them to travel to shops to buy train tickets -forcing them to need increased travel time to do so, forcing the old and infirm to walk long distances C which they cannot do] to shops, often away from their direction of travel to railway stations to reach the shops to buy their train tickets, forcing them into the use of cars...in creasing the road toll potential, increasing pollutin and the greenhouse effect, increasing the need for roads

Trains must be made safe to travel on, comfortable to travel on and have a network, of ^pnnectin.9 jbuses which make it possible for travel at any, tiW'4QfM,t^e c|ay jorrnight, week or weekend. Tickets must be easy to obtain on the spot, at the time needed.

ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Concern suffered by people are progressively

has been expressed for the noise and pollution people liing along Doncaster Road. Less and less living along Doncaster Road, as houses are destroyed for office buildings.

The people who live along Doncaster Rd have alwas lived along a road. They chose to live in the environment of a road. Doncaster Road has been a road since it was an aboriginal track and then a trafficway to the goldields of Warrandyte and beyond.

The people who live along the Koonung Creek Forestway chose to live by a peaceful, unpolluted, beautiful environment.

The mark of civilisation is not just filling up spaces with buildings and roads but a mosaic of the artificial and the natural, of buildings and parks, of utility and space. That is: gracious civilisations rather than junk towns.

If the forestway is replaced with a road, there will be no parkland of any appreciable space between the Doncaster municipal gardens and the Blackburn Lake.

Keep roads where existing roads are now. Solve their problems in situ.

KH)1

}. t i. liipfcij'fJ IJO jL ui, )»•

Elizabeth Bolger Webster 1901 - 1989

We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy extended to us in the sad loss of our loved Mother, Elizabeth.

..■in : O

The acts of kindness have been very much appreciated and a wonderful comfort.

t , , I idl ‘ ■'

trl,a 11 ' h-rtounud ■

I C MP< f 1 *

Joan, Stuart and families.

K| i1 l’..... ’ \ ...u,

I I H poucvircei.

,: it:

'In quietness and trust is your strength'

Isiah 30.15 <NIV)

Concern has been expressed -for high truck levels on Doncaster Rd. These levels are high not only on Doncaster Rd but on all roads and will become high on any new roads- The only way to reduce these levels is to -freight by rail, not road, not to spread them onto new roads.

As houses are progressively destroyed for office buildings along Doncaster Road, more traffic is being attracted to this road. Why has Doncaster-Templestowe Council followed a policy of allowing homes to be replaced by offices along Doncaster Road, a policy which ttracts more traffic to it?

Doncaster-Templestowe councillors have been saying , in effect, to those who live by the forestways 'You must feel compassion for the noise and pollution suffered by those who live along Doncaster Rd. Let us make it just as bad for you. '

If the environment of the humans who live by the peaceful country-like splendour of the Koonung Forestway is garrotted by an arterial road, what will be done to relieve i^ts problems of noise, pollution and trucks when it, in turn, inevitably becomes congested? There will be no creek valleys left to utilise. Will homes be ripped up? Or will intelligent, unprejudiced, ci.vili_sed minds find a human-oriented solution? That solution exists. It just needs to be found. Why not find it now?

The anti-arterial road controversy has come about not because so-called 'greenies' are selfishly flouting the provision of a long-established freeway reservation - but because both the environmental and the traffic situation have changed over the past 30 years and because our understanding of both have changed dramatically over the past few years since knowledge of both the Greenhouse Effect and the South Eastern Arterial Road Effect.

3838238538S8888B38S8S383888588838388.383838.3S8383.833383.338..3.

Progress and deelopment must include progress in quality of

life.

S.888883.883338SS8.BS28833.883.8S383338B838883B333883338883388388

In the small section of the Koonung Creek Valley which runs alongside Boronia Grove, East Doncaster, the following are foundI

* Kookaburra breeding area- This has been used for the past 30 years by kookaburra families, and is a rare and preelou§ thing* In November, when the baby Kookaburras are being taught to fly, many other species of bird gather around in the tree tope to watch and urge the youngsters to success- It is a very touching sight, which we are privileged to witness.

* Maiden hair fern grows wild

* Wattle

* Wild flowers grow, in selective patches. Amongst the

wildflowers that used to grow along the creek were: green

elephant, running postman, honeysuckle, spider orchid, blue jack-in-the-pulpit, harbinger of Spring, granny's bonnet, flannel flower chocolate flower, bacon and egg plant, sarsparilla, egarly Nancy, dogwood, and tea tree grew along the creek, clematis twined amongst the trees

* Swamp redgums grew in this flood plain

* Mountain trout, redfin and other fish could be caught

* Heron and other water birds still tread the swamps- ucks still swim in the creek-

* Birds include bell birds, kookaburras, rosellas, pal id cuckoos, black-face cuckoo shrikes, butcher birds, honey eaters, currawongs, magpies, crows, wattle birds, silver eyes.

ANABATIC WINDS UP HILLSIDES

During the day the earth warms up. At night, the air is cooler than the earth, which retains heat longer than does air. Warm air rises. When the air closest to the earth is warmer than air higher up in the atmosphere, this warm air rises to replace the colder atmospheric air.

On hillsides, irrespective of the direction of the prevailing wind there is a gentle, shallow flow of air up the slopes on warm days and evenings, as the rising "earth"-air moves atmosphere-wards. This shallow upslope air flow is known as an ANABATIC WIND. C'Bushfires in Australia*, Luke & McArthur, p 583.

If roads - whether arterial or freeway - are built along valleys such as the Koonung Valley, fumes emitted from vehicle exhausts will on still, cool or damp days, lie like a blanket in the valley, as does the fog and mist that forms there. On days

when the earth has been warmed, the fumes will rise up the

slopes, at first towards adjacent homes.

But the poisonous point ion of fumes will not stay there. It will not only be the residents adjoining the Koonung Creek who will be affected. The fumes will rise with the Anabatic wind all the way up to the top of the hill - to Doncaster Rd. So that, rather than mitigating the pollution nuisance which already

exists for Doncaster Rd residents by constructing another road along the Koonung Valley, to construct another road along the Koonung Valley will actually increase the pollution nuisance for Doncaster Rd. residents. , > ‘

Fumes emitted in valleys either lie in them like a

suffocating blanket or spread up the valley slopes to cover the whole hillside. They also, irrespective of the direction of the prevailing wind, are pulled along the valley itself by the funnelling action of the topography, spreading along its length as well. But fumes emitted on a ridgetop blow away. They are quickly taken into the higher atmosphere by winds. This may not be good for the higher atmosphere and the greenhouse effect, but it is better for the lungs and allergies of residents.

The good of the higheP~&tto€*fepher© and the mitigating of the greenhouse effect can only be helped by reducing the need for so much vehicular traffic - by making more, safer and convenient public transport available and by freighting more by rail and less by road.

But the good of all all residents between the Koonung Valley and Doncaster Rd can be served by keeping roads to ridgetops: constructing them higher - by double decker roadways-

and by keeping the oonung Valley free of fumes.

VUG

ur

We sincerely appreciate and thank you tor your kind expressions of sympathy extended to us in the sad loss of our loved Mother, Elizabeth.

. i.i. • •»».*,“<- .rj \ > * tH~>

The acts of kindness have been very much appreciated

. _____r.nm,fort«

do

ra r> H

■ ' n.\ . ,-jgrq *

T 1 r fk.9uebm.4r p ASpycr^'U. fu suporrecj. r- t &c 4

ipe. Li OOP o|. f*

duoq 4 i , |«f.. picipok -b suq fpe dkOsupoHc-ro

» v-1 A {. v/1-• or j ufo pe pi u|.n ' ; riL'oebprw. .■ pA ’ • 'cr ;. ’

r" jgnr o.p otvyffoq ou " to,-qfr, p.<b pjow w

«r. (-v mi. . i: x . h .ppo f :'*h»dj. ‘thpA * «hfc. esq7 ur* vj our ■•A *3* rU'1 bnj T C-q SJOUd fJJG A9J j SA ffc

"1 ■} C. p ? I] £• ( g B • IP © A S J »0 JU €> fit*t • • • +' j A t» < 4 y U €? v 1 J >. ©

po. i .in': 'L* ..H. CH r<b 4 «.«*» a«5T| 11-’ »"**: l " f

tt HUTm? | .[BC JU A'JJ |SAk G? .f. f JfV Tt> >

‘ ? r T‘r 'In quietness and trust

is your strength'

I si ah 30.15 i<NIV)

r?fr • 01 r)Oi -f^k. if] t, qsujre pA cuu : ft. nr < t i.»d

i •’ • in 3 4 t <1 -v « 5 ud < ; cv hoy 1 ri^rjon uny r^uc, - mj.

: nb fo fp* coi o\ jrps p? y j - |*o poi--7*?ro» vy

I : ..ot.pr-M. • xpe trnuf.f m t jj l 1 *vd fp ppr i^u^p*-

; uof our;- fP» kori q©u<:c ‘pKaoMid «.po poounn

V Hp , • n iq p K fPOT dp p 7 Ud • p

H ’ - P • Ti’ ■' '^4-rv, 3uc

‘ Joan, Stuart < and ffamilies.

*

I crjuA

> i.GC'i rjTJUd C

f .4 V ocp

• I;.I

JGn* p

VC f f Ot -‘

' • C OA

■pew

nresuc

q s’ / ou UOfpSk

’ i c u -v

' i r 1; hi

. 'v GO

JOAN WEBSTER,

17 E<oronia Grove,

East Doncaster ,

Victoria, 3109,

Phone 842-9991

DECEMBER 2, 1989 Ms K. Setches,

Minister for Conservation, Forests & Lands,

Parliament House,

Treasury Place,

Mel bourne.

Dear Mrs Setches,

As an adendum to my letter to you of two days ago, in which I listed flora and fauna sighted along the Boronia Grove aspect of the Koonung Creek:-

Yesterday three Tawyny Frogmouth owl_s were sighted.

To see how exactly they blended with the tree branch on which they were perched was a wonder and a privilege. Until they moved, they could not be differentiated from the tree. We wondered had your survey noted that this is their habitat?

Your survey officer was also sighted by a neighbour, who did not believe that, in the short he was there, he could possibly have obtained a true and acurate accounting of the wild life and flora that live here, particularly that which is transitory and/or seasonal.

Yours sincerely,

Department of Conservation Forests & Lands

MC40199

240 Victoria Parade East Melbourne Victoria 3002 Telephone (03)412 4011

1 \ FEB ^90

Ms Joan Webster 17 Boronia Grove East Doncaster VIC 3109

Dear Ms Webster,

The Minister the Honourable Kay Setches has asked me to thank you for your letter dated 2 December 1989 regarding the flora and fauna survey of the Koonung and Mullum Mullum valleys.

The study has involved the collection of new information from field surveys as well as using other data from a variety of sources and its results have been objectively reported in terms of conservation values and possible impacts that development may have on these values.

The report (summary enclosed) is now available from the CFL bookshop, 240 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne. I am sure you will find the report to be a comprehensive and independent document.

The report was presented to the Independent Review Panel as part of the public hearings process which commenced in late January.

Thank you also for your observations on the Tawny Frogmouth. The scientists undertaking the survey did record the presence of the Tawny Frogmouth and on the basis of the number of breeding pairs, they concluded that the population density here is higer-than elsewhere in the Melbourne urban area.

Yours sincerely

P Smith

Director

Lands & Forests Division

%

• Siltation and increased turbidity in streams Stream habitat s and water quality are likely to be degraded by construction work; there would be an increase in siltation in both creeks, fish may be not able to move away to areas where water is less turbid because there is relatively little cover for them, and increased turbidity may deter migratory species from entering the affected creeks during construction or maintenace work.

• Degradation of aquatic habitat

Creek realignment and undergrounding (including sections where the Broad-finned Galaxias

was recorded) would drastically alter existing conditions, including food and shelter. The proposed use of rock-lined channels would further diminish native fish habitat.

• Effects on Invertebrates and their predators Invertebrates may be affected by changes in factors such as light, drainage, humidity, and weeds. Conditions may become unfavourable for some species, enabling species with different tolerance levels to colonise the area. The levels of lead and zinc in earthworms near freeways could be lethal to earthworm-eating animals.

TABLE OF SIGNIFICANT PLANTS. PLANT COMMUNITIES AND ANIMALS IN THE KOONUNG, MULLUM (EAR) AND MULLUM (BYPASS) SECTIONS.

KOONUNG SECTION Category Significance Significant Plants. Plant Communities and Animals

Plants Regional Amyema quandang. Arthropodlum mllleflorum. Bursaria spinosawar. macrophylla. Glyceria australis. Haloragls heterophylla. Isolepls hookeriana. Isolepls subtilissima. Lepidium pseudotasmanicum. Wahlenbergia multicaulis

Local Large proportion of native flora

Plant Communities Regional Hillslope Woodland

Mammals Local White-striped Mastiff-bat

Birds Regional Buff-banded Rail. Powerful Owl-

Local Tawny Frogmouth. Rose Robin, Latham's Snipe-

Fish Regional Broad-finned Galaxias

MULLUM (EAR)

Category Significance Significant Plants. Plant Communities and Animals

Plants Regional Calochilus robertsonii. Chlloglottls gunnll. Damplera stricta. Dluris sulphurea. Hibbertia obtuslfolia. Hydrocotyle tripartita. Isolepls subtilissima. Lyperanthus suaveolens. Nertera reptans. Parahebe derwentlana. Pelargonium Inodorum. Persic aria hydropiper, Podolepls Jaceoldes. Prasophyllum despectans. Thelymltra Ixloldes, Thelymltra rubra. Viola betonlcifolla

Local Large proportion of native flora

Plant communities Regional Valley Sclerophyll Forest, Riparian Forest

Mammals Local Sugar Glider. Koala. King River Epteslcus. Gould's Long-eared Bat

Birds State Square-tailed Kite-

Regional Australian King Parrot. Peregrine Falcon-. Grey Goshawk-. Powerful Owl-. Dollarblrd-. Red-capped Robin-. Western Gerygone-. Lewln's Honeyeater-. Scarlet Honeyeater-. Spangled Drongo-

Local Painted Button-quail. Common Bronzewing. Tawny Frogmouth. Australian Owlet-Nightjar. Sacred Kingfisher. White's Thrush. Pink Robin. Rose Robin. Crescent Honeyeater. Latham's Snipe-. Red-browed Treecreeper-Brush Bronzewing-. Blue-winged Parrot-. Brush Cuckoo-, Olive Whistler-

Reptiles Local White-lipped Snake

Amphibians Local Brown Toadlet (hybrid)

MULLUM (BYPASS)

Category Significance Significant Plants. Plant Communities and Animals

Plants Regional Local Isolepls hookeriana. Schoenus maschallnus Large proportion of native flora

Plant communities Regional Valley Sclerophyll Forest. Riparian Forest

Mammals Local Sugar Glider. Koala

Birds Regional Local Australian King Parrot. Peregrine Falcon Rose Robin. Pink Robin. Tawny Frogmouth

vagrant species

CFL 1/90

Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria

FLORA and FAUNA of the KOONUNG and MULLUM MULLUM VALLEYS (Proposed Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass)

SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION VALUES and

EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS

In June 1989, the Minister for Conservation, Forests and Lands, Ms Kay Setches, announced a comprehensive conservation study of the Koonung and Mullum Mullum Creek valleys, in response to community concern about possible impacts of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass.

