By Victoria Stone-Meadows
Casey Council is remaining tight-lipped on what it plans to spend almost a quarter of its proposed capital works budget on.
Council has allocated almost $31 million for future land acquisitions in its 2017-’18 capital works program, but will not say what land it is planning to acquire.
The allocation of funding for land acquisition forms 24 per cent of the council’s $124 million capital works program in its proposed 2017-’18 budget.
However, council has refused to provide a breakdown of the land it is targeting to buy in the upcoming financial year.
Council’s Manager of Service and Asset Planning Wayne Mack said details of the land considered for purchase were too sensitive to release to the public.
“Council has an annual land acquisition program that provides funding to purchase property and land, to ensure we have the infrastructure and facilities that the community will require in the future,” he said.
“The details of the program are not itemised due to the sensitive nature of land acquisition.”
“This ensures a due and fair process is not compromised and property owners’ rights are respected.”
Mr Mack did however point to previous land acquisition by council and the benefit it had bought to the communities of Casey.
“It is noted that in recent years most of the land acquisition program has focused on the purchase of land to deliver infrastructure in growth areas.”
Casey Council came under fire earlier this year for attempting to compulsorily acquire land in Narre Warren North that belonged to long-term resident John Foy.
After months of negotiations, complaints from residents and state-wide media attention, the council backed down in February this year and allowed Mr Foy to keep his land.
Despite repeated requests from Star News, Casey Council refused to supply even an overview or summary of where the land acquisition funds were proposed to be spent.
