Councils push both parties for cash

By Callan Date
THE City of Casey has joined 29 local councils in calling on both major political parties to look closely at the needs of more than five million Australians in fast-growing communities.
With the Federal election campaign in full swing, the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) has spoken out about the need for $3.1 billion in Federal funding for vital social and community infrastructure in metropolitan growth areas.
Casey mayor Colin Butler expressed his disappointment, saying that as Victoria’s largest municipality and one of the fastest-growing areas in Melbourne, Casey had received no benefit in relation to local funding announcements.
“In order to meet the growing needs of our large and diverse community, an integrated community services facility is urgently needed for our 230,000 strong population,” Cr Butler said.
“Council is supporting a group of local community organisations, including Casey North Community Information Service, South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre, Casey Cardinia Community Legal Service, Options Victoria (Disability Support & Education Services) and WAYSS Ltd (Housing and Support Services in the Community).
“(These groups) have conducted research supporting the need for this type of facility which is proposed to be established in Webb Street, Narre Warren, a central location for Casey residents to access.
“The facility would provide a range of information and support services, and assist people to connect with other specific services and networks in the community,” Cr Butler said.
NGAA national spokesperson, Cr Linton Reynolds said: “Neither party has addressed the critical infrastructure issues our residents are dealing with now, let alone in 10 to 15 years into the future.
“As we represent one quarter of Australia’s population – a significant voting block– we deserve one quarter of our political leaders’ time, attention and funds.”
The NGAA is calling on the Federal Government to fund a $3.1 billion shortfall NGAA councils face in providing social and community infrastructure over the next 15 years.
“Whether you are managing growth in the outer regions of Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane or Darwin, the challenges are similar.
“That is why we are working together to ensure Canberra recognises our issues and puts in place a process – that includes the NGAA – to adequately fund these services our communities need,” Cr Reynolds said.