A project team of biologists from the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands (CFL) and the Museum of Victoria undertook the study. The objectives were to:

• Compile an inventory of plants.

• Identify the plant communities and determine their distribution.

• Compile an inventory of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

• Determine the distribution and abundance of animals, and relate animals to plant communities.

• Assess the significance and conservation status of animal and plant species and plant communities.

• Identify sites of conservation significance.

• Determine conservation significance ratings for the three sections of the study area.

• Determine possible impacts of the proposed roads on conservation values.

The study included vascular plants (ferns, conifers and flowering plants), vertebrate animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) and larger invertebrates (such as spiders and butterflies). The study area, shown on the map below, covered the 303 ha of land within and adjacent to the road reserves for the Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass, divided into three sections: Koonung, Mullum Mullum (Eastern Arterial Road) and Mullum Mullum (Ringwood Bypass).

Native vegetation covers 9% of the study area, and semi-native vegetation covers 19%. The remaining 72% is either unvegetated or supports introduced vegetation.

The full 158-page report, entitled Flora and Fauna of the Koonung and Mullum Mullum Valleys (Proposed Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass). Victoria Is available from the.CFL bookshop, 240 Victoria Parade. East Melbourne (tel 412-4158) for $12-50. This pamphlet should not be used as a reference for the study results, as most Issues cannot be discussed fully In such a short space.

The survey found 255 native and 218 Introduced plant species In the study area; 3 native and 5 introduced vegetation communities were Identified, and 18 native mammals, 134 birds, 10 reptiles, 7 amphibians, 2 fish and a large but undetermined number of .Invertebrates were recorded.

Of the animal species that are resident, regular migrants, or Irregular visitors, one (the Broad-finned Galaxlas, a fish) Is rare In Victoria, and three (the Buff-banded Rail, Australian King Parrot, and Peregrine Falcon,all of which are birds) are rare within the CFL Melbourne Region.

Several other birds that are rare at State or Regional levels have been recorded as vagrants. There may also be rare Invertebrates In the study area, but precise Information Is not available.

CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE STUDY AREA

Criteria for Conservation Significance

The conservation significance of each section was determined according to a standard five-level rating system: National (significant within Australia); State (significant within Victoria); Regional (significant within the CFL Melbourne Region); Local (significant within the five local municipalities covering the study area); or no conservation significance.

The criteria used to determine conservation significance were:

1 Presence of rare or threatened flora, fauna, plant sub-communities or faunal assemblages.

2 Representativeness of the range of native vegetation types or faunal assemblages.

3 Richness or diversity of native flora or fauna.

4 Importance in maintaining existing ecological processes or natural systems.

5 Importance for research, reference or education.

Conservation Significance of the Koonung Section

The Koonung section of the study area was found to have Regional Significance.

The section supports about 25 ha of native or semi-native vegetation, including important remnants of the original vegetation of the eastern Melbourne area: the survey recorded 168 native vascular plants; 7 mammals; 83 birds; 10 reptiles and amphibians; 2 native fish; and a large but undetermined number of invertebrate species. Nine plants and two nonvagrant animals species are of regional significance.

The presence of the Broad-finned Galaxlas (a significant fish), and remnants of Hillslope Woodland (a significant plant community) are important attributes of this section.

The significant plants, animals and communities in the section are shown in the table on p.4. Vagrant birds are indicated with an asterisk.

Conservation Significance of the Mullum (EA R) Section

The Mullum (EAR) section of the study area is considered to have Regional Significance.

The section supports about 49 ha of native and semi-native vegetation, with a relatively rich flora and fauna: the survey recorded 214 native vascular plant species; 13 species of mammals; 126 birds; 15 reptiles and amphibians; 1 native fish; and a large but undetermined number of invertebrates.

There are 17 species of regionally significant flora within the section. Two birds, the Australian King Parrot (a migratory species in the area) and the Peregrine Falcon (an Irregular visitor) are of regional significance.

A significant plant community, Valley Sclero-phyll Forest, covers substantial but patchy areas of largely intact native vegetation along the slopes of the Mullum Mullum Creek valley, and another significant plant community, Riparian Forest, is scattered along the creek. This site has the largest area of native vegetation in the study area and the highest number of significant species of flora and fauna.

Several bird species of regional or state significance have been recorded as vagrants, but as there is generally only one record of each species over a period of several years, the site is not considered important for their conservation.

The significant plants, animals and communities in the section are shown in the table on p.4. Vagrant birds are indicated with an asterisk.

Conservation Significance of the Mullum (Bypass) section

The Mullum (Bypass) section is considered to have Local Significance.

It supports about 12 ha of native and semi-native vegetation; the survey recorded 108 native vascular plants, 8 mammals, 59 birds, 5 reptiles and amphibians, 1 native fish and a large but undetermined number of invertebrate species.

Regionally significant species or communities are not well represented, and the site does not make a substantial contribution to their conservation at the regional level. The significant plants, animals and communities in the section are shown in the table.

Value of the Study Area as a Wildlife Corridor An assessment of the value of the study area as a wildlife corridor was not possible in the time available for the survey, as it would have required a program over at least two years, involving tagging and monitoring a range of faunal species, detailed observations of the movements of migratory species, and further broad-scale mapping of vegetation in the region. There is also a lack of information available on the effectiveness of riparian (streamside) vegetation as a wildlife corridor.

EFFECTS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS

The impact of the proposed developments on the study area would be considerable. Direct effects on flora In the road reserve have been assessed; the direct effects on fauna could not be determined, but are likely to be substantial. Indirect effects on flora and fauna adjacent to the road reserve could not be fully assessed, but are also likely to be substantial.

The proposed Eastern Arterial Road would greatly compromise the natural value of the study area, particularly in the Mullum Mullum valley. The Impact of the Ringwood Bypass on identified conservation values would be relatively minor.

Effects on Flora Within the Road Reserve

• Loss of Significant Plant Species

The proposed arterial road is likely to result in the loss of 12 of the 26 significant species from the study area:

Chlloglottls gunnll, Dampiera strlcta, Diurls sulphured, Glycerla australis, Hlbbertla obtuslfolta, Hydrocotyle tripartita, Leptdlum pseudotasmanl-cum, Lyperanthus suaueolens, Prasophyllum de-spectans, Thelymltra Ixloldes, Thelymltra rubra, Viola betonlclfolla

and the depletion of 6 significant species: Amyema quandang, Bursarla splnosa var. macro-phylla, Isolepls hookerlana, Isolepls subtlllsslma Calochllus robertsonII, Pelargonium Inodorum

No significant species are likely to be eliminated or depleted by the bypass.

• Depletion of Significant Plant Communities The three native plant communities in the study area are significant. The proposed developments would not cause the immediate extinction of any plant community in the study area, but the significant native communities would be greatly depleted, and their long-term viability would be affected. The arterial road would eliminate or pass through the best quality areas of remnant native vegetation in the study area, at Stanton St (Doncaster), Joseph St (Blackburn), the Hillcrest area (Mitcham), and Chaim Ct (Donvale).

• Vegetation Loss

The Koonung section would lose 1.8 ha (37%) of its native vegetation and 8.9 ha (44%) of its seminative vegetation as a result of road construction; the Mullum (EAR) section would lose 9.8 ha (44%) of its native vegetation and 8.9 ha (34%) of its semi-native vegetation; and the Mullum (Bypass) section would lose 0.6 ha (75%) of Its native vegetation and 10.6 ha (93%) of its semi-native vegetation. Native vegetation within the Mullum (Bypass) section is located at the western end, in the path of the connecting Eastern Arterial Road. The Ringwood Bypass in itself would involve removal of semi-native vegetation only.

Effects on Flora Outside the Road Reserve

The effects of road construction and maintenance on flora outside the road reserve are difficult to predict. But It is possible that the following ecological effects on native vegetation outside the road reserve may or would be brought about by the construction of the arterial road and bypass and associated works:

• Weed invasion.

• Changes in water flow, and thus to vegetation.

• Dleback of vegetation from increased exposure.

• Loss of habitat for insect-eating birds, and a consequent increase in Insect attacks on plants.

• Local extinctions through alteration of plant pollination and seed dispersal mechanisms.

• Loss of significant plant species from outside the road reserve.

• Degradation of surviving native vegetation through planting and path construction.

It is not thus likely that the resulting smaller, more fragmented stands of native vegetation would be viable as examples of the original local flora without intensive management, including substantial weed management and revegetation programs.

Effects on Fauna

There is insufficient Information on the effects that developments such as the one proposed have on fauna conservation values, but they are likely to be substantial. The following general effects can be expected:

• Further decline of native fauna

The roads are likely to threaten the local extinction of sensitive vertebrates, and contribute further to the decline of species in the urban Melbourne area.

• Habitat loss, degradation, or fragmentation Several species of vertebrate fauna are presumed to be locally extinct within the study area, probably as a result of habitat loss and alteration. Further habitat changes from road construction may cause more local extinctions of disturbance-sensitive vertebrates.

• Animals killed during construction

Less mobile or less active species, particularly invertebrates, could be killed during construction.

• Road kills

Road kills could be critical for small populations of fauna if they have access to the roads.

• Animal declines through increased competition Some species may avoid being killed during road construction, but they would then require suitable habitat elsewhere. If such habitat is available, it would probably be already occupied by other animals. The resulting increase In competition for limited resources would cause deaths.

\

Siltation and increased turbidity in streams Stream habitat s and water quality are likely to be degraded by construction work; there would be an increase in siltation in both creeks, fish may be not able to move away to areas where water is less turbid because there is relatively little cover for them, and increased turbidity may deter migratory species from entering the affected creeks during construction or maintenace work.

Degradation of aquatic habitat Creek realignment and undergrounding (including sections where the Broad-finned Galaxias

was recorded) would drastically alter existing conditions, including food and shelter. The proposed use of rockMined channels would further diminish native fish habitat.

Effects on invertebrates and their predators Invertebrates may be affected by changes in factors such as light, drainage, humidity, and weeds. Conditions may become unfavourable for some species, enabling species with different tolerance levels to colonise the area. The levels of lead and zinc in earthworms near freeways could be lethal to earthworm-eating animals.

TABLE OF SIGNIFICANT PLANTS, PLANT COMMUNITIES AND ANIMALS IN THE KOONUNG, MULLUM (EAR) AND MULLUM (BYPASS) SECTIONS.

KOONUNG SECTION

Category Significance Significant Plants. Plant Communities and Animals

Plants Regional Local Amyema quandang. Arthropodlum milleflorum. Bursaria splnosavar. macrophylla. Glycerla australis. Haloragls heterophylla. Isotepls hookeriana. Isolepls subtilisslma. Lepldium pseudotasmanicum. Wahlenbergla mutticaulis Large proportion of native flora

Plant Communities Regional Hillslope Woodland

Mammals Local White-striped Mastiff-bat

Birds Regional Local Buff-banded Rail, Powerful Owl' Tawny Frogmouth. Rose Robin, Latham's Snipe'

Fish Regional Broad-finned Galaxias

MULLUM (EAR)

Category Significance Significant Plants. Plant Communities and Animals

Plants Regional Local Calochilus robertsonil. Chlloglottls gunnll. Damplera stricta. Diuris sulphurea. Hibbertia obtuslfolia. Hydrocotyle tripartita. Isolepls subtilisslma. Lyperanthus suaveolens. Nertera reptans. Parahebe derwentlana. Pelargonium Inodorum. Persicaria hydropiper, Podolepls Jaceoldes. Prasophyllum despectans. Thelymitra Ixloldes. Thelymltra rubra. Viola betonlclfolla Large proportion of native flora

Plant communities Regional Valley Sclerophyll Forest, Riparian Forest

Mammals Local Sugar Glider. Koala. King River Epteslcus. Gould's Long-eared Bat

Birds State Regional Local Square-tailed Kite' Australian King Parrot, Peregrine Falcon'. Grey Goshawk', Powerful Owl*. Dollarblrd*. Red-capped Robin'. Western Gerygone', Lewln's Honeyeater'. Scarlet Honeyeater'. Spangled Drongo* Painted Button-quail. Common Bronzewing. Tawny Frogmouth. Australian Owlet-Nightjar, Sacred Kingfisher. White's Thrush. Pink Robin. Rose Robin. Crescent Honeyeater. Latham's Snipe'. Red-browed Treecreeper* Brush Bronzewing'. Blue-winged Parrot'. Brush Cuckoo'. Olive Whistler'

Reptiles Local White-lipped Snake

Amphibians Local Brown Toadlet (hybrid)

MULLUM (BYPASS)

Category Significance Significant Plants. Plant Communities and Animals

Plants Regional Local Isolepls hookeriana. Schoenus maschalhus Large proportion of native flora

Plant communities Regional Valley Sclerophyll Forest. Riparian Forest

Mammals Local Sugar Glider. Koala

Birds Regional Local Australian King Parrot, Peregrine Falcon Rose Robin. Pink Robin. Tawny Frogmouth

vagrant species

CFL 1/90

DECEMBER 2, 1989

The Edi tor,

ROYALAUTO,

550 Princes Highway,

Noble Park, 3174

Dear Sir,

Regarding the proposed arterial road extension of the Doncaster Freeway along the Koonung Valley, Jonathan D. Morton, writing in -favor o-f it, points out t Royal auto December 1989 3 'the crux o-f the matter is how to improve access to the freeway at the city end'.

It ought to be realized by those in favor of the freeway extension, that congestion at the city-end accesses to the present Doncaster Freeway will be made much worse by any extension, as the vehicles for which the extension is to be created use the city—end access to travel to the extention.

City-end egress congestion will also be made much worse than it now is, as the traffic for which the extension is to be created uses city-end outlets in the mornings.

No attemot must be made to extend the Doncaster Freeway anywhere until city-end access and egress has been vastly i mproved.

