A quarterly report that highlighted 35 completed actions in the City of Casey was unanimously passed during the September council meeting, with councillors reflecting on the importance of community delivery and celebrating advocacy wins.
All 35 actions mentioned under Casey’s Annual Action Plan were completed, including the Berwick Springs Pedestrian Bridge, something that Cr Shane Taylor, the first mover of the motion, said was “vital”.
“Now it’s finally open, it makes a vital connection for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy the trail around Berwick Springs Lake.
“It connects the community and supports residents who enjoy an active lifestyle; but also, the Berwick Springs West Playground received a major upgrade, with new adventure equipment and a new barbecue area, making it a great spot for families,” he said.
Cr Gary Rowe, who seconded the motion, spoke in favour of the development of the Cranbourne Community Hub, something he said that when the current council first came into being, had been “long overdue”.
He added that the hub will be a “purpose-built facility”, one that will “bring together council and community services” in one central location.
“It’s a long-awaited recognition of Cranbourne, seeing that it has missed out in the past,” he said.
“Cranbourne is a special place to me, so thank you to the officers for the support, the building, and the community consultation.”
Other highlights of the report saw advocacy achievements that brought Federal Government funding commitments of over $150 million, which included infrastructure investments to projects such as the Thompsons Road intersection and the Clyde-Five Ways Road intersection.
Also included was a significant progress in tree-planting efforts under the Greening Casey 10-year plan, and other community engagement and employment program endeavours such as the Casey Youth Summit and the Youth Careers Forum.
Cr Kim Ross, speaking on the last two points, said that they were “extremely well-attended” and “full of energy”, adding their importance for hearing the youth’s concerns in the wider community.
“They challenge us as adults to do more to hear and address some of these broader community issues,” she said.
Cr Ross also spoke about the draft climate adaptation game, which encouraged people to “look at the future”, and what “innovative strategies” can be utilised to address climate and communication challenges in the community.
She also acknowledged the $400,000 pledge by the State Government, made by Bruce MP Julian Hill during the campaign season, and the tree-planting effort that had seen a lot of progress in her Casuarina Ward.
Cr Carolyn Eaves, Cr Jennifer Dizon and Deputy Mayor Melinda Ambros all spoke positively about the level of community engagement with council, especially about the issues around Local Law.
During the last quarter, there were a total of 21 community engagement actions taken, with Cr Dizon saying that “it’s important that we continue to listen to our residents and reflect their views in our work”.
Ambros highlighted the achievements of the $139.5 million Capital Works Program, speaking about investments in the Endeavour Hills Men’s Shed, as well as the $1.4 million going into the Sydney Pargeter Reserve and its accompanying clubs.
Mayor Stefan Koomen also spoke about the report’s achievements, bringing together the collective positive council attitude and the future commitment to meet the same, if not better, results in the next period.
