Views on bank project sought

THE steering committee of Pakenham Lakeside’s Bendigo Community bank project is preparing to distribute surveys to residents to determine the bank’s feasibility.
The committee is now assessing tenders from consultants who will conduct the study and survey for the bank branch in Lakeside.
The successful consultants will distribute feasibility packs to residents’ mailboxes.
Members of the steering committee are urging residents to complete the survey to increase the likelihood of the branch opening. Steering committee chairman David Impey said a cross section of the community would be asked to participate.
“This is a chance for those people who have not pledged to the bank or brought across banking business to voice their opinions and influence the outcome of the bank,” Mr Impey said.
A function in July will reveal the successful consultant of the feasibility study. Shareholders and residents will be invited to attend the event at the Cardinia Cultural Centre. Although the initial pledge target of $750,000 has almost been achieved, the pledge campaign hasn’t stopped.
Steering committee member Bernie Wilson said pledging would continue past the feasibility stage. Residents can find out more about the campaign at an information table at Lakeside Coles manned by steering committee members each Saturday from 11am to 1pm, and at the Farmers Market at the Pakenham Racecourse every second Saturday from 8am to noon.