FRANKSTON councillors have approved their budget for the next financial year, signing off on a big cash splash for the Frankston Stadium project. The 2026/2027 budget, which implements a rate rise of 2.75 percent, was passed at council’s public meeting last week. The rate rise is the maximum allowed under the state government’s rate-capping system. The amount of money that Frankston Council expects to collect from ordinary rates has risen by 4 percent. Crs David Asker, Brad Hill, Michael O’Reilly, Cherie Wanat, Steffie Conroy, and Sue Baker voted to approve the budget, while Crs Nathan Butler and Kris Bolam opposed.…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
A PLAN to offer rate relief to Frankston residents was shut down without debate at Frankston Council’s most recent meeting. Frankston Council considered its annual budget at its 11 May public meeting, with the budget drafted by council officers containing a 2.75 percent rate rise. Cr Nathan Butler attempted to raise a proposal investigating a rate reduction, but his plan was not accepted for debate by the mayor. Cr Butler can be clearly heard on the council meeting recording asking for his alternate motion to be considered, but the mayor Sue Baker proceeded with the original recommendation without acknowledging Cr Butler.…
KINGSTON Council is pushing back against plans to introduce glass recycling bins across Victoria. The state government is directing all Victorian councils to introduce a glass recycling bin by the middle of next year. At their most recent meeting, Kingston councillors voted to advocate for changes to the proposal. Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said that the introduction of a fourth bin would be an unreasonable financial burden on ratepayers. “The introduction of a separate glass bin is estimated to cost around $3.7 million upfront, with ongoing costs of about $1 million every year, costs that would ultimately be passed on…
EXTRA bus services will be scheduled across Frankston, with money for the expansion set aside in the state government’s annual budget. The 2026/2027 budget was handed down last week. Part of the funding allocated for buses will be spent in Frankston. Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny wrote on social media that “in a big win for our community, we’re getting a bus service to link Carrum Downs and Skye with the Karingal Hub Shopping Centre.” “Thank you to everyone who’s added their voice to this campaign. The 777 bus will soon operate between Carrum Downs and Skye and Seaford and Karingal…
AN arbitration matter between two Kingston councillors has been dismissed without a finding of misconduct. Cr Jane Agirtan made the application against Cr Hadi Saab, alleging that a comment left on his Facebook page by a third party had put him in violation of council’s code of conduct. The comment referenced Cr Agirtan encouraging her social media followers to attend March for Australia rallies last year. Cr Agirtan alleged that Cr Saab had breached clause two of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, which reads that “a councillor must treat others, including other councillors, members of council staff and members…