State opens ‘discussion’ on plan to reshape councils THE state government has released a discussion paper which includes "giving stronger powers to the Minister for Local Government to deal with individual councillors who compromise council governance". The paper, released on Friday by Local Government Natalie Hutchins, follows a series of community forums and consideration of 300 submissions. The proposals also include mayors having twoyear terms and greater powers. Councils would also be required to be more transparent in the hiring of CEOs, their pay and conditions. The CEO is the only executive appointed directly by councillors – the CEO is oversees for all other staffing appointments. The discussion paper also suggests:
Consistency in council electoral structures, the number of councillors and wards. Putting communities at the centre of shaping council plans by requiring councils to undertake community engagement, such as using citizens juries. Removing the requirement for non-resident property owners to vote. Making voting rules consistent and providing the option for electronic voting for council elections in 2020 Giving stronger powers to the Local Government Minister to deal with councillors who compromise council governance Improving transparency of CEO pay, recruitment, conditions and performance Having one land valuation system for levying rates.
Nature man: Lionel Lauch talks about the nature’s universal connection.
Connecting with nature ABOUT 60 people braved cool, damp weather for a cultural treat with Lionel Lauch at Mt Martha’s Sunshine Reserve, Saturday 4 June. Mr Lauch, of Living Culture, shared his knowledge on local plant use for foods, medicines and tools.
A didgeridoo “meditation” was played and visitors took part in Mr Lauch’s “Web of Life” game showing how everything in nature is connected. The day was paid for with a Mornington Peninsula Shire Community Place Making grant.
Rocks thrown through windows A MAN threw rocks through 10 windows in Mt Eliza and Mornington in the early hours of Wednesday 8 June. Acting Senior Sergeant Peter Drake, of Mornington Peninsula CIU, said witnesses saw a man damaging houses and businesses, including windows at Mornington Golf Club. A wallet and credit card were stolen from a car in Canadian Bay Rd where several cars were later found damaged. A resident said he heard what he thought was an alarm and ran out to see a car parked beside his own. He challenged the driver, who quickly sped away. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Shine a light A RESIDENT of Gurners Lane, Mt Martha, awoke to find an intruder using his i-phone as a torch while wandering around his house at 4.30am Sunday 5 June. He challenged the man and chased him towards Dunns Rd. Nothing was stolen. Acting Senior Sergeant Peter Drake said police had earlier spotted a man loitering in Piping Lane, Mt Martha, and suspect he may have been the intruder.
Gun in rob attempt TWO men and a woman allegedly attempted to steal a car in Andrews Place, Mornington, and, when challenged, one man pulled out a gun at
8.30am Wednesday 8 June. Acting Senior Sergeant Peter Drake said the trio, driving a white Magna sedan, had called a tow truck to retrieve the car, possibly as a way of recovering a debt. When the victim ran out to remonstrate there was a brief argument before one of the would-be thieves produced a gun. No shots were fired. Police were called and the two men drove off, leaving the woman behind. A brief pursuit was called off when the men began driving erratically. An 18-yeard-old woman, of Bittern, was later charged with theft of a motor car. She has been bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court at a later date. A Somers man, 35, and a Hastings man, 29, are being sought for questioning. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Custody reinforcements EXTRA police custody officers have been deployed to Frankston police station. They are among 39 PCOs to be deployed, with others going to Broadmeadows, Bendigo and Sunshine. Police Minister Lisa Neville said the new custody officers would have a “significant impact” on police resources across Victoria. They custody officers will manage prisoners in police cells, supervise offenders, transport people between court and police stations, and support police with administrative duties.
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Take advantage of our shop at home service or visit our showroom at 51 Yuilles Rd, Mornington 3931 Mornington News 14 June 2016
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