NEWS DESK
All aboard for Baxter line business case A BUSINESS case for the long-mooted electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter will go ahead after the federal and state governments got onboard a unity ticket to look at the plan. Federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther announced last Friday (22 September) that the Labor state government and federal Coalition government had agreed to pursue the business case Mr Crewther announced on the eve of last year’s federal election. “We’re now able to proceed as the state government have finally decided to play ball by submitting an initial and now revised project scope, after ignoring the federal funding on the table for over a year,” Mr Crewther said. “The business case will go out for tender later this year. Once costed, this opens the way for the state and federal Governments to fully fund building the rail project.” “The business case itself will cost and plan extending metro rail to a new Frankston Hospital station, Leawarra station at Monash University Peninsula Campus, a new Langwarrin railway station and Baxter station, plus look at park and ride options and new stabling yards at or near Baxter.” Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial welcomed the business case announcement. “It is great to hear that both levels of government have come on board with this vital project and we thank them our local members Chris Crewther and Paul Edbrooke for their tireless efforts in achieving this positive win for the region,” the mayor said in a statement. “We hope that this will see the Victorian government reconsider moving train stabling facilities to Baxter rather than Kananook, a decision which would save over 200 local jobs.”
Runway plan ‘aids safety’
Police have released this digital image of a man in the hope someone may recognise him.
Police investigate flasher DETECTIVES are investigating a case of wilful and obscene exposure in Frankston earlier this month. Police have been told a 40-year-old Frankston woman was collecting mail when she was approached by a man in Fairway St, 6.30pm, 11 September. The man allegedly exposed himself and then offered the woman $50 to touch him. Detectives believe the same man may be responsible for up to 13 other incidents of wilful and obscene exposure in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula dating back to 2013. On previous occasions, the man has allegedly exposed himself to women in residential streets and offered them $50-$100 to touch him. Victims are aged 15-40 years. The man is Mediterranean in appearance, 182cm, 35-40 years old with short dark hair. In the latest incident he was wearing a high visibility top, works pants and workboots. Anyone with information or who saw the wilful and obscene exposures is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au online.
The Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey 2017 is now open. Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry? This is your chance to have your say on whether Australian law should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry. Just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the form. Put it in the Reply Paid envelope and mail it back today. If you haven’t received your survey form, need a replacement or more information, go to www.marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au Your response will be completely confidential.
Have your say. Information Line: 1800 572 113 Visit: www.marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au
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Mornington News 26 September 2017
THE proposed widening of the sealed section of the north-south runway at Tyabb airfield from 10 metres to 18 metres would improve safety, according to the Tyabb Airfield Precinct Plan now on public display. But Peninsula Aero Club has been quick to point out that the extra width would not be a green light for its use by larger aircraft. Club president Peter Bernardi said the widening would cost the club up to $500,000 and would be completed “hopefully” by year’s end. The precinct plan, by Kneebush Planning and Arcadis, is nearing the end of its six-week public display period (30 September) after a round of public consultation at Tyabb hall on 31 August. Its stated aim is to “achieve a balanced, fair and sustainable co-existence” between the airfield’s operations and amenity of the local community.
Key recommendations include a Peninsula Aero Club master plan providing its neighbours with more transparency; the aero club to prepare an aircraft noise management plan; the aero club to implement a complaints procedure, as well as ensure all circuit training and gyrocopters be limited to a designated flight path. Other key points are that there be no expansion of special use zone 3 airfield development zone, no change to the use of the east-west runway and no introduction of the airport environs overlay. The aero club has confirmed that no variation was being sought on limits to the number of movements by larger aircraft; the maximum weight of aircraft permitted to use the airport, and that there be no jet take-offs or landings. It says it has no plans to expand the airport. Stephen Taylor
Fire reduction burn-offs cleared for October BURN-OFF restrictions on smaller Mornington Peninsula properties will be eased during October to allow residents to burn off for better fire prevention. Open air burning will be allowed 9am-4pm Fridays and Saturdays on land less than 1500 square metres, provided that no more than one cubic metre of vegetation is burnt at any one time; the fire is not within 10 metres of any neighbouring dwelling, and general fire safety provisions are followed at all times. The shire’s fire prevention officer Katie McKenzie said easing restrictions on land less than 1500 square metres would enable owners of smaller properties reduce fine fuel in the lead up to the fire season. “Residents are reminded burn-off material should not be wet, or green, and general fire safety precautions should be taken at all times,”
she said. “This is a great chance to clean up around your property, but ensure you do it responsibly and safely, and keep your neighbours and local authorities informed.” General fire safety provisions include notifying adjoining landowners/occupiers 24 hours prior to the burn and calling 1800 668 511 at least two hours prior to the burn to log the fire with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority. Other provisions include establishing a fire break of at least three metres, ensuring an adult is supervising at all times, having fire protection equipment available, ensuring burn-off material is dry, and not burning off when winds exceed 20 kph. Details: visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/openairburning or call the environment protection unit 5950 1050.