KINGSTON Council says it will work with local Indigenous groups to move forward in the wake of the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. Kingston mayor Hadi Saab signed the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament public statement in February. Last week he said has was “deeply saddened by the outcome” of the referendum. “After observing the week of silence following the Voice Referendum, I want to acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for many in our community,” he said. “The result does not impact the City of Kingston’s commitment to reconciliation or on our local action including our…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
FRANKSTON Council recorded a healthy surplus in the 2022/2023 financial year. Council’s annual report has been released. It revealed that council posted an annual surplus of just more than $15 million in the last financial year. Council raised rates by 3.5 percent in its 2023/2024 budget, in line with the state government rate cap, with commercial and industrial property owners hit with big cost increases. Council spent 82 percent of its $92 million capital works budget in 2022/2023, below the targeted 90 percent. The report read that underspend was due to “cost escalations and unfavourable market conditions resulting in delays…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL PINES had to work for it but managed to score a win over Old Peninsula on day two of their clash at Peninsula Grammar. Old Peninsula was bowled out for just 145 on day one, giving Pines an attractive target to chase down. Pines struggled to take control of the game, and looked in trouble until Pat Jackson came in at number eight. Jackson scored an unbeaten 39 to get his side over the line. Pines won with just two wickets to spare. A brilliant century from captain Kristian Miller saw Heatherhill score a win over Long Island.…
HIGHER height limits for developments in Frankston’s city centre have been approved by the planning minister. Frankston Council’s metropolitan activity centre structure plan was sent to Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny for approval in June. The draft plan outlined “preferred height limits” of up to 54 metres in some parts of Frankston’s city centre. Those limits can be exceeded at council’s discretion. Last week Kilkenny approved interim 12 storey limits near Kananook Creek and allowed council to commence another round of consultation before implementing its new planning controls. A state government statement read “the minister for planning has authorised Frankston…
PUBLIC hearings into alleged sexual abuse committed at Beaumaris Primary School and other government schools began this week. Hearings took place on 23 and 24 October as part of the Beaumaris Inquiry. The inquiry is assessing allegations of sexual abuse involving multiple staff members at Beaumaris Primary School during the 1960s and 1970s. Other schools named within the scope of the investigation include Chelsea Heights Primary School and Aspendale Primary School. Three alleged perpetrators have been named: Gary Arthur Mitchell, Grahame Harold Steele, and David Ernest Keith MacGregor (“Investigation into historic sexual abuse expands, The News, 11/10/23) For more information…