No way out

THE fires in Melbourne’s north last week highlighted a serious problem which is also faced in the City of Casey.
The council says it will continue its advocacy to the State Government, after the fires highlighted the plight being faced by all growth councils regarding a lack of infrastructure to allow for easy evacuation in emergencies.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the fires highlighted how a lack of infrastructure in growth areas was short-changing residents.
“In Melbourne’s growth areas we are plagued by a lack of road and transport networks that would allow residents to enter and exit their neighbourhoods easily and safely, particularly during an incident such as the fire which occurred in the northern suburbs last week,” she said.
“Casey experienced a similar incident in February 2009 when fire swept through Narre Warren South forcing residents to evacuate.”
Casey is the eighth fastest growing municipality in Australia and is expected to have more than 450,000 residents living in the city by 2036.
Cr Stapledon said in the past 30 years, Casey has transformed from a rural area to a thriving municipality with a population of about 260,000 people.
“As Victoria’s largest municipality, the required infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid development,” she said.
“Casey faces numerous transport challenges, including the need to ensure that arterial roads, train and bus services, keep pace with the municipality’s increasing population, which continues to grow by nearly 120 people each week.
“Minimising the congestion on Casey’s roads and enhancing public transport options, provides lifestyle benefits for residents, including a faster, safer commute and, ultimately, more time able to be spent with family and friends.
We enjoy a positive working relationship with the State Government and we will continue to advocate on behalf of residents.”