I WRITE to refute the recurring statements made by Mr Girton and Mr Kotsiras in their letter (Unwanted Bunjil, Berwick and Cranbourne News, 28 January).
These letters are becoming tiresome. Not only is the same unfounded argument being repeated like a broken record but this couple continue to peddle mistruths about the Bunjil Place project.
It is imperative to correct the author; Mr Girton was transparently provided with an extract from council’s independent survey report demonstrating public support for the project.
Council is being attacked by a minority group of only two people for conducting this survey, which received more than 500 responses, making outrageous claims about the project on behalf of the same community.
This is a contradiction.
As repetition seems to be the trend, I’d like to again share that:
1. The $25.5m allocated in this year’s budget for the project is part of the $125m for the project and is fully funded in council’s Budget and Strategic Resource Plan.
2. Almost 50 per cent of Casey’s population is made up of students aged under 18 and their families, who are crying out for quality arts and performing venues close to home. Just ask any school principal, music teacher or local arts organisation (many of whom have written to express their support for the project).
3. The project is a major boost for the local economy, creating jobs and local procurement opportunities, see council’s construction update advertisement on page five in this edition of the News to find out how local manufacturers and suppliers can get involved.
4. Bunjil Place operational costs are factored into council’s four year Strategic Resource Plan.
It’s a shame the authors continue to focus their efforts on unfairly attacking Bunjil Place instead of positively advocating for real issues for the ratepayers they claim to represent.
Cr Sam Aziz,
Mayor,
City of Casey.
