Thursday, 6 February, 2025
Phone: (03) 5945 0666 Trades & Classifieds: 1300 666 808
starcommunity.com.au FREE
Celebrating cultures
Hospitals welcome new interns
Will social media ban work?
Cobras cut ties with Campbell
PAGE 6
PAGE 8
PAGE 14
SPORT
First day joy Casey Grammar School welcomed 75 new Foundation students on their first day last week, filled with excitement, nerves, and fun activities. Teachers and parents helped them settle in, exploring classrooms and playgrounds. Principal Fiona Williams highlighted the school’s diversity and inclusiveness, looking forward to guiding students on their learning journey. More education stories inside
Foundation student Ayuki of Casey Grammar School is excited to go back to school. (Stewart Chambers: 454530)
Planning ‘lock out’ 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 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
Thinking of
Selling?
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,
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 3
With Finning's NO SALE – NO CHARGE & SMART SALE platform YOU can't lose.
Visit our website
Here's your sign!
Call us any time (24hrs) and find out more NOW!
finning.com.au
T 5996 1200 enquire@finning.com.au 12728051-MC02-25