Change in wind for Cranbourne

By Kelly Yates
THE winds of change blowing through Cranbourne are set to reach gale force after Casey Council agreed to consider community suggestions to its community action plan at last week’s meeting.
Binge drinking, graffiti and anti social behaviour were highlighted as major concerns in the suggestions made in response to the Cranbourne Community Action Plan, released for public comment from April 7 – May 5.
It attracted 83 responses from the community which highlighted the need to improve bus linkages between Cranbourne and Fountain Gate, maintain vigilance in tackling graffiti and anti social behaviour, address youth issues and improve youth recreational opportunities.
A number of residents suggested that Cranbourne needed a free skate park facility like Narre Warren to help get teenagers off the streets and assist with the binge-drinking problem.
Another resident recommended a community centre that offered activities for teenagers such as pool, darts and video games.
City of Casey manager of city living Richard Amon said the comments received highlighted a number of specific issues that council could now further investigate.
Mr Amon said council had allocated funds to update The Shed indoor skate facility in Cranbourne and that it would start after the current review of the facility.
The action plan consists of six key themes including promoting active and healthy environments, developing opportunities for employment and lifelong learning, encouraging culturally rich communities, advocating for well designed and well built communities, improving community safety and accessibility and strengthening prosperity within the community.
The plan was developed to capture the thoughts, feelings, aspirations and visions of the Cranbourne community, which includes people who live, work, visit, study or interact in the area.
President of the Cranbourne and District Residents Association David Banner said it was a benefit that a number of Cranbourne’s issues were identified in the plan, in particular public transport but whether it actually got resolved was another story.
He said until action was taken there would be no advantages to Cranbourne residents.
The Cranbourne resident said he also supported the need for youth facilities.
“I support a motorbike and skate facility if that’s what the community is asking for, as long as it doesn’t impact on surrounding properties that were previously there,” he said.
“If the locals disapproved, then I’d support the locals.”