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The Victorian Government’s re-commitment to a “vital source of income” for the municipality has restored hope for future community projects.

In a bid to woo voters in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, next month’s state budget will tip another $50 million to the government’s Growing Suburbs fund.

The fund is a local councils grants program for vital community infrastructure in 10 of the city’s fastest-growing corridors, restoring funding that was slashed in last year’s budget.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Collin Ross has welcomed the re-commitment.

“The Growing Suburbs Fund is a vital source of income for Cardinia Shire Council to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population,” Cr Ross said.

“It allows us to deliver much needed community infrastructure and facilities to serve our community for many years to come.”

The announcement restored the funding that was slashed in last year’s budget and has returned spending on the fund, which has paid for 76 projects on the urban fringe since it was established in the Andrews’ government first budget in 2015, back to the promised level of $200 million over four years.

The Growing Suburbs Fund started life as the Interface Growth Fund, a 2014 election promise made after lobbying from outer-suburban councils pledging money to vital community projects in areas that did not enjoy the infrastructure riches of the inner and middle suburbs.

Growing Suburbs was also offered as a consolation to councils struggling financially under the government’s Fair Go Rates policy, which caps the level of council rates at inflation.

There were bitter complaints from the interface councils last year when the funding was cut in half in the 2017 budget.

Cr Brett Owen, Interface Councils spokesperson and Mayor at the time, had said the cash cut would halve the number of community projects funded.

Now Deputy Mayor, Cr Owen said the restoration of the funding was “fantastic news”.

“Our council relies heavily on this money to provide the vital infrastructure our communities so desperately need,” he said.

“We can do a lot with this money.”

The $3 million Cultural Centre Redevelopment, the $1.5 million Hills Hub and the $500,000 James Bathe Recreation Reserve grants have all been approved under the 2017-2019 Growing Suburbs fund by Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz.Announcing the re-commitment to the full funding of Growing Suburbs on Tuesday 20 April, Ms Kairouz said the infrastructure spending being paid for through the fund was “vital”.

“This boost will deliver more vital infrastructure to Melbourne’s booming outer suburbs,” the minister said.

“It’s building everything from new sports pavilions to childcare centres, ensuring locals have the facilities and services they need, close to home.”

 

The Victorian Government’s re-commitment to a “vital source of income” for the municipality has restored hope for future community projects. In a bid to woo voters in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, next month’s state budget will tip another $50 million to the government’s Growing Suburbs fund. The fund is a local councils grants program for vital community infrastructure in 10 of the city’s fastest-growing corridors, restoring funding that was slashed in last year’s budget. Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Collin Ross has welcomed the re-commitment. “The Growing Suburbs Fund is a vital source of income for Cardinia Shire Council to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population,” Cr Ross said. “It allows us to deliver much needed community infrastructure and facilities to serve our community for many years to come.” The announcement restored the funding that was slashed in last year’s budget and has returned spending on the fund, which has paid for 76 projects on the urban fringe since it was established in the Andrews’ government first budget in 2015, back to the promised level of $200 million over four years. The Growing Suburbs Fund started life as the Interface Growth Fund, a 2014 election promise made after lobbying from outer-suburban councils pledging money to vital community projects in areas that did not enjoy the infrastructure riches of the inner and middle suburbs. Growing Suburbs was also offered as a consolation to councils struggling financially under the government’s Fair Go Rates policy, which caps the level of council rates at inflation. There were bitter complaints from the interface councils last year when the funding was cut in half in the 2017 budget. Cr Brett Owen, Interface Councils spokesperson and Mayor at the time, had said the cash cut would halve the number of community projects funded. Now Deputy Mayor, Cr Owen said the restoration of the funding was “fantastic news”. “Our council relies heavily on this money to provide the vital infrastructure our communities so desperately need,” he said. “We can do a lot with this money.” The $3 million Cultural Centre Redevelopment, the $1.5 million Hills Hub and the $500,000 James Bathe Recreation Reserve grants have all been approved under the 2017-2019 Growing Suburbs fund by Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz.Announcing the re-commitment to the full funding of Growing Suburbs on Tuesday 20 April, Ms Kairouz said the infrastructure spending being paid for through the fund was “vital”. “This boost will deliver more vital infrastructure to Melbourne’s booming outer suburbs,” the minister said. “It’s building everything from new sports pavilions to childcare centres, ensuring locals have the facilities and services they need, close to home.”  

All eyes will be on Dandenong at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Short film All These Creatures is among eight in competition for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at the French festival.

It’s the only Australian film to make the cut.

It was shot almost entirely in Greater Dandenong, students from local schools were used as extras, and three young people from the community worked on the film to gain industry experience through a mentorship program.

Writer and director Charles Williams told ABC 774 Tuesday 17 April that Dandenong was “a great part of town”.

Host Rafael Epstein commented that music star Beyonce chose to pop into Brunswick when she was in Melbourne and “you go to Dandenong”.

“I think she should have gone to Dandenong,” Mr Williams said.

“For me it’s one of the most interesting parts of Melbourne.

“It has a really vibrant, not just multicultural community, but it’s also incredibly diverse visually.

“We set the film in the mid-’90s and there were some areas where you could get something more dated and there were some areas that weren’t as gentrified as other parts of Melbourne.”

Mr Williams said the film was told in flashback with a teenage boy, played by 13-year-old Yared Scott who was born in Ethiopia and raised by his adoptive parents in Melbourne.

“This young boy is trying to come to terms with his own fears of what he’s going to turn into,” he said.

Greater Dandenong Council was involved with the project from its inception.

Corporate services director Mick Jaensch said the powerful and poignant film tackled the complexities of mental health, family issues and compassion.

