By Violet Li
As the population for Cranbourne catchment is forecasted to almost double over the next two decades, Star News spoke to Quarters Ward and Correa Ward candidates about how Cranbourne Major Activity Centre can be revitalised to meet the growing servicing demand.
According to the council’s structural plan 2020, Cranbourne Major Activity Centre has been divided into four precincts: mixed-use commercial core, employment and services, residential growth, and Casey Complex. They are wedged between major transportation lines: South Gippsland Highway, the future rail extension to Clyde, and Berwick-Cranbourne Road.
Quarters Ward and Correa Ward take up most of the major activity centre.
A major step made by Casey Council to revitalise Cranbourne’s activity centre is the proposed $40 million Cranbourne Community Hub, which will be built on the council’s car park at 1-3 Lyall Street. The project, proposed in 2023, has been identified as a “priority major community infrastructure project” with a completion day in 2028.
Quarters Ward candidate Ian Wood said he would not support the Cranbourne Community Hub and would like to see it scrapped if elected.
“The main reason is the location. I believe the proposed location is not safe for the number of people that might go to that area,” he said.
“I have been out in the community talking to people and I am finding no real support for this Community Hub.
“Last year I facilitated a meeting on this proposed Community Hub and found no support among attendees for the proposal.
“This year I attended an information session on the proposed Community Hub run by the council, and I was the only attendee. This tells me there is no real support in the community for this.”
Mr Wood said there should be more community consultation on ways to revitalise the Cranbourne Activity Centre not just around the proposed community hub but the whole eastern side of High Street.
“All the businesses in the area should be consulted and opinions obtained. It is important to question the Cranbourne community to find out how best to spend the ratepayer funds,” he said.
“If $40 million is available, my vision would be to spend that at the Casey Sporting Complex, upgrading the existing facilities there including the library, and providing support services there as well therefore removing the need for the proposed hub.
“The new Cranbourne Community Hospital is going there. Money should be spent upgrading Casey Race, and Casey Fields nearby.
“The State Government should be lobbied to extend the rail line out there. It all makes sense.”
Quarters Ward candidate Aftab Hussain said though he was generally in support of the Cranbourne Community Hub, the details of the project had not been provided to him, and he would be preliminary subject to further information from council officers if elected.
“In terms of the location, reducing car parking in the Cranbourne Shopping Centre is not a good idea as this reduction will impact businesses and residents alike,” he said.
“However, I will need to make an analysis of the Cranbourne Major Activity Centre Structure Plan to make an informed comment.
“In terms of the hub, consideration needs to be given to the option of knocking down underutilised buildings and rebuilding a modern facility with appropriate parking.”
Mr Hussain said many jobs could be created in the primary commercial core area along the South Gippsland Highway due to the large vacant lots to the north of the precinct around the Cranbourne Railway Station.
“There are hundreds of employment opportunities in the local area as a result of this project going ahead – in the long term,” he said.
“By modernising the buildings as many of them are decades old, more employment and more opportunities for local businesses including trades will be generated.
“Improving the use of the mixed-used zone will bring additional employment and business development opportunities which will enhance sufficient open and green space to cater for the needs of residents of the medium-density housing.
“While there is much detail that needs to be confirmed after research, the project has a major impact on the southern part of Casey City. The project will take many years to complete with council funding, State funding and private capital.”
Mr Hussain also said the community seemed to be not aware of the Community Hub project.
“Our Cranbourne community whom I have spoken with do not understand the scale of the project at all. While there are many benefits for the community, the plan is unknown within the general community,” he noticed.
“When elected, I will make sure that residents near the Activity Centre are aware of the plans and its developments.”
Correa Ward candidate Kanu Aggarwal said the proposed Community Hub was undoubtedly a significant project for the community’s development, and its importance could not be overlooked.
“However, it is crucial to carefully consider several key factors before moving forward: the location, financial investment, timeline for completion, and the overall cost-benefit analysis,” she said.
Ms Aggarwal said the development of a Community Hub could bring positive outcomes like job creation, business growth, and better recreational opportunities, but thoughtful planning would be needed to avoid negative impacts on surrounding areas, ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds, and resolve existing issues like parking challenges, rather than worsening them.
