In a rare face-to-face meeting, a small but determined group of Officer residents confronted local council officials, raising urgent concerns about the safety and future of Starling Road.
On July 30, Officer District and Community Association (ODCA) hosted a meeting attended by Officer Ward Councillor Samantha Jane Potter and senior representatives from Cardinia Shire Council, including James Kelly (General Manager Infrastructure and Environment) and Misty Johannsen (Manager Infrastructure Services).
The meeting focused on infrastructure priorities in the Officer area, particularly Starling Road and other local projects.
Council officers were present to answer questions and hear community concerns relating to infrastructure upgrade projects in the area.
Feedback from the community was collected and officers agreed to provide more information and updates where and when possible.
Council officers also provided further insight into the process for infrastructure upgrades and works within growth areas, outlining what’s included in the Officer PSP.
In response to community concerns raised in May 2025 about the narrowness of Starling Road, Council completed minor improvement works. These included smoothing the transition between upgraded and existing road sections, kerb enhancements, and improved line marking. All recent upgrades along Starling Road have been delivered by local developers in accordance with the Officer PSP.
The Officer PSP outlines future plans for a wider east-west connector road through the precinct, which will ultimately link to the Bayview Road and Princes Highway intersection, as well as a proposed arterial route south of the freeway.
According to Cardinia Shire Council, officers will continue to monitor traffic patterns in the area and is actively advocating to the Victorian Government for the construction of the future arterial connection south of the freeway.
ODCA spokesperson said the recent meeting provided a valuable opportunity for residents to voice their concerns about Starling Road.
“They came to present the Officer Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), explained things clearly, and listened carefully to residents’ concerns,” the spokesperson said.
“Around 16 community members attended, and overall, everyone was happy with the meeting.”
Key issues raised included the narrow width of Starling Road and Browns Road, which residents fear cannot safely accommodate frequent truck traffic servicing local farms and other local businesses.
One important request from the ODCA is lowering the speed limit on Starling Road.
“It’s still currently 80 km/h, but considering it’s been narrowed and it’s just a local access road with schools on it, we think it should be reduced to 60 km/h. The council said they would get back to us on that.”
While Cardinia Shire Council promised to listen and act where it can, many residents are still frustrated that key decisions remain in the hands of the Victorian Government, leaving urgent local issues caught in bureaucratic limbo.
“Most of the concerns are not under council’s responsibility but mainly the state government’s, since the PSP is signed off by the state,” ODCA spokesperson said.
“Basically, they kept referencing the PSP and advised that Starling Road has been built according to what’s prescribed in that plan. But they do understand everybody’s concerns and said they would get back to us on a couple of things.”
“Everyone understood that some concerns might need to be addressed by a higher level of government.”
