Lantern festival this weekend
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison visited Leawarra station in 2018 to commit funding for the extension of the Frankston line. Since then no more money has been put into the project, and car parking promises on the line have gone unfulfilled. Picture: Gary Sissons
Solutions sought over rail impasse Continued from page 1 “While council is pleased to see enhanced car parking at Frankston Station reflected in the budget, we will continue to work with and advocate to the federal government to see if a solution can be delivered at Kananook and Seaford,” Cr Bolam said. “It is my hope that all seven hundred car parks can be delivered as per the coalition’s 2019 commitment – and if council has to use its land holdings to get the remaining car parks for Seaford and Kananook railway stations over the line, so be it.” In February this year a spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure,
Transport, Regional Development, and Communications told The Times that “the commuter car park upgrades at Frankston, Kananook and Seaford railway stations are currently in the planning stage with consultation between the Australian and Victorian governments and Frankston City Council ongoing. All projects vary in complexity and are required to go through appropriate planning before construction can start.” Elsewhere in the budget, the federal government says that funding for the Baxter rail extension is still available. The federal government pledged $225 million to the project in the leadup to
ing safe place to strengthen the health and wellbeing of the growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and drive strong social, economic and cultural outcomes for the community.” The event will also feature performers and food trucks. The Spirit Dreaming festival runs from 5pm to 10pm on 28 May, 32 Nursery Avenue, Frankston. To register go to djambana.org.au or enquire by calling Naaz Stojkova on 0492 427 065.
A LANTERN which will feature at Nairm Marr Djambana’s Spirit Dreaming festival on Friday. Picture: Supplied
the last federal election. Senator David Van said “with more people returning to public transport, the network needs to be ready to meet future demand. The federal government is ensuring locals can get to work and home sooner and safer.” The pledged funding remains well short of what would be needed to actually complete the project. A business case estimated the cost of electrifying the Frankston line to Baxter at between $1.3 and $1.5 billion (“Business case casts doubt on rail extension”, The Times, 19/11/20). The state government has not made a funding commitment to the project.
choose A N D LOCALL
! N I W
You have the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes by entering the Choose Local Competition associated with this feature.
There are
2 GREAT PRIZES up for grabs!
PRIZE PACK
$500 cash
LANTERNS to help light the way to a more inclusive society will be on display this weekend. The Nairm Marr Djambana group is hosting a “Spirit Dreaming” lantern festival this week at the Aboriginal Gathering Place in Frankston. As part of the festival, nine lanterns will be unveiled. They represent the six Nairm Marr Djambana values - safety, positivity, integrity, respect, innovation, and trust. The last three lanterns represent NAIDOC, Treaty, and Nairm Marr Djambana. Chairperson of Nairm Marr Djambana Karinda Taylor said “we’ve invited members of the community to share their ideas and creativity to inspire the visual images for the lanterns. We are so proud and excited to be showcasing local Aboriginal talent, art and creativity.” “Nairm Marr Djambana is a welcom-
valued at over $500
DON’T FORGET YOUR FLU SHOT PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS THIS FLU SEASON
The best way to avoid the seasonal flu is by getting your flu shot. And this year, remember to make sure it’s at least two weeks apart from your COVID-19 Vaccine
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/flu
Simply go online to www.mpnews.com.au/competition and answer a simple question associated with this Choose Local feature. Only 1 entry per email address. Competition closes Friday 4th June 2021 and will be announced online Monday 7th June 2021. Frankston Times
25 May 2021
PAGE 3