A COLLINS St lobbying firm was hired by Frankston Council to push for state and federal funding for the region in the lead up to 2010 state election and 2016 federal election. The hiring of a lobbyist came to light at last month’s public council meeting as councillors agreed to establish a committee of councillors and council officers to begin planning a similar campaign to hit up politicians for cash ahead of the 2018 state election. Cr Kris Bolam welcomed the formation of a committee of councillors — one from each of Frankston’s three electoral ward — to look at…
Author: Neil Walker
ELEVATED rail is coming to Carrum as part of the state government’s promise to remove level crossings along the Frankston line in a plan dubbed “sky rail” by opponents of any form of raised rail. Labor Transport Minister Jacinta Allan visited Carrum train station on Monday morning (6 March) to announce a 900-metre long eight-metre high “rail bridge” will be built over McLeod Rd and level crossings at Station St, Eel Race Rd and Mascot Ave will be removed. Station St will be connected with a new road bridge over Patterson River. A new train station and “a new Carrum…
INVESTIGATIONS by state watchdogs into alleged code of conduct breaches have found a Kingston councillor has no case to answer over the way he voted on Green Wedge planning matters during the previous four-year council term. Cr Ron Brownlees — a five times mayor — last week welcomed the outcome of probes by the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate and an independent arbiter hired by Kingston Council. Cr Rosemary West complained late last year to authorities about thwarted proposals to “carve up” the Green Wedge for “inappropriate residential development”. “I’m happy that this…
YOUTH could hold the key to the future of the historic Mordialloc Masonic Hall. Kingston Council asked for expressions of interest last year for tenants to lease the vacant building that requires extensive internal renovations to bring it up to modern-day standards. Council faces an estimated $3.5-$4 million outlay for renovations at the hall including the installation of toilets and a new kitchen so has been seeking a community group partner to share the costs. Councillors at last month’s public council meeting held on 27 February noted rates capping and budget constraints meant council is restricted on spending ratepayers’ money…
A CONTENTIOUS council-backed bid to build a place of worship on green wedge land in Carrum Downs has been rejected on religious grounds by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after an appeal by the Defenders of the South East Green Wedge group. A VCAT panel found the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) — a self-proclaimed “philosophical organisation based on the spiritual teachings of all religions and dedicated to a process of inner development under the guidance of a spiritual teacher” — is not a recognised religion despite being granted non-profit religious institution status by the Australian Taxation Office. In…