CASEY councillor Steve Beardon’s plan to travel to the USA to continue his fight against graffiti may have been wiped away. Beardon had been invited to attend a conference in Northern California and was paying for all the related expenses out of his own pocket. But the staunch anti-graffiti campaigner and RAGE (Residents Against Graffiti Everywhere) spokesman may no longer go after some cunning councillors thwarted his attempt at last week’s council meeting. Cr Beardon had his trip endorsed by Casey, but it was quickly put on hold after some disgruntled councillors successfully moved that a council officer also make the journey.The cost involved in the officer’s trip has put Beardon off, but News Views has heard otherwise. According to a source, Casey chief Mike Tyler has personally guaranteed Cr Beardon that a council officer won’t attend the conference after all.
ILLEGALLY ridden motorbikes have long been the source of weekend noise pollution for residents all over Casey. One particular strip of public track, which runs along the Eumemmerring Creek has been terrorised for a number of years, and is the subject of a story in this week’s paper.
It extends from Butler Street, across Frawley Road, behind the Doveton Soccer Club and finishes on the Hallam side of Doveton Avenue. Most weekday nights, and particularly on the weekend, dog walkers and cyclists encounter motorbikes tearing up and down the otherwise peaceful tracks.The inconvenience, and noise, should not have to be tolerated by local residents.Casey apparently has weekend ‘quad-bike patrols’ and local laws officers scouting reserves and parks to catch, and fine, these hoons. Perhaps the camouflage uniform is working a little too well?
LAST week we awarded Cr Rob Wilson the title of Minister for Sport in Casey. This week it is Cr Paul Richardson’s (pictured) turn for an unofficial promotion. Step aside Lynne Kosky, Cr Richardson is about to take the reins of the arts portfolio. Cr Richardson left News Views an intriguing voice mail about his ‘grand plan’ to set up a Casey and Cardinia Institute of Creative Arts. With a number of arts facilities already scattered around the municipality, we’ll wait and see how far this idea gets. Could it end in another ugly division of the council when his notice of motion is put forward next Tuesday night?
ANY local sporting club wanting a much-needed cash boost may just need to wait for another Casey administration bungle. Cr Paul Richardson recently asked for $400 of his ward funds to be given to the Endeavour Sporting Club. But officials at the neighbouring Endeavour Hills Sports Club couldn’t believe their luck when a $400 cheque arrived in the post. Casey administration boss Steve Dalton admitted town hall had stuffed-up, but said they could keep the money. Another cheque was eventually posted to the rightful recipient. We’re told the address was triple checked.
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