Casey roads to improve

By Lia Bichel
COMMUTERS could enjoy a smoother ride on Casey roads in the next five years thanks to State Government funding for a Roads to Recovery program.
Through the Rudd Government’s $1.75 billion program, Casey Council will receive $4,956,675 over five years for road improvements and upgrades, acting mayor Cr Daniel Mulino said.
“Under the funding guidelines, council will be eligible to receive $991,335 per annum, subject to works being completed,” he said.
“Council is pleased the Government has delivered on its election commitment to extending this important funding initiative for a further five years as it facilitates significant improvements to the local road network.”
In the past eight years, two separate Road to Recovery funding packages have assisted council in delivering maintenance projects and road upgrades to Casey roads.
These projects include the sealing of Browns Road, Cranbourne South, Cross Road, Finsbury Road and Worthing Road, Devon Meadows, construction of sections of Glasscocks Road in Narre Warren South, and reconstruction of sections of Kidds Road and Crimson Drive, Doveton.
Cr Mulino said council took the expected income from extending the program into account when developing the forward capital works planning, but has yet to assign the funds to a specific project.
“Council will consider the allocation of funds to specific projects at a meeting in the near future,” he said.
Funding for the Roads to Recovery program will commence on 1 July 2009.