By NICOLE WILLIAMS
PREMIER Denis Napthine was given the third degree by traders and dignitaries during a flying visit to Berwick on Friday.
The Victorian Premier took some time to take questions from selected guests including City of Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon, Cardinia Shire Council mayor Brett Owen, Casey councillors and Berwick business owners.
Under questioning, Dr Napthine focused on previous announcements which could positively impact the region – including the Port of Hastings, East/West link and the metro rail tunnel.
The big issues raised included attracting jobs to the region and improving transport, particularly the Monash Freeway.
“The best thing that will happen for this area is the Port of Hastings. It will be a game changer,” Dr Napthine said.
He said the port would be ‘economically active’ and bring ‘enormous’ opportunities for manufacturing in the wider area, including Casey and Cardinia.
Cr Stapledon also focused on jobs by pointing out that attracting white collar jobs to the region could give relief to traffic congestion on the Monash Freeway.
“We are very interested in relief for the Monash and the East/West link will have an effect,’ Dr Napthine said.
“When they (drivers) have options, it frees the traffic flow up and gives options if there is a hold up.”
He said the metro rail tunnel would also have flow-on effect throughout the public transport network by allowing the expansion of the Dandenong rail network and allowing additional capacity.
Dr Napthine said also he was aware of issues of traffic congestion on Thompsons Road and hinted that an airport may be coming to the region.
“The ministers are looking at identifying land on this side as a potential additional airport,” he said.
“We will be very guided by the local community view reflected by local council.”
Dr Napthine encouraged those present to continue discussions with his own office on improving infrastructure needs in the area, particularly regarding the Port of Hastings project.
Before leaving, Dr Dapthine was presented with a pen made from the Berwick Woodworkers club and encouraged to use it to sign cheques for local projects.