Yours sincerely,

CLw.

fo r\

/0^ O^LOJ-1/Vv

3/oy '

?r>

1VJ umjlv JU

/S'

1

(R j C -IaA4-l~ '2>«---^ *-o

i^cnA^yi Moc^y^ . '^cxxa.l

y|^»AA |v.c4j0lx<, (R A (LJ

(JU-- 0 - *

-C-*oHu. ,

U«-

^O-U^

Ok_AJ^

Q>^^\XXL^o^

CJrvvfi^j /"t «J&

C^’O'Pi^ C-kxca*-4wa ■'v''-**_4^y' '3_ i>>~o—, i-o oj-uA^ <<- e>-^_Gr^ ^%<__/

^vtA"x ^ ^ ,

DECEMBER 2, 1989 The Editor,

DoncasterTempestowe Ne?ws,

Whitehorse Rd.,

Blackburn 3130

Dear Sir,

Those in -favor of the arterial road extension to the Doncaster Freeway along the Koonung Creek cite that one reason for its need is to lessen the polution near Doncaster Rd.

They ought to realise thatany air polution created by any road along the Koonung Creek will rise to Doncaster Rd. and that all who live between the creek and Doncaster Rd will be affected by this added polution. The reason is this:

During the day the earth warms up. At night, the air is cooler than the earth, which retains heat longer than does air. Warm air rises. When the air closest to the earth is warmer than air higher up in the atmosphere, this warm air rises to replace the colder atmospheric air.

On hillsides, irrespective of the direction of the prevailing wind there is a gentle, shallow flow of air up the slopes on warm days and evenings, as the rising "earth”-air moves atmosphere-wards. This shallow upslope air flow is known as an ANABATIC WIND. C'Bushfires in Australia', Luke McArthur, p 583.

If roads - whether arterial or freeway - are built along valleys such as the Koonung Valley, fumes emitted from vehicle exhausts will on still, cool or damp days, lie like a blanket in the valley, as does the fog and mist that forms there. On days when the earth has been warmed, the fumes will rise up the slopes, at first towards adjacent homes.

But the poisonous polution of fumes will not stay there. It will not only be the residents adjoining the Koonung Creek who will be affected. The fumes will rise with the Anabatic wind all the way up to the top of the hill - to Doncaster Rd. So that, rather than mitigating the pollution nuisance which already exists for Doncaster Rd residents by constructing another road along the Koonung Valley, to construct another road along the Koonung Valley will actually increase the pollution nuisance for Doncaster Rd. residents.

Fumes emitted in valleys either lie in them like? a

suffocating blanket or spread up the valley slopes to cover the whole hillside- They also, irrespective of the direction of the prevailing wind, are pulled along the valley itself by the funnelling action of the topography, spreading along its length as well- But fumes emitted on a ridgetop blow away- They are quickly taken into the higher atmosphere by winds- This may not be good for the higher atmosphere and the greenhouse effect, but it is better for the lungs and allergies of residents.

The good of the higher atmosphere and the mitigating of the greenhouse effect can only be helped by reducing the need for so much vehicular traffic - by making more, safer and convenient public transport available and by freighting more by rail and less by road.

But the good of all all residents between the Koonung Valley and Doncaster Rd can be served by keeping roads to ridgetopss constructing them higher - by double decker roadways-and by keeping the oonung Valley free of fumes.

Yours sincerely,

Joan Katherine Webster,

Author THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHIRE BOOK tThe definitive nort on bushfire safety for the public}

17 Bor on i a Grove, East Doncaster, Victoria 3109 C 03} 342 9991

February 17, 1990

RE SUBMISSION TO THE REVIEW PANEL

EASTERN ARTERIAL EXTENSION AND RINGWOOD BYPASS REVIEW PANEL

Mr Brandon Mack,

Executive Qffice-r,

Eastern Arterial Extension and Ringwood Bypass Review Panel, 17/ 589 Col 1 ins St. ,

Melbourne 3000

Dear Mr Mack,

Would you kindly present and read the enclosed submission to the review panel.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Joan K. Webster.

Joan Katherine Webster,

Author THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHIRE BOOK [The definitive »ork on bushfire safety for the public]

17 Boron i a Gr ove, East Doncaster, Victoria 3109 C 033 842 9991

SUBMISSION TO THE REVIEW PANEL EASTERN ARTERIAL EXTENSION AND RINGWOOD BYPASS REVIEW PANEL

February 17, 1990

Included in this submission is:

* a list of fauna and flora observed by me

* results of a public transport survey conducted by me in East Doncaster, 1964

* an argument to negate the claim of Doncaster Tempiestowe Council that 85% of residents support the construction of the Eastern Arterial Road or a freeway along the Koonung Valley.

* the effects of anabatic winds up hillsides on air polution for Koonung Creek residents.

* suggestions for alternatives to relieve traffic Doncaster Rd congestion.

As APPENDICES:-

1. a ehotograph album depicting scenes along the Konnung Creek between Blackburn Rd and Middleborough Rd., East Doncaster.

2. a history of and of past the area of open space along the Koonung Creek bewteen Blackburn Rd and Leeds St., East Doncaster campaigns to save it from inappropiate development.

3. List of flora in the area of open space along the Koonung Creek bewteen Blackburn Rd and Leeds St., East Doncaster

I have lived in Boronia Grove, East Doncaster, which fronts the Koonung Creek, for 30 years and have been intimately involved with its preservation and enhancement and for that period.

This area must be a unique form of Melbourne suburbia. Where else, in a the midst, of a closely populated and completely built-up area, can one suddenly believe one is in the country? On the south side o-f the creek, horses graze or laze in the shade of trees- Magpies carrol, currawongs caw with that typical sound of rural Australia- At any time of day people are to be found enjoying this lovely spot by walking with family or the dog, joggi ng , bi k© and herse r i di ng, 1i ©teni ng to and si ght i ng bi rd life, and examining the beauty of the native plants. Grandparents and parents love to bring small children here as it i s such a safe place for them to roam- There are quiet, meditative spots by the creek for contempiatives and others where vigorous youth swing over its banks. As one teenager said to me: 'If theymake it

into a road, where do you go to walk and think when you've had a row with your family?'

If the forestway is replaced with a road, there will be no parkland of any appreciable space between the Doncaster municipal gardens and the Blackburn Lake.

The mark of civilisation is not just filling up spaces with buildings and roads but a mosaic of the artificial and the natural , of buildings and parks, of utility and ©pace. That is: gracious civilisations rather than junk towns. Recently, the MSW Government said it was 'a roadmaking government'. Surely official thinking and understanding has progressed further than Roman road-making mentality?

Human life ought to mean more than car journeys, and the homes of humans more than stops between trips.

If the environment of the humans who live by the peaceful country-like splendour of the Koonung Forestway is garrotted by an arterial road, what will be done to relieve its problems of noise, pollution and trucks when it, in turn, inevitably becomes congested? There will be no creek valleys left to utilise. Will homes be ripped up? Or will intelligent, unprejudiced, civilised minds find a human-oriented solution? That solution exists. It just needs to be found. Why not find it now?

If this arterial road is constructed, what action will be taken to relieve congestion on it when it is full? Something will have to be thought of. Think of that now. Do that now. We cannot go on adding an infinte number of cars to roads for an infinity of time. Road saturation must be diluted by actions to reduce the need for so much road use.

..../3

Recently, the NSW Government said it wab 'a roadmakiny government.*- Surely official thinking .and under standi ny has progressed further than Roman road-making mentality?

The Victorian Government is saying it wants to cut the road toll, yet it is working towards increasing road use. It is actively taking away alternatives to road use - ripping up railway lines, taking away train guards and tram conductors, making it as difficult as possible for people - particularly the ££££!■*jLSQsi! user - to use trams and trains by forcing them to travel to shops to buy train tickets - forcing them to need increased travel time to do so, forcing the old and infirm to walk long distances C which they cannot doll to shops, often away from their direction of travel to railway stations to reach the shops to buy their train tickets, forcing them into the use of cars..-in creasing the road toll potential, increasing pollutin and the greenhouse effect, increasing the need for roads

Trains must be made safe to travel on, comfortable to travel on and have a network of connecting buses which make it possible for travel at any time of the day or night, week or weekend. Tickets must be easy to obtain on the spot, at the time needed.

Note also the decline in neighbourhood shopping centres. 'Shops* in most of these have become, in the past five years, only fronts for businesses such as agencies- Nothing to do with the convenience of local shopping for which they were constructed Cand often lobbied3- And so people have been forced to drive to larger shopping centres not within walking distance of their homes.

A few years ago, the neighbourhood shopping centre in this locality, the Rosel1 a St shops adjacent to the Beverley Hills Primary School, had a chemist, greengrocer, supermarket, cake shop, childrens’ clothing, butcher, fish&chip,

newsagency/stat i oner s, Commonwealth bank and milk bar. Now it has only the butcher, fish&chip and milk bar. As each community-convenience shop has been taken over by a ‘nothing’ store, the business of the remaining, iinterdependent shops has declined and they have been forced to close down- Now this once thriving, walked-to shopping centre shows the dead shop fronts of a nursing agency, insurance agency. The only life is around the inappropriate, school based, liquor store. And the shoppers drive along Doncaster Rd to Shoppingtown.

wal k

Destroy this local parkland and the people who want to in a park will be forced to drfve al.gng Doncaster Rd to reach the municipal gardens or Yarra Valley park, thus increasing traffic congestion along Doncaster Rd.

The anti-arterial road controversy has come about not because so-called 'greenies' are selfishly flouting the provision of a long-established freeway reservation - but because both the environmental and the traffic situation have changed over the past 30 years and because our understanding of both have changed dramatically over the past few years since knowledge of both the Greenhouse Effect and the South Eastern Arterial Road Effect.

Progress and development must include progress in quality of

life.

The south side of the Koonung Creek is a flood plain. In particular, the area east of Middleborough Rd, floods severely and frequently. Even this summer, it has flooded extensively during each downpour of rain. Flooding has in reased over the 30 yeas I have lived adjacent to the creek, as housing, roads and concretisation of land has inhibited ground bsorption and increased surface run off. Barrelling the creek to create an artificial drainage system will not reduce this type o flooding. With the expected escalation of severe weather due to the Greenhouse effect, flodding will continue to increase.

The south side of the Koonung Creek is therefore totally unsuitable for housing, especially density ousing CHusing Commission3, as has been advocated in some quarters.

The area is traditionally the abode of water birds and, in conjunction of retention of the Koonung Forestway, could ideally be developed as an attractive wetland.

Destroy this local parkland and the people who want to walk in a park will kg f2H£gd to drive alone* Doncaster Rd to reach the municipal gardens or Yarra Valley park, thus increasing traffic congestion along Doncaster Rd.

The anti-arterial road controversy has come about not because so-called 'greenies' are selfishly flouting the provision of a 1ong-established freeway reservation - but because both the environmental and the traffic situation have changed over the past 30 years and because our understanding of both have changed dramatically over the past few years since knowledge of both the Greenhouse Effect and the South Eastern Arterial Road Effect.

Progress and development must include progress in quality of

life.

In the small section of the Koonung Creek Valley which runs alongside Boronia Grove, East Doncaster, between Middleborough Rd and Blackburn Road the -following are -founds

FAUNA AMD FLORA

* Birds include bell birds, azure kingfisher, kookaburras, butcher bird, white-naped honey-eaters, plumed honey-eaters, red wattle bird, yellow naped wattle birds, eastern spinebill, rainbow lorikeet, king parrot, grass parrot, green resell a, crimson resell a, gal ah, pal id cuckoos, bronze-wing cuckoos, black-face cuckoo shrikes, honey eaters, silver eyes, zebra inch, gold finch, ground lark, spotted pardelot, fan tail, mudlark, bell magpie, pied currawong, crow, raven, tawny frogmouth owl, heron, ducks, blue wren, willy wagtail, spotted thrush, grey thrush, pigeon, dove, blackbird.

* Kookaburra breeding area. This has been used for the past

30 years by kookaburra families, and is a rare and precious thing. In November, when the baby Kookaburras are being taught to fly, many other species of bird gather around in the tree tops to watch and urge the youngsters to success. In January a similar 'festival of bird-culture' takes place when the young are learning to laugh. It is a very touching sight, which we are

privileged to witness.

* Rainbow Lorikeet breeding area, in the hollow branch of a tree in the same area the Kookaburras use, opposite Boronia Grove.

■* In early December three Tawyny Frogmouth owls were sighted. To see how exactly they blended with the tree branch on which they were perched was a wonder and a privilege. Until they moved, they could not. be differentiated from the tree.

* Heron and other water birds tread the swamps. Ducks glide along the creek.

* Mountain trout, redfin and other fish could once be caught

* Possums frequent the trees.

* Wild flowers grow, in selective patches. Amongst the

wildflowers native to the creek in this area ares green

elephant, running postman, spider orchid, blue jaek-in-the-pulpit, harbinger of Spring, granny's bonnet, flannel flower chocolate flower, bacon and egg plant, sarsparilla, early Nancy, dogwood, and tea tree grow along the creek, clematis and

honeysuckle twines amongst the trees. # Swamp redgums and swamp paperbark grow in this flood plain and Maiden hair fern grows wild. SEE ATTACHED LIST ____/?

COUNCIL POLL CLAIM REFUTED

The claim by pro-Eastern Arterial Road councillors that the results of a poll, conducted by them via the medium of newspaper advertisements touting -for 'votes' tor the so-called '-freeway' and against the Mul 1 um-Koonung -forestway, overwhelmingly proved that residents want the Eastern Arterial Road, does not necessar i 1 y pr ove ariyt h i ng of the k i nd -

Doneaster-Temp1 eatowe Council's much propagandized 'survey' has been falsely claimed to show that 85"/. of Dpncaster-Templestowe residents are in favor of construction of the Eastern Arterial Road along the Koonung Valley.

The fact, is that the response to this survey by newspaper advertisement was from only 1100 persons- The fact is that it is only 85 X of 1100 persons whom Doncaster -Tempi estow Council can claim to have responded in favor of the Eastern Arterial Road. The fact is that is is only about 800 people in favor of the freeway - 800 persons out of a polulation of more than 105,000 persons C1987 figures!}, that is only -_08X of the population has been shown to be in favor of the Eastern Arterial Road -

I discussed with an officer of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ray Walker, the Eastern Freeway 'survey' advertisement placed in a number of newspapers by Doncaster-Templestowe Council- I asked Mr Walker:

* Was it legal, under the Local Government Act?

* How would the authenticity of 'voters' names and addresses be checked under a system of referendum by advertisement?

