Shire plan land purchase

By Melissa Meehan
CARDINIA Shire Council wants to know what the public thinks of its plan to borrow $2.5 million to buy land in Cardinia Road.
If approved the plan will see the land developed to include unspecified recreational facilities.
But the council said the proposed 6.9 per cent rate increase also included in the draft budget would not be used to pay back the loan.
Instead the land’s developers will have to pay back the money.
Mayor Graeme Legge said the draft 2010/11 budget focused on achieving the right balance between servicing Cardinia Shire’s record growth and ensuring support for local families and communities at a time when it was vital to maximise value for money.
Cr Legge said the budget also sought to provide a responsible approach to service delivery and improvement and maintenance of local roads, bridges, footpaths and other assets.
He said the budgeted rate increase of an average 6.9 per cent was necessary to continue quality facilities to the community and continue the council’s debt reduction strategy.
“At the same time, council is aware of the potential impacts on our local community,” he said.
“We have included in the budget a number of initiatives to assist residents impacted by uncertain employment options.”
A $2.5 million loan has been proposed to acquire recreational land in the Cardinia Road residential precinct but the interest and principal repayments will be fully funded from Cardinia Road developer contributions.
Other highlights include the completion of the new $7.1 million Pakenham library and hall, commencement of works on the duplication of McGregor Road south of the railway, and asset renewal around the shire.