By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association has been labelled as “Losers in Exile” by mayor Sam Aziz, after they reiterated their criticism of Bunjil Place.
CRRA spokesman Brendan Browne described the $125 million civic-arts precinct as a “nice building, but you would expect that when you spend ($115 million) of ratepayers’ money”.
“Our calculations estimate that in the long run it will end up costing every rate paying household in Casey an average of at least $240.
“We hope that people get their money’s worth and that it is well utilised, but it’s not an equitable way of funding such a project.
“Theatre patrons across the South-East of Melbourne will benefit, but many local Casey residents who don’t utilise the facilities will see no benefit at all,” he said.
Mr Browne said Casey “almost continually pushed for rate rises, while at the same time claiming that Bunjil Place was not impacting on our rates”.
“On top of that, chief executive Mike Tyler and mayor Sam Aziz have been speaking of a so-called infrastructure black hole and the need for a rate rise beyond CPI.
“Indeed, the claim was made in the Casey newsletter that we’re facing a $168 million shortfall over the next 10 years.”
Mayor Sam Aziz retorted that the CRRA should be renamed Casey LIE – or Losers in Exile – for being “negative” and “simplistic”.
“I’m sick and tired of all their barking and it’s fundamentally dishonest.”
As part of its financial planning, the council had reduced the project’s loan period from 30 years to 9 years. Ratepayers would not be impacted during that time, Cr Aziz said.
“We are going to be in a great position in nine years to continue to invest in infrastructure and at the same time keeping rate rises at CPI.
“Is there a more beautiful financial situation than this?”
Cr Aziz said the CRRA’s estimated costing per resident did not take into account the economic benefits, jobs and prosperity that would flow from the project.
“It’s so easy to be an armchair critic rather than to deliver the project in the way we have.
“Some are continually attacking while others are growing the city.
“(Mr Browne) is being a smart alec because he doesn’t understand the financial story.”
CRRA is holding its AGM from 10am-noon on Saturday, 18 November at Hampton Park Community Centre’s workshop room.
