NEWS DESK
Parking funds approved KINGSTON Council has voted to note that a provision of over $2 million has been made to refund parking fines to ratepayers. Earlier this year, council announced it would refund fines to residents after finding that their appeals process may have been improper. Kingston Council had outsourced their appeal process for fines to an external agency between 2006 and 2016, a process that council later believed was in violation of the Infringements Act 2006. On 22 July, Kingston Council voted to “note that appropriate provision has been made in the financial statements for the 2018/19 financial year and long term financial strategy, $2,048,920.73.” Council also voted to “receive a further report in July 2020 regarding the effectiveness of the Parking Infringement Reimbursement Scheme.” The mayor Georgina Oxley said earlier this year that “it is common for councils, and poten-
tially some state agencies, to outsource the issuing of infringement tickets to an external contractor, however there have been concerns raised that the legislation may not allow external agencies to conduct appeals.” “In 2016 we received advice that, although the wording of the act wasn’t clear, our processes were acceptable. We wanted to remove any confusion and since 2016 have conducted all reviews ourselves. However, we recently received updated advice and council now believes that the introduction of the act meant the final decision of the review should not have been outsourced, and that council rather than its contractor should have undertaken the review,” she said. “For that reason, we want to be fair and transparent and therefore will be refunding appealed fines during the 10 year period,” she said (“Parking fines will be refunded, The News, 6/3/19)
Police patrol
with Brodie Cowburn
Bike found POLICE are searching for the owner of a bicycle found at a Carrum address. The found bicycle frame is a Gitane Mach 1200. The owner of the bike is urged to contact Senior Constable Ross Williams at Chelsea Police Station on 8773 3200. A Victoria Police spokesperson said “please be aware that there has been a spate of bike thefts in the Chelsea and Carrum areas. We urge you to keep your bicycles locked up and engrave them with your driver’s licence number.” Unclaimed: Police are looking for the owner of a bike frame found in Carrum. Picture: Supplied.
Ratepayers pay for parting gift RATEPAYERS will foot the bill for a gift to departing Kingston CEO John Nevins. Kingston Council voted on 22 July to “approve the expenditure of $2,000 for the purposes of a gift to the retiring CEO”. The vote was carried unanimously. Cr Steve Staikos said “it’s a very small gesture of appreciation.” Mr Nevins was at council for 14 years. Mr Nevins will depart on 26 August. Julie Reid, who most recently was working with Greater Dandenong Council, will take over the role.
Hat trick
Stats are in FIGURES have revealed how many people fell foul of police during Operation Armada, which took place in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula areas. Operation Armada ran from 7pm, 19 July to 2am, 20 July. 2077 breath tests were administered, with 18 drink drivers detected. A P plater blew .154. Police conducted 149 drug tests and caught
OUTGOING Kingston Council CEO John Nevins.
20 drug drivers. Police impounded nine vehicles, issued 48 infringement notices, and found 15 drivers to be driving disqualified, suspended, or unlicensed. Three people were charged with criminal offences. Southern Metro Region Superintendent Adrian White said the results were “disappointing.” “It not only puts those drivers or riders in danger but puts the lives of every single other road user travelling around them at risk,” he said. “We have seen far too much trauma on our roads this year. This operation is not about detecting motorists doing the wrong thing, it’s about instilling awareness and making sure each and every motorist understands they have a responsibility when it comes to keeping our roads safe and driving down road trauma.”
TWO members of the Somerville highway patrol had a productive day on 22 July, impounding three cars in a two hour stretch. Just after 10.30am they pulled over a 64-yearold woman in Baxter driving on a suspended license. Her Volkswagen Golf was impounded for at least 30 days. Police also impounded a blue Hyundai iMax van, after they pulled over another driver in Frankston North. The 52-year-old Frankston man was allegedly driving on a suspended license. At around 12.30pm a 39-year-old woman was pulled over in Frankston on Fingal Drive. Police said she was driving a friend’s unregistered Commodore, and only had a learner’s permit. Police said the woman had removed the alcohol interlock system with the help of an unlicensed passenger. The woman allegedly returned a positive drug test for methylamphetamine. All three drivers will be summoned to court.
CARRUM MP Sonya Kilkenny and mayor Georgina Oxley with a young Bonbeach footballer at the redeveloped Bonbeach Sports Reserve pavillion. Picture :Supplied
CHELSEA
Community drop-in sessions Three dangerous and congested level crossings in Chelsea are being fast-tracked for removal – Swanpool Avenue, Chelsea Road, and Argyle Avenue. To get the job done, we want to hear about what is important to you and how we can best work with you. Your input will help inform the project design and the Chelsea Planning Scheme Amendment process.
When Saturday 3 August, 10am to 1pm Thursday 8 August, 5pm to 1pm Thursday 15 August, 5pm to 8pm Where Chelsea Town Hall 312 Station Street, Chelsea Online: Visit our online hub your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/ Chelsea
Come along to a drop-in session to find out more about the project and how to make a submission.
SPA2623
Drop in anytime, no need to RSVP
NEW female-friendly change rooms have opened up at Bonbeach Sports Reserve. The reserve is home to Bonbeach YCW Junior Football Club and the Bonbeach YCW Junior Cricket Club. More than 400 players use the facilities. The upgraded pavillion has two new female change rooms, along with a new shower and toilet. The project was completed with the help of $96,000 of taxpayer money allocated by the state
contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 1800 105 105 levelcrossings.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
Pavillion upgrades done
31 July 2019
government. Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny said “we want all Victorians to have access to high quality facilities regardless of where they live or what gender they are. We’re so proud to be delivering modern, fit for purpose facilities that truly cater for all.” She “acknowledged project partner Kingston City Council for its commitment and investment to deliver the project.”