The Greater South East Melbourne group is urging for federal parties for key investments in the region, as it proves to be a crucial battleground for the upcoming election.
The City of Casey’s mayor and GSEM spokesman, Stefan Koomen, said that these projects “will not only create jobs and boost the regional economy, they will also improve the quality of life for residents across southeast Melbourne”.
Specifically, GSEM is looking for greater push on the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road, planning for a new international airport in Cardinia – estimated at $5 million – and a trial of a government-backed loan scheme to fully electrify local homes, also estimated at $5 million.
Furthermore, the group wants to see a focus on the following:
Expansion of the Young Mothers Transition Program ($4 million);
Funding for local public, community and affordable housing ($20 million);
Initiatives to accelerate the transition to a local ‘net zero emissions economy’ ($10 million);
Emphasis on the ongoing development of the Caulfield to Rowville ‘trackless rapid transport’ system, valued at $1.4 billion.
“The big political parties often say they are listening to communities and listening to the outer suburbs, well, hear us now,” Koomen said.
“GSEM wants the communities of southeast Melbourne to receive the attention they deserve this federal election.”
The region represents a swathe of key electorates which include Chisholm (on a margin of 3.3 per cent), Aston (3.6 per cent), Bruce (5.3 per cent), Flinders (6.2 per cent), Dunkley (6.8 per cent) and Holt (7.1 per cent).
