supporters Pines pool Plan’s celebrate decision opening
A PLAN to electrify the Stony Point line has stopped in its tracks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Dunkley MP Peta Murphy supported the project while in opposition in 2018 (inset). Pictures: Gary Sissons
Calls to keep rail funding in Frankston THE future of $225 million set aside for the stalled Frankston train line extension has been thrown into doubt. The funding was committed to the rail extension by the previous Coalition federal government. Then opposition leader Anthony Albanese also supported the project in the leadup to the 2018 election. The full cost to electrify and duplicate the Stony Point line to Baxter was quoted at up to $1.5 billion in a business case completed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The planned extension of the train line has failed to progress further than the business case. The state government has not committed any money to the extension, which effectively leaves the project dead. With the rail extension not expected to progress anytime soon, Frankston Council is calling for the project’s committed federal funds to remain in the Dunkley and Flinders electorates. Last week, councillors approved a
motion to advocate for the money to be retained for transport projects in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Shire municiplaities. Frankston councillor Kris Bolam is concerned the lack of progress on the project could see the money allocated elsewhere. “The internal belief both within council and indeed talking to a number of politicians is that this could be justification for the present government to rescind its promise to electrify the Stony Point line and instead have the $221 million reallocated and repurposed for other projects outside of the Frankston municipality. If this happens I think it’s a very disappointing and sad move,” he said. Bolam told last week’s council meeting that that the $221 million leftover after the business case was “earmarked for the Dunkley and Flinders electorates, therefore it is only reasonable that a meaningful portion remain here.” “We keep talking about the Nepean
Highway redevelopment from Oliver’s Hill to the Mile Bridge. We all know this would cost $40 million - I’d love to get access to some of those monies from that $221 million,” he said. “What about making our roads safer? According to our officers there’s $10 million worth of road safety initiatives still to be done. Federal monies could go towards that. $17 million is required to complete outstanding footpaths and $80 million is required to seal all our roads in Frankston.” A 90-day review into planned infrastructure projects was ordered by the Labor federal government shortly after its election - the Baxter rail extension was included in the review. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy’s office told The Times that she was still waiting for the outcome of the review. Internally council has discussed other uses for the committed federal funding if the rail extension does not proceed. Brodie Cowburn
Continued from page 1 Opponents of multi-storey development plans along Nepean Highway have been campaigning to “stop the great wall of Frankston” since last year. A petition asking to implement mandatory height limits in the area received more than 5000 signatures, and was handed to Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke. Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy, a vocal advocate for the implementation of the FMAC structure plan, said the minister’s authorisation is “a landmark moment in our city’s transformation.” “By providing critical clear direction on land use, building design, housing and accommodation, it will ensure future development not only stays true to Frankston’s culture and character, but also uplifts under-utilised and unloved spaces, and provides better connection to our prized assets of Kananook Creek and the waterfront,” he said. “Thank you to our community for helping to shape the future of Frankston’s city centre. It’s now time to make it happen.” The Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula advocacy group has also welcomed the decision. Its CEO, Joshua Sinclair, said “the FMAC structure plan will encourage further development in Frankston’s CBD and open up Kananook Creek to the community for everyone.” “Frankston City Council, the Committee and the Victorian Government all agree Frankston is a great place to invest and develop - and we’re really excited about the future of this great city,” he said.
THE Pines Pool will open for the season this week. The Pines Forest Aquatic Centre reopens on 1 November. Peninsula Leisure operations manager Jarrah Wynne has invited visitors to return this year. “As always over summer, Pines pool will be a great place to come together, be active, cool down, and most importantly, have fun. Memories are made at the local outdoor pool over summer, with families and friends making the most of the opportunity to connect and enjoy being outdoors. We are lucky to have this hidden gem right here in Frankston,” Wynne said. The Pines Forest Aquatic Centre won the facility management of the year – seasonal award at the annual Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards last year. In the 2022/2023 season it welcomed 36,135 visitors. The pool can be found on Forest Drive in Frankston North. CHILDREN swimming at the outdoor Pines Pool. Picture: Supplied
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31 October 2023
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