* Mote that there i s no reguirement. for voters^ signatures

* How could the authenticity of voting figures published by Council be checked?

* What arrangements would be made for scrutineers during vote counting?

* Who would count the votes? How could ratepayers be assured this would be an unbiased person?

* How can a biased party, placing a biased advertisement carry out an unbiased survey?

* Why is there no requirement for voters' signatures?

Mr Walker said:

* The councils' survey method is open to abuse.

* There are no arrangements for vote-counting scrutineer

* There is no apparatus for verifying results.

* It wouId be quite possible f or 'stori es to be made

up' about the results of the survey and of numbers and types of votes received. ..../8

* As there is no Freedom of Information fn Councils, Councils would not be required to make any documents available to ratepayers for scrutiny.

Kr Such surveys are usually carried out so that all votes must be returned by a fixed date.

* Any survey or referendum should be put in a way that will not mislead ratepayers how to respond.

* There are no regulations under the Local Government

Act ’ governing such a d v er t isements or surveys.

* The advertisement has no formal status.

* The advertisement was carried out under 'unusual' c i r c urns't an c e s.

* 'It seems a strange way of going about it'.

* It would be more usual for a survey to be carried out with a 'disclipiined' approach.

* It is most unusual to have a survey such as this 'straggle on over a period of time'.

* There is no apparatus for verifying results.

The lack of requirement for voters' signatures in this 'referendum by remote control' makes it less valid than a supermarket survey by Rita of Eta.

As council election results diametrically opposed the poll results the latter seem suspect.

5.S5S!S5;Z"**,*“‘,,"22»52555S3S"25*«»“5*--*“"*“"*""**52555S52ISi52

Concern has been expressed -for the noise and pollution suffered by people liing along Doncaster Road. Less and less people are living along Doncaster Road, as houses are?

progress!vely destroyed tor office buildings.

If- the Koonung Creek residents had had the time and

financial resources available to municipal councils and other bureaurocracies, we would have conducted a survey to ascertain the actual, number of dwellings remaining in Doncaster Road. We believe this is a very small proportion of dwellings adjacent to the Koonung Creek.

We believe the actual number of people affected by Doncaster Road traffic would be a very small proportion of the number of people affected by Eastern Arterial Road trafic.

The people who live along Doncaster Rd have always lived along a road. They chose to live in the environment of a road. Doncaster Road has been a road since it was an aboriginal track and then a trafficway to the gold!elds of Warrandyte and beyond.

The people who live along the Koonung Creek Forestway chose to live by a peaceful, unpolluted, beautiful environment.

Keep roads where existing roads are now. Solve their

problems in situ.

Concern has been expressed for high truck levels on

Doncaster Rd. These levels are high not only on Doncaster Rd baton all roads and will become high on any new roads. The only way to reduce these levels is to freight by rail, not road, not to spread them onto new roads.

As houses are progress!vely destroyed for office buildings along Doncaster Road, more traffic is being attracted to this road. Why has Doncaster-Tempiestowe Council followed a policy of allowing homes to be replaced by offices along Doncaster Road, a policy which attracts more traffic to it?

Doncaster~~Temp 1 estowe counci 11 ors have been saying , in effect, to those who live by the forestway: 'You must feel

compassion for the noise and pollution suffered by those who live

along Doncaster Rd. Let us make it just as bad for you.

ANABATIC WINDS UP HILLSIDES AND AIR POLUTION

During the day the earth warms up. At night, the air is cooler than the earth, which retains heat longer than does air. Warm air rises. When the air closest to the earth is warmer than air higher up in the atmosphere, this warm air rises to replace the colder atmospheric air.

On hillsides, irrespective of the direction of the

prevailing wind there is a gentle, shallow flow of air up the slopes on warm days and evenings, as the rising ,,earth"-air moves atmosphere-wards. This shallow upslope air flow is known as an ANABATIC WIND. C'Bush-fires in Australia', Luke & McArthur , p 5811.

If roads - whether arterial or freeway - are built along valleys such as the Koonung Valley, fumes emitted from vehicle exhausts will on still, cool or damp days, lie like a blanket in the valley, as does the fog and mist that forms there. On days

when the earth has been warmed, the fumes will rise up the

slopes, at first towards adjacent homes.

But the poisonous polution of fumes will not stay there. It will not only be the residents adjoining the Koonung Creek who will be affected. The fumes will rise with the Anabatic wind all the way up to the top of the hill - to Doncaster Rd. So that, rather than mitigating the pollution nuisance which already

exists for Doncaster Rd residents by constructing another road along the Koonung Valley, to construct another road along the Koonung Valley will actually increase the pollution nuisance for Doncaster Rd. residents.

Fumes emitted in valleys either lit? in them like a

suffocating blanket or spread up the valley slopes to cover the whole hillside. They also, irrespective of the direction of the prevailing wind, are pulled along the valley itself by the

funnelling action of the topography, spreading along its length as well. But fumes emitted on a ridgetop blow away. They are quickly taken into the higher atmosphere by winds. This may not.

be good for the higher atmosphere and the greenhouse effect, but

it is better for the lungs and allergies of residents.

The good of the higher atmosphere and the mitigating of the greenhouse effect can only be helped by reducing the need for so much vehicular traffic - by making more, safer and convenient public transport available and by freighting more by rail and

less by road.

But the good of all all residents between the Koonung Valley and Doncaster Rd can be served by keeping roads to ridgetops: constructing them higher - by double decker roadways~

and by keeping the Koonung Valley free of fumes. . . ../li

The purpose of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road is supposed to be to relieve the traffic bottleneck at the Doncaster Rd. end of the Eastern Freeway.

# Each direction of this freeway extension will be no more

than two lanes' width, the same as is the freeway itself from

Bulleen to Doneaster-

# When traffic now reaches the Doncaster end of the freeway

and moves into Doncaster Rd, its congestion is relieved as vehicles spread out into Doncaster Road's extra lanes.

* This purpose of the proposed Eastern Arterial Road in

respect of relieving the Freeway-Doneaster Rd bottleneck, could be achieved simply by widening the Bulleen to Doncaster section of the freeway, by adding an extra lane or lanes.

* If the Eastern Arterial Road is constructed along the

Koonung Creek Valley, what then will be the happen to the increased traffic at the other end? Just as what goes up must come down, so what travels home east out from the city to Ringwood, Lilydale and beyond each evening, must travel to work west in towards the city every morning.

* Have those who want the EAR to carry more traffic eastward to the hills, thought of what is going to happen to all this increased traffic, flowing citywards more easily from the hills along the creek valleys, when it becomes dammed at the Alexandra Pde 'narrows'?

* Just as what goes up must come down, so what travels home eastwards from the city to Ringwood, Lilydale and beyond each evening, must travel to work west towards the city, Fitzroy and Brunswick and Morthcote, every morning. If the Eastern Arterial Road extension of the Doncaster Freeway is constructed there will be increased traffic coming citywards from the other end,

* The Panel should be aware that the environment of residents living in areas at present affected by the noise and pollution of the Alexandra Pde extension of the Eastern Freeway from* Doncaster, will be affected by its extension along the Koonung Creek.

Those who want the Eastern Arterial Road to carry more trafic eastward to the hills, have not thought of what is going to happen to all this increased traffic, flowing west citywards when it becomes 'dammed' at the Alexandra Pde 'narrows'.

A Western Arterial Road will then be needed. .,.,/13

The topography of both Doncaster Rd> and Ringwood business district lend themselves to the concept of f 1 yover—-roads to .i mpr ove traffic f 1 aw .

Both Doncaster Rd and the Maroondah Highway dip and rise aga:i n many t i mes.

The places where Doncaster Rd dips and precicely where cross road occur - crossroads which at present have traffic lights which cause massive traffic holdups at peak time.

The DONCASTER RD FLYOVER could start rising at about the position of the Eastern Golf Club and go over the intersections of Elgar and Tram Rds. It could go over the Church Rd and Middleborough Rd intersection and if necessary touch down at about the position of Jackson's Court. It could either rise again after Leeds St, or it could continue as a raised road from Jackson's court to, fly over Blackburn Rd and touch down at about the position of Tun st. a I1 square, hi 11-top to hi 11—top .

The RINGWOOD FLYOVER could start rising at Heatherdale Rd and continue above the Maroondah Highway to a position just east of the intersection of Mt Dandenong Rd, going hi 11-top to hilltop

Instead of having traffic lights, Elgar Rd, Tram Rd, Church Rd, Middleborough Rd and Blackburn Rd could go under the Doncaster Rd flyover.

Neither the DONCASTER RD FLYOVER nor the RINGWOOD FLYOVER would require any 1 and acquisition. Their construction would surely not be as expensive as the construction of an extensive arterial road. They would be ' envi ronmental -- f r i endl y * . Being raised, poluting fumes would blow away. The flyovers and their under—roads could carry one-way traffic, thereby also decreasing the road tol1.

I SUGGEST:

^ FIyover s or t unnels to replace traffic lights a 1 ong Doncaster Road.

^ 'Double decker’ road or -freeway above the whole of, or sections of, Doncaster Road between the existing freeway exit and Mitcham Rd„

** 'Double decker' road or -freeway above the Maroondah Highway at the Ringwood bottleneck.

^ The reduction of truck volume by encouraging a return to rail -fr ei ght.

tention of the Dalwyn tramline to Mitcham Rd

* •'-Upgrading of the .Bulleen outlet of the Eastern Freeway to its junction with Reynolds Road.

* ''•‘Upgrading of Reynolds Road to the Arterial Road status that was intended for the Eastern Freeway Extension Arterial Road. This would create a free—flow trafic way from the Bulleen outlet of the Eastern Freeway to Springvale Road-

*■ ''■'Join t h i s t o t h e suggested r a i sed h op -o ver f r eewa y above the Ringwood bottleneck.

* ^‘This would create a free-flow trafic way from the Bulleen outlet of the Eastern Freeway to east of Ri ngwood. *

* Legislate for a certain percentage of neighbourhood shops to be actualA useful^ shops and this is another way of reducing Doncaster Rd traffic.

In 1957, in a study called ' ir§ High T imej_, Colonel S.H-Bingham, former Chairman of the Board of Transportation of New York, 1951, stated:

'We built highways and superhighways - and made it so easy for private cars to get into our cities that they *** e now choking them- In most cities the downtown streets are not traffic arteries — they are free, outdoor garages'.

Walter L. Blucher, Executive Director, American Society of Planning Officials, stated:

I am willing to stake my reputation on the forecast that the building of expressways will not solve the traffic and tran sp or t at i on prob1ems of any c ommuni t y.

They will, in my opinion, increase the traffic problem and the parking problem'.

F. Andrews, In Public Transport Joday^ A Brief Wopl_d Survey! stated:

!There i_s a growing laPttPQ in responsible guar ter s

that only public transport^ whj^ch created large pities as we know them^ can mai_ntai_n those pities as yisal_ and cultural^ centres^ The priyare car can no more provide efficient mass transport in £and to and from2 the city than the tramA bus or railcar can cater for informal weekpend outings!

and L^Cjl. Hawkins^ Member of the London Jransport Executive^ jl stated2.

1150^000 people dr lye Ip 86j.000 cars Cto the central part of Londonl every clayi these 150^000 people could have been moved by 2_^500 f pH or 5^000 bplfzfpfl buses^^^The construction of inter-city tiQter-urban! highways still fepyes unsolved the PCQblem of access to and movement within the cities-rsuburbs! themselves fcity if self 1^. indeed it makes the problem more acute.,

lit follows that either we accept the inevitable chaos that will follow when too many vehicles compete for tog little space^ or we impose restrictions designed to

prevent ttie chaos!

ENDS

SEE ALSO APPENDICES

APPENDICES

ii. § photograph album depicting scenes afsgng the Konnung between Bl_acjkburn Rd and Mlddfebgrgugh RdEast Doncaster>2_

2*. a history of the area of open space afong the Kognung bewteen ifackburn Rd and Leeds StEast Dgncaster and gf campaigns to save it from inapprgpiate deyefgpment^

Creek

Creek

past

SUBMISSION TO THE REVIEW PANEL

ECiSIiBW aBIiBISk extension and ringwqqd bypass review panel

' f ^0 dP (*cv.^.

APPENDIX 2

a HISTORY OF THE KOONUNB CREEL PARKLAND BEJWEEN BLACKBURN RD AND

middleIorough RD

EASTERN ARTERIAL EXTENSION AND RINGWOOD BYPASS REVIEW PANEL

17/589 Collins St, Melbourne, Vic 3000. Tel: 619 6666 Fax: 619 6754

Helen Gibson—Chairman Malcolm Caldcr—Member John Macklin—Member

0 2 MAR 1990

Ms J K Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Ms Webster

EASTERN ARTERIAL EXTENSION AND RINGWOOD BYPASS REVIEW I refer to your letter of 17 February 1990.

Your submission has been referred to the Panel for closer study and consideration during the course of the Review.

Your interest and concerns are appreciated.

Yours sincerely.

BRANDON MACK EXECUTIVE OFFICER

354RG/I60/nt

DONCASTER AND TEN

warma

r spLF,i

i -^^^pUstoio^ 0<iu/£ t-shl°io \

Hypocrisy in council policies

THE hypocrisy of Doncaster Templestowe Council: the poor residents of Doncaster Rd; there are too many cars on Doncaster Rd; and, we must send the cars off to Koonung Creek.

But what is Doncaster Tetnplestowe Council doing?

In the car park of Safeway, on the comer of Doncaster Rd and Devon Drive, it is building shops — many shops, so many shops that it is allowing Safeway to retain only 90 car parking spaces.

More shops on Doncaster Rd invite more cars to travel along Doncaster Rd to them. How will this alleviate the “congestion on Doncaster Rd” about which the council has made so much fuss?

Where will the extra cars that travel to the extra shops park? In the adjacent residential streets?

Or will the council close these off to prevent the extra parking, thus forcing the extra cars to park in Doncaster Rd and increase its congestion?

Will the council perhaps have the bright idea that parking in the residential streets could be avoided by closing the present, conve-nient-to-local shoppers, Devon Drive entrance to the shops — thus creating great inconvenience for shoppers who live in and shop from these adjacent streets?

Thus also forcing cars which would never (on that shopping trip) have entered Doncaster Rd, to not only enter it, but drive half a kilometre along it to U-tum on it and then drive half a kilometre back along it to enter the \ shops from Doncaster Rd?

> If the council thinks the f local people need more shops, why allow such existing shops to disappear? Is it because it wants passing custom from Doncaster Rd traffic to boost its investment revenue?

What a compendium of conflicts of interest — financially, politically and

environmentally. Its very planning policies have proliferated the traffic along Doncaster Rd and continue to do so.

