By LIA SPENCER
THE City of Casey has thrown its support behind the National Growth Areas Alliance’s (NGAA) advocacy campaign in the lead up to the Federal Government election which has called for jobs and services for Casey’s growing population.
The council is part of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) which is calling on the Australia Government to take a leadership role regarding population growth so the quality of life in the fast growing outer suburbs is as good as it is in the inner suburbs.
The NGAA represents 3.6million Australian who live in 25 of the nation’s fastest growing outer urban municipalities. It has gathered the stories of outer suburban residents through its website www.voicesofoutersuburbs.com.au and has found many residents are frustrated by the disadvantages common to outer suburbs such as the lack of local infrastructure and services, a lack of local jobs and the resulting lengthy travel times to and from work.
The NGAA recently has compiled a list of projects from different councils outlining the amount of money they hope to seek from the federal government in order to “bring the basics within reach”.
In the list, Casey council has called for $23.1million in funding to support to huge projects which would benefit local residents.
The City of Casey wants contribution for Casey Regional Sports Hub and Soccer Centre of Excellence, which will include a pitch, stadium for 4000 people, community sport playing fields including three synthetic surfaces, pavilions including a sports house, lighting and car parks. The Sports House will connect service providers with the community in the fields of sports development, physical activity, education, sports tourism and multicultural social inclusion. The project would cost $26.2 million but Casey Council would contribute half at $13.1million, asking for a Federal contribution to contribute the other half at $13.1million in the RDAF round four application. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.
Casey Council is also hoping the Federal Government would contribute $10million to the recently announced Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct.
This project would incorporate a regional theater, with tower and orchestra pit. The precinct would also feature exhibition space, an art gallery, library, community plaza and civic centre.
The total cost is $125million with council contributing $105million and also asking state funding of $10million. This project is expected to be completed in 2017.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the Federal Government election provided an opportunity for the City of Casey to leverage several of Casey’s key advocacy priorities.
Cr Stapledon said one of the most fundamental roles of all councils was to advocate on behalf of their communities for the improvements, services and funds they need, where these are the responsibility of other levels of government or third parties.
“In the lead-up to the Federal Government election, council will work with the National Growth Areas Alliance and the South East Metro Group of Councils to lobby on behalf of residents to ensure jobs, services and the necessary infrastructure is in place for Casey residents,” Cr Stapledon said.
Other Federal Government election advocacy priorities include the construction of the Port of Hastings, construction of an airport for the Casey Cardinia region, improved timely broadband infrastructure, improved road infrastructure including Thompsons Road duplication and the widening of the Monash Freeway and enhanced youth mental health services.
Casey residents can join the council’s advocacy campaign by having their say on council’s dedicated community consultation website, Casey Conversations, at www.caseyconversations.com.au.
For further information on Council’s Advocacy Campaigns visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/advocacy.
