IT has taken seven months but Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny’s electorate office should be open for business in July. The Labor MP, who narrowly won the seat of Carrum from former Liberal MP Donna Bauer at last November’s state election, has been fielding constituents’ questions at regular meetings around the electorate but is set to call 622 Nepean Hwy, Carrum home. A spokeswoman for Ms Kilkenny said Parliamentary officials had leased the office space on behalf of Ms Kilkenny following a search for suitable digs. MPs often move into the premises of their predecessor but this did not happen this…
Author: Neil Walker
ANY imminent threat of additional concrete crushers in Kingston’s Green Wedge has receded but a longer-term battle over materials recycling plants in the area looms. The News can reveal Planning Minister Richard Wynne has extended interim protection against materials recycling in the Green Wedge. Council asked the Planning Minister in February to extend the protection for an additional 18 months until land north of Kingston and Heatherton Roads can be rezoned from a Special Use Zone that facilitates waste-related activities to a Green Wedge A Zone. The mayor Cr Geoff Gledhill told The News on Tuesday that a 12-month extension…
FUNDING for State Emergency Service units will not be pared back in Kingston if the state government’s planned rate capping policy comes into force next financial year. Some Victorian councils, such as Cardinia Shire Council, have reportedly threatened to cut SES funding if Labor goes ahead with its plan to limit future rate rises to inflation costs. When asked by The News, Kingston Council CEO John Nevins said council will continue to support the Chelsea SES and Moorabbin SES units. “Council greatly values the work of the local SES units and has no intention to cut back this funding.” Council…
LIFESAVERS patrolling Kingston and Frankston beaches rescued 26 people in strife at sea during the summer months. Life Saving Victoria data shows lifeguards in the region gave first aid in 116 cases and “took 1592 preventative actions” to make beachgoers safer. Preventative actions taken by lifeguards include giving beach safety information to visitors, talking to beachgoers about hazards and conditions and letting people know about nearby rips in the water. Frankston lifeguards saved the majority of people from drowning – 16 – and Carrum Surf Life Saving Club lifesavers were the busiest on the rescue front in Kingston, carrying out…
BEACHGOERS are being asked not to approach or feed a seal pup underneath Frankston pier. The female seal has made Frankston beach its temporary home after coming ashore early last week. Wildlife volunteers are keeping a daily watch on the seal’s behaviour and wellbeing. Australian Wildlife Assistance Rescue and Education president Jackie Brown said people are welcome to take photographs from behind orange mesh barriers erected by Frankston Council. “We’re asking people not to approach and not to feed or stress her,” Ms Brown said. “If we’re going to give her that chance to get out there and survive and…