Author: Brodie Cowburn

FRANKSTON Council is set to consider overturning its ban on glyphosate-based weed killers. Council announced an internal ban on the use of glyphosate products, such as Roundup, in late 2019. It phased out use of the product throughout 2020. The Times understands that councillors will consider overturning the herbicide ban at their next public meeting. When asked if council is considering scrapping the ban and the costs involved, the mayor Kris Bolam said that “council will consider a detailed report in relation to this matter at the council meeting on Monday 15 February.” It is understood that council officers have…

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KINGSTON Council has appointed an acting CEO. Paul Franklin, council’s corporate services general manager, was chosen to take on the role last week. Councillors confirmed the decision at their 27 January public meeting. They agreed to pay Mr Franklin a salary package equal to outgoing CEO Julie Reid’s. Mr Franklin will perform the CEO’s duties from 13 February up until council appoints an interim CEO. Councillors also voted to give Ms Reid an executive summary of findings made by law firm Holding Redlich. Throughout 2020, “CEO employment matters” were discussed behind closed doors on multiple occasions at Kingston Council meetings.…

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KINGSTON councillors have voted to “absolutely reject” the state government’s decision to put train stabling inside the Green Wedge in Heatherton. Council had eyed off the former Delta landfill site for its Chain of Parks project. Late last year the state government announced that it was planning to use the land for stabling yards, prompting fury from councillors. Councillors agreed to write to the state government to disapprove of its plans at their 27 January meeting. The mayor Steve Staikos said “there needs to be a proper and meaningful consultation process with the residents. Our community were promised a new…

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CRICKET PENINSULA A TAIL order collapse cost Moorooduc a chance at victory on Saturday. Moorooduc played host to Long Island. The visitors were sent in to bat first and put a good total on the scoreboard. Brad Bailey was Long Island’s best with the bat with a well-earned half century. His side finished their innings at 6/198. Moorooduc’s run chase didn’t start as planned. Three of their top order batsmen were dismissed early to leave them struggling at 3/23. A brave middle order showing from Pathum De Mel, including four sixes, put Moorooduc back in the hunt. They recovered to…

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FUNDING has been secured to turn open space in Evelyn Street into a public park. In 2019, Frankston Council backed away from a decision to sell the land to the Department of Justice (“Sale of Evelyn Street open space stopped”, The Times, 11/6/19). Last week the state government committed $1.3 million towards the development of the space into a park. The park is planned to include an amphitheatre and elevated performance space, a rainforest garden, planted arbours, footpath connections to Nepean Highway and Fletcher Road, seating and solar lighting, a play area, and grassed recreation areas. Plans are also in…

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