By Emma Xerri
With many Casey residents currently leaving the region daily for work, the City of Casey is urging the Victorian Government to provide a delivery plan for the Thompsons Road upgrade and extension, hoping to unlock much-needed job opportunities for locals.
“The City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council consider the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road as one of the region’s highest priorities,” City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said.
“The population of our rapidly growing region is more than 500,000 and is expected to reach more than 750,000 by 2041. Currently, about 110,000 residents leave the region daily for employment.
“The Thompsons Road upgrade and extension is a critical connection that will unlock local jobs for local residents, boost investment and strengthen the regional economy.”
Following the Thompsons Road Upgrade and Extension: Economic Impact Assessment, which was commissioned by the Casey and Cardinia councils last year, the effects of this upgrade on local job security are undeniable.
The assessment found that upgrading and extending Thompsons Road would facilitate the creation of up to 140,000 jobs and increase economic output by more than $58 billion. The report also found that the project would deliver $4.40 benefit for every dollar spent and $90 billion net benefit over 30 years.
The council has followed this up in a recent meeting on November 21, at which they endorsed their submission, which covers the Cardinia Planning Scheme and the Officer South Employment Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), to the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA).
The submission requests clarity from the Victorian Government on how and when Thompsons Road bridge and extension will be constructed, and asserts that the success of the Officer South Employment PSP could also be jeopardised by the lack of commitment to the delivery.
