Casey’s election wish list grows

By Bridget Cook
BRINGING Casey’s “country infrastructure” up to date with the “city-sized population” is the Casey Council’s key advocacy priority for the state election.
With the state election less than two months away, the council has fine-tuned its list of advocacy priorities – projects the council believes the state must deliver to maintain or improve living standards in Casey.
City of Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said that advocating on the community’s behalf for the improvements, services or funds that Casey requires, and which are managed by the State Government or other parties, is a fundamental role of the council.
“Over the next six weeks we will be putting a number of key projects on the agenda,” she said.
“Projects that if we receive a commitment to, will make a significant and lasting impact on the liveability of our city.
Cr Wreford said Casey Council has a comprehensive list of projects believed necessary for Casey to remain a great place to live, work and play.
“With more than 258,000 residents and growing by up to 7,600 people each year, Casey’s ultimate population will be in excess of 450,000 by 2036 due to recent changes to the Urban Growth Boundary,” she said.
“Our country-style infrastructure has not kept pace with our city-sized population and Casey residents are now missing out.
“Long commutes and heavily-congested roads, inadequate public transport coverage and services, and over-stretched community services are issues Casey’s 258,000 residents are battling with now.”
In the build-up to the state election, the Casey council will be advocating for the following.
State road improvements – duplications and upgrades of notorious sections of Casey’s state road network including extended and enhanced bus services in Casey.
Construction of the Casey Community Resource Centre: a one-stop-shop and community services hub for Casey’s most disadvantaged residents.
Delivery of the first stage of the Cranbourne Bypass, and duplication of Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road from Linsell Boulevard to Sladen Street.
Additional car parking spaces at Narre Warren railway station.
Funding assistance to replace Casey’s streetlights with more energy efficient lamps. Delivery of a vehicle crossing of the railway line at Aylmer Road in Lynbrook.