Budget could be more responsible: Bradford

By Kelly Yates
A CASEY councillor is urging the community to have its say on the proposed 2008-09 budget and how the council is spending ratepayers’ money.
Councillor Kevin Bradford said more than $2 million could have been allocated in a more responsible way.
He said an additional $1 million, which was earmarked for local basketball facilities, was allocated to Casey’s bid to lure the Melbourne Football Club (MFC) to Casey Fields.
“Basketball clubs are screaming out for additional facilities and have now been deferred to next year,” Cr Bradford said.
“All councillors supporting more than $1 million being spent to secure MFC coming to train at Casey Fields during summer is totally offensive to the residents who elected them.”
City of Casey chief executive Mike Tyler disagrees that the additional $1 million had been taken out of the budget for basketball facilities.
When asked whether the council was providing MFC with a block of vacant land, Mr Tyler refused to comment, saying it would be inappropriate to comment while negotiations were continuing.
Cr Bradford said Mr Tyler and Casey mayor Janet Halsall had led secret talks with the MFC board and coaching staff for the past four months. Mr Tyler said having MFC in Casey would boost local football clubs with the presence of elite footballers in the area.
He said the AFL players would provide inspiration for young footballers.
“Casey Fields would have greater exposure as an elite sporting venue,” Mr Tyler said.
“And it would bring benefits to local schools and Auskick programs through the involvement of the AFL players.”
Cr Bradford said residents must stand together and submit their objection to the abuse of ratepayers’ money.
Residents wanting to make a submission to council can do so by writing to the chief executive officer, City of Casey, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, 3805.
Submissions must be received by 5pm on Thursday 5 June.