Author: Brodie Cowburn

DEBATE about a proposal to spend over $16 million on facilities in North West Ward broke down into arguments, bickering, and shouting from across the chamber at council’s 18 November meeting. Councillors eventually voted to approve a request for a report to come before council in January next year investigating funding five different sporting projects. The report will investigate the merits of allocating $2.75 million to Pat Rollo Pavilion, $3.3 million to Monterey Pavilion, $2.4 million towards Belvedere Bowls facilities, and $2.5 million towards the former Linen House facility from council’s strategic reserve. The report will also investigate the feasibility…

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FRANKSTON councillors have voted unanimously to declare a climate emergency. The move was put forward by new mayor Cr Sandra Mayer, who said she was “so proud” that her fellow councillors supported it. “This is a credit to the volunteers, council staff, and councillors,” she said. “Leaders all over the world now need to step up.” “As part of our decision, council made a commitment to review and update our Climate Change Impact and Adaption Plan, which is now eight years old. Once finalised, the plan will provide us with a clear roadmap of how we, as a city and…

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A LOCAL Government Inspectorate enquiry into Frankston councillor Colin Hampton has concluded, but ratepayers will be asked to foot the bill for his legal fees. Cr Hampton was cleared of wrongdoing by the LGI after the closure of their enquiry. An LGI statement read “the Local Government Inspectorate has assessed a matter relating to a Frankston City councillor.” “After assessing the information provided, the Inspectorate is satisfied that no breach or offence has occurred under the Local Government Act 1989,” the statement read. “There will be no further action taken by the Inspectorate.” Cr Hampton did not comment when asked…

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KINGSTON mayor Georgina Oxley has been re-elected for a second consecutive term. Cr Oxley and Cr Ron Brownlees were the two nominees for the mayor’s position at a special meeting on 13 November. Cr Oxley won the vote 5-4. Crs Steve Staikos, Tamara Barth, Rosemary West, and David Eden supported Cr Oxley. Crs George Hua, Tamsin Bearsley, and Geoff Gledhill supported Cr Brownlees. Cr Oxley said “it is very humbling to be elected the 23rd mayor of the City of Kingston, and once again to be leading this council for the next 12 months.” “Our achievements have put our community…

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PENINSULA MAIN RIDGE have had a tough afternoon in day one of their clash against Somerville. Main Ridge came in to bat first, and had difficulties. First drop batsman Chris Parker was their best performer with a half century, but he got no help from the rest of the top order. They ended up bowled out for 133, with 26 overs left to play for the afternoon. Jayde Herrick took seven wickets. Somerville had no trouble chasing down their target, and ended up at 1/148 at stumps, securing them the first innings win. Brenton Alp was electric with bat in…

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