NEWS DESK
Gender on agenda A CALL for more women to be elected as councillors is a good idea but difficult to achieve in a democratic society according to Frankston Council. The Labor state government marked International Women’s Day last Tuesday (8 March) by demanding “greater gender diversity in local government” and noted just 34.9 per cent of councillors across Victoria are female and only 16.5 per cent of council chief executive officers are women equating to 13 CEOs across 79 councils. There are currently three female and six male councillors at Frankston Council and the next council election to elect councillors will be held in October this year. “It’s unacceptable that in 2016 women still only make up around a third of all councillors and that they still don’t reach the senior management levels within their organisations,” Ms Hutchins said. “Improving the representation of women at the senior level in both the public and private sectors is a key priority for the Labor government and one we work tirelessly to achieve.” Ms Hutchins has written to council CEOs across the state to ask for support to encourage more female candidates to stand at this year’s council elections. Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley said council shares the government’s desire for equality in local government but notes councillors are democratically elected by ratepayers. “Council will be hosting a number of information sessions for community members who may be interested in running as candidates in the next council election, including one tailor-made for women. This is not new we have run these information sessions ahead of the last two public council elections,” he said. “It is important to note that the councillors chosen to represent our city are decided by the community through a democratic and transparent process.” The state government will direct $50,000 in funding to the Victorian Local Governance Association’s GoWomenLG 2016 project. The project aims to increase the number of female candidates in council elections across the state. Neil Walker
A new design for life in Young St Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A MUCH-NEEDED redesign of Young St as part of the $63 million Frankston train station precinct redevelopment will begin in May and plans for the rejuvenated streetscape were released by the state government last week. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke hailed the plans as a longterm change for the high-profile street rather than a short-term cosmetic stopgap. The plans, designed by architecture firm Hassell, claim “additional green space will make Young St a more comfortable place to be”. A new “civic space” at the train station’s entrance will make Frankston “more welcoming” to arrivals. Increased trees shade during
the day alongside space for outdoor dining will open up Young St as a destination for visitors. Improved night-time lighting “will improve perceptions of safety” according to the plans. “This is a significant moment in the Young St development to finally see imagery of the works beginning in May to rejuvenate Young St,” Mr Edbrooke said. Frankston Council said it had lobbied state governments for Young St to be redeveloped so visitors to the city see a positive first impression. “Young St is a very important gateway for Frankston City and we look forward to it being transformed into a hub for community members and visitors, to meet, shop and enjoy spending leisure time in,” Mayor Cr James Dooley said.
GRAND OPENING
New start: Frankston’s Young St and the Frankston train station surrounds will begin to be rejuvenated in May as part of state government plans, top.
SATURDAY 19TH MARCH 2PM
Melbourne’s Newest Purpose Built Karate School $99 Joining Special 11th - 30th April Karate Uniform • Syllabus Book • Insurance
Bruce Hyland Champions
42 HARTNETT DRIVE, SEAFORD PAGE 4 Frankston Times 14 March 2016
NEW STUDENTS WELCOME
PH: 9782 3000/0409 782 304