NEWS DESK
Businesses show confidence in Mt Eliza A RETAIL and services development in the northern end of Mount Eliza is a clear sign that economic buoyancy is returning, despite residual staffing difficulties. Eight new retail and service businesses including Manyung Gallery - have taken up residence in the development at 54 Mount Eliza Way, with negotiations underway for the ninth and final business to move in. One of the spokespeople for the three families connected with the development, businesswomen and former Frankston councillor Chris Richards, said Mount Eliza had largely avoided the COVID-related downturn of some areas and was ready for new businesses. “We absolutely have confidence in Mount Eliza, we have a population of just under 20,000 people, and many are working professionals on high salaries,” she said. “When people want to spend, they want quality. We had a certificate of occupancy by January and by February we had eight shops taken. “My view is that Mount Eliza is undercooked at the moment, it’s just waiting for good businesses to come in.” The nine businesses downstairs are complemented by a small number of high-end apartments with water views upstairs, which sold within three weeks of coming on to the market. Mount Eliza Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Alison Doherty said while there were some businesses that suffered during the height of COVID, largely through lack of staff, confidence was still strong, and growing. In 2017, the shire’s predictions for Mount Eliza had residential development increasing by an average of 40 dwellings a year to 7717 in 2036. That number is now expected to be much higher, as the escape from the city continues. Liz Bell
O’Connor sets the record straight
Mount Eliza in waiting: Businesswoman Chris Richards in front of the mural featured in the centre of the Mount Eliza development. Picture: Gary Sissons
Police patrol
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillor Desi O’Connor wants to make it clear that her decision to suspend campaigning for last month’s federal election was due to questions over her employment as a teacher by the Victorian education department and not retaining her role as a councillor. “Just a clarification that I did not suspend my campaign because I was still holding an elected position as a Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor,” she said. “The suspension occurred because I discovered that being a public school teacher constituted holding “… any office of profit under the crown…” - Section 44 (iv). Therefore, there was a question around whether I was “incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member of the House of Representatives” - Section 44. “At the time I was on unpaid leave and receiving no benefits (such as super, LSL) and had been on leave for well over 12 months from the Department of Education. “I took stock for around 48 hours with my team to determine the path we would take. After seeking advice, I resigned the teaching position on the 5 May 2022, and it was accepted by my workplace that very day. “Holding an elected position in local government was not in breach of the constitution. Just prior to the election, I was informed, after seeking information, that under the legislation (Local Government Act 2020), a councillor’s allowance is payable during a leave of absence. I did not claim any expenses during that time. The councillor allowance, paid to me through that period, has been donated (“O’Connor to donate council election ‘pay’” The News 21/6/22). “The title may have been better as: O’Connor to donate council allowance.” Keith Platt
With Liz Bell
Cars stolen after break-ins CAR owners are being reminded to keep their car keys out of sight in the house, after another prestige car theft in Mount Eliza on Monday night or early Tuesday morning, 20-21 June. A white Audi was stolen from a house in Kunyung Road after thieves got into the locked house and stole the car keys while the occupants were asleep. Police say criminals breaking into homes and swiping car keys while unwitting owners sleep is still a problem on the Mornington Peninsula. They are urging home occupants to lock their doors at night and do not keep car keys in obvious sight. According to 2020 statistics from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, seven in 10 cars are stolen with their own keys. In Mornington for the year 2020/2021, statistics show 23 cars were reported stolen, with 60 per cent of those taken from residences. In Frankston, including Frankston North and Frankston South 121 cars were stolen.
Skye high reading SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol Members were astounded when they conducted an evidentiary breath test on a driver on 21 June who registered 0.223. Officers were conducting preliminary breath testing on Skye Road, Frankston around 11.55am when a Mitsubishi sedan was intercepted for a random breath test. The driver, a man in his 40s from Frankston North, was breath tested at the Carrum Downs police station and registered 0.223. The driver was served with a notice of immediate suspension for 12 months and
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Southern Peninsula News
will be summonsed to court at a later date for drink driving offences. Impairment offences are one of the main factors which contribute to the Road Toll and many serious injury collisions.
Scam alert ANYONE who receives a message offering a free COVID-19 test kit is advised not to open the link. The scam text messages are impersonating the Australian Government, Medicare and myGov. Learn more: servicesaustralia.gov.au/textmessage-scam
Firearms laws SEVERAL changes to firearm storage laws are being implemented from 30 August. Changes include ensuring storage receptacles are: purpose built; made from steel at least 1.6mm thick; bolted to the structure of the premises if less than 150kg (empty); and have a sturdy lock. Find required changes at go.vic.gov.au/ X9o0WY
Preventing burglary A VICTORIAN home is burgled every 24 minutes. Neighbourhood Watch Victoria has the free tools and resources to safeguard homes. There are things home owners can do with augmented reality (such as videos and GPS overlays) to improve security in and around the home. Details about the app: howsafeismyplace. com.au/#app
29 June 2022
Bus shelters vandalised DELIBERATE damage to bus shelters on the Mornington peninsula is costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. On Tuesday morning – 21 June – a bus shelter near the corner of Main and Barkly streets Mornington was vandalised, causing hundreds of dollars damaged. It is believed police have interviewed a suspect and charges are likely to be laid. However, residents say the damage to bus shelters is ongoing and more police patrols and better CCTV cameras should be installed in known hot spots. Another bus stop, near for football ground in Mornington was also allegedly damaged last week,
as well as one in Hastings (inset) the previous week. It is not suggested the shelters were damaged by the same person. An anonymous caller to The News said the Barkly Street bus shelter had been the focus of graffiti over the past 12 months as well as some damage, all under the “watchful eye” of cameras at the intersection. A Department of Transport spokesperson said public transport shelters provided comfort and protection from weather for passengers and “it’s disappointing that the anti-social behaviour of a few people who vandalise shelters impacts on their experience”. Anyone witnessing vandalism should report it to police or call 1800 501 402.