By BRIDGET COOK
THE City of Casey has expressed its disappointment over a petition being circulated against the Port of Hastings development.
Lyndhurst MP Martin Pakula has distributed a petition to all Lyndhurst and Lynbrook homes urging local residents to sign it.
The petition calls on the Napthine State Government to consider the future amenity of the resident’s in the South East and give proper consideration to the alternative Bay West Port proposal, near Avalon.
In recent Public and Accounts Estimates Committee hearings, the Minister for Ports produced a map detailing the likely road rail corridor, which runs through the suburbs of Hampton Park, Lyndhurst and Lynbrook, through Dandenong South, on the way to the Dandenong line and the M1.
Mr Pakula urged the State Government to think about the amenity of Lyndhurst residents before charging ahead with its plans for the Port of Hastings.
“It’s fine for the City of Casey to say there will be no impact on amenity,” he said.
“But when the Ports Minister’s own maps show a massive road and rail freight route running through Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, residents are entitled to ask whether the Government has considered all options for where those seven million containers per annum should go.
“This Government is going to send hundreds of extra trucks and freight trains through this electorate every day without properly considering departmental advice and clearly without thinking about the amenity of the communities of Lyndhurst, Lynbrook, Hampton Park and Dandenong South.”
The City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon has attacked the petition and said that Mr Pakula has peddled misinformation about the project.
“It is disappointing that the State Member for Lyndhurst is circulating inaccurate information to Casey residents and is scare-mongering,” she said.
“The State Member’s claims that the amenity of the local area will be damaged are unfounded.
“Council has been assured by the State Government that residents will be widely consulted on the Port of Hastings as part of the planning phase of the project, including any impacts on the local transport network.
“I encourage residents to consider the full facts before participating in the petition.”
Cr Stapledon said the construction of the Port of Hastings was one of the council’s top advocacy priorities.
“The Port of Hastings will be a boon for Melbourne’s south east representing a significant economic opportunity providing local jobs for local people,” she said.
“Council supports the State Government’s commitment to the project and is encouraging the State Government to deliver completing the Port of Hastings within the next decade.
“Council looks forward to working with the State Government on the detailed planning and environmental assessments for the port, and its related transport infrastructure.”
