NEWS DESK
Dolphins prepped for VFL
Animal cruelty concerns RSPCA ANIMAL cruelty seems to be on the rise in the Frankston area, according to the RSPCA. Frankston has been ranked fifth out of 79 Victorian council areas for reports of animal abuse in the 2016-17 financial year according to RSPCA figures released last week, 20th on a per capita basis. Concerns about the welfare of animals totalled 382 in Frankston among 10,180 cruelty reports across the state. RSPCA Victoria chief executive officer Dr Liz Walker said the animal welfare organisation needs to direct its education and enforcement efforts to the regions that need it most. “This year, RSPCA Victoria has started working more closely with local councils to understand local animal welfare issues, and to put in place tailored, local initiatives to educate owners and better protect animals.” Reports about animals not receiving basic care outnumbered all other offences reported. “It’s disappointing to see that, for the second year in a row, too many Victorian animals were reported to us because of concerns about very basic issues: food, water, shelter and vet care when they’re sick or injured. “These kinds of problems are so preventable,” Dr Walker said. “Whether it’s asking family or friends for support, seeking assistance from animal welfare groups, or surrendering animals to be rehomed, we would strongly encourage owners who aren’t keeping up
PREMIER Daniel Andrews visited Frankston last Wednesday (16 August) to congratulate the Frankston Football Club on its reinstatement to the VFL club ranks. The Premier met Frankston Dolphins general manager Gary Buckenara, a former Hawthorn player, and operations manager Tina Bremert to praise them for their work in helping ensure the footy club could come out of voluntary administration. The club now has 1200 paid members, the second largest membership club in the VFL. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said “losing the Dolphins was not an option”. “No one wins when local clubs lose. I’m proud that the government could help the Dolphins with their debt, and get them back on track to rejoin the VFL,” he said. “I am overjoyed that the club will playing some great footy in 2018 and I can’t wait to get out and support them.” The Premier also dropped in to Frankston Primary School to officially open a new $850,000 prep centre.
Footy’s back: Premier Daniel Andrews visited Frankston Park last week to welcome Frankston Dolphins back to the VFL fold after the club’s one-season suspension. Picture: Yanni
with the basics to seek help to care for their animals.” Reports received from Frankston included: 173 reports of animals with insufficient food, water or shelter 128 concerns about hygiene, grooming and housing conditions 88 reports of underweight animals 95 issues involving sick or injured animals not receiving vet treatment 41 concerns about animals being beaten or wounded (1,210 across Victoria) and 56 abandoned animals (1,186 around Victoria). “In most cases, concerns reported to us are quickly resolved by our Inspectors educating the owner or person in charge of the animals involved, and reminding them of their legal obligations to care for their animals,” Dr Walker said. “In some cases, a stronger response is needed: a notice to comply, seizing and taking an animal into protective custody, or – when all else fails – prosecuting.” Welfare concerns for dogs, cats and horses continued to make up the majority of issues reported to RSPCA Victoria. Of 382 reports received in Frankston: 244 involved dogs and puppies 87 involved cats and kittens and 25 involved horses. Last year, Frankston ranked eighth of 79 councils for animal cruelty reports, 32nd on a per capita basis.
Pokies losses continue to mount Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A STAGGERING $62 million was lost by punters on pokies in Kingston over 12 months according to figures released last month by Victoria’s gambling regulator. Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation data shows losses reached $62,408,098 for the 2016-17 financial year to the
end of June. The total was lost on 509 electronic gaming machines at nine venues throughout the municipality. Alliance for Gambling Reform director Tim Costello said pokies losses of $2.61 billion across the state showed it is time for politicians to step up and stem the flow of money being “drained” from communities. “This time last year we surged through $50 billion in total Victorian losses and in this 25th year of dan-
gerous pokies, another $2.61 billion of harm has been inflicted,” Mr Costello said in a statement. “Measured in 2016 dollars, we are now up to $67 billion in losses and if we keep this up for the next 25 years, these addictive devices will drain another $70 billion from victims.” This 2016-17 losses were down slightly on 2015-16’s total of $62,900,685 but were still high enough to seal Kingston’s place in the top ten of municipalities losing
money through pokies, coming in at ninth place. The Labor state government announced last week that venues “that earn the most from pokies” will pay more tax from August 2022 onwards. The tax revenue will be directed to Victoria’s Hospitals and Charities Fund, the Mental Health Fund, alcohol and drug treatment services and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Fund. “The price and tax rates that we
have announced are fairer and will secure important funding for health and community projects across Victoria,” Victorian Gaming and Liquor Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz said. “Our pubs, clubs and hotels employ thousands of Victorians and this announcement will give them the certainty they need to plan and invest in the future of their local communities.” Venues earning above $6667 per machine each month on average will be taxed at higher rates.
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