Proper priorities

“The City of Casey will soon begin upgrading street lights throughout the municipality. The project will begin in late 2014. It will cost $4.4 million.”
The above is what one can read in Casey’s Magazine issue 50, winter 2014.
Should Casey residents rejoice about that announcement?
The answer is definitely a big No. Why? Simply because council doesn’t seem to know its priorities. This, in spite of the stereotyped statement.
Council has competing priorities for lighting of public spaces made by Michael Bayley, the acting City of Casey transport manager in response to the plea of local residents Norm Hosmer, John Uren, Kerry Davis and MP Luke Donnellan.
Before talking about any replacement or upgrading street lighting that a cynic might associate with commission or kick-back, councillors should visit their respective wards so as to identify places that desperately need street lighting.
They should take time to read the article by Casey Neil titled Danger Lurks On Path published in the News on 11 September 2014.
Council should consider what local residents have to say.
Quote 1: An unlit path behind Narre Warren Bowls Club is a danger to pedestrians.
Quote 2: …lighting for the path was paramount and the current situation was dangerous – club president Kerry Davis.
Likewise, residents of Four Oaks keep wondering why Heatherton Road, from Power Road to Narre Warren North Road, with Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre and a police station, still remains unlit.
Whereas, as from its inception from Kingston Road in Warrigal up to Power Road, Heatherton Road is very well lit.
Does Casey Council lack a sense of vision and good management? Why does council not use some of the funding of $1.3 million from the Australian Government to provide street lights in that area?
This will not only help all motorists, it will reduce the risks of fatal accidents to the residents of Four Oaks.
Let’s hope Casey Council will really get its priorities right.
Eliezer Francois,
Endeavour Hills.