By Alison Noonan
CRANBOURNE community groups will have their say in the development of a multimillion dollar sporting complex at Casey Fields.
Councillors at Tuesday night’s council meeting called for the establishment of a committee to review all aspects of the plan and oversee the development of the Cranbourne East facility.
The committee would consist of representatives from local user groups, community organisations, including Cranbourne and District Residents Association and Cranbourne Roads and Infrastructure Group, and council.
Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford said locals had a right to know what was being built in their own backyard.
Cr Bradford claimed the committee would help to allay concerns from residents that the Cranbourne community had been left out of the development process.
“This facility is being built for the community and the community should have some say in it.
“It is a massive injection of finance into the southern area. Both local user clubs are fully supportive of the benefits they will get out of Casey Fields but this committee will give them the option to oversee the development on a more regular basis,” he said.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler said council was already moving down that line with the eventual formation of a committee of management but supported a preemptive committee to direct development.
“This will at least work to silence the rumours and stories that we keep hearing from locals that aren’t true.
“People will know what’s going on and won’t end up hearing silly stories,” he said.
He said the committee would also provide an opportunity for residents to give input into whether they would like to see an International Bowls facility incorporated at Casey Fields.
“We had a presentation on the facility last week and I think the project still has legs.
“I think we should consider all the possible things we can incorporate at Casey Fields to make it even more spectacular.
“There is a fair bit here that a committee could work on,” he said.
Myuna Ward councillor Brian Oates also supported the committee, claiming it was a good move toward community consultation.
If established, the committee will hold its first meeting in November and continue until the project is completed.
