Space for debate

THANKS to Casey mayor Mick Morland for his comments and letter about Bunjil Place (News, 2 July).
Thanks also to Ms Florin Bordel for her important comments and letter on this project.
I have raised this issue during public question time at Casey Council. I am still not in receipt of a satisfactory answer. The important matter at hand now will be for Casey Council to decide what will happen to any vacant office space and land following the completion and opening of Bunjil Place?
This is what must now be considered. Will any vacant space and land be handed over to Westfield Farmers or commercial developers? Or will council have the wisdom to use any vacant space and land for community services and social housing in Casey?
Casey Council should now look at how a ‘Futures Committee of ratepayers and residents could better inform councillors about options and challenges impacting on the south-eastern suburbs.
A Futures Committee would be an important mechanism – an ideas forum for future policy development.
Public question time at Casey does not provide a forum for ideas.
Many of Casey’s councillors are also committed to conservative views as evidenced by the number of councillors who regularly stand as candidates for political parties during State and Federal elections.
Casey is currently hostage to right-wing politics.
Sincerely,
John Glazebrook,
Endeavour Hills.