PEOPLE who have tried to change Frankston for the better have been publicly kicked by critics according to a councillor who worked on the Wells St revamp.
At this month’s public council meeting, Cr Glenn Aitken bemoaned criticism of the Wells St and Young St redevelopments.
He said the upgrade of two main streets “for the first time in generations” is “something to celebrate”.
Major works to both streets have been plagued by delays this year.
Cr Aitken, who was part of a council working party tasked with overseeing the Wells St upgrade, said an investment was being made in improving central Frankston streets “for the first time in decades” but both the Wells St and Young St projects had become mired in controversy amid personal and political mud slinging.
“Everyone has said ‘what a dump’ for so long and when anyone gets up and tries to make anything better they get the proverbial kicked out of them,” Cr Aitken said.
Soil under replaced pavers is not the only dirt being dug up, according to the longtime North-West ward councillor.
He said “a league” of critics is “seeking dirt on each other”.
“The whole conversation in relation to Young St and Wells St has become absolutely toxic. I find that really unhealthy,” he said.
State Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke criticised council earlier this year over delays and cost “blow outs” in Wells St where new furniture, paving and street lights were installed.
Some traders in Wells St complained delays during the council managed works impacted on passing trade.
The $13 million Young St redevelopment, part of a state government $63 million rebuild of Frankston train station and its surrounds, has also become bogged down in delays much to the angst of many Young St shop owners who are asking for state compensation since the ongoing street works were originally slated to be finished by March.
The Labor state government has come under fire from traders and some councillors, including Labor Party member and deputy mayor Steve Toms, over missed deadlines on the completion of Young St works to improve public transport areas and pedestrian footpaths.
“The state government is beleaguered by finding [utility infrastructure] services where they never dreamt they were. That happened in Wells St too,” Cr Aitken said.
Council will give Young St traders who can prove they suffered a 30 per cent slump in business over 12 months a $750 payment despite the works being managed by VicRoads and contractor Seymour White.
Cr Aitken urged the state government to also pitch in some “moderate compensation” to businesses.
“I think it’s pretty much accepted that some people are being crippled financially.”
Cr Toms said at the council meeting he hoped the state government “will listen” to concerns from Young St traders.
“The Young St works are nine months behind schedule,” he said.
“No doubt there are cost blowouts.”
He said council was within its rights to call the state government “to account when they need to be called to account”.
He noted Mr Edbrooke has refused to apologise to traders for delays to Young St works.
“If he’s making no apologies, I say — I’m sorry but that’s not good enough.”
A majority of councillors called on the state government to release the “full financials” for Young St.
“As always, I’m happy to ensure transparency with the project financials once we have final figures upon completion of the revitalisation project,” Mr Edbrooke told The Times.