“We worked with filmmaker Charles Williams in the making of his film and the end result has exceeded our expectations,” he said.

“The film is a universal story about how we relate to our parents and the complexity of family relationships.

“It’s amazing to see our local stories have the opportunity to have an impact internationally.”

The Cannes Film Festival runs from 8 to 19 May.

Mr Williams was not available to speak with the Journal before deadline, but said he would make time to chat for a follow-up story.

All eyes will be on Dandenong at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Short film All These Creatures is among eight in competition for the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at the French festival. It’s the only Australian film to make the cut. It was shot almost entirely in Greater Dandenong, students from local schools were used as extras, and three young people from the community worked on the film to gain industry experience through a mentorship program. Writer and director Charles Williams told ABC 774 Tuesday 17 April that Dandenong was “a great part of town”. Host Rafael Epstein commented that music star Beyonce chose to pop into Brunswick when she was in Melbourne and “you go to Dandenong”. “I think she should have gone to Dandenong,” Mr Williams said. “For me it’s one of the most interesting parts of Melbourne. “It has a really vibrant, not just multicultural community, but it’s also incredibly diverse visually. “We set the film in the mid-’90s and there were some areas where you could get something more dated and there were some areas that weren’t as gentrified as other parts of Melbourne.” Mr Williams said the film was told in flashback with a teenage boy, played by 13-year-old Yared Scott who was born in Ethiopia and raised by his adoptive parents in Melbourne. “This young boy is trying to come to terms with his own fears of what he’s going to turn into,” he said. Greater Dandenong Council was involved with the project from its inception. Corporate services director Mick Jaensch said the powerful and poignant film tackled the complexities of mental health, family issues and compassion. “We worked with filmmaker Charles Williams in the making of his film and the end result has exceeded our expectations,” he said. “The film is a universal story about how we relate to our parents and the complexity of family relationships. “It’s amazing to see our local stories have the opportunity to have an impact internationally.” The Cannes Film Festival runs from 8 to 19 May. Mr Williams was not available to speak with the Journal before deadline, but said he would make time to chat for a follow-up story.

A tradie has been robbed of his livelihood after callous thieves allegedly took off with his excavator in Cranbourne North.

The 36-year-old is offering a $1000 reward after his excavator and trailer were stolen from Abrus Circuit on Tuesday 17 April.

Owner of Casey and Cardinia Landscaping Mathew Banks said he was gutted to find his trailer and excavator missing between 10am and 10.30am.

“It did have a trailer lock on it as well and obviously they just cut that off,” he said.

Mr Banks has been left to pick up the pieces, saying he relies heavily on his excavator.

“It pretty much gets used every second day,” he said.

“It’s a big loss. I’ve got about another six more months to pay it off.”

According to Mr Banks, the Takeuchi red and grey excavator and trailer are expensive, valued together at more than $52,000 and he is now require to hire the gear, which is costly.

“It kind of hurts the pocket,” he said.

“I do a lot of retaining walls, it’s got an auger bit on it to drill holes so can’t do those jobs.”

He says he also not insured for the excavator which was just over four years old.

“It was four months out of insurance because I moved and didn’t even think about ringing the insurance broker to change my address.”

Mr Banks said he door knocked neighbouring properties and located CCTV which shows a car driving off with his excavator in Abrus Circuit.

“It was a Holden Rodeo twin cab and it was like a grey/silver.”

He said the reward he was offering was for anyone with information leading to the arrest of those involved in the theft and the return of his excavator.

Cranbourne Police are investigating.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

A tradie has been robbed of his livelihood after callous thieves allegedly took off with his excavator in Cranbourne North. The 36-year-old is offering a $1000 reward after his excavator and trailer were stolen from Abrus Circuit on Tuesday 17 April. Owner of Casey and Cardinia Landscaping Mathew Banks said he was gutted to find his trailer and excavator missing between 10am and 10.30am. “It did have a trailer lock on it as well and obviously they just cut that off,” he said. Mr Banks has been left to pick up the pieces, saying he relies heavily on his excavator. “It pretty much gets used every second day,” he said. “It’s a big loss. I’ve got about another six more months to pay it off.” According to Mr Banks, the Takeuchi red and grey excavator and trailer are expensive, valued together at more than $52,000 and he is now require to hire the gear, which is costly. “It kind of hurts the pocket,” he said. “I do a lot of retaining walls, it’s got an auger bit on it to drill holes so can’t do those jobs.” He says he also not insured for the excavator which was just over four years old. “It was four months out of insurance because I moved and didn’t even think about ringing the insurance broker to change my address.” Mr Banks said he door knocked neighbouring properties and located CCTV which shows a car driving off with his excavator in Abrus Circuit. “It was a Holden Rodeo twin cab and it was like a grey/silver.” He said the reward he was offering was for anyone with information leading to the arrest of those involved in the theft and the return of his excavator. Cranbourne Police are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

“Terrifying”, “dangerous” and “a disaster” – these are the words being used to describe Pakenham’s most notorious intersection.
The intersection of Main Street, McGregor Road and the Princes Highway has long been a source of controversy.
There have been 15 casualty crashes at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection and three at the intersection of Main Street and McGregor Road in the past five years alone.
Garnering over 130 signatures from across Pakenham, elderly petitioner Lazso Sinclair says enough is enough.
“Accidents happen all the time as this intersection, it’s really terrifying,” Mr Sinclair said.
“It’s particularly disastrous for elderly drivers who are vision-poor and have slower reflexes.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets killed here.”
Fellow elderly petitioner Merv Gould says he is afraid the treacherous road, and will lengthen his trip just to avoid it.
“I am too scared to cross it