Thursday, 6 February, 2025
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Safety pleas after crash
Students ready to learn As kids once more throw their backpacks on and ready their feet for a day of play, socialising and learning, Arbaaz is one of many keen to get started on the new school year in Clyde Grammar.
Arbaaz showing off his block-work. (Stewart Chambers: 454531)
Planning limits Newly-elected Casey councillors are being sidelined from representing the community in local planning decisions due to a policy introduced by administrators in response to the IBAC Operation Sandon inquiry, former councillors say. The policy, endorsed in May 2024, grants council officers sole authority over individual planning applications, with councillors only able
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saying she is working to ensure local voices influence broader planning policies. City of Casey chief executive officer Glenn Patterson defended the policy as a safeguard against any risk of corruption, but he stated efforts are underway to facilitate councillor consultation on significant applications. Story page 7
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Narre Warren and Phil Hume Auto in Pearcedale highlighted concerns about “impossible and unrealistic” planning guidelines impacting the viability of local businesses. They urged an early review of the policy before its scheduled review in 2028. Cranbourne Gardens Ward Cr Michelle Crowther acknowledged residents’ frustration,
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to ‘call in’ applications of broader community interest that impact the state, South East Melbourne region or the Casey municipality, excluding local or neighbourhood matters. Former councillors argued this approach was too restrictive, preventing councillors from representing residents on critical local issues. They said recent cases like BK 2 Basics food pantry in
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