NEWS DESK
Mayor chosen for second term Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au INCUMBENT Kingston mayor Steve Staikos has been chosen to lead council for another year, with a state and federal election both looming. Cr Staikos was elected for a second consecutive term as mayor at a meeting last week. Cr Staikos was the only nominee for the role of mayor. During a speech given at the council meeting, Cr Staikos highlighted the importance of the next year given the two upcoming elections. “As we know in 2022 there will be a federal election and a state election in November. I believe I have the experience, patience,
and positive nature to lead our council through these critical elections to the benefit of the community,” he said. Cr Staikos named the chain of parks, the suburban rail loop, level crossing removals, and the Kingswood Golf Course redevelopment as among the most important issues heading into election time. “A key focus of this mayoral term is to secure support from the Victorian and the Commonwealth governments for our priority projects that are important to the people of the City of Kingston,” he said. “The next 12 months are a busy and key time for our city, as we also mark the 25th anniversary of the restoration of local democracy to the City of
Kingston. I’m excited I will have another opportunity to work with fellow councillors, council officers, and the community.” Cr Staikos has previously been mayor from 2009-2010, 2017-2018, and from 2020 to present. Five councillors were not at the meeting to cast a vote - Crs Cochrane, Eden, Howe, Hua, and Oxley all submitted apologies for their absence. Cr Jenna Davey-Burns was elected deputy mayor. “I am proud to represent Kingston as deputy mayor and look forward to working collaboratively with the mayor, councillors and the community to achieve positive results for the people of Kingston,” she said. RE-ELECTED mayor Steve Staikos addresses Kingston residents in a video message. Picture: Supplied
BONBEACH local Craig Lemon Picture: Supplied
Stations set to reopen THE new train stations at Edithvale, Chelsea, and Bonbeach are scheduled to open next week. The rebuilt stations will open and normal service will resume on the line on Monday 22 November. Bonbeach resident Craig Lemon was hurt at one of the now removed level crossings three years ago. He said he was glad to see it taken down. “I was seriously injured at the Swanpool Avenue level crossing three years ago and so I am very pleased to see it’s being removed,” he said. “I have lived in Bonbeach for about five years and really wanted to support local businesses during the disruptions. I would just like to encourage people to get out and make that little bit of extra effort to support the local businesses. On a hot summer’s day, the beaches here are very popular and the level crossing removal works are
going to make the traffic flow easier which will help locals access the local shops.” The Level Crossing Removal Project has been handing out $100 vouchers to help revitalize areas affected by boom gate removal works. Seven people have won vouchers as part of the LXRP’s Go Local campaign. They are eligible to be spent at venues in Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach. One voucher winner spent their gift card at pizzeria Bo Gurks. The restaurant’s owner Jarred Turnbull said “we knew there were going to be interruptions because of the level crossing removal works but the end result is a facelift for Edithvale, which is desperately needed.” “I’m hoping the new station is just the start of the facelift because Edithvale is a beautiful community and it’s a beautiful beach down here,” he said. Enter the draw for a voucher at levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ECB-go-local
Road access blocked ACCESS to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway from Springvale Road will be cut off for a night this week to accommodate Mordialloc Freeway works. The right turn lanes on Springvale Road to the M11 close from 8pm to 6am on 19 November. Left lane access to the M11 is also cut off until 21 November. Detours via Wells Road and Thames Promenade will be laid out for drivers. Detours are currently in place for motorists wanting to turn left onto the Mornington Peninsula Freeway from Springvale Road, via Hutton Road, Frankston-Dandenong Road and Thompson Road. Motorists can still exit the M11 onto Springvale Road both ways.
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330 FRANKSTON-DANDENONG ROAD, SEAFORD VIC 3198 (MELWAYS REFERENCE 99 K6) WWW.GREENWAYSVILLAGE.COM.AU Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
17 November 2021
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