WITH the election looming, the federal government is under fire for failing to act on proposed gambling reform championed by late Dunkley MP Peta Murphy. Before her death in late 2023, Murphy chaired a parliamentary inquiry into gambling harm. The inquiry’s report made 31 recommendations, including a ban on online gambling advertising, stronger consumer protections for licensed online gambling, a crackdown on illegal gambling websites, and a legislated duty of care. Last week, Nine newspapers reported that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had shelved gambling reform put forward by communications minister Michelle Rowland. The “captain’s call” was reportedly made late last…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
KINGSTON Council says it was aware that a previous project had encountered serious issues when it appointed ADCO Group to build the new aquatic centre in Mordialloc. ADCO Group Pty Ltd was contracted to build the Kew Recreation Centre. In late 2022 the Kew Recreation Centre roof collapsed. In February of this year, the Victorian Building Authority filed charges against ADCO Group Pty Ltd – the company and its nominee director John Conroy face a total of 18 charges. The Mordi Aquatic Centre project will be one of the most expensive in Kingston Council’s history. The facility will cost $87.5…
MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEFOR the third week running, Langwarrin have pulled off a great escape. It has not been a month for the weak-hearted at Langwarrin. The Kangaroos had to come from behind again to beat Edithvale-Aspendale on Good Friday. Edithvale-Aspendale led at each break of play. Heading into the final term, Edi-Asp led by 11 points. In the final term, Langwarrin managed to sneak into the lead. They held on for a famous two-point win 12.12 (84) to 13.8 (86). Corey Slefendorfas, Max Poulios, Joel Bateman, Brodie Tibballs, and Mitchell Cuthbert were Langwarrin’s best. Harrison Money contributed three vital…
NEW height limits in Frankston’s CBD have been gazetted by the planning minister, and are set to be put to the test soon. On 11 April, planning minister Sonya Kilkenny gazetted C160fran. The planning scheme amendment applies the changes put forward in the FMAC Structure Plan, including preferred height limits of up to 16 storeys in Frankston’s city centre. The FMAC Structure Plan has been in the works for four years, and was finetuned throughout the entirety of the previous Frankston Council term. At their final meeting before the November local government elections, councillors sent the planning guidelines to the…
AN unused lot in Edithvale should be used to build a playground, residents say. The vacant site at 8-12 Northcliffe Road was used to house a Mercy Health aged care facility, which closed its doors this year. Mercy Health is set to return the site to council imminently. Edithvale residents say that the site sits in the middle of a “playground black hole”, and should be developed for community use. Edithvale Collective spokesman Jonathan Lechinski said “the area is in desperate need of a community playground.” “The council’s own playground suburb analysis shows that this site is smack bang in…