JOIN our “Friends” group.
“Bushland and Road Reserves working group” meets monthly each 4th Saturday as a voluntary working bee group and we really need your Help . While “most people” assume the Council is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our road reserves and Bush lands , the reality is not quite so black and white.
As you are aware the Mornington Peninsula is a huge area for just one council to maintain. In fact it’s Ten times the size of most Council areas . Most of the population density exists on the Port Phillip side and so with the highest percentage of ratepayers living there,( from Mt.Eliza through to Portsea) that’s where the money goes. It is also more Suburban in feel unlike Shoreham and most of “Westernport”, which is known for its RAMSAR wetlands and UNESCO rated Habitats. Post COVID delays and our recent storm damage, Residents would be aware how long it took to clear roads and properties of fallen trees.
The Shire does provide a once in 5 years Cleanup of House frontage road reserves, which is done by subcontractors . As a Community historically each land owner accepts regular keeping of street frontages and walking paths neat, tidy and free of Invasive and noxious weeds ( eg Pittosporum, and Agapanthas). Any trees, shrubs or bushes overhanging or encroaching roads, preventing clear vision onto roadways will be cut back hard and often result in harsh results and not what Residents would prefer. We would recommend each home do its own care in between these irregular maintenance runs and most especially those who’s properties are adjacent to street corners and Intersections.
This is why we chose to live and love Shoreham. Here we have have unique Coastal woodlands that are very fragile but yet still exist untouched, for example in the Buxton Reserve. There are many independent groups of Volunteers managing these areas from the Shoreham Foreshore Committee which includes all the beach reserves, The Cyril Young Memorial Association who manage parts of the Buxton Reserve and memorial of the old YMCA camp , and The Shoreham “Friends” group who manage the roadsides along Byrnes road , the Community Reserve and the track separating the lower end of Nelson St to the upper part. (If you want more information regarding these groups please visit “Our Community” page for contact details.)
Our “Friends” group Is supported by the Mornington Peninsula “Natural Systems Unit” doing necessary removal of weeds and plantings along the roadsides and reserves throughout Shoreham. Here tools and plants are supplied and you can learn from “experts” about our Natural Environment , it’s endemic plants , menacing weeds, and how to encourage and support our precious native flora and Fauna. Recently we have been working closely with the MP Koala Conservation Unit planting appropriate Koala food Gums throughout our area such as the Buxton Reserve a, the Howard and Nelson Street’s tracks.
To come prepared for this event you just need to present in sensible shoes , protective long sleeved and long leg pants, hat, sunscreen and water .We would love to hear if you are interested ?
contact us : shorehamcommunityassociation@gmail.com