Survey rates councils
Police patrol ‘Bomb’ cleared
A SUSPICIOUS package caused a bomb scare at Edithvale railway station, 10.40pm, Friday. Police were called to platform No. 1 on the Frankston line when the heavily taped brown paper package was spotted. They cleared the area and called in the Bomb Response Unit. A robot with X-ray capabilities examined the package which was declared safe at 12.30am. Kingston detectives are investigating the incident.
Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A LOCAL government community satisfaction survey has found most ratepayers believe their council is “doing a good job” but there is still room for improvement. The survey was carried out by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on behalf of Victorian councils. Kingston Council was one of 69 out of 79 councils across the state participating in the survey. Parks and gardens, recreational and sporting facilities and customer service were listed as “the best features” of councils. More than 28,000 people statewide were polled via telephone calls made in February and March this year. The maintenance of unsealed and sealed roads, rate rises and the condition of streets and footpaths were named as concerns for ratepayers. Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins said the survey showed 69 per cent of residents believe their council is heading in the right direction. “On the whole, councils are doing a good job, but there is still room to improve. That’s why we’re working with councils to reduce waste and improve services. “We’re making local government services better for communities, establishing the Fair Go Rates Cap, reviewing the Local Government Act and creating the local council reporting website.” The Labor state government’s pro-
posed rate capping policy – dubbed the Fair Go Rates Cap by the Minister – is being reviewed by the Essential Services Commission before implementation in the 2016-17 financial year. Future annual rate rises will be capped at the rate of inflation if the policy goes ahead. The Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey noted: “Fewer residents than ever are willing to consider a rate rise to improve services, with more wanting service cuts to ensure that their rates are not increased.” Kingston mayor Cr Geoff Gledhill said council should be accountable to the community.
Ice, traffic charges
POLICE allegedly found cannabis in a backpack in a car being driven in Scotch Pd, Chelsea, Wednesday evening. An 18-year-old man, of Aspendale Gardens, was charged with possession of a drug of dependence and issued with a caution notice.
Car intercept
Manchester raid
TWO Ice pipes and a quantity of methyl amphetamines were allegedly found in a car being driven by a 32-year-old Hoppers Crossing man in Lower Dandenong Rd, Braeside, 3.45pm, Wednesday. A drug diversion notice was issued.
“To me, if you’re making decisions that are supported by the community [after consultation] … then you don’t have a problem with anything,” he said. Under Labor’s rate cap plan councils will be able to appeal to the Essential Services Commission to raise rates to fund specific projects. Cr Gledhill said it is vital to have such an independent body involved to take politics out of the decision process. The overall performance of Victoria’s councils – based on a statewide index score of 100 points – was 60, consistent with survey results over the past four years.
BURGLARS smashed a window to gain entry to a house in McLeod Rd, Carrum, on Wednesday afternoon. They ransacked the house before stealing a quantity of cash, gold watch, and plasma TV. The 28-yearold victim had all his belongings packed and ready to move to a new address at the time of the break-in. A CARNEGIE man, 24, was intercepted by police in Lower Dandenong Rd, Braeside, on Saturday night allegedly with an Ice pipe and methyl amphetamines in his possession. He was arrested and charged by Moorabbin police with possession of a drug of dependence and traffic offences. He was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Cannabis charges
No ‘fair go’ rates fear: Kingston mayor Geoff Gledhill says councils should be accountable for rate rises. Picture: Gary Sissons
Smash and grab
Punched at party
A BEAUMARIS man was allegedly punched in the face and later hospitalised after attending a party in Avalon Ct, Cheltenham, 12.30am, Sunday. The incident occurred when a man vomited in the house. The victim received a broken nose after allegedly being punched by a man with a New Zealand accent who then ran off. He was not wearing shoes or a shirt. Moorabbin police are appealing for witnesses on 9556 6111.
A WHOLESALE clearance outlet in Station Rd, Cheltenham, was burgled on Saturday night and a large quantity of Manchester stolen. The 30-year-old victim believes a truck was used to cart away towels, sheets, linen and bedding. Anyone with information is urged to call Moorabbin police on 95566111.
Traffic stop Did you know? A DRIVER performing a U-turn must give way to all other traffic – even if, for example, that traffic is facing a give way or stop sign. Road rule 38 prescribes a $258 fine and the loss of three demerit points, or more than $700 at court.
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