THE number of local residents living on the JobSeeker payment has risen by thousands since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures released by the Department of Social Services showed that the number of residents in the Frankston municipality receiving the JobSeeker payment grew by around 4000 between March and July this year. It is understood that around 10,000 local residents are currently receiving the payment. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy says there was a 45 per cent increase in JobSeeker recipients and a 51 per cent increase in Youth Allowance recipients in her electorate between March to July. She said…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
KINGSTON Council has splashed more than $5 million on a parcel of land in Chelsea. Council purchased the 3500 square metre block at 19 Tarella Road last month. The mayor Georgina Oxley said council used funds from its “open space reserve” for the land. “Council is really excited to announce the news of the land purchase as I know the community has been tirelessly campaigning to secure this fantastic natural asset for locals to enjoy for years to come,” she said. “Our community values our beautiful open spaces, and having parks close to home is vital. This investment will provide…
SMOKING is now banned in all foreshore, beach, and reserve areas across the Kingston municipality. Tobacco product and e-cigarette use was banned by council this month. Fines of $500 can be applied to people who defy the smoking ban. Council undertook a period of community consultation about the ban earlier this year. Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said that local residents were “overwhelmingly in support of the introduction of smoke-free areas in Kingston.” “The feedback we received is the community wants to see smoking banned along our foreshore areas and in our reserves to reduce passive smoking and keep our beaches…
A PANDEMIC and recession hasn’t stopped Frankston councillors from approving a pay rise for their CEO. Behind closed doors at their 31 August meeting, councillors endorsed a recommendation for CEO Phil Cantillon to receive a 3 per cent pay increase. Frankston mayor Sandra Mayer said “this decision was about securing the knowledge, capability, and leadership that Frankston City Council residents need and deserve, particularly during and beyond COVID-19.” “The committee undertook extensive benchmarking prior to making the recommendation and determined that Mr Cantillon’s annual salary was noticeably lower than the industry standard,” she said. “As outlined in the public…
A PROPOSAL to allow people over the age of 50 to reside permanently at the notorious Ambassador Hotel has not been approved by Frankston Council, but discussions are set to continue. The permit in place at the hotel reads that “the owner covenants and agrees that no dwelling allowed by the permit on the land will be used as a principal place of residence, without the further written consent of council”. The owners at the hotel sought to amend that to read “‘the owner covenants and agrees that no dwelling on the land will accommodate persons who are under the…