NEWS DESK
Health Minister Police patrol for lunch by Getaway collision the bay A RAM raid on a Carrum Downs
Getting tough on soft drinks Continued from Page 1 Ms Rechter said the new program would improve access to water and healthy drinks in local sport and recreation facilities in eight council areas across the state. “We’re so pleased to have these councils joining us in the fight against obesity by making the healthy choice the easy choice in council-owned sports venues and leisure centres,” she said. “Limiting the availability of sugary drinks at local sporting venues and facilities, particularly in disadvantaged communities, will go a long way in improving the health of Victorians and encouraging healthy choices.” East Gippsland, Geelong, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Melton, Northern Grampians and Yarra Ranges councils are the seven other councils joining the Water In Sport program alongside Frankston Council. VicHealth wants to support 200,000 more Victorians by 2023 to adopt a healthier diet in choosing water and healthy food over soft drink and takeaways.
FEDERAL Health Minister Greg Hunt will outline the federal government’s commitment to creation of a nationally recognised health and education precinct at Frankston when he addresses a business lunch in the bayside city this month. Mr Hunt, also one of two federal MPs representing Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, was appointed health minister a year ago, and one of his first public statements was about Frankston’s potential to become Melbourne’s third medical hub after Parkville and Clayton. The minister will be guest speaker at a Committee for Greater Frankston lunch at midday on Friday 23 February at Functions by the Bay (Frankston Football Club), corner Young St and Plowman Place, Frankston. The event is open to the public. Creation of the precinct, to be operated jointly by Monash University and Frankston Hospital, is a key advocacy objective of the committee,. The committee was formed a year ago to advocate for a better deal for Greater Frankston from all levels of government. Mr Hunt also is expected to speak about how health policy will respond to the changing needs of an ageing population as well as social health issues in the region. Booking details are on the committee’s website at c4gf.com.au or call 0403 244 771.
tobacconist could have ended in disaster when the getaway car crashed, 2.35am, Tuesday 6 February. Two men allegedly drove a stolen Nissan Pulsar sedan through the front roller shutters of the TSG Tobacco Station store in Ballarto Rd before stealing an unknown quantity of cigarettes. During the hasty getaway they collided with another car and the driver, 21, of Oakleigh, was arrested at the scene while another man ran off. The injured man was taken to Frankston Hospital for treatment. Detectives are looking for clues on a series of ram raids in the McCormicks Road, Skye, area. Charges are pending, police said.
PSO attacked TRANSIT police have charged a man following an alleged assault on a protective services officer last month. The PSO had been patrolling the Carrum train station on 20 January when he was allegedly assaulted by another man. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries. A 27-year-old Skye man was charged with assault emergency services worker and intentionally and recklessly causing injury. He is due to reappear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 12 February. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Speeding charges A 24 YEAR-OLD Botanic Ridge man riding a Kawasaki 650 motorcycle was
With Stephen Taylor
clocked at 173kph on the Frankston Freeway, Tuesday 30 January. Somerville Highway Patrol police said they spotted the bike in the northbound lanes just before the FrankstonDandenong Rd exit, after it sped away from the Cranbourne Rd intersection. The bike was impounded for a minimum of 30 days with a release fee of $1042. The rider is expected to be summonsed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on charges which include riding at more than 45kph over the speed limit. If convicted he will cop a mandatory minimum 12 months’ loss of licence, eight demerit points and a “substantial” fine, police said.
Six cars: nose-to-tail
A WHITE Renault van which ran into the rear of the car in front on Bungower Rd, Mornington last week, caused a nose-to-tail “concertina” collision which damaged six cars. Leading Senior Constable Greg Wolfe, of Somerville Highway Patrol, said the van driver, 48, of Donvale, was
later charged with failing to stay a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front, 8.50am, Wednesday 7 February. He received a $238 fine and lost one demerit point. The accident occurred between Derril Rd and Moorooduc Highway. Five of the cars were described as being extensively damaged and one with minor damage. Two drivers were taken to Frankston Hospital for treatment. “Traffic builds up quickly on these roads, especially at that time of the morning, and motorists really need to concentrate,” Leading Senior Constable Wolfe said. “They have to watch out for cars in front – especially near roundabouts.” In another incident, drivers travelling too close to the car in front were left to count the cost after the lead car braked on Eastlink, just north of Thompsons Rd, Saturday morning, 27 January. Police said seven cars were damaged and, of the 29 occupants, four received minor injuries. Many of the cars had to be towed away causing further traffic disruption. Police investigating the incident are seeking dash-cam footage. Anyone who can assist is asked to call Somerville police 5978 1358. “Rear-end collisions are the most common sort that we attend, and they are relatively easy to prevent,” Leading Senior Constable Wolfe said. “In dry weather, stay two seconds back from the car in front; in wet weather double it and maintain concentration on the traffic ahead of you.” He said rear-end collisions could result in on-the-spot fines or charges of careless driving and an appearance in court.
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Frankston Times 12 February 2018
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