NEWS DESK
Signs designed to be noticed
Riders injured A MORNINGTON man in his 30s injured his back while horseriding on Saturday 3 December, and was taken to Frankston Hospital where he was in a stable condition last week. He was one of 13 people hospitalised after weekend accidents involving horses – including two seriously injured. Nine of those accidents occurred Sunday 4 December; five involved children. The most seriously injured was a young girl hurt when a horse kicked over a gate which landed on the preschool aged girl in South Gippsland. Paramedics urge riders to wear a helmet and safety equipment. It’s also a good idea to carry a mobile phone to call for help. Those riding in unfamiliar areas can download the Emergency+ app which will give emergency crews an exact location.
Liz Bell liz@baysidenews.com.au PROTESTERS fighting to protect Mt Eliza’s decommissioned Kunyung Rd reservoir from development are calling on South East Water to bow to the community’s wishes when deciding the future of the site. On Thursday members of the South Eastern Centre for Sustainability, which has been pressuring South East Water not to sell the site for development, began erecting protest signs at strategic locations in Frankston and Mt Eliza. President Steve Karakitsos said previous public relations campaigns by SEW had placed significant importance on community consultation and the work of community members in protecting the environment. But he said the organisation’s refusal to reveal alternative plans for the site affectively “outlined intentions” to ignore residents’ concerns and develop the site into housing. He said the corporation should respect the public’s desire to have the site preserved for the flora and fauna within it, or saved as public space. “It is largely in the hands of South East Water to halt its negotiations about the sale of the property in order to adhere to official obligations aimed at fulfilling the tenets of their official charter in catering for the needs of the public,” he said. Mr Karakitsis said the group was ramping up its campaign to protect the pristine environment of the reservoir as there had been no progress, or “constructive” dialogue between South East Water and the public, despite many
Rates cash back SOME ratepayers have scored a rare win and will get money refunded by Frankston Council after an audit found Acacia Hill and Spring Hill Estate residents were overcharged for rates. Residents had asked council to look at the actual costs to maintain a lake at the housing estates. At the 28 November public council meeting the mayor Cr Brian Cunial said council found there had been “a slight overpayment by residents in that estate” so 220 residents will receive a retrospective partial refund. “Also in future, the cost of maintaining the lake will be better reflected in the differential rate that the people in this estate are paying so I think it’s a good outcome,” Cr Cunial said. “We do what we can to help.”
Reserve bid: Protesters hope the signs will highlight the need for community input into what happens to Kunyung Reservoir.
requests to discuss plans for the site. Last year SEW made moves to re-configure the 20-plus hectare parcel known as 57 Kunyung back to its historic state as 24 large housing lots, each measuring just under 1000 square metres. The site is within a 825-lot suburban housing estate established in 1924. SEW spokesman Rupert Posner has previously told The Times that the
authority had to “consider the most efficient use of our infrastructure and land” to deliver value for customers. On Monday, he said no decision had yet been made on the site’s future. Mr Karakitsos said he hoped SEW would take heed of the signs and implement strategies to permanently support the creation of a public reserve, as it had previously done in Frankston and Moorooduc.
Rates cap report OKed Continued from Page 1 Crs Aitken, Kris Bolam, Brian Cunial, Quinn McCormack, Sandra Mayer, O’Connor and Steve Toms to have council officers investigate rate capping at 1.5 per cent and “other outcomes” in a budget forecast. Crs Hampton and Michael O’Reilly voted against the proposal. “Rate capping benefits people who own houses and … property investors, like myself,” Cr O’Reilly said. “I pay rates to three different councils so if anyone if going to vote for rate capping and a reduction in rates it’s going to be me but I benefit but I don’t want to see it.” He said he sees how rates revenue benefits “the most vulnerable” that need services in the community. “I’m prepared to pay because I see the results.” Cr Mayer said ratepayers won’t thank councillors for saving them “$15 for the year” in rates. “I am a healthcare card holder. That $15 doesn’t make or break me. I’m not going to be able to go on a holiday for that.” She said council could look at allowing rates relief for people who are on a low income and are struggling.
History grants HISTORY groups in Frankston can to apply for grants up to $15,000 for projects that collect and document local history. Details on the grants and applications can be submitted online via prov.vic. gov.au online. Applications close 31 January 2017.
ta ROM! n a F 2!
S ITS O 1 S T VI 10
I buy and pay cash for... •Copper •Brass •Aluminium •Car/Truck Batteries •Stainless Steel
Merry Christmas
CASH ALSO PAID FOR COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES OF STEEL. BINS SUPPLIED. UPPLIED D.
To all our loyal customers, I sincerely thank you for your continued support. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2017 be everything you wish for. John Fincham. Owner. CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS: Closing midday Saturday 24th Dec and reopen Wednesday 28th Dec. Closing midday Saturday 31st Decc and reopen Tuesday 3rd Jan.
1953 Frankston Flinders Road, Hastings
Phone: 5979 3928
email: scrap@westernportmetalrecyclers.com.au
Somersy Maker aft r Kids C OP! SH K R O W l) essentia s (booking
THE Peninsulas FRESHEST MARKET
So m fun fuch o the r kids !
Saturday 17th December 9am to 2pm A unique market set under a stringy bark canopy showcasing the ver y best makers, creators, growers, designers and collectors from the Peninsula and beyond. 220+ stallholders, live music, kids entertainment, workshops, gourmet food & fresh produce!
Emu Plains Reser ve Balnarring Racecourse, Coolar t Rd
www.emuplainsmarket.com.au $4 parking to support Westernport Rotary & Emu Plains Reser ve. Sorry, no four legged friends. ATM on site!
MERRY XMAS and happy new year from the EPM Frankston Times 12 December 2016
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