SWIMMERS were in, out and shaking it all about at Frankston beach last week amid daily changes in water quality as a result of stormwater and faecal pollution. Regular updates from the Environmental Protection Authority revealed a fluid situation with human and animal poo flowing into Port Phillip Bay after flash floods on Thursday 29 December. EPA applied sciences group manager Dr Anthony Boxshall said there is a higher risk of illnesses such as gastro to swimmers from higher bacterial levels after flash flooding. “Heavy rain and storms can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater…
Author: Neil Walker
COUNCIL rates rises will be capped at 2 per cent for the 2017/18 financial year as part of the state government’s policy to limit any rises to the rate of inflation. The Consumer Price Index was forecast to be 2 per cent by the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. State Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins decided not to accept advice from the Essential Services Commission recommending a cap of 2.15 per cent for councils across Victoria. The Labor state government pledged to cap rates before Premier Daniel Andrews won office at the 2014 state election in a policy it…
FRANKSTON Council has been forced to admit a meeting held behind closed doors in June did not comply with the Local Government Act. The Victorian Ombudsman investigated a closed Special Meeting called by three councillors – Crs Brian Cunial, Glenn Aitken and Colin Hampton – to discuss comments made by councillors on social media sites such as Facebook (“Hidden agenda for secret council meeting”, The Times 20/6/16). The Ombudsman’s office released an Investigation into the transparency of local government decision making report on Friday (16 December) that found some councils had “poor practice” around transparency despite no evidence of “widespread,…
A SUGGESTION to limit rate rises to 1.5 per cent annually in future led to much debate between Frankston councillors at the latest public council meeting after newly-elected councillor Lillian O’Connor proposed council officers investigate the feasibility of the cap. Councillors voted 7-2 to see a report from officers about a possible 1.5 per cent annual cap in 2017-18 “or other outcomes” to be lodged at a council meeting next year. Cr O’Connor noted annual rate rises in Frankston had not dipped below a state government recommended annual cap of 2.5 per cent in 2015 for the past 16 years.…
ABORIGINAL artefacts found at the site of a council-approved residential development have unearthed questions about councillors not being notified about the discovery of culturally sensitive stone artefacts. Cr Rosemary West wondered why a developer would be allowed to “build over and bury” Aboriginal artefacts found at 1-44 First Avenue, Chelsea Heights. Councillors originally approved a subdivision of the First Avenue land into 25 lots in 2013 with work to begin on building homes by September 2018. “There’s a lot to talk about with this developer and I hope we can get on with it soon,” Cr West said. Cr West…