By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE State Opposition has promised to fund the planning stage of the new Endeavour Hills Community Precinct.
Labor has pledged to provide $50,000 to the preconstruction of the project, after the City of Casey formally endorsed the master plan for the precinct earlier this year.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Richard Wynne was joined by Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and Casey Councillor Rosalie Crestani to announce the funding pledge.
Mr Donnellan said the City of Casey was yet to provide any funding to the planning or pre-construction stages of the project.
“A re-developed civic precinct for Endeavour Hills will enliven the area by providing a new performance space, a new public square, new skating facilities and better pedestrian and cycling links,” Mr Donnellan said.
“Labor will provide $50,000 to begin the enhancement of the Endeavour Hills Community Precinct, turning the area into an activity centre all residents can be proud of.”
Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North Amanda Stapledon questioned why Labor was promising to provide funding for the pre-construction of the project when its design was already underway by council.
“As past mayor and current councillor for the City of Casey, I have been very involved and supportive of this exciting plan,” Ms Stapledon said.
“Stage 1 of the design is already underway. There will be a bid for Capital Works Program next year to commence construction.
“I am interested to know how Labor’s announcement would result in this progressing any sooner.”
The Endeavour Hills project is expected to see a thorough renovation and redesign of the suburb’s civic precinct – including the YMCA, library, shopping centre and skatepark.
Four Oaks councillor Rafel Kaplon has previously said the more “visionary aspects” of the project could take 10 or more years to build, while the initial phase is predicted to cost up to $3 million.
