Police patrol
Bike run ends
Saved from the wreckers: The main homestead at Down’s Estate in Seaford will not be demolished. Picture: Gary Sissons
Historic homestead saved HISTORIC farm buildings at Down’s Estate have been saved after Frankston councillors decided to overrule council officers to stop the demolition of the historical homestead in Seaford. At the latest public council meeting last month councillors unanimously backed the retention of a main farm homestead, formerly occupied by renowned whip and saddlemaker Harry Down, and a large shed on the land. Council officers had previously recommended all buildings on the council-owned site be knocked down. A carport, outbuildings, water tank and windmill frame will be demolished since the structures have been assessed as being unsafe. Down’s Estate Community Working Group chairman Noel Tudball welcomed Frankston Council’s willingness to listen to community
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feedback pushing for the historic buildings to be saved. Councillors agreed to work with the DECWG to establish a steering committee to work on a master plan for the site’s future. “We are stoked at the decision by the councillors to give conditional permission to proceed and want to thank everyone who has participated in and supported this project over the years,” Mr Tudball said. “Now the real work can finally start.” Frankston Council bought the Down’s Estate land in 2007 to ensure the protection of the adjoining RAMSAR-listed Seaford Wetlands and its wildlife. The site has fallen into disrepair and has been targeted by vandals on several occasions. “Council was unanimous that all
of the structures identified as unsafe need to be demolished, it supported working with the community working group, to determine long-term plans for the site,” mayor Cr James Dooley said. “There have been a number of exciting ideas raised about how best to revive and showcase the farmstead. These include transforming Down’s Estate into an eco-park with an onsite cafe and educational historical tours, similar to the Collingwood Children’s Farm.” The DECWG steering committee will present a master plan to council in June. Fencing will be installed at the site to try to stop vandals entering the property. Neil Walker
A LANGWARRIN man was arrested in the early hours of Sunday 28 February while allegedly trying to evade police on a stolen motorbike. Detective Senior Constable Stephanie Groom, of Frankston CIU, will allege the 28 year old was told to pull over in Lyrebird Dr, Carrum Downs, but instead sped off on the bike which had been stolen in a Tyabb robbery on 6 December. Police say they found drugs, knives and a quantity of cash on the man, who was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court at a later date. He was also charged with having outstanding warrants.
Charges over Ferrari theft, arson A FRANKSTON man was last week charged over the alleged theft of a Ferrari from a Braeside factory in November. It was one of two Ferraris taken from an industrial area, 3.40am, Friday 6 November. The high-price marques were later found burnt out – one in Langwarrin and the other in Frankston. They had a combined value of more than $2 million. Vehicle Crime Squad detectives on Thursday arrested a 34 year old Frankston man, a 33 year old Langwarrin woman, and a 36 year old Skye woman. The two women were later released without charge while the man was charged with multiple offences, including theft and arson. He was refused bail and remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’
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Court Friday. A fourth man, 32, from Frankston, was also arrested on unrelated matters. Sergeant Kris Hamilton, of police media, said the investigation was continuing.
Demands for money A BIKIE on a Harley Davidson is terrorising residents at a Karingal apartment block while making demands for cash, Frankston detectives say. The man, wearing a face mask, helmet, leathers and with his bike’s number plate covered, has three times ridden down the driveway, calling out that a certain resident owes him money. He appears to have a handgun strapped to his thigh. Senior Constable Anthony Smith, of Frankston CIU, said a CCTV camera at the property captures the action. On 18 February a female resident at the property confronted the bikie and told him the man he was looking for no longer lived there, and to go away. The bikie is described as late 30s/ early 40s, 172cm tall, medium build, wearing Army style boots and sunglasses. Anyone with information is urged to call Senior Constable Smith, Frankston CIU, 9784 5555.
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School tours will be available during g the Expo p and also the 9th March at 4pm. To organise a tour during 2016, please contact the office on: (03) 9789 44544.
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Email: mcclelland.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au Frankston Times 7 March 2016
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