Casey split a recipe for disaster, say councillors

By Alison Noonan
THE splitting of the City of Casey would be a recipe for bankruptcy, councillors have claimed.
The call followed a request by Myuna Ward councillor Brian Oates at Tuesday night’s council meeting for an investigation into the implications of a future split.
Cr Oates said his motion was sparked by numerous calls from residents for separate municipalities, as was the case 10 years ago with the City of Berwick and City of Cranbourne.
“We have seen substantial growth in Casey since that time to become the largest municipality in Victoria.
“However the motives of those who have been calling for a split is more like a step back in time rather than a strategic plan to manage the future,” he said.
Cr Oates said he did not support splitting Casey now but was taking a proactive step towards coming up with the best plan for the future, should the need arise.
“The time is right to start being proactive and make ideas for the community to give to the State Government if they propose a split in the near future.
“We will not be able to manage the city over a long period of time if this growth continues.
“We are here to represent the best interests of the community and we should be able to say, if someone suggests a split, that we’ve had a look at it and this is the best configuration of how things will go in the future if we consider that,” he said.
Mayor Neil Lucas agreed, claiming that when the State Government created the City of Casey it foresaw that the population would eventually grow beyond 300,000.
He said a future split was inevitable but a long time away.
“If it will be seriously considered we need to have thought processes about what the implications would be for both areas should that occur.
“This is not about splitting Casey now. My view is that it would be a recipe for the bankruptcy of the southern council.
“However it will make for an interesting report and discussion,” he said.
Balla Balla Ward councillor said Casey’s south had too much to lose if the city was split in the near future but acknowledged it could be a possibility in 10 years time.
“I thought it was 1 April when I first read the motion because I certainly don’t support a split at the moment.
“There is still a lot of growth to carry out in the south and facilities to build in the next few years,” he said.
Springfield Ward councillor also welcomed the report, stating it was vital for council to be prepared for a split whether it occurred now or in the future.
“If we are faced with this in 10 years time and are not prepared the horse might have bolted,” he said.