A total of nine community questions were formally presented and answered at the Cardinia Shire Council meeting on Monday, 16 June 2025, covering key planning, infrastructure, environmental and financial topics affecting local residents.
Topping the agenda were five questions from Marcus Wade, who challenged Council and State planning decisions that have left landowners in the Peck Road–Thewlis Road corridor excluded from the Urban Growth Boundary, despite their proximity to developing areas. He also questioned why bi-annual planning reviews were not undertaken and whether any strategic planning had been considered to address these issues.
In response, Council General Manager Community and Planning Services, Debbie Tyson, and Acting General Manager Community Infrastructure Delivery, James Kelly, stated clearly that the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is set by the State Government.
“In August 2024 the state government affirmed its position, that there will be no change to the urban growth boundary,” they said.
The rollout of the new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) has raised significant concern among residents, prompting local community member Ed Chia to seek clarity on Council’s stance and how the levy will affect ratepayers.
Council said it “has no input or influence in the setting of the rates for the ESVF, as this is determined by the Victorian Government”.
“For absolute clarity, Council is legally required to collect the ESVF through its rates notice and Council cannot choose whether or not to collect it,” the official response stated.
“Council reminds ratepayers that they do not have the option to select which charges on their rates notice they wish to pay or withhold.
“While the ESVF will be collected by Council on behalf of the State Government, we remind our
community that this is not a Council charge. Council encourages ratepayers who are experiencing financial hardship to contact Council to discuss options.”
Following ongoing discussions on local development and infrastructure, attention has turned to the future of the Pakenham Golf Course—a site of significant community interest.
Local resident Tanya Dineen has sought clarity on when two key feasibility studies: the recreational land study and the golf viability study—will be completed, stressing the community’s desire to be involved in upcoming decisions.
Council said the feasibility study is expected to be completed within the next three months, following this a report will be presented to Council for consideration, and it will help to inform the community engagement activities that follow.
It has confirmed its commitment to keep the community informed with any updates regarding the golf course site as more information comes to hand.
Council thanked all residents for their thoughtful contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and ongoing community consultation.