Joan K. Webster, 17 Boronia Grove, East Doncaster.

G0q@ ©dlfitoff

Some more human?

CR Irene Goonan, speaking in favor of constructing the Eastern Arterial Rd along the Koonung Creek Forestway, The News (8/11) says she is 'environmentally conscious but believes humans are part of the environment’ and cites as the humans for environmental consideration as those living along Doncaster Road.

Cr Goonan — humans who live along Doncaster Rd have always lived along a road.

They chose to live in the environment of a road.

Doncaster Rd has been a road since it was an aboriginal track and then a traffleway to the goldfields of Warrandyte.

The humans who live along the Koonung Creek Forestway chose to live by a peaceful, unpolluted, beautiful environment.

Cr Goonan was elected by these humans. She has betrayed us. /

Td find a councillor who appreciates that the mark of civilisation is not just filling up spaces with buildings and roads but a mosaic of the artificial and the natural, of buildings and parks, of utility -and space.

That is: gracious civilisations rather than junk towns. *

If the forestway is replaced with a road, there will be no parkland of any appreciable space between the Doncaster municipal gardens and the Black-bum Lake.

Keep roads where existing roads are now. Solve their problems in situ.

The Mayor (also News 8/11) expresses concern or high truck levels on Doncaster Rd. These levels are high not only on Doncaster Rd but on all roads and will become high on any new roads.

The only way to reduce these levels is to freight by rail, not by road, not to spread them onto new roads.

Cr Goonan and other Doncaster-Templestowe councillors are saying, in effect, to those who live by the forestway: ‘You must feel compassion for the noise and pollution suffered by those who live along Doncaster Rd. Let us make it just as bad for you.’

Joan Webster, Boronia Grove, East Doncaster.

Minister for Transport

589 Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000. Telephone: 619 6666 Fax: 619 6628 P.O. Box 4910 Melbourne 3001

Please Quote: 048110

Your ref:

Ms Joan K Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER

3109

2 6 MOV 1990

Dear Ms Webster,

KOONUNG CREEK AND EASTERN ARTERIAL ROAD

On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 17 November 1990 concerning the above matter.

Your letter is receiving attention and a response will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely.

DDG\2\3 jt

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY PARLIAMENT HOUSE

MELBOURNE. VIC. 3002

TELEPHONE 651 09 1 1 EXT

Electorate Office 44 New Street RINGWOOD 3134

Telephone 870 7396

870 5551

Fax

870 9518

Our Refs 25.014 28 November 1990

Ms. Joan Katherine Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Ms. Webster,

Thank you for your letter dated 17th November, 1990 relating to the Koonung Creek and Eastern Arterial Road.

I have forwarded your letter to the Hon Peter Spyker Minister for Transport and have asked him to reply directly to you.

Thank you for writing to me on this matter.

Yours sincerely.

KAY SETCHES MP MEMBER FOR RINGWOOD.

CAROLYN HIRSH, M.P. MEMBER FOR WANTIRNA

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY PARLIAMENT HOUSE MELBOURNE. VIC. 3002

TELEPHONE 651 891 1

Electorate Office:

614 Mountain Highway Bayswater. 3153

GOVERNMENT WHIP

Telephone: 729 1622 Fax No.: 729 0912

28th November, 1990

Joan K. Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER VIC 3109

Dear Ms Webster

Thank you for your letter outlining your views on the proposed extension to the Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood By-Pass. I was very interested to read your comments.

I would prefer only public transport, but cannot ignore the needs of our outer eastern region residents. In large parts of this area there is little or no public transport and these people must use their cars. Therefore road users must be catered for as well.

I have written a paper which addresses both issues and I am enclosing a copy. I would be interested in your comments.

CAROLYN HIRSH, M.P. Member for Wantirna

29 November 1990

Ms Joan K. Webster 17 Boronia Grove East Doncaster Vic 3109

Dear Ms Webster,

I acknowledge receipt of your letter concerning the Eastern Artial extension.

I have forwarded your letter to the Minister for Transport, Peter Spyker, as this matter is still under consideration.

Yours sincerely

PETER GAVIN, M.L.A. STATE MEMBER FOR COBURG.

ELECTORATE OFFICE: 104 BELL STREET. COBURG TELEPHONE: 350 5454 FACSIMILE: 354 2624 POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O.BOX 204 COBURG, VICTORIA 3058

DONCASTER AND TEMPLESTOWE NEWS, Wednesday, December 5.1990 — Page 9

Coalition will build freeway

RE: Eastern Freeway Extension.

In the context of this debate, the plethora of protest meetings, editorials, letters to the editor, and interviews with conservation spokesmen, I believe it is important that I make the following points as a local Member of Parliament. in support of the Coalition Spokesman on Roads and Ports, Mr Baxter.

Mr Baxter, supported by local Liberal MPs, stated unequivocally to representatives of four local councils from Doncaster to Ringwood on November 7 that the Coalition would build the freeway from Doncaster to Ringwood as a full freeway, including the Ringwood Bypass.

The Coalition passed a resolution in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, November 21, condemning the Government for its failure to build this freeway, and for the inordinate delay in the Minister's announcement of his decision on the recommendations of the 54th Panel of Review on this issue, and stating once again that the Coalition would build the full freeway from Doncaster to Ringwood, including the Ringwood Bypass, as a priority on returning to government

To put people s minds to rest it seems obvious that as the Coalition currently holds a public opinion poll lead in excess of 30 per cent and as our leader Alan Brown and Mr Baxter have stated that the freeway will be built that it will be built irrespective of the views of the departing Kimer Government.

I hope these facts will reassure the many thousands of voters, residents and ratepayers that the humbug of the vociferous minority will not prevail, but that the wishes of the large majority will be met.

John Miles, MLC, Templestowe Province.

Confused

councillor

DONCASTER-Temple-stowe Council has put up some ridiculous non-facts as argument in its bid to push a four-laned, traffic light-strangling road along the Mullum-Koonung creek valleys, the most persistent and perv erse being the alleged “vote", which was simply a non-legal survey by a cut-out advertisement.

But in his letter to the DT News (21/11). Cr Doug McKenzie was worse.

He says: “Planning for the proposed route commenced 70 years ago Note that this would be in

• Letters should he no more than 250 words. All letters must be signed, with names and addresses clearly written. Phone numbers should be provided where possible. Letters should be typewritten, or clearly written, and letters may be edited for reasons of space.

1920. In 1920, the “proposed route" was a series of flourishing orchard. Close settlement ended at Box Hill. No one then had any idea that population would expand Doncasforwards. The post-World War 2 baby boom had not been forseen (World War 1 had just ended and the great depression was nigh), high migration had not been forseen.

No one dreamed of a car clutter explosion. The first petrol pump was installed in Doncaster in 1927.

In the time sphere nominated by Cr McKenzie, Doncaster Council was so close to insolvency that the shire president donated $4 from his $24 allowance towards the cost of repairs to the Warrandy-te-Ringwood Rd! A freeway was certainly not planned along the creek in 1920.

Perhaps Cr McKenzie is confusing “freeway” plans with railway plans which have been on the drawing boards in 1888, 1927, 1965 and 1971.

Joan Webster, Boronia Grove, East Doncaster.

Blind

vision

THIS letter is in response to Cr Doug McKenzie’s (21/11) but is addressed to bureaucrats everywhere whose answer to everything is to “build a freeway".

All the points used by Cr McKenzie do not prove the need for a freeway but rather question its viability. The letter also illustrated the narrow-minded, cynical attitudes and archaic ideas that govern our governors.

Cr McKenzie says “the arguments for this (the freeway) are overwhelming" yet there is only one contention used to justify it: that of traffic alleviation.

A new freeway will not relieve transport woes, it will just encourage more cars, trucks and accidents. Additionally it will be treating the symptom not the problem.

Apparently resident support is also "over-

whelming" but no statistics, the basis of fact, are given. If 53 feasibility studies have been carried out surely a suitable number of personal polls are in existence?

Secondly we learn that the freeway has been on the drawing boards for 70 years. That takes us back to 1920 when cars were still a novelty and their environmental impact was not known.

To me it proves the idea has been around a long time — too long. Just because it is an oldie does not make it a goodie. Instead of being stuck with a prehistoric plan let us look past our own back door to the lessons learnt abroad in America and the systems implemented in Europe.

Listen to the anti-freeway groups. Their gripes are not only based on pollution and amenity but on creating a sustainable system that focuses on what we have. This idea has been dismissed as fanciful and idealistic whereas it will make better use of funds to improve the public transport system, the existing roads, to support ideas and learn from others.

Don’t let the same attitudes that are destroying the Amazonian rainforests prevail. Yes, a seemingly irrelevant point, but both situations are based on the same principle.

If “bigger is better" and “progress is inevitable” are the catchcries of those with "vision” then personally the Blind Freddies make more sense.

Miranda Brash, Julia Court,

Doncast^f

<T^Vf qo.

S5a

JjfG^Cts^V

0I6- ^z&Cc.t'yT^TsC erris JAA

3iocj

rA»nG. S>4<9-/^/55

<??z> cCimaAs

^XVv,%Jyg£A 'tristxytf ti y

j ^2^3 AA^TlAs

cCx*.

WA,

/ x£^oo$^/li-

c^^ax&Ac&ro P'yi' ^rLc-d^A'i AhUrr^ ??^<zudc' AAo /b-A£c£<Az<2 &/d'r^d

S8 @rt6jfai aau s/tyu, J&(yrvz,dx{AdSL> Pfaxroc<A V^Astc A^cAoocAtd /£, Av qc> c<M/i ' (hrz AAg ffaJ-ec^txtf 0Ao^^yi^Ao4c; aAsc A/u-$ &^MZ64-€As $^orb sf/uxSi> yCA^xcJ^rb At) 'Auyz jfaA /fAc OTL-CC^irOLU, <lAxAt^yOrvxiri^ tffUjiA. 't*rc^S~cc¥- Ajdzufj $ Ao t<w y^t u <7lA&

tUxAWz AAcA AAu^l Aa Aryl, o^oAa^A^/zj AAu, o&ptvoouS'A/i, Ae<Ai/<oiA A>^j^if^y^^/l/r)n^'^ ^ <x

3 A4^yLejuo,<8 & Ttsrurf joM^'AcAV^C-(ZA'AAAscAL Art, es/o^AA

AMsdt (J 2Jorvb(X64oAs A<rxjoC 'ScAcx^ot^t AoicA^rvU1 Ai/ciAAc^-- s&Ab/lAi ^ A^tc A^Ax&AA'Ctrb cAs&<lisri& ^tA.tXJo^o Ait &A. AAc A /Cro zA/AA Cl/t&X, y~ AAv<xt*c /AbiM/r3n

A<cfilZv\ot A&Ur AsisfAi^z^A Alci/tsd ^cnA pfatrioiA

Cc Cho~&--(pl A^AAo&ri y^xAc AxdA Ac<XX y AAc lA^CbSRA ^//bi t'Ocrt cU. rAA^lorv/Acted 'A^OA. /yAlx4/A^<UXouSC A/U- AaiAl Oj/jAu-sAa&awxi, av-oa VaAl<fu-cL ■TiA^Lt y?AA^ cA^cAtniaM^nAuk AXOAATiA, AO^^toOU. AAcC^OtA 0 C^t^EA - At ’AcC oAAAjl. A^iAurruU AAiaMona Hc4cs6rrbG AaMAistyil <AcV

X<nx6 tXvu cAwUc&o Jrrv jAu^^Uy £ $ ^rltr^oi

trb

-nW^^yW A£<xA loyvcuA Al <UmA^d^

AAc L^c^nAc-y^ A J&t AAc ALAcI , **/

<~^/A(£uc. yyyzAAciv o^'s&AAai /£v A^e. ^Uu/o^d^POtvchzAc^ ^ sAAe- e Acoo^rv AA&A AAl^ ^ rtt^TTsi^yyyAzA i lA^tJ'/rAt' ~?ffi^cnzycA, A/iy, es/^cus&'b -^4 -tiszA zAv ' cAtAiyvi^ AAc4 AjsvrrviA A^^yzACc Alc^ZC^ cl-lo~oia-L

" • yL^AjAALySb /Az-^AAg^ AzdJh OiAsA ClA t?U ns<nsj/

hu ^A^caAA&?-l *-onL luCnoazAA, WpcuA -Aust/tks ^LhAcA, V SsAlAz Auro -Jbfi~LL<U6 /zAyrU? /\rCZcA A A/u, Jv-U>^<uA aAU?4olj sUsC j^Cayi AAAlH, yOtsxAA A-C /SA^<^4iyyi-AAz> AuzA At^uy^AtzA^riJ A0^

CL S stA&Zcis tA'i^AA, sCoc AuzA AAay&\vLmrf Ay^guA -&M 'Qcus^aupC AviAiZC. ciAyruz yf/u, /6-tLcA cAgiA Y AAczc, Z6

AyfrcA. fcyi Aru, qAA'/cA &-AA; AA aA &n- A/a^cc //Atoned Ay

~A-c- Az^ytAckiAyA Ayc au yujy,

A A- 'yfiuAwt iJtxru 9yAoiA&cAGGaJAy A^^AxAzJ'o edL rfAiA&AtzvTA Afrvyzi •tzuxA Aa-c^o Ay agC, yluc Auvvc AcA aAl O-UJV /Aclc-A ^ Acifi/A AlSvi/isZiyy^ V AAtzcz ^ An* AAug Azcyr^^rT-Z/i, ■^Gt^C sS^L&yisc yAo sAA&Ji- dQyy<yzA>rT*Y eAuAcA/tH/vi A*&<yv^tf AyY^GtA ~y^z4A- a. JAjAAAy<iz cyoAA yyAiAc^/Azyico'vY/ ct<

Ayi&Atyy AotAsAAz. J'iy>-t<ZcJ/ JaZaJAuA

Ac ArbC- ^fa<s^(uiA(AA<zA^ &A/A'&b A^ <%s&fe. 'GoAl/czA ^trct^AAc. ji^yy^L A&urva, A* Ac 'UsQ-y yCl <4tuA Ac dcApWArtMC', tCLrG YYg<- AA£cey^ A/ioAf 'i^rAA <zA£ AAc. aJAtSuCtAldriA Ae-

^CesptAcA Auzwt-^AczA, sAv Ac Cy&yi4^yAAoAf A^g YyGcAo^o CCUiA

sr vtftt*, yv'u ^ Csfrri&uyiAhOCL), <fTU- TyiZYWyo LG

A'l^yyxj A/g^ZH, ^tCUlA .CtltZb y P-tUl AkHAAe. ^ (Ajl/tQyAt *7Yl izAi'ACi'

jZASG

J'uer’v-'------------y ---- 7j ~ k ^ UJ\A'UU<J^-*n' rriy . ...

