NEWS DESK
Safety Yacht Club set measures for spending sought at crossing Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au FRANKSTON Council have agreed to seek an MOA from the Department of Transport to install a pedestrian operated signal at McCormicks Road in Skye following a fatal collision involving an elderly pedestrian earlier this year. Council also agreed unanimously to “liaise with state and federal governments to seek support and funding for the installation of pedestrian operated signals in McCormicks Road.” The move was made in response to a petition with 552 signatures demanding a safety audit at the crossing point and pedestrian refuge on McCormicks Rd. A road safety audit has been completed by HDS Australia. A 92-year-old woman was struck and killed at the Skye road on 29 July. She was returning to the Oak Tree Retirement Village after going shopping when she has hit, and died at the scene. The victim’s niece spoke at the meeting, making an impassioned plea for council to act. “We all have a duty of care to our most vulnerable residents,” she said.
A SURVEILLANCE image showing former Mordialloc MP Lorraine Wreford meeting with Casey councillor Sam Aziz. Picture: IBAC
IBAC investigation involves former MP Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au A FORMER Mordialloc MP has become embroiled in IBAC’s investigation into alleged corruption at Casey Council. The hearings for Operation Sandon, a public examination of allegations of serious corrupt conduct in relation to planning and property development decisions at Casey Council, started on 18 November. The investigation has looked into property developer John Woodman’s alleged financial ties to councillors and if that resulted in
favourable planning decisions. It was alleged that Ms Wreford, who Mr Woodman said was employed by him as a lobbyist on retainer, had couriered cash to Casey councillor Sam Aziz. Mr Woodman was asked at the hearing on 19 November if Ms Wreford had been a courier of “many, many thousands of dollars in cash” to Cr Aziz. He replied that she had. Ms Wreford spoke as a witness at the hearings on 27 November and 28 November. She confirmed that surveillance photos presented at the hearing showed herself and Cr Aziz meeting at a cafe.
The inquiry heard that Ms Wreford had handed cash to Cr Aziz inside his car. When asked if she “knew that whatever arrangement there was between Mr Aziz and Mr Woodman had to be corrupt” she answered “I guess looking back on it that’s correct. It’s probably not quite how I looked at it at the time, but it certainly looks like that.” “I would have preferred not to meet with Mr Aziz,” she told the hearing. “Mr Aziz would ring me incessantly until I turned up with the money. So I felt, sorry, I felt obliged to meet him even though I would have rather not.” The examinations are ongoing.
KINGSTON ratepayers will foot most of the bill for a $3 million redevelopment of the Parkdale Yacht Club. The building will be completely rebuilt for use by Parkdale Yacht Club, Kingston District Girl Guides and Beach Patrol Australia. The redevelopment will add increased storage space. Kingston Council ticked off the project last week. Building works are expected to start in January and be completed by September 2020. The mayor Georgina Oxley said “this important investment will give the aging building a new lease of life that will ensure future generations are able to make use of this popular club in our community for years to come.” “The redevelopment will also see enhanced sustainability measures put in place including rooftop rainwater harvesting for flushing and boat washdown, water efficient utilities, energy efficient lighting and an efficient air conditioning system,” she said. “This will be a modern, sustainable facility that has been designed in collaboration with the club and community groups, everyone involved is looking forward to seeing the new yacht club on our beautiful foreshore come to life.” The Parkdale Yacht Club contributed $100,000 towards the project. Kingston Council says that full access to the beach will be maintained while works are undertaken, but that access to some areas of the promenade will be restricted.
FRANKSTON LINE
BUSES REPLACE TRAINS
6 - 8 DECEMBER Travel changes •
Buses replace trains between Moorabbin and Frankston from 9.15pm Friday 6 December to last train Sunday 8 December to safely carry out works.
Plan your journey at ptv.vic.gov.au
While works are on, shops are open Thanks for supporting local traders during level crossing removal works. For more information visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au
Please contact us if you would like this information in an accessible format.
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 4 December 2019
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