By Brendan Rees
Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett has declared a “community led fight” to extend the Cranbourne rail line to Clyde “won’t stop” until the November state election.
More than 30 residents rallied with Casey councillors at Cranbourne East on Saturday 14 October to celebrate their successful advocacy campaign towards extending the Cranbourne rail line.
It comes as both major parties have committed substantial funds towards planning, extending and duplicating the Cranbourne Rail, however Cr Ablett said until residents “see shovels in the ground,” they won’t stop advocating.
“We still have a long way to go to ensure the priority projects that form the Commit to Casey campaign come to fruition, but we are thrilled with our progress so far,” said Cr Ablett.
Council staff were also in attendance on Saturday, engaging with residents to get their aspirations for the Casey Complex Precinct, which will also be home to a future Cranbourne East railway station.
Cr Ablett said it is only fair that the Casey community were catered with the transport infrastructure required to meet the huge population growth being experienced in the area.
“Events such as these continue to demonstrate our commitment and dedication to ensuring that the City of Casey isn’t left behind any longer; and that we are delivered with the roads and public transport we need to ease the congestion that Casey faces,” he said.
Jen Marsh of Cranbourne said public transport was vital, particularly for the ageing population who may not have a car.
“Maybe one day I won’t be able to drive and I’d like to be able to get up to the shopping centre,” she said.
“Until we know who is actually in power we’re not sure exactly what we’re going to get yet.
“We’ve got lots of promises. I don’t think it should take that damn long.”
Ms Marsh said she admired Casey Council for organising the rally, however was disappointed more people didn’t attend.
Member for Bass Brian Paynter, who also attended the rally, said he was impressed with City of Casey’s advocacy work.
“I think they’re really showing some leadership, I take my hat off to them I think it’s fabulous,” he said.
“People in Clyde North and Cranbourne East – they deserve public transport,” he added.
“Labor has been in government for 15 of the last 19 years and they’ve completely ignored the area, everybody knew it was a growth corridor…still they’ve done nothing.”
In January, the City of Casey launched its biggest ever advocacy campaign, calling on the State Government and Opposition to Commit to Casey, fix the region’s roads and extend Cranbourne Rail.
