By Cam Lucadou-Wells
RATEPAYERS in Casey’s north have grilled council candidates about why they’re seemingly being short-changed.
At a Four Oaks Ward candidate forum in Narre Warren North on 3 October, resident Tracey Blythe pointed out to candidates that owners of the region’s large acreages paid the “highest amount of rate revenue of any ward” but had “the least amount of money back (from the council)”.
Ms Blythe said that she and children and dog-walkers had to walk on the roads due to a lack of footpaths.
“I don’t have a problem with some of the jewel-in-the-crown infrastructure being built that we all benefit from.
“My question is what percentage is a reasonable amount to give back to (us)?”
A Harkaway resident bemoaned the lack of interest that candidates seemed to have for his village of 1500 votes whose residents were paying hefty rates but had to do without water, sewage and gas services.
Seven of 21 Four Oaks candidates fronted the 50-strong audience at the event staged by Narre Warren North Community Association.
The attendees were incumbent Rosalie Crestani, Bill Klemmer, Barry Erlenwein, Chris Sargeant, Richard Barrow and ex-mayors Shar Balmes and Brian Oates.
Cr Crestani said Ms Blythe’s question was “fair”. She said most money being delivered into the area was in services such as child and maternal health but didn’t recall any specific capital works.
“I rely a lot on your feedback. I’ll work towards that footpath for you.”
Mr Oates said he was concerned about a $154 million fund held by Casey that pointed to an “underspend” over the past 15 years.
“My view is we’ve been overcharged $10 million a year for the past 15 years if that’s the case.
“The council could go a year without even collecting rates because it’s got so much money stashed away, so it appears.”
He also asked why Casey’s maintenance regime was the highest expense in its budget while for most councils, waste management was their biggest expense.
Mr Sargeant – who works in construction – said he couldn’t understand why the council couldn’t create a footpath, given its cost would be about $55 a metre.
Mr Erlenwein said if Four Oaks paid 30 per cent of rates and should get 30 per cent of council infrastructure in return.
“There’s not enough transparency in council. I don’t know where that money is being spent.”
Mr Klemmer urged residents to get onto their local councillors to ensure their needs were being represented in the council budget.
Mr Barrow said some residents may be against footpaths in the Narre Warren North village so it should be a topic for consultation.
Ms Balmes, who lived in the town, said her role as a councillor wasn’t to see “my vision come to pass”.
“It’s about the community’s vision.”
She also urged residents to press their representatives if they had concerns with drain maintenance or other issues.
