YOUNG adults swimming on the Mornington Peninsula pose the highest drowning risk in Victoria, a new report has revealed. Life Saving Victoria’s 2024/2025 drowning report was released last week. It reveals that between 2015/2016 and 2024/2025, there were more drownings on the Mornington Peninsula than in any other part of the state. The 25-44 age group suffered the most number of drownings on the peninsula. Drownings most commonly occurred while swimming at beaches. LSV estimates that there is a 99 percent likelihood of a drowning in any given year on the Mornington Peninsula. 36 percent of drowning victims on the…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
PROVINCIAL SOME good bowling from Baden Powell has put Pines at risk of its first defeat for the season. Pines, who are 6-0 in season 2025/2026, hosted Baden Powell at Eric Bell Reserve. It was an even contest on day one, as Baden Powell’s bowling attack prevented Pines from putting together a big total. Plenty of Pines’ batters made good starts, but their top-scorer could only manage 28 before being dismissed. Pines finished the day at 9/157. Luke Long was the pick of the bowlers on Saturday; he took 4/32 from 17 overs. At Lloyd Park, Heatherhill put 6/175 on…
A CONTENTIOUS plan to build a three-storey childcare centre has been rejected by Kingston councillors. The childcare centre was proposed for 93 – 95 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham catering for a maximum of 81 children. Kingston Council officers recommended that councillors approve the project, but it was ultimately voted down. Cr Georgia Erevnidis moved an alternate proposal to reject the childcare centre plans. She was supported by Crs Georgina Oxley, Jane Agirtan, Sarah O’Donnell, and Caroline White. Cr Oxley said that the proposed childcare centre “is not suitable in this location.” “This is a neighbourhood residential zone, and this…
FRANKSTON Council is actively working to resolve the ongoing issue of unapproved works being undertaken on Crown foreshore land, a council statement issued last week claims. The issue of residents undertaking alleged illegal works along the foreshore has reared its head multiple times this year – a seawall was allegedly constructed without approval near Oliver’s Hill, and last month onlookers spotted an excavator operating a short distance from the seawall. (“More unapproved beach works investigated”, The Times 27/11/2025) Last week, Frankston mayor Kris Bolam asserted that council is actively pursuing the allegations. “Frankston City Council is aware of recent public…
MAJOR developments in Frankston will be “fast-tracked” within 16 weeks under a new council plan. From 31 January next year, Frankston Council is expected to implement guaranteed 16-week planning assessments for qualifying major developments. In a statement council says it will offer developers “enhanced pre-application guidance” and “dedicated post-permit concierge support” to expedite the approval process. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said that the new planning initiative would encourage developers to build housing in Frankston. “The Priority Fasttrack Program sends a clear message: Frankston City is open for business. We’re giving investors confidence and bringing new development to market faster —…