Author: Brodie Cowburn

NEW local laws to restrict homeowners from adding gates to public parks and foreshore areas to their fences are being considered by Kingston Council.A swathe of new local laws for Kingston residents are under consideration. They include requiring a permit to store boats, trailers, and caravans on public roads, and banning new gates from private homes into public parks and foreshore areas.Council is also proposing new powers to fence or screen vacant properties, and replace protected trees that are removed. Requirements for advertising signs, including candidate election signage, are also set to be introduced.The proposed changes to gates on private…

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Men’s Division One After a string of thrilling wins, luck has finally turned against Langwarrin. The Kangaroos have won a series of nail-biters this season. They took on Pines at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday in what would go on to be another close one. The Pythons and Kangaroos were neck-and-neck all day long. Pines went into the three-quarter break ahead by nine points. Langwarrin snuck ahead in the final term, but a late Pines goal sealed the win for the Pythons. Final score: Pines 8.13 (61) def. Langwarrin 8.10 (58) Sorrento also won a tight one on Saturday —…

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COUNCILLORS across Victoria have been handed a three percent pay rise. On 30 June the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal announced it would increase base allowances for councillors by three percent, with the changes effective from the following day.The Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston Council, and Kingston Council are each designated “category three” councils. From 1 July 2025 category three mayors will be paid $142,661, which will rise further to $146,319 on 18 December this year. Deputy mayors are now paid $71,329, rising to $73,159 on 18 December. Category three councillors will be paid $41,992 during the 2025/2026 financial year.Beginning on July…

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MORE council safety officers will soon patrol Frankston’s CBD. In the last year, Frankston Council’s rapid response officers carried out 532 investigations. They issued warnings and infringements for public drinking and smoking in designated smoke-free areas. At the moment officers undertake an average of three patrols per weekday. Frankston Council has confirmed it is planning to expand the program.Frankston deputy mayor Steffie Conroy said “transforming our city centre isn’t just about construction and development. It’s also about creating a place where people feel safe, supported, and connected.” “From daily patrols and joint police operations to expand CCTV, we’re tackling the…

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THE state government is reportedly set to introduce new laws to hold churches vicariously liable for sexual abuse that occurs under their watch. The new law will override last year’s High Court decision that the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat was not vicariously liable for the sexual abuse of a young boy because the offender was not an employee. The High Court overturned the Victorian Supreme Court’s ruling that the church was vicariously liable – the man who sued the diocese was originally awarded $230,000 damages.After a vocal campaign by victim-survivors of sexual abuse, the state government is preparing changes to…

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