Casey’s coast on course

RESIDENTS in seven Casey coastal towns celebrated the launch of a community action plan and the Pearcedale Farmers Market on Saturday.
The Coastal Communities Coming Together plan involves Blind Bight, Cannons Creek, Cranbourne South, Devon Meadows, Pearcedale, Tooradin and Warneet.
The six-point community action plan that identifies the priorities for the area was formulated after a series of consultations and a workshop held in Devon Meadows in March last year.
Parliamentary secretary for community development Lily D’Ambrosio said the aim of the project was to give people the tools and support to develop action plans for initiatives that would make a difference to their towns, then help them work together to develop new skills and foster networks to implement the actions.
“The seven towns involved in the CBI all have unique and wonderful things to offer,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
The Pearcedale Farmers Market has been a raging success since launching in October last year, having attracted thousands of visitors to Casey’s coastline.
The development of the market was the first achievement of the community action plan, with five other activities still on the agenda.
“The development of the Pearcedale Farmers Market was their first success, and this comprehensive action plan lists five other activities such as the development of walking paths and establishing a foreshore committee to help bring the seven towns together,” said Ms D’Ambrosio.
MP for Eastern Victoria Region Johan Scheffer said the community-run market gave locals the opportunity to buy fresh, local produce and catch up with their neighbours.
“It is not just the social connections to be made at the Pearcedale Farmers Market,” he said.
“Profits are invested back to further develop the market and create a multiplying effect,” Mr Scheffer said.