By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE City of Casey has openly backed the Government’s East West Link proposal, in the wake of open opposition to the project voiced by two other Victorian councils.
On Tuesday night, council passed a notice of motion put forward by Mayfield Ward Councillor Gary Rowe, calling for the East West Link project to be included in council’s advocacy campaign.
The City of Casey will now initiate an information campaign within the municipality, detailing what Cr Rowe referred to as the traffic and economic benefits of the East West Link project.
Cr Rowe’s notice comes after media reports this week that the Yarra and Moreland councils had spent more than $100,000 of combined ratepayers’ money on a marketing campaign opposed to the East West Link.
State Government Election Advocacy spokesperson echoed Cr Rowe’s sentiments, and urged Cardinia, Mornington, Frankston and Dandenong councils to join Casey in supporting the East West Link.
“All Victorians should be heard on this project, and not just a minority from inner Melbourne,” he said.
“We’ve had a number of Casey residents that work in the west comment to us how important this project is, but they’re not being heard.
“The East West Link will flow benefits to Casey and the outer south-east, including saving the community travel time to the airport and the western suburbs and beyond.”
Cr Aziz also said the East West Link Project would significantly ease congestion on the Monash Freeway, benefiting Casey residents.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said the “majority of commuters in Casey” would not benefit from the East West Link project.
“A majority of commuters in Casey will not benefit from $8 billion being wasted on a single tunnel in the city, but would be better off with projects like the removal of level crossings on Clyde Road in Berwick, Hallam Road in Hallam, Thompsons Road at Merinda Park station as well as the duplication of Thompsons Road from EastLink to Clyde Road – all projects Labor is committed to,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Local residents have had three years and eleven months of no action on roads from the Napthine Government. Motorists are facing higher rego fees and fines, traffic congestion is up and less money is being spent on roads. Casey residents deserve better than Denis Napthine.”
The City of Casey’s backing of the East West Link project follows its advocacy for the Government’s Port of Hastings proposal, reaffirmed back in April.