-jA&^Coa AAo^Jf^TL -AfotiAytAM AksAausyAL clUu4 * Cl'p-t/iAc Ao J4Au^ S*r'^£f 'Tyizytfcy^i' CtiSiA AccLG^rY rfAu- AccAA-

a* a/to <%? A4/xju /h/&frv$> /<?&,c rfAzcco-cuJ, A-^-c^c ^yon^tAc.

fUroud XsyiM> CL^u S' JsCurLZ, VWd; SJLouvt- yn^^A A^Lt. ot> &W/<u?uy£e/i 'SfiCc4yis&ca, &/* ^iA^^a^^c^iyfCC^ c/U^//sis^errbj a<e4 CL /ujA/^&rv JhfrrrL ^ /y^cayy^CAj /j^^pUri/4 y.

ffA_____' A ^ „ lAj x / / . 4 ^ jl/L.

/rfu&d s£c 'pyisfrdA cJ1 t^-uJuCe, ^^^ry^^cr^/

{/imA y Ahhn&q&kfis ffcrO-d frnid.

'f/u^ t4t&dc£ ^*Ts&Coc4 ytA n4rf 4u&4 Cl A^M^C^rt4<yaA Leyriste^ns AnIc^AJx ytytns^AAc-^^ fyisiA&^aAY-/P&dz44^cLsr^ /tst&wui ^m^ocuc4caj ^crcupiyd Jlcaax, c^Aod

Yfac Alcu

£ CULn/ UuuAf A?ZC tHWuAl y^C

a A S> »/I.C 'YyUj^pQrL * X^Acur^^-VCVL^

'4^

rfAufiytA ' -'*-

, st<W.(L^ Zi_ afrcr^G 0ti> yUsvAi ihV(LCL4^CAy ytru^yLcJfyl -

s(sUl£6 A-CUist- AAl'AArrzo f- JyvAea^C&d

LmA tJltyu. ?yi4Xi4 '&v^<LLAjdJUf -£o^j (JcuA.

(qA^^ctUjC ■ v c v

^^ua6 QcA^c<n^A/-f J^£ r c%^ focy&ce.

WC71D/PM_________________________

Minister for Transport

589 Collins Street, Melbourne. Vic. 3000. Telephone: 619 6666 Fax: 619 6628 P.O. Box 4910 Melbourne 3001

The Honourable Kay Setches MLA Member for Ringwood 44 New Street RINGWOOD VIC 3134

Please Quote:

OCS: 048608

Your ref:

25.014

r1 3 DEC 1990

Dear Mrs Setches

RE: PROPOSED RINGWOOD BY-PASS

On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 28 November 1990 concerning the above matter.

Your letter is receiving attention and a response will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely

yCcto'iuz-'

GROWING TOGETHER

DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET

1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002

Telephone (03) 651 5111 Telex No. AA32636 Facsimile (03) 651 5298

Victoria

Our Ref:

776.15.5.

1 7 19S0

Ms J K Webster

17 Boronia Grove

EAST DONCASTER VIC 3109

Dear Ms Webster

EASTERN ARTERIAL EXTENSION AND RINGWOOD BYPASS

The Premier has asked me to thank you for your letter of 17 November 1990 opposing the proposed Eastern Arterial Extension and the Ringwood Bypass, and to reply on her behalf.

The Government established the Eastern Arterial Extension and Ringwood Bypass Review Panel on 31 August 1989 to examine and assess road requirements in the Eastern Corridor. Further submissions and comments, particularly in relation to the Koonung Creek Valley Section, were invited in May 1990, after the release of draft recommendations. The final

recommendations of the Panel are currently being considered by the Government.

As this matter is the responsibility of the Minister of Transport, the Hon P Spyker MP, your letter has been referred to the Minister for consideration and direct reply to you.

Thank you for letting the Premier know your views on this matter.

Yours sincerely

JOHN HARTIGAN Assistant Director Development

DEO31408/3

Critics incur council’s wrath

• Letters should be no more than 250 words. All letters must be signed, with names and addresses clearly written. Phone numbers should be provided where possible. Letters should betypewritten, or clearly written, and letters may be edited for reasons of space.

More trade, more traffic

WHAT is behind the hysterical outbursts of Don-caster-Templestowe councillors, Cr Doug McKenzie in particular, on the matter of Doncaster Rd?

Doncaster Rd, he says, is “dividing our city”. He must know Doncaster Rd was there long before our city, which grew up on either side of it.

He champions the “suffering” residents of Doncaster Rd and dismisses the numerically greater

long term, community serving, rate-paying residents of the Koonung Creek alignment.

He bewails the Doncaster Rd peak hour traffic as “what up to 80,000 drivers a day have to put up with”. This figure, as Cr McKenzie quotes it in Update, is not 80,000 at each morning and evening peak, it is spread throughout a 24-hour day.

Doncaster Rd certainly has slow peak hour traffic -flow.

But two points need to be brought into the picture in this narrow, parochial, pin-pointing focus on Doncaster Rd — and Doncaster Rd only — as if to solve its peak hour problems were to solve the *1 traffic problems of Melbourne or the state.

Doncaster Rd’s peak hour problems are not unique, they are repeated on every major road in Melbourne. There is nothing irritating, unpleasant nor obnoxious about travelling on Doncaster Rd at out-of-peak times.

Moreover, the council’s own planning policy of permitting the demolition of homes and building of huge office blocks and extra shopping centres along Doncaster Rd (rather than retain homes a along the Balwyn end), has encouraged more and more traffic onto it.

I have been a Doncaster Rd watcher (and driver) over 30 years and have seen this escalate over the past 10. Trade in a road increases its traffic.

So what is behind all the contradictory, emotional selectivity about the traffic on Doncaster Rd?

Could there be truth in the assertion from some quarters that when the Doncaster Activity Centre is completed, the council will close Doncaster Rd?

Why did Cr McKenzie state in a letter to the DT News that on completion of the Eastern Freeway extension, the council would physically stop cars from using it? Could it be true that the council desperately wants an alternative route to Doncaster Rd? An alternative, not an additional road?

Joan K. Webster, Boronia Grove, East Doncaster.

Joan KatIter i ne Webst er Author THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE BOOK [The standard «ork on bushfire safety for the public]

17 Bor oni a Gr ove, East Doncaster, Victoria 3109 Australi a Phone C033 842 999

JANUARY 15, 1991

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

What is behind the hysterial outbursts of Doncaster-Tempiestowe councillors, Cr Doug McKenzie in particular, on the matter of Doncaster Rd?

Doncaster Rd, he says, is 'dividing our city'. He must know Doncaster Rd was there long before our city, which grew up on either side of it.

He champions the 'suffering' residents of Doncaster Rd and dismisses the numerically greater^ long term, community serving, ratepaying residents of the Koonung Creek alignment.

He bewails the Doncaster Rd peak hour traffic as 'what up to

80,000 drivers a day have to put up with*. This figure, as Cr McKenzie quotes it in 'Update', is not 80,000 at each morning and evening peak, it is spread throughout a 24 hour day.

Doncaster Rd certainly has slow peak hour traffic flow.

But two points need to be brought into the picture in this narrow, parochial, pinpointing focus on Doncaster Rd — and Doncaster Rd only - as i f to solve its peak hour problems were to solve the traffic problems of Melbourne or the State:

Doncaster Rd's peak hour problems are not unique, they are repeated on every other major road in Melbourne.

There is nothing irritating, unpleasant nor obnoxious about travelling on Doncaster Rd at out-of-peak times, night-.

Moreover, Doncaster Tempiestowe Council's own planning policy of permitting the demolition of homes and building of huge office blocks and extra shopping centers along Doncaster Rd., [rather than retain homes as along the Balwyn end3, has

encouraged more and more traffic onto it. I have been a Doncaster Rd watcher land driver 3 over 30 years and have seen this escalate over the past 10. Trade in a road increases its traffic.

In this context, note Cr McKenzie' arterial road ex ten si on 'wou1d resu11 retail trade in Doncaster Rd.' He Doncaster Rd , '/Jfj^pb.ewai 1 s «Hr!

s st ran g e remar k^that i n t h e d e st r u c t i on wants trade-1 raff i c

the

of

on

Bo what is behind all this contradictory, emotional se1ec ti vi sm about th e traffic on Donea st er Rd ?

Could there be truth in the assertion from some quarters t h at wh en t h e Donc ast er Ac t i v .i t y Cen t r e :i s c omp .1 et ed , Coun c i 1 wi 11 close Doncaster Rd^p 4^-^Jtc

Why did Cr McKenzie state in a letter to the Doncaster News that on completion of the Eastern Freeway extension, Council would Bhy§ical<l<y stop cars from using it?

Could it be true that Doncaster Tempiestowe Council desperately wants an alternative route to Doncaster Rd? An D2t t road?

Surely the Doncaster News has an investigative journalist capable of ascertaining if ttVs is so. For if it is true that this is what is intended, it is not even what the pro-ex tensi oni sts -who want an extra road want, and a beautiful, unique forestway— through suburbia will be destroyed for no motoring benefit.

Si ncerely,

JOAN K. WEBSTER

Joan K. Webster, 17 ftor on i a Grove?, East Doncaster, 3109. Ph 842 9991

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

JANUARY 26, 1991

Fallacies on the Doncaster freeway/Koonung forestway controversy, repeated by John Stevens, 'Marvelous Melbourne' C Age 19/1/913, n eed to be c oun t er ed w i t h f ac: t s.

E^JLi.®£Y5 'Doncaster Rd congestion ... has divided and degraded a whole suburb

Fact 1Doncaster Rdfs congestion i.s Limited to peak hourBj. a &L9hL90 C9E9^t9d QQ 9Y9CY njaipr road fn Mefbourne^ Jhere i_s no off-peak congestion^ Fact 2i_ Doncaster Rd was there a hundred £9999.!D1_Y thousands of 3 years before the suburb, which grew up 9Qdegraded either si_de of ft ^ l_i_ke most other suburbs^

Fallacy^ ^_Most eastern suburbs residents want a f^eewayf.. Fact ls^ More resfdents five by the Koonung Creek alignment than by Doncaster RdFact 2^_ This claim i_s based on newspaper Lbgxy t i_c k coupon surveys conducted by pro freeway-ex tension counc i_l_s 9i.§L9LQ9 an pro extension resul_t_._ They l_ater admitted to onl_y

LfOO C9§99999~m. 8Q>£ of .11.00 i_s 880 — only -_2a of the residents

of Doncaster—Temp 1 e.stowe. Moreover^ there is no proof that the coupon fillers were residents._

| . p <\l\> !H - ;:h<. ; ji : j U »W KJ I • wti \ .>.« j pOSb I

A spokesman for the Locaf Government Department affirmed that under the Locaf Government Act such ppifs have no formal status^ The lack of reguirement for respondents! signatures or Y9t eye gun ting scrutineers i_n these freferenda by remote control^ made the much fnffated and flaunted result as invalid as a survey by Rita of Eta._ Anyone cgufd have fiil_ed them i_n

Fact 3s_ Petitions by the Friends of the Koonung Creek^ wfth names^ addresses and yerffyabfe sfgnatur.es fn favor of preserving t.139 hfrdyffifed urban bushfand^ have been as Large.,

Questions, Sources affege that for the convenience of the Doncaster Actfvfty CentreA councff wfff close Doncaster Rd^ Thfs seems confirmed by a .letter to the Doncaster News f2f/ii/93 from Cr Doug McKenzie that^ on cgmgfetfgn of the Eastern Freeway 9*t9Q9i9Ql lit fs our councfifs intention to ensure that traffic fn Doncaster Rd fs physically prevented h

If It i9 true that an alternative, not additional road fs pfanned there wfff be benefit to neither motorists nor residents.,

SfncereiyjL

[Ms3 JOAN K-_ WEBSIER

hBF

Minister for Transport

589 Collins Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000. Telephone: 619 6666 Fax: 619 6628 P.O. Box 4910 Melbourne 3001

VZC71D/?M T/?AA/SPOff7

48110,

Please Quote: 4g458

48538 & 48608

Ms J K Webster

Your ref:

17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Ms Webster

RINGWOOD BYPASS AND EASTERN CORRIDOR TRANSPORT OPTIONS

Thank you for your letters concerning the Ringwood Bypass and Eastern Arterial Extension.

Ringwood Bypass

The Government has approved construction of the Ringwood Bypass and has committed State funding to allow for a commencement later in 1991. There is a great deal of work involved in designing and preparing for construction of such a project. This is particularly so given the nature of the nearby residential and open space areas and the need to provide adequately for community consultation on design and implementation issues and for the management of the local and District Centre traffic.

This early commitment of funds is indicative of the high priority the Government gives the Ringwood Bypass and the District Centre development. Funding available within the current 5 year program will be directed to opening a first stage between Mt Dandenong Road and Ringwood Street to improve access to and traffic circulation within the District Centre. It is intended that construction of the Bypass proceed continuously after completion of the first stage.

Following the recommendation of the Eastern Arterial Extension and Ringwood Bypass Panel, the location of the Bypass is to follow a "modified" Munro Street alignment. This avoids the acquisition of extra houses along Nelson Street and also avoids the heavily treed slope below Poynton Avenue. Noise mounds and fences and a landscaped linear park (incorporating a shared bicycle/pedestrian path) are to be important features of the project.

Comments on the details of design and implementation issues would be welcomed and considered as part of the ongoing community consultation process on this project. Any such comments should be raised with VIC ROADS' Project Manager, Mr Graham Gilpin (Tel:571 7111).

GROWING TOGETHER

ficto*tcL'

Eastern Corridor Transport Options

The Eastern Arterial Extension and Ringwood Bypass Review Panel presented its report to the Government in September 1990. The Panel had been charged with assessing the traffic and related effects of proposals for the construction of an Eastern Arterial Extension and Ringwood Bypass. Following completion of the Review Panel's work a number of developments occurred:

(a) The Commonwealth Government signalled a major policy and funding change. The Commonwealth Minister for Land Transport indicated that public transport could be considered as a funding option for the Eastern Corridor.

(b) The proposed National Rail Freight Corporation was announced. This may have a significant impact on the pattern of freight movements in Melbourne, transferring freight from road to rail, and needs to be taken into account.

