RATEPAYERS in Frankston may foot the bill for an investigation into a councillor’s behaviour without the outcome ever being made public. Frankston Council ducked questions from The Times last week about a Councillor Conduct Panel hearing held earlier this month and declined to confirm whether the hearing, which ultimately could cost ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars, had even taken place. Deputy mayor Cr Colin Hampton was questioned by a panel, facilitated by the Municipal Association of Victoria, over several hours at Frankston Council’s offices on Friday 8 April. The Times understands the MAV was called in to help investigate…
Author: Neil Walker
LIFESAVER patrols along Kingston beaches have ended with the summer months so beachgoers should always let others know when they are going for a swim. That’s the message from Life Saving Victoria who said drowning deaths in winter across the state now account for nearly one third of all such fatalities throughout the year. LSV operations manager Greg Scott says beachgoers should never head unaccompanied into the sea. “Read safety signs whenever recreating near the water and ensure you understand the local hazards and dangers,” he said. “Never swim alone. Always make sure someone else is looking out for you…
SKATEBOARDERS have been using the new Frankston war memorial in Beauty Park as a skate ramp just days before Anzac Day ceremonies. Black and blue skid marks have marred the names of servicemen and women engraved on the memorial’s curved wall just days before Anzac Day ceremonies held at the Beauty Park site for the first time. The $480,000 memorial was officially unveiled on Sunday 10 April. Frankston RSL hosted a dawn and late morning service at Beauty Park on Monday 25 April. Several skateboarders have been seen skating on the memorial’s wall featuring the engraved names of local World…
VICTORIA’S gambling regulator has decided that the offer to build a weatherproof children’s play area at a Langwarrin pub is a significant reason to allow 10 more poker machines to be installed. The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) ruled late last month that the Langwarrin Hotel can increase the number of pokies at its Cranbourne-Frankston Rd venue from 52 to 62 despite opposition from Frankston and Casey councils. As part of the application to install the extra electronic gaming machines (EGMs) hotel general manager Peter Beretta stated in a written submission that a planned upgrade of an…
AN arresting crime fighting plan by Frankston police asking drug dealers to dob in competitors was quickly dropped last week. Police uploaded a message to its Frankston Eyewatch page on Facebook last Wednesday (13 April) offering to “eliminate” competition from rival drug dealers. A form to be completed and sent to Frankston police station naming drug dealers and listing their names, contact numbers and addresses was provided by police on Facebook. “Is your drug dealing competition costing you money? Would you like to eliminate that problem?” the form asked. “We can take your competition off the streets FOR FREE!!! Report…