Connecting people & communities PAKENHAM
Incorporating South-East Star Real Estate
Thursday, 9 January, 2014
A Star News Group publication Phone: 5945 0666
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Car complex opens
Work kicks off
The Wingman winds up
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SPORT
Property ty Lift outt
More cabs and a new bus route set to ease travel...
Taxi licence boost AN INCREASE in taxi licences in Pakenham could see more taxis across the region. Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced that two conventional taxi-cab licences had been offered in the Pakenham taxi-cab zone. “Pakenham already has four conventional and three wheelchair accessible taxis on the road, and the granting of these additional licences will bolster that figure even further,” he said. “The approval of these 12-month licences will ensure that both conventional and wheelchair accessible taxis are available in areas that need them most.” Mr Mulder said the reforms would open up the industry and create more competition. “For example, taxis in re-
gional and country areas no longer need to carry the yellow livery, meaning that there is less regulatory burden to comply with,” he said. “In September, we also reintroduced taxi advertising in Victoria for the first time in nearly 20 years.” On the Pakenham-Gazette Facebook page, residents welcomed the news. “More taxis are certainly needed,” Tara commented. “Security at the local pub was nice enough to give my partner a lift home after his Christmas party. “And everything is definitely not in walking distance for the elderly or physically impaired or anyone at night time.” Mr Mulder said he had granted the licences based on an identified need in the community. The Pakenham licences are
being offered for a fixed period of 12 months subject to transitioning into a new licence release process in 2014. Over the Christmas break, a new bus route between Pakenham and Cardinia Road railway stations was also announced which is set to improve public transport options from Australia Day. Routes 924 and 928 will be merged to form new route 928 connecting the two stations which will decrease journey times and expand the bus network north of Pakenham station. Cardinia Road station will now have two bus routes, one north and one south of the railway. Bass MP Ken Smith said that he had continually advocated for improved public transport in and around Pakenham. Continued page 11
Sun shines on active families
A HEALTHY living initiative is getting families up off the couch to enjoy the sunshine. The Cardinia Shire Healthy Together campaign was launched last year as a two-year initiative to encourage children and families to be more active. Yesterday (Wednesday) saw the first session of the Activate Your Family campaign for the Family Cardio Tennis lessons at the Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre. Eight-year-old Charlize had a few hits in the morning sun. 112392 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
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