(c) The Central Area Transport Strategy has been released by the State Government and the Melbourne City Council as a "blueprint" for attracting people back to the city and revitalising the city centre. The Melbourne City Council is examining ways to increase pedestrianisation of selected streets, to improve accessibility and distribution of public transport and to limit car traffic in the Central Activities District as important features of this Strategy.

As a result of these developments, the Government has decided that a final assessment of Eastern Corridor transport options is required to ensure that all options are fully explored. This assessment will bring together previous reports and further analysis of public transport options and is expected to be completed in June

As I announced on 20 February 1991, this study is being undertaken by Professor Bill Russell of Monash University. A key aspect of Professor Russell's brief is to consult with key interest groups including local councils and community organisations. Following completion of this study, the Government will have the necessary information to allow it to determine the most appropriate ways of dealing with the various transport and traffic issues within the Eastern Corridor.

Any further enquires regarding the study process could be directed to Professor Russell's Project Manager, Mr Rob Lawrence on Tel:619 6680.

1991.

Oil 613 9812 9991

Fax 840 1672

Author of:

VtA-tf ashed1 [MacMillan 1976] a novel for teenage reluctant readers 'the COMPLETE Australian bushfire bqqk' [Thomas Nelson 1986, Viking O'Neil 1989] AFPA Community Service Award Nominated for BHP Pursuit of Excellence Award.

The Definitive Work on Bushfire Safety for the public

IN AND ABOUT PART,IAMRHI the memoirs of Sir George Reid Q.C, MLA1.____________

25

Septembei

r 1995

Mr Greg Day,

Community Liaison Officer, Vicroads Eastern Projects, First Floor,

2 Frederick St,

Doncaster 3108

Dear Greg,

This note is further to our conversation on Friday, September 22, and an elucidation of my suggestion regarding the proposed foot tracks through the bush at the rear of Boronia Grove, with which you expressed agreement

The suggestion was -

1. to keep the bush foot track at the rear of Boronia Grove fences as it is - a secluded nature walk for pedestrians only - the only work on this area to be the clearing of rubbish.

2. to cut into die cliff created by the realignment of the creek, in similar manner to that which has been done on the eastern side of Blackburn Rd, to create a pathway beside the creek, and to have this as the wider, shared pedestrian-cycle way.

In regard to the point made that thefts have occurred from Boronia Grove homes, facilitated by the cover of bushland, I must point out that no such occurrences have been reported in the local Neighbourhood Watch statistics - in fact, no Boronia Grove thefts at all.

In regard to the idea that clearing a wide pathway through the bush close to the Boronia Grove fences would inhibit theft from those house, I strongly submit that it would do nothing of the kind and would, in fact, facilitate robberies.

It ought to be kept in mind that a successful robbery needs two aspects: not simply seclusion to aid entering a property undetected, but the ability to get away with goods.

If a wide pathway - a three metre pathway’ which amounts almost to a road - is cleared and concreted behind these houses, Vicroads will be creating an easy get-away facility for would-be burglars. As the walking track is now, any thief would have extreme difficulty with getting away with much at all.

Realise that clearing does not necessarily make security. Large robberies happen every day on main streets.

In regard to the concept of pathways shared by pedestrians and cyclists, such dual use is generally incompatible. This is especially so where the pathways are made wide and hard-surfaced so that the cyclists are encourage to travel fast on a pathway peopled with leisurely walkers with small children. Already there have been many cases reported of cyclists knocking children on (he shared pathway along die Yarra near Bulleen/Templestowe.

A wide, hard-surfaced shared pathway in the Boronia Grove area of the Koonung Creek would not only be dangerous but incongruous. Here we had a bush walk, a nature trail. This trail was shared by horse riders, walking their horses to enjoy the beauty and the peace, which was pleasant, diversifying, and enhanced the rural atmosphere. As the Vicroads works began, die horses were banned, on the grounds of danger to pedestrians! There will be infinitely more danger from cyclists on a hard-surfaced, wide way.

I submit that the only reason cyclists have been able to attain the takeover of this gentle nature trail - one which we residents have created over 30 years with our own personal minds and muscles - has been that cyclists are a group, a club, with joint lobbying ability, whereas the leisurely walkers, their children and their dogs are individuals, or individual families, without the power of collective clout.

I ask that if we must have a shared pedestrian-cyclist pathway, that at least in the Boronia Grove area it be no more than footpath width, unsurfaced and alongside the creek on an indented path to be constructed in the artificial cliff created by your creek realignment, and not adjacent to the fences of Boronia Grove houses. This will obviate serious burglaries, save trees, native habitat, and pedestrian injuries.

Sincerely

[Ms] Joan K. Webster

Copy to Victor Perton

9 011613 9842 9991

Fax 840 1672

Author of:

YtAtr PRAamm1 [MacMillan 1976] a novel for teenage reluctant readers ’THE COMPLETE Australian RTI3HFTRE BOOK1 [Thomas Nelson 1986, Viking O'Neil 1989] AFPA Community Service Award. Nominated forBHP Pursuit of Excellence Award.

The Definitive Work, on Bushfire Safety for the public

’MAUD.AB.QJ3I.PART .TAMENI the memoirs of Sir George Reid Q.C, MLA1._______________

26/09/95

I>rojects

1. Leave as it is the upper foot track through the bush at the back of Boronia Grove fences - a secluded nature walk for pedestrians only. The only work on this area to be the clearing of rubbish.

2. Recreate a pathway beside the creek by cutting into the high cliff created by the realignment, as a minimum compensation for die destruction by Vicroads of die beautiful pre-existing creekside walk, created by residents in 19?? and cared for by them for 20 years.

3. Construct the cycle track on the flat south side of the creek.

Cycleway construction work will cost much less along the south bank -

(a) the land is flat, whereas the northern hillside has a steep camber to overcome.

(b) there are no trees to demolish on the southern bank as there are on the northern hillside.

Also -

EASE FOR CYCLISTS

(a) die flat topography of the southern side will be much easier for cyclists to ride on than the hillside

SAFETY FOR PEDESTARAINS

(b) the cycle track on the straight, flat, open southern bank will take away the risk of injury to pedestrians and particularly to children that would come with cycling on the slopes and bends of a hillside.

<o J

<2rciv“v^>s-|»c' Ojlu-S d Ljpv^ ^O l(.o>X

1 ^ S - \ &-o

JL js^TW ^ cWc-p^

t <*S r-e^-UoA t»vy

k<=5X=t^V

s,

ee

C ‘ pS ^ ^O^jc^Ur>

^ ^0,1 *.0 r-Rr^

p- • 1 ' V

' *^V^- ^ t-CJv<\ C^ ^>\ c ^ T^w ^ ^^cA ^ f^C-Cl

•SevAcoW ,^v\c^u^c1_ (^(ro c

o^3 (r^*e v£>t *€.1 (iiXvt^ <e ^tactvv^*.(x ca

ur ^

m.

3.Of 'O (<£>*\

oojt> VOjvjJUaP*

LLCjC^vA-Ws^- AAvfi/

-A€j*Aa\j - &Slaas±JLi ^«vjc)o G/VefiofiaiL) duAauiba o^- Aar^Aa . O^jt) <a oAurtx^ps Aalz*>vvi

j2joAJk^^in^AA" •

&icn«_jLaJ*a,.

Q—{L/&'>Z.Z.

?/ie/<ai

&eit WJiiliei for dliriitmai

and the f)ew Wear

fa# .

sx.W

ORCHARD 70 HOME

QUALITY grown

FIRESIDE

kJFRUITS

VKT©

A

F

0

1

k

H

I

s

t

o

r

y

of

D

o

n

c

a

s

t

e

r

Fruits of Their Labours

Orchard Empire to Urban Affluence: A Folk History of Doncaster Joan Webster OAM

’Today's vibrant city scene is but a haze of time obscuring layers of lives and achievements’.

The hubbub and hustle on outer eastern Melbourne’s most elevated traffic intersection as it angles round the giant shopping complex on Doncaster Hill hides layers of lives and achievements. This ridge has been a panorama of fruit blossom, German and English communities, mid-19,h century ground-breaking pioneers, mid-20,h century suburb-making pioneers, and now a vibrant 21sl century city. Pioneers old and modem - without whom today’s demographic could not have flourished.

Fruits of Their Labour is a series of cameo stories that spans 120 years of the family, community, industrial, and municipal developments of two initially distinct communities as they shared their problems and their innovations and developed Victoria’s first orchard industry.

But this book is not just about Doncaster. The stories, set in a context of the prevailing wider Victorian historical experience, reveal the process of transformation not only to a society and a people’s way of life as it evolves from the survival mode of pioneers to prospering orchardists to a city-suburb, but to the environment itself as it changes from virgin bush, to rural hamlet, to thoroughly urban. Woven through are the people’s social, educational and health needs and adaptations, and the particular problems faced by women and the landless poor. And perhaps most relevant to one of Australia’s 21s1 century stresses, they underline the ability of immigrants from different cultures to work, live and love together. Included are little-known anecdotes about Dame Nellie Melba, Robert O’Hara Burke (of the Burke and Wills) and the building of Princes’ Bridge.

The 350 page book contains letters, maps of the period, excerpts of old news stories, a comprehensive index and 128 pages of photographs, many not published before.

About the author

Joan Webster OAM has published and broadcast extensively on both Australian and Doncaster folk history and authored the popular columns Byways of Local History and Yesteryear that ran for many years in local newspapers.

An award winning journalist, she was reporter, photographer, crusading journalist and columnist for two Doncaster newspapers over twenty-five years and has written successfully for stage, radio and television. She is the author of five other books, including the acclaimed and ground-breaking The Complete Bushfire Safety Book.

Freelance Features Illustrated 350 pages ISBN 978-0-646-57113-3 $45 + p&h (1 copy $12) Available from 102 Hargraves St., Castlemaine 3450 Ph 03 54 706 772

Joan Sepping; s prolific letter and news report wrttlng on local issues resulted in a request from the East Yam. News to become .ts news correspondent: two cents a published line and $5 a photo. She went on to win prest.gtous journal.st.c and community service awards, and receive the Order of Australia.

She became a popular reporter, investigating and campaigning, an award win-ning journalist, and author of the definitive book, on bush tire salety for the public.

by Joan Seppings Webslar^.

^highlight

,18 °f th,e^LJi it

vvcgk ^^CA Jr

•t

JCAi IWISCS

highlight of the week

VjQAN »»H***/

HIMOHV

article

Stand for parliament

SIR. — A brav« erttcla by Jo«o Seppinf* Webettr (Au<u*t t) «nd • badly needed one

I uphold every word eh* »*id, (or atony vuwaJeMpee pit will uphoid her,

Stand fur parliament. If •vir we needed eomaona tike iter, it k right now i britrvt the would hav* t tut rr.rjai'.v with her, for ell peopl* of goodwill hove had it, aa many have uid to me

Ytt they feel power I w« u do anything about >t So I implore her — tUnd for parliament, end her at rung character and true vision could taro a nation (or honeel democracy (t mature not what name you eaU it, but that would fit It, and |i«« a new iot|t ai hope to many who now aea none

May Ood lead Joan Sepp-titgi Webitor to do |rrat work for Auatralia.

— tMre. Mnllv AwrUrwnr.

Whet a pity there w*ie '"'I e few netue leumaliate in utir wx-triy e«1 edtVunt who »«Wd elhrw weeh euj, be »i‘Aeu efeirvit ibe rr-n eer, wleMukntM

lievhVI V**c I iA Im eer-t ,4 iwy life I ten ve eee the error of my fh.rvhmj uU for en towg * » «. ,u«l te youI writer to cittttiy pul tt. 'Trenidw* ••» a pe.de,

prd>t<eUy '

v ItoM « t»e erne1*-

I.*-* -

to, I*1*-

K.i'.t

I toe -e Ur« h*i,*og • Iveal I »,onnn who *e Involved * Am»,*r and I hope your witter e enjfda brief furihae b*!r to the miantealiow

- No wry Hob»«t*«*.

FUirvreld 3l, Salem

11m Pact reel ttery in a euburean iwwtpipwr in 1971MI •ppaarid in tne Doneettai-f eat Tarra Nnwt an June a im%

nut s arts; tnc fjjgw ua at DM antuv meeting oi tna Uwdxx'rne SoOumaw hmn.'s.v.iV Avcarmsinn lev frlpay when uwnrrta lor rtto yw» neon annunr**<1

The nori wnlck appeared undei Juan Sewuii^a' byline. ' iu an letter riaw with IT-year-old Slaphwn Kr.app utim uia jjl Say lie) to China w.tt, on Auatialun lonlo tenma hut

ftejdec Matyvn is a ierttueoer m Cf.tw— ttvat'a what a i aorfnJ lo Unckr fmji PaDj' now l-or o ,n Doovti*. ‘ the }udye» fcltned WilMJfie p**e ol itporfog and a star* I wl'.tti pthe* newspaper* tailed to pubkah, detpte da tni«in». Lcral dgniUcoittc.

JOAH SEPPIMGS

1990, receiving the AFPA Community Service Award

In 2010 at Government House, inducted into the Order of Austral

Re-print it for everyone

SIR, - I wish I had the command of English Joan Scppings Webster demonstrates to enable roe to clearly and adequately express my admiration of her ability to describe the parlous situation we

Australians'find ourselves in due, .principally, to apathy and cowardice, and to so lucidly, in simple terms, inform your readers.

Please, on my behalf, thank her for the exposition; and you too, for printing it.

Respecting the printing. I wish it could be reprinted as handbills and put into the letterixix of all Australians.

If this be possible, I pledge $100 tenrards the cost.

— L. C. Conduit, MBE, Doncaster East.

Dangerous

criminals

released

Stand for parliament

SIR, — A breve article by •Joan Scppings Webster (August 11 and a badly needed one.

I uphold every word she said, for many voiceless people will uphold her.

Stand fur parliament. If ever we nredt’d so meric like her, it is right now.

I believe she would have a vast majority with her, for all people of goodwill have had it, ns many have said to me.

Vet they fee 1 powerless to do anything about it.

So I implore her — st^.nd for parliament, snd her strong character art! true vision could turn a nation for honest democracy.

It mntters not whit name von call it, but that would fit it, and give a new surge of hope to many who now see none.

May Cod lead -loan Scppings Webster to do greet work for Australia.

—(Mrs) Holly Anderson.

I

Pat

for

Joan

SIR, — The article by Joaft Seppings Webster (Standard, 23/5), “Something is Sick,” highlights one of the most serious injustices that is being done to the honest.'* citizens of Australia (the majority) — cg.y^ jj Jtf ft published also in the| national press?

