Ships whistle is not a toy

In reply to anonymous (email supplied) re “Sounding off on boat fog-horns”.

It is written in all maritime rule books in all countries that a vessel in any waterway must indicate its intentions by a sound of a loud audible horn or whistle of its forthcoming manoeuvre.

This is a must in the uncontrolled, noddy waterways of Docklands as all types of vessels enter Docklands with no harbour control to speak of. These novice boat people, who usually wave at vessels, trying to alert them to a vessel about to turn to port, starboard and astern etc, have no idea what is safe and what to do!

The ship’s whistle is not a toy and is not used as a toy by professional commercial vessels – unlike the novice who blows it for fun all over the place.

I feel the unsigned may consider living in Alice Springs (no ships there) rather than abiding with the old saying “when in Rome”. Or maybe they moved in from Essendon after realising that they were not going to get the airport moved, no matter how many unsigned emails they sent!

Andrew McCallum
Master Docklands

Seafarers Rest report frustrating

The report regarding the taking back of Seafarers Park is very frustrating, as many of the native trees are growing very well.

A gorgeous flock of parrots were in the trees the other morning.

The park looks so good next to the Seafarers Bridge.

Carol Tobin

Appalling headline

This is the first time I have picked up your paper and was initially drawn by the headline “Indian givers”. This is a slang term that I am very familiar with and was curious to see the spin on the story as to what the Indian Government had given Melbourne.

I was absolutely appalled when I started reading and realised this headline had been used in the most malicious way possible.

I understand this is a turn of phrase and meant to capture attention, however I think given the large Indian population particularly within inner Melbourne there should be greater sensitivity than you
have displayed.

I am by no means someone who is overly politically correct however the malice that was shown warranted a comment.

I will certainly think twice before picking up another copy of Docklands News.

Miriam Voortman

School fees negotiable

Re: Docklands families want a school (Issue 53, May 2010)

With reference to the above feature and as a response to the increasing need for a school to serve the Docklands area, I would like to inform families that Melbourne City School has now decided that fees are
negotiable.

Depending on individual circumstances, Melbourne City School will now provide significant fee reductions to relevant families. Our fees reflect the philosophy of a 21st century school that provides personalised attention and blends city living with city learning.

An initiative of Eltham College of Education, our school emerged from the highly successful City Campus which has been in operation for the last 14 years.   Melbourne City School is conveniently located in
Melbourne’s CBD at 121 King St and provides contemporary education for children from prep – year 7 and will expand to years 8 and 9 over the next two years, with senior years 10-12 opening in 2012-13.

I welcome any enquiries from families living in the Docklands area.

Jenny Langmead,
Principal, Melbourne City School

Seafarers Rest is safe

Recent media coverage has suggested that Seafarers Rest, at North Wharf, will soon be lost to developers.

It is important to inform residents that this is not the case.

When I officially opened Seafarers Rest in December 2005, I said it would add to the sense of community in what was then a newly-established residential area.

Much has changed at Docklands since, however my commitment to this public space remains.

I can therefore reassure you that the Victorian Government has no intention of getting rid of, or indeed reducing the size of Seafarers Rest.

Maintaining and improving open spaces in our cities is vital for our health and well-being – no more so than in inner urban areas such as Docklands.

As you may be aware, the State Government is currently seeking private sector interest in helping redevelop the North Wharf precinct for residential, commercial and recreational use. 

While it is anticipated new businesses and residents will come to North Wharf as part of the redevelopment, retaining Seafarers Rest as public open space is non-negotiable.

The heritage-listed Mission to Seafarers is also protected.

While the redevelopment project presents a unique opportunity to improve Seafarers Rest, residents’ views will be taken into account.

As such, the preferred developer will be required to consult with residents about any plans they have to improve the park.

Hon Bronwyn Pike MP
Member for Melbourne

The right to fresh air

I believe smokers have the right to smoke, but I also believe that a non-smoker has the right to breath fresh air.

The law forbidding smoking in the office workplace and public indoor venues has certainly improved the non-smoker’s working environment. However there has been a considerable negative effect to the environment outside the workplace.

For example with the opening of the ANZ building in Docklands with its reported 6000 workers, the air quality around that building has degenerated into a smoky haze.

The landscaping of the foreshore for public use is undermined by the smell of cigarette smoke.

There are “no-smoking” signs put up along the edge of the building with staff leaning against that same wall smoking. Why have signs there if it appears they can’t be enforced.

It is becoming harder and harder for a non-smoker to find fresh air, and when they do it’s only a matter of time before its freshness is eliminated by a smoker.

It’s not fair for kids!

Another area is children’s playgrounds. So often I have had to take my son and leave a playground due to a smoker – and not always a parent, lighting up.

It’s a great family environment with the free barbecues there to have a nice lunch outdoors, but when a group moves in and smokes, the playground is polluted. Why isn’t smoking banned from children’s playgrounds?

Kelly Hodge