Cranbourne canned

By Bridget Cook
CASEY councillors voted against holding further council meetings in Cranbourne last week.
Reasons behind the decision included cost, inconvenience and lack of public interest compared to meetings held in at the Casey Civic Centre in Narre Warren.
Previously, most meetings were held in Narre Warren with the occasional meeting at Balla Balla Community Centre in Cranbourne.
Councillor Wayne Smith, who voted for the decision, said that residents needed certainty and regularity, and that could be achieved by holding all meetings at Narre Warren.
“I’d love to know how many people turned up at Narre Warren tonight, instead of here,” Cr Smith said.
Cranbourne resident and former Casey councillor, Steve Beardon said the decision was an “absolute disgrace”.
“What are we, a forgotten race down here?” he said.
“I think it’s really disappointing and a tragedy for the people of Cranbourne.”
Mr Beardon said it was not only a loss for the people of Cranbourne.
“The shire goes all the way down to Tooradin,” he said. “These more rural towns need a meeting out their way.”
Mr Beardon asked the council to reconsider the decision.
Councillors Shar Balmes, Beverley Hastie, Lynette Keleher, Wayne Smith, Sam Aziz and Lorraine Wreford voted for the decision. Those against were Councillors Simon Curtis, Kevin Bradford, Amanda Stapledon and Geoff Ablett.