NEWS DESK
Shire puts out call for budget suggestions
Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd
PHONE: 03 5973 6424 Published weekly
Circulation: 19,870
Audit period: Apr 2014 - Sept 2014
Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit auditedmedia.org.au
RESIDENTS wanting to help shape the way the shire council spends its income can have a say about the 2016-17 annual budget. Mornington Peninsula Shire is again inviting input from ratepayers as it develops a budget, which this time will be affected by the state government's new rate capping rules. Victoria councils are facing the prospect of lower rate income, and will have to show "special circumstances" to increase rates by more than the cost of inflation. Rate capping will be introduced for the 2016-17 financial year, and the shire will have to find new sources of revenue to maintain or increase services. In one of her last actions before stepping down as mayor, Cr Bev Colomb late last week invited "all of the local community – including residents, businesses, sporting and community groups" to make a budget submission. "It is important to offer this opportunity for the community to provide input to the preparation of the draft budget so that it continues to reflect the priorities identified by our community as well as providing ongoing service enhancements and infrastructure upgrades," she said. "You can submit ideas by post, email or online through the shire's website. Verbal presentations in support of written submissions can be made to a committee of council 6-8pm on Tuesday 8 December at the shire office in Besgrove St, Rosebud." This would also be an opportunity to learn more about the budget and its development process. To make a verbal presentation, register via email to budget@mornpen.vic.gov.au by 5pm Wednesday 2 December. Cr Colomb said the budget was "part of a long-term process through which the shire delivers programs, projects and initiatives in line with its [2013-17] strategic plan", which can be downloaded from the shire's website or obtained from shire offices in hard copy. She said the strategic plan had been developed by the council "based on extensive input from local communities
Journalists: Mike Hast, Stephen Taylor, Neil Walker 5973 6424 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Bruce Stewart 0409 428 171 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production/Graphic design: Maria Mirabella, Marcus Pettifer Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: David Harrison, Andrew ‘Toe Punt’ Kelly, Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough. ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: mpnews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2015 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2015
An independent voice for the community We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.
through our Plan Peninsula community conversations as well as through the development of master planning and service planning activities, which reflect feedback from the community". "The community will have [another] opportunity to comment on the budget during the statutory process later in the year." Mike Hast
New night bus THE Night Network bus starting on New Year’s Day will run from Carrum railway station to Rosebud, with stops at Carrum Downs and Frankston. The new service is part of one-year trial of all-night transport. The Night Network bus sees a re-routing of the existing 970 NightRider bus. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said the service “will allow people in Frankston to enjoy a night out or get to work, and get home again safer and sooner”. “Trains will run every hour to Frankston, and will be bolstered by bus services that will get people home to Frankston.” Details: ptv.vic.gov.au/nightnetwork or call 1800 800 007 (6am- midnight).
Good cause trivia A TRIVIA night in aid of Lymphoma Australia will be held at the newly renovated Peninsula Room at Mornington Racecourse, Gate 3, Racecourse Rd, 7-11.30pm Friday 13 November. Highlights include live music, cocktail food, raffles, silent auction, and giveaways. Dress: Above average with a twist of lime (for lymphoma). Cost: $50 each person (tables of 10-12). Tickets from: igotthegoodcancer@gmail.com
Eyewear As Individual As You Are
SPRING
2015
Keeping chickens Sat 21st Nov, 10 am – 12 noon
$15 per person
Learn to care for your chickens throughout their whole life cycle. Discover the characteristics of different breeds, how to sex chickens and how to prevent and treat pests and diseases.
Bookings required: Phone 5987 3078
Presented by Jarrod Ruch, Senior Ranger at The Briars. Tea, coffee and snacks available. Notes provided.
Eco Living Display Centre, The Briars, 450 Nepean Hwy, Mt Martha. www.mornpen.vic.gov.au 1300 850 600
PAGE 8
Mornington News 10 November 2015
For more information on Eco Living Display Centre activities visit www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Now stocking Paul Taylor Eyewear
MainStreet Eyecare 57 Main Street, Mornington
5975 3235