Thursday, 20 November, 2025
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Thieves target primary school
Battin out as leader
New extension welcomed
Grace heads to Great Britain
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SPORT
Cybersecurity in focus Berwick Primary School awarded its top students as part of a new program designed to teach children the importance of cybersecurity. FULL STORY PAGE 2
Interview underway. (517960)
Better or worse? Cardinia Shire Council is joining a call for more clarity on the state government’s new planning amendments, which some claim lay the groundwork to repurpose funding dedicated to infrastructure in the outer suburbs. Parliament’s lower house has passed Planning Amendment Bill 2025, dubbed “Better Decisions Made Faster,” to streamline paperwork in Victoria’s bid to rapidly increase housing stock and associated infrastructure.
However, recent criticism has focused on changes to the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution, a one off payment by developers in shires like Cardinia, triggered by subdivisions and planning applications. The fund has the state government sitting on hundreds of millions dedicated to school, road, transport and community infrastructure for outer Melbourne, but a proposed clause in the new amendments says the fund can go to “infrastructure that services the growth area” without “rea-
sonably being located within it.” There are also further concerns about changes to Infrastructure Contributions Funds, limitations to resident appeal rights and council powers. In streamlining home approvals, council decisions can be usurped by the state government if they are not made within new timeframes. Standalone homes would have a 10-day deadline, townhouses and low-rise apartments 30 days and
60 days for large apartment complexes. The streamlining of houses and townhouses could be approved without any objections, while appeals against large developments could only apply to direct neighbours. The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has raised concerns about the lack of communication with councils, and Cardinia Shire and Casey Council have reiterated those concerns. FULL STORY PAGE 2 51 James Street Pakenham VIC 3810 renee.heath@ parliament.vic.gov.au reneeheathmp
LOCATIONS PAKENHAM, WARRAGUL, LEONGATHA, MOE U2, 1 Stephenson Street PAKENHAM
It makes sense to feel frustrated
Renee HEATH MP 12784300-JV29-25
MEMBER FOR EASTERN VICTORIA
12784747-JO29-25
(03) 5922 2072
Renee’s message to Pakenham residents
12781081-EB26-25
Low Dose CT, Digital X-ray, Comprehensive Ultrasound Dental X-ray, Dexa or Bone Densitometry, Echocardiogram