Cardinia Shire Council is calling for funding and support to address a number of critical needs across the shire as part of its Federal Election advocacy campaign, launched today.
With the Federal election just over a month away, Council has launched a campaign to seek urgent investment in essential infrastructure to support the shire's rapidly growing community.
At the centre of the campaign are 4 critical projects that the Cardinia Shire community needs and deserves – the Princes Highway intersection upgrades from Nar Nar Goon to Longwarry, Cardinia Life redevelopment, road sealing package and the Lang Lang sand truck bypass.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said growth areas such as Cardinia Shire desperately needed more funding for infrastructure.
"Cardinia Shire is one of Victoria's fastest growing municipalities – we welcome an average of 3 new households to our shire every day, and our population is expected to increase by almost 40,000 over the next 10 years," Mayor Kowarzik said.
"More and more people are moving to our shire, but unfortunately the infrastructure isn't keeping up with demand.
"To help support this growth and to ensure our shire remains a great place to live, Council is working hard to deliver essential services and projects for our community, but there is more to be done. We need the support of all levels of government to deliver the essential infrastructure our community desperately needs."
Mayor Kowarzik said Cardinia Shire spans an area of 1,280km, with diverse areas including urban neighbourhoods, rural farmland, railway townships and hills communities.
"Our rural and hills areas present a number of unique challenges and complexities," he said.
"We're currently missing key links to connect our rural communities to our growing suburbs. With more than 50 per cent of our roads unsealed, and as our shire continues to grow, there is more and more pressure on our road network. Unfortunately, this results in congested and dangerous roads for our community and visitors to the shire."
Mayor Kowarzik said Council was committed to working with all levels of government to secure support and investment for the shire.
"Council cannot fund these critical upgrades on our own – we need support from all levels of government to deliver these essential projects to improve safety and amenity, and to ensure our residents have access to the facilities and infrastructure they need.
"In order for us to ensure that new and existing residents have the same quality of life as people in more established local government areas, additional investment and support is needed.
"Once delivered, these projects will make a significant difference to the lives of people right across Cardinia Shire."
Priority projects at a glance:
- Princes Highway intersection upgrades between Nar Nar Goon and Longwarry: Council is seeking $25 million to develop a business case for construction of 4 grade separated interchanges along the Princes Highway between Nar Nar Goon and Longwarry. Since 2017 there have been more than 115 road accidents along this 30km stretch of road, including 4 fatalities. These critical intersection upgrades will enhance road safety and improve access to the townships of Tynong, Garfield and Bunyip.
- Cardinia Life redevelopment: Council is calling for $28.54 million from both the Australian and Victorian governments to commence Stage 1 of the Cardinia Life re-development, providing modern sports and aquatic facilities in the heart of Cardinia Shire. The redevelopment will ensure the facility can cater for current demand and is future proofed for the expected population growth. Council has prepared a business case and is seeking a three-way split with state and federal government to commence detailed design and construction of stage 1.
- Road sealing package: Council is seeking $109 million to seal roads in emergency-prone areas in the northern region of the shire, to improve access and safety during natural disasters. The former Federal Government committed $150 million over 10 years to seal roads in the northern region of the shire through the 'Sealing the Hills' program. Following the change of government, only $41 million has been provided. Council is committed to continuing the road sealing program via the remaining Federal funding and the special charge scheme currently in place. More than 38 roads are already complete or underway.
- Lang Lang sand truck bypass: Council is calling for $24 million to start planning and construction of the new bypass road, which will divert large trucks from the Lang Lang town centre, improving safety and amenity, and providing a more direct route for trucks to access construction sites. The bypass is an action within the Lang Lang Township Strategy. Council has undertaken a feasibility study in consultation with the Department of Transport and has commenced initial land acquisition.
