Deal swept under carpet

DETAILS of the agreement between Casey Council and the Melbourne Football Club will not be communicated to residents via a letterbox drop when the deal is executed.
Cr Michael Farley proposed that information be distributed to every letterbox in Casey outlining the agreement and emphasising that no asset will be transferred to MFC as part of the deal.
But the $6000 cost was considered too high.
Cr Kevin Bradford said MFC was responsible for promoting their existence in Casey.
“It’s not up to the council to be the public relations machine of MFC,” he said.
“This is a waste of money. If MFC wants to protect its image and promote the club, it is up to them to pay for it, not Casey ratepayers.”
Cr Farley argued that residents had a right to know of the many benefits the Demons will bring to Casey.
“We need to communicate the reasons why council voted for MFC to come to Casey and what benefits the club will bring,” he said.
Cr Wilson declined to concede that the deal with MFC did not involve the transfer of a significant asset.
“Council has handed over $500,000 to fund this deal, that’s an asset of the ratepayers,” he said.
– Glen Atwell