Author: Brodie Cowburn

THE completion of a recycled water pipeline servicing bayside suburbs has been delayed by more than a year. Construction is ongoing on South East Water’s Dingley Recycled Water Scheme; stage one includes construction on a 25-kilometre pipeline with a 12-kilometre transfer main from Melbourne Water’s Eastern Treatment Plant to Bangholme, and a 13-kilometre pipeline connecting the network to surrounding suburbs. Once complete the pipeline is expected to deliver up to 1.8 billion litres of recycled water each year to more than 40 parks, golf courses, sports ovals, nurseries, and gardens. A project update issued by South East Water last week…

THE state government has revealed its plans for a new open space in Highett to replace the large swathes of Sir William Fry Reserve it will bulldoze for Suburban Rail Loop works. The southern part of Sir William Fry Reserve will be wiped out to allow for construction of the Suburban Rail Loop’s Cheltenham Station. Last week, the state government’s latest designs for the redeveloped precinct were revealed. The new precinct features a skatepark alongside a multi-sport court, pickleball court, off-leash dog park, seating, pathways, and an events lawn for festivals and markets. Bentleigh MP Nick Staikos said “local feedback…

OWNERS of vacant retail spaces in Frankston’s CBD could soon face big rate increases. Frankston Council has proposed a new differential rate for property owners of vacant retail space. Earlier this year it implemented a differential rate on owners of vacant lots within the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre and along Nepean Highway. The proposal was tentatively approved at council’s meeting last week, with community consultation the next step to get underway. Former Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said that change is designed to reduce the vacancy rate of Frankston buildings. “Our vacant FMAC and Nepean Highway land rate introduced this year…

THREE more high-rise buildings along the Nepean Highway in Frankston have been given the green light to proceed. At a meeting last week, Frankston councillors unanimously approved plans for a 10 storey building at 347-349 Nepean Highway and a 14 storey building at 431 Nepean Highway. Councillors also ticked off amended 14-storey plans for 424-426 Nepean Highway; the initial plans were greenlit by VCAT late last year. Earlier this year, construction got underway on the planned 14-storey apartment building at 446-450 Nepean Highway. Council also approved plans for a 14 storey mixed-use building with 144 residential apartments at 438-444 Nepean…

SUE Baker has been elected the new mayor of Frankston. Cr Baker was elected to the top job by councillors on 10 December. She defeated Cr Nathan Butler to win the role – Crs Cherie Wanat, Michael O’Reilly, Brad Hill, and Steffie Conroy voted for Cr Baker, and Crs Kris Bolam, David Asker, and Emily Green supported Cr Butler. The newly elected mayor said “I have been preparing for this responsibility for many years and will continue to ensure council’s decisions reflect the real needs and aspirations of our residents.” “With over five years’ experience across two terms in the…