FRANKSTON Council has agreed to call for a report outlining “any opportunities to be further investigated regarding changes to processes, strategic position and policy that could aid with the creation of more employment opportunities”.
The move was ticked off at council’s most recent ordinary meeting.
Debate about the motion divided councillors, with discussion quickly turning to the recent decision to reject a move to open up Green Wedge land in Carrum Downs. The proposal, backed by lobby group Committee for Greater Frankston, would have allowed for the expansion of the industrial estate.
Former Frankston councillor Christine Richards made a submission to council on behalf of the Committee for Greater Frankston. She said that the committee had “taken Carrum Downs off the agenda”.
“You have made a decision and that decision will be respected,” she said.
Cr Colin Hampton, who supported the move to open up the Green Wedge, said “council has passed a resolution which will stymie jobs in Carrum Downs.”
“Because of what has happened in Carrum Downs, we need to make sure we can find jobs elsewhere.”
Cr Glenn Aitken said “this motion comes at the tail end of a divisive and controversial debate about the Green Wedge.”
Cr Steve Toms said “I find it eery that this comes on the back of that hotly debated issue.”
The report will come back to council in April.