Author: Brodie Cowburn

KINGSTON Council has ticked off a care package for people affected by the fallout from COVID-19. One of the key measures in the support package is a deferral of rate payments until 30 June 2021 by application. Those applications will be considered “in accordance with council’s hardship policy”. Council will also waive unpaid interest on overdue rates from 2019/2020, and will not collect interest on overdue rates until after 30 June next year. Rent will also be waived for community and sporting clubs for a year, and the parent portion of childcare fees “where necessitous circumstances apply” will not be…

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BEACHES in Kingston were closed last weekend to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Kingston Council announced on social media last week that the beaches would close for the weekend “for the safety of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic”. No swimming, sunbathing, or congregating was allowed during the weekend closure period. Beach paths for walking could still be accessed. Kingston beaches remain closed for gathering and sunbathing, but can be used to walk, exercise, or swim. Beaches on Frankston closed from midnight 27 March, while the Mornington Peninsula Shire also announced the closure of their beaches “until further notice”.…

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Beaches close to stop gatherings. Police operation begins to enforce new rules. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Victoria is 821 ­– an increase of 56 from yesterday. Four people have already died.The total number of cases includes 447 men and 370 women, with people aged from three to 88.More than 42,000 Victorians have been tested to date.Currently 29 people are in hospital, including four patients in intensive care. Two hundred and forty-eight people have recovered. Shire closes bay beaches indefinitely BEACHES have been closed in Frankston and across the Mornington…

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A POLICE operation is underway to enforce measures brought in to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Police operation Sentinel has been set up to conduct spot checks on returning travellers and enforce gathering bans. 500 police officers have been dedicated to the operation. Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said “for police, it’s not just about fines or arrests but ensuring everyone in the community understands the serious risks associated with coronavirus and the importance of complying with the directions from the Chief Health Officer.” “People can be issued with an official warning, directed to return home, or charged…

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FRANKSTON MP Paul Edbrooke says that the Baxter rail extension will remain at a “standstill” until the business case is released. The proposed rail extension would see the Frankston line duplicated and electrified to Baxter, with two new stations at Langwarrin and Frankston East constructed. The business case was handed to the federal government in October last year, but has not been publicly released. Mr Edbrooke said “our community understands that the project is at a standstill until the federal government releases the business case for consideration of the costs and benefits.” The Times has twice asked the office of…

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