By BRIDGET COOK
CASEY has hit back at the State Opposition for “cheap political point-scoring” after using a Casey Cultural Precinct informational video as an example of council misspending.
“The days of ratepayers footing the bill for Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonators are over,” said State Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews as he announced Labor’s proposed policy to force local councils to tighten their belts.
Mr Andrews was referencing the Casey’s informational YouTube video for the Casey Cultural Precinct, where they hired celebrity impersonator Ben Price (dressed as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator character) to interview mayor Geoff Ablett and Amanda Stapledon about the $125 million project.
Footage and photos from the council video have also been used in the Opposition’s promotion of the new policy.
The council has now expressed its disappointment at the Opposition using the project for political play, just days after another Opposition MP met with the council to hear all about the precinct.
Mr Andrews announced last week that Victorian Labor would force councils to cap their rates at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and justify any further increases.
Under Labor, councils wishing to raise their rates above CPI would need to appeal to the independent Essential Services Commission (ESC) and justify any rate increases.
Mr Andrews said councils would be forced to limit rate rises and detail where every dollar would be spent, because ratepayers deserved a fair go.
“This policy sends a clear message that we expect councils to keep their rates in line with CPI – any increases above this must provide a clear benefit to ratepayers,” he said.
City of Casey spokesperson Councillor Wayne Smith said he was surprised and disappointed Mr Andrews used the precinct for cheap political point-scoring only days after a productive meeting between the council, arts community representatives and the Shadow Arts Minister Martin Foley.
“Rather than wasting time using the Casey Cultural Precinct for cheap political gain, we invite the Opposition Leader to work with council and partner with us to address the lack of arts and cultural facilities in Melbourne’s south east,” he said.
“It’s not unusual for projects of this size to engage high-profile ambassadors to assist with advocacy and increase awareness.
“This is the first time a regional project of this nature has been undertaken in Australia.”
Guy Sebastian has also been involved in the campaign.
“Council is committed to providing regular updates to the community in new and innovative ways and having internationally-renowned performers lending their support to the Casey Cultural Precinct is a fantastic boost for the City of Casey.”
The council could not provide details on how much they paid Ben Price due to its commercial in confidence nature.
Cr Smith said on behalf of the residents of Melbourne’s south east, the council was seeking a funding commitment of $10 million from the State Government and Opposition in the lead-up to the November 2014 state election for the Casey Cultural Precinct.
