NEWS DESK

Consultation open on off leash dogs

Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au

CONSULTATION with the community has begun to help shape the future of off-leash dog areas in Aspendale and Carrum. Kingston Council voted in late February to “undertake community consultation regarding the implementation of fencing the existing dog off-leash areas at Iluka Reserve, Aspendale and Roy Dore Reserve, provide customers with greater access to free dog-poo bags in civic and other community and animal related facilities, and implement a trial of a dog-poo bag dispenser in reserves in each Ward including Bicentennial Park, Iluka Reserve, Namatjira Reserve, and Spring Road Reserve.” The consultation period has now started to gauge public opinion on fencing off the off-lead areas. “We think fencing off the off-lead areas will allow dog owners to exercise their pets safely while allowing other park users to avoid them if they prefer,” the mayor Georgina Oxley said. “Dog owners would still need to have effective voice control of their pets but fencing the area could give greater confidence to owners and other park users that dogs will be contained to specific areas of the park. “We’re keen to hear community feedback on the idea from regular park users and dog owners before we make any final decisions.” Cr Oxley said that public consultation about a 24 hour off-leash dog areas at Edithvale beach resulted in council trialling free dog poo bags. More details can be found and feedback can be submitted at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au

THE proposed 2019 Green Wedge management plan will be put out for a six week period of public consultation. Frankston Council’s plan was debated at the 24 April council meeting, with Cr Glenn Aitken saying he was “totally dissatisfied” with the plan. Cr Quinn McCormack said “I’m not supportive of moving this forward to community consultation at this stage. I don’t support the findings or the recommendations of the draft Green Wedge management plan. They directly contradict the state planning policy in regards to the urban growth boundary which was implemented in 2017 and reinforced with the reelection of the Andrews government.” “To be pushing for changes to the urban growth boundary is foolhardy in my opinion, and it is not in keeping with the protection of the Green Wedge, which is what we were supposed to be doing in devising this management plan,” she said. Crs Aitken, McCormack, Kris Bolam and Lillian O’Connor voted that the process not proceed to consultation. Crs Michael O’Reilly, Colin Hampton, Mayer and Toms voted that it move forward. The mayor Cr O’Reilly used his casting vote and the motion passed in favour. The final plan will have to go to the planning minister before being approved. The plan can be viewed at council’s website and a hard copy can be viewed at their customer service desk.

Dog debate: Kingston residents are being urged to have their say about the fencing off of off-leash dog areas. Picture: Gary Sissons

Diver dies at Frankston Pier A MAN is dead after allegedly being hit by a speed boat in the water between Frankston and Mornington on Sunday, 5 May. The man, in his twenties, was with another diver just before 1pm when he was allegedly struck by a speed boat. A passing boat picked up the diver and his dive partner and took them to Frankston Pier where they could get medical assistance. Paramedics arrived at the pier in order to perform CPR on the injured diver, but he could not be revived. He died at the pier. The second diver did not require medical assistance.

Frankston Green Wedge plan up for scrutiny

Picture: Gary Sissons

The death sparked a search for the speed boat driver, who had yet to be identified in the hours following the incident. A 41-year-old Carrum Downs man was arrested in relation to the alleged incident in Mordialloc after contacting police on 6 May. He is assisting police with their enquiries. Marine Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the death. A police boat and helicopter attended the scene, along with the Coast Guard. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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8 May 2019

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