21 January 2020

Page 8

NEWS DESK Proudly published by Mornington Peninsula News Group Pty. Ltd

PHONE: 03 5974 9000

Published weekly and distributed to Frankston, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin, Seaford, Baxter and Somerville

Circulation: 28,320

Audit period: Apr 2018 - Sept 2018

Source: AMAA; CAB Total Distribution Audit for further information visit auditedmedia.org.au

Editor: Brodie Cowburn 0401 864 460 Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Stephen Taylor, 5974 9000 Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni Advertising Sales: Anton Hoffman 0411 119 379 Real Estate Account Manager: Jason Richardson 0421 190 318 Production and graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Dannielle Espagne Group Editor: Keith Platt 0439 394 707 Publisher: Cameron McCullough REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie, Ben Triandafillou ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915 Email: team@baysidenews.com.au Web: baysidenews.com.au DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1PM ON THURSDAY 25 JANUARY 2020 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020

An independent voice for the community

We are the only locally owned and operated community newspaper in Frankston City and on the Mornington Peninsula. We are dedicated to the belief that a strong community newspaper is essential to a strong community. We exist to serve residents, community groups and businesses and ask for their support in return.

Jet skiers warned off The Pillars JET skiers are under fire for flouting water safety rules off The Pillars, Mt Martha and putting themselves and swimmers at risk. Safety Beach Coast Guard Commander Mark Brookes said many of the 70-80 jet skiers off the popular swimming spot on Thursday 9 January were behaving like hoons by speeding close to shore and driving erratically. After asking Coast Guard crews to “take a run up and slow them down a bit” he said the jet skiers had sped off before his officers could approach them. The Coast Guard also received calls from Rye beachgoers saying jet skiers were “hooning and doing stupid things” there. Commander Brookes said: “The Coast Guard insists that for everyone’s safety jet skiers must obey the rules or risk a catastrophe. Right now, it appears many jet skiers don’t care about their own or other people’s safety.” Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Sam Hearn said the shire did not have any jurisdiction over the behaviour of jet skiers in the water. Local Laws officers armed with speed cameras could only observe jet skiers from the land and gather evidence of any misbehaviour to be passed on to the Water Police or Maritime Safety Victoria who would conduct any prosecutions, he said. Cr Hearn said he expected the shire to receive the power to prosecute errant jet skiers next year. He said the shire had done “all it can” with regard to safety, managing access and jumping off the cliffs at The Pillars. He did not think “it’s as bad there in comparison to previous years”. Last year the shire spent $200,000 on fencing to restrict access to The Pillars as well as enforcing tougher parking restrictions along the Esplanade and in nearby streets. It also banned the drinking of alcohol – but the ban was not enforced on the cliff top itself as police refused to clamber over the fence due to occupational health and safety concerns. Cr Hearn said the shire had held a public meeting before the current cliff jumping season and he was sure “residents understand the shire has done all it can and that The Pillars is a state responsibility”. Coast Guard crews have also been busy with boating assists. In Friday 10 January’s wild weather a trailer-sailor yacht with a man and woman aboard had to be towed to Martha Cove marina with centre-plate and motor problems. Stephen Taylor and Keith Platt

Pictures: Yanni

YOU’LL LOVE WHAT WE DO Curtains Awnings Blinds Shutters

FREE MEASURE

AND QUOTE Book your free home appointment today

c a l l 0 3 5 97 5 9 3 6 6

www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Shop 8a, 1-13 Mornington-Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy) Mornington PAGE 8

Frankston Times

21 January 2020


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.