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Tuesday 28 January 2025
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Paramedic ready to wrap up career AFTER 50 years saving lives, Frankston paramedic Kevin Cooper is about to retire. He said “sometimes, with the stress of being a paramedic, you wonder why you come to work. But delivering a baby or bringing someone back from the edge reminds you why you love this job.” See story page 2. Picture: Supplied
Boulevard cash on council’s election wishlist Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au MORE money for the Nepean Boulevard project will be a focus for Frankston Council during this year’s federal election campaign. The 2025 federal election is likely to take place in April or May. Dunkley is expected to be hotly contested - Jodie Belyea defeated Liberal can-
didate Nathan Conroy by a margin of just 2.7 percent at the March 2024 by-election. Belyea and Conroy have both been preselected to run again this year. With an election date announcement looming, Frankston Council has named its top priorities for federal government funding. At a meeting last week, Frankston councillors agreed to ask for money towards projects listed in the Nepean Boulevard Master Plan.
The plan to convert the Nepean Highway into a bustling boulevard includes the signalisation of the Overton Road and Nepean Highway intersection, the beautification of the Kananook Creek Park and Gateway site, activation of the Comfort Station, and pedestrian and cycling connections to Keys Street, the Frankston Foreshore, and Plowman Place . Frankston councillors have also agreed to ask the major parties for
$3 million towards the Bruce Park Pavilion redevelopment, $500,000 for emergency relief providers like Community Support Frankston, and $350,000 to provide support service professionals at Frankston Station. Council is also seeking a federal government contribution towards its $11.7 million plan to improve walking and cycling pathways across Frankston’s city centre. Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said
council had made an effort to confirm its priorities well ahead of the federal election. “In the psychological battle stakes, we are stripped down and ready to go,” he said. “Each of the projects we have identified for council-led advocacy directly reflect what our community has asked for and aim to achieve positive outcomes for our residents, workers, students, and visitors. Continued page 4