Former Mornington Peninsula Shire Citizen of the Year, Josie Jones, a highly decorated environmental advocate and conservationist, has expressed strong concerns over the council’s handling of the beach hand-cleaning trial.
In a detailed letter to the Mayor and councillors following last night’s urgent business, Jones voiced her disappointment with the council’s approach to evidence-based reports and governance. She urged the council to revisit trial data, consult experts, and prioritise evidence-based decision-making over personal or politically motivated agendas.
Jones also called for an apology from Tanti Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro for comments she deemed inappropriate and nonconstructive during the recent council meeting. She claimed Pingiaro’s remarks dismissed the validity of data collected by hand beach cleaning volunteers. Furthermore, Jones raised concerns about Pingiaro’s vested interests as the director of a local boat hire business. Jones argues that his position should prevent him from moving or voting on motions related to the matter.
Highlighting the importance of governance, Jones stated:
“I remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our environment and community.”
STPL News reached out to Councillor Pingiaro for further insight and comment.
“All I did was request that a comprehensive report be tabled to review the ongoing hand cleaning trial for Port Phillip Bay beaches. The objective was to ensure the approach is evidence-based, addresses community concerns, and employs the most effective and environmentally sound methods moving forward,”
He further elaborated on the council’s recommendations:
“It was recommended by officers that option two from the previous reports be used—80% hand cleaning and 20% beach raking. Officers considered 100% hand cleaning to be potentially high-risk.”
Pingiaro pointed to key community concerns, citing statistics that highlight dissatisfaction:
“82% of residents find the beach less enjoyable, and we’ve seen a 285% increase in litter on some beaches and a 700% rise in microplastics. When something is broken and the community raises it, councillors are expected to act. That’s what I did by raising this as urgent business.”
When asked about Jones’ request for an apology, Pingiaro stood firm:
“All evidence I presented was based on council data. I don’t believe an apology is required for voicing the concerns of the community—that’s my role as a councillor.”
During a discussion with STPL News, talking on the topic of her request for an apology Jones said she believed that Pingiaro’s comments and remarks during the council meeting undermine the contributions of volunteers. Additionally, she revealed that she has faced ongoing online bullying, which she believes has been exacerbated by the council’s lack of communication on the trial and its outcomes.
“I understand it is change—it is a trial to find a path forward. We need to think long term and understand hand cleaners are cleaning up the mess created because the rake process was not monitored appropriately,”
Jones said.
Speaking to RPP FM, Mayor Anthony Marsh defended Pingiaro and dismissed criticisms against the council’s actions.
“And I put this in context, we only had an election two months ago so we’re not acting like these councillors have gone rogue. These issues were taken to the election. There was a clear community response to those issues, and they have been represented in the chamber, and a majority of councils supported it.”
“So I completely endorse that approach—it is utterly appropriate, and I think Councillor Pingiaro had some really compelling arguments and he did a great job,”
Marsh added.
Jones told STPL News that she is now working with the EPA to request an independent assessment of the rake process and has urged the council to prioritise evidence-based approaches over political agendas moving forward.
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One Response
What a load of rubbish the beaches need cleaning properly now we have councillors doing their job properly and they are criticised for it