There is just one addition 1 would make, and that is that further injustice is be- ^ ing. done by releasing on T parole, so many dangerous ' criminals, who, so frequently, commit more crimes, usually just as bad as those for which they were first imprisoned. . vv

It is a pity that the prison authorities, particularly the psychiatrists giving advice, could not be made responsible for. the damage, both physical and financial, done by the presumably “rehabilitated” prisoners, who generally appear to have little difficulty in “conning” their too lenient supervisors.

— “Justice”,

Forest Hill. (Name and address, was supplied).

1

SIR, — I wish to congratulate Joan Seppings Webster on her article of' October 18 titled Busy or Bust.

So many times I have asked myself if I am lazy, os I don't seem to do nearly as much as others 1 know, and yet I felt happy in myself.

My home and four children take up most of my time, but 1 do enjoy those rare quiet times with just me snd my thoughts.

Thank you Mrs. Webster for making it all seem bo clear to me.

Yvonne Calms East Doncaster.

'■ Top marks to Joan

SIR. — Congratulations to Joan Seppings Webster on her discerning article, "Something is Sick."

Had journalists like her '

not been “squeezed” and — ■ ■ —

excluded by the monopoly press, we might yet have been able'to prevent terrible malaise which now rots our ‘‘modern”, society. y •

I intend hanging the article on the kitchen wall where it

» :

Admiration

Vt

.i-

■Wtrs .

it con be

E^^kpiha'

be seeaby some of the * ^bf'the i&aidioua, ■* destructive propaganda i which has successfully in-Jl^ltedsouFi^odlB, media, press, entertainment and other areas of our society.

As an ex-serviceman;?! J fought for this country jihd its people in the belief that w* were ‘‘changing the world” ^we certainly did thatl

As a result, I spent long periods, on my back in hospital wondering what the blazes it was all about

Now I know — never again!

Like Joan, I do not see myself as having a part in shaping the “products of society.”

For most of my life I resisted with all the limited means at my disposal, but I have finally* submitted in despair.

The road now is a slide downhill.

More power to Joan and I do hope her perception, common sense and not inconsiderable journalistic skills will consider to be a force for good — uplifting people rather than the degradation so gleefully indulged in by the “popular”

for Joan

SIR, — I cannot find words sufficient to express my admiration of your writer, Joan Seppings Webster, for her straightforward and intelligent expose of some of the ills and injustices of our society.

She is honest and truthful and courteous. *!

Indeed, if our political and social leaders would do a f research on her reasonings and suggestions, what a great " community ours would be.

May God strengthen her and guide her.

Could she be persuaded to stand for parliament?

Our beloved country needs leaders like her.

— (Mrs) Connie Barber, Clota Av., Box Hill.

HIT

THE

SPOT

%

SIR, - I would like to

commend you on the excellent article in your Issue of July 25 headed “A revolt that’s not funny.”

Please pass on our thanks to Ms Joan Seppings Webster. The article really hit the nail on the head and should be taken to heart by government and unions alike.

— Peter and Vanda Horne man, Box Hill.

— Brian Lang, Woodville St.( North Balwyn.

SUBURBAN PRIZE TO WOMAN

sj' Mrs. Joan Seppinj»s has hoii (he 1971 award for the best news story published in a Melbourne suburban newspaper this year.

The story w:»n contributed to the F.ast Yami News. It was an interview with a local lad who was a member of the Table Tennis squad which visited China — and thereby made headlines— about mid vear.

I lei slm \ was chosen horn 172 submitted for judging. In Lyle Tucker and Leslie Hoffman. Lecturers in Journalism at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

The award was presented to Mrs. Seppings during the annual luncheon of the Melbourne Suburban Proprietors’ Association on November 12.

Mrs. Seppings lives at Doncaster and is a miscellaneous member of the Victoria District.

7-TNI JOURNALIST. January, 1973

Newspaper

award

V^Y.'r.V..

The award for best suburban newspaper for 1071 was presented to Geelong News at the Melbovirne Suburban ■Newspapers' •* Association annual meeting yesterday.

Other awards .were: runner up, FranJcston Standard; most- Improved,' CoJJlng-wood-FItzxoy Courier, best news story, Joao • Seppings East Yarra Now*; new* picture, FooUcray Mail; best advertisement, Nunawadtng Gazette; best editorial comment, Tom Young Frank-ston Standard.'>id til

News award to ex-local

A former well-known Wllllamstown roeld eat, Mr*. Joan Seppings . (nee Wehester), hae won an Important newspaper award.

170 entries

She has be on announced winner of the Best News Story Award in a Melbourne suburban newspaper In the past year.

The award was made by the Melbourne Suburban Newspaper Association from 170 entries.^

Mr*. Seppings. • wife and mother of two who is a freelance writer, covers the Templestowe Doncaster aree for the East Yarra News.

She Interviewed a Don-vale youth . who went to China to play ping pong and wrote his story. It carried off the award.

Joan Seppings has written an episode, titled Creeasleevsi, which has been accepted by the producers of Homicide en TV.

She if also writing a stag#

review, which will bring her back to Williamstown.

Plans are for the new review to be presented by Williamstown Little Theatre in Its theatre next June, produced by Vln Foster.

Marriage

Joan Seppings. who lived in EJectm 5L, Williamstown, before her marriage in 1954 and taught Sunday school at Eiectra St. Methodist, was active with Williamstown High Ex-Students’ Association reviews Iq the early •50e.

“VviniidS U!"71

The Melbourne Suburban Newspapers' Association awards for 1971 were presented at the annual luncheon at the Palm Lake Motel this month.

Winners were:

E. J. Trait memorial

award for the best suburban newspaper presented by Standard Newspapers): Geelong

•Jews.

F. T. Everett

nemorial reserve award presented by the Everett amily): Waverley

lazette.

Bo water award for , o s t improved

newspaper: Colling-

wood-Fitzroy Courier. Honorable mention: Moo nee Ascot News.

Spicers award for best news story: Doncaster-

t East Yarra News for -story written by Mrs * Joan Seppings.

Goilin award for best pictorial news story: Footscray Mail. Honorable mention: Ringwood Gazette.

Best house-designed advertisement (MSNA award): Nunawading

Gazette. Honorable mention: Mordialloc-

Chelsea News, Waverley Gazette.

Selclare award for most effective editorial comment: Frankston

Standard (editor Tom Young). Honorable mention: Southern

Cross.

Telephone (03) 651 5111 Telex No. AA32636 Facsimile (03) 651 5298

DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET

1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002

Victoria

°ur Rcf: 653.6.2.1

Ms J Webster 27 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Mrs Webster,

Women's Register

You will recall that some time ago you agreed to participate in the Victorian Government's Women's Register - set up to increase the numbers of women appointed to Government Boards, Authorities and Committees.

Although you may not have received an invitation to participate on any committee since that time, your name is still active on the Register.

As it has been a while since the Women's Policy Co-ordination Unit received your curriculum vitae details, I would like to invite you to review the information previously provided, and supply us with an updated CV if you have one. Even if your CV details are current, please ring and let us know so that Departments asking us for names know that the information they receive is up to date. I would also be grateful if you could include in the information you provide the names of two referees whom Ministers may care to contact should you be considered for nomination.

You will be pleased to hear that the Women's Register is being referred to more frequently. I have attached a facts sheet on the Register for your information. This contains a summary of statistics showing the growth in numbers of women on Government committees - however you will see that we still have a long way to go!

Thank you for your continuing participation in the Register - it is an extremely important activity if we are to combat the status quo! If you have any queries, or have minor changes to your CV that can be conveyed over the telephone, please call the Unit on (03) 651 5109.

Yours sincerely

ROSALYN HUNT Acting Director

Women's Policy Co-ordination Unit Renew 1 (ref)

- ABOUT JOAN WEBSTER -

The name Jojrn Seppings [and later Joan Seppings Webster] was for nearly 20 years [1965-84.] a household word in Doncaster Templestowe and in Box hill for her hard-hitting news stones and weekly personal columns AS I SEE FT and DONCASTER DIART for Leader Newspapers 11965-71 ]; and ' HRJHLIOHT OF THE WEEK' for Doncaster Mirror and the Box Hill Standard [1972-80]. The subjects of her feature columns vaned from investigate crusades into local government and business malpractice, community safety and health, theatre critiques, humour and folk history.

From 1981 until 86 - when Standard Newspapers was taken over by the Leader Newspaper Group [winch had itself been taken overby the Herald] - ill health caused her to change to writing the quieter OF LOCAL H1STORT

for Doncaster Mirror, for wliich she was able to make good use of interviews with old residents begun in 1967 for the first article on Doncaster-Templestowe history published in a national magazine [Walkabout], In 1967 she instigated the formation of the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society and was a committee member for many years.

Joan returned to Leader Newspapers' ‘Doncaster News' as Joan Webster with the folk history column 'YESTERYEAR'' [1991-3].

In the mid 1950s and early 60s she became well known with her then husband Edgar Seppings as the satirical comedy and songwriting team Joan and Edgar Seppings, writing For stage and television and having songs released on record They wrote the ABC's first television comedy shows with Barry Humphries.

From 1965-71, Joan broadcast for the Australian Broadcasting Commission's prestigious Sundav program ' JJcopo* , speakers for which were selected from a list of top Australian and overseas satirical writers. Joan was billed as 'Melbourne's resident iconoclast'.

In 1971 she wrote a humorous column 'Seppings Stones" for the national magazine Weekender.

Joan is a triple award winning freelance journalist, widely published in newspapers and magazines throughout Australia, an internationally acclaimed author, and listed in International Authors and writers Who's Who In 1971 she won the BEST NEWS STORY OF THE YEAR award (Melbourne and Geelong suburban newspapers] for Leader Newspapers, and was twice runner up for this award for Standard Newspapers in 1972 and 1979.

Her first profession was as a nursing sister, having trained at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and with post-graduate experience in children's, psychiatric and community nursing She has written in one form or another as long as she can remember.

Ifi almost 40 years of professional writing, Joan has been a published poet, lyricist with songs recorded commercially, children's author, investigative journalist, feature writer and photographer Joan was published widely in national journals and daily newsapers, columnist for two newspapers and a magazine, publicist, broadcaster, television and theatre writer oF drama and satirical comedy, Folk historian and nursing historian and the author of three published books

GATE CRASHED' [MacMillan 1976], THE COMPLETE AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE BOOK' [Nelson 1986. Viking O'Neil 1989 the definitive work on bushfire protection for the public, accepted as a nomination for the BHP Pursuit of Excellence‘ award, reviewed by a United Nations journal, acknowledged as a classic and internationally acclaimed], and ’IN AND ABOUT PARLIAMENT, the memoirs of the Hon Sir George Reid Q.C., M L. A

The many causes about which she wrote in over 30 years of freelance journalism were never to her just a good story1. They mattered to her. Most were followed up by campaigning privately to parliamentarians and authorities - with copies of her articles, with letters, phone calls and in persoa In 1991 Joan was awarded the COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD by the Australian Fire Protection Association, for 'outstanding services to fire prevention and protection1.

Joan [Seppings] Webster was bom Joan Katherine Webster in 1929 in Williamstown [Victoria], grew up in Victorian country towns, returning to Williamstown to live at age 13 and leading a very sheltered life, due much to frequent serious ill health, and many changes of schools. She was married in 1954 to school teacher Edgar Seppings, divorced in 1976 and has two children, Katherine E Seppings and Claire Seppings [Mrs John Irving] and grand-daughter Anne Irving.

Since her retirement from journalism, as Joan Katherine Webster has returned to poetry and children's writing, continuing her studies of mythology, dream work and the works of pioneer analytical psychologist Carl Jung begun in 1985, and in 1994 began a new profession as DREAM ANALYST and counsellor, conducting classes at the Donvale Living and Learning and other community centres to teach the skills for personal growth through dream work.

DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET

1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002

Telephone (03) 651 5111 Telex No. AA32636 Facsimile (03) 651 5298

Victoria

°urRef: 653 6 2.1

Ms J K Webster 17 Boronia Grove EAST DONCASTER 3109

Dear Ms Webster,

Thank you for your curriculum vitae, which has now been entered onto the Women's Register.

The Register is only used at the request of the Departments responsible for administering the various Government Boards and Committees. At such a request, we provide a short list of names of women with appropriate skills and experience. If any of these are selected, the relevant Department contacts the nominee directly.

As the number of skilled and experienced women on the Register is growing, and as there may not be any appointments requiring your particular skills and experience, you may not hear anything for some time. However as it is important for Departments to know that the information they receive is up to date, I would be very grateful if you would automatically send us any change of address, or an updated copy of your curriculum vitae should you ever prepare one.

I have attached an information sheet which should clarify any questions you may have regarding the Register.

Thank you very much for your participation.

Yours sincerely

Women's Policy Co-ordination Unit

Enc:

TY

DEPARTMENT OF THE PREMIER AND CABINET

THE APPOINTMENT OF WOMEN TO GOVERNMENT BODIES:

THE WOMEN'S REGISTER (VICTORIA)

INFORMATION SHEET (JUNE 1989)

The Government has made a commitment to increasing the numbers of women appointed to Government Boards, Committees and Authorities. This will result in the introduction of a women's perspective, and the consideration of women's particular concerns, over a broad range of Government decision-making processes. The Women's Policy Co-ordination Unit of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet meets this responsibility primarily through the use of the Victorian Government Women's Register.

The Register is a computerised data base listing the names and details of women with varying skills and expertise, who have identified themselves as available for nomination to Government bodies. When requests from agencies, on behalf of the responsible Minister, are received, a search is made for women with the skills and experience required. A short list of names of women who match the criteria is submitted to the requesting agency, whose Minister is responsible for the final nomination. The Unit does not contact any of the short-listed women.

The appointments for which requests to the Register are made are of many different types. They include:

committees which oversee particular institutions such as the Council of the Museum of Victoria or the Zoological Board of Victoria;

committees which assist the Government regulate an industry or a profession, such as the Estate Agents Board, and the Dental Technicians' Licensing Committee;

committees which ensure public participation in Government decisionmaking; such as the many regional Land Protection Advisory Committees;

committees which assist with Government policy-making, such as the State Training Board and the Land Conservation Council; and

. individual appointments, such as to the courts.

Approximately 16% percent of the total membership of statutory bodies were held by women, as of January 1st 1989, while approximately 19% of new statutory appointments in 1988 went to women. Approximately 23% of Government-approved appointments to such Boards and Committees, (which include some non-statutory positions) in 1988 went to women (1). This is a substantial increase from less than 14% in 1982.

A small number of senior public service appointments are also included in the statistics.

(1) Statutory positions and Government-approved positions are different but overlapping categories.

ilium Mulium Creek

Koonung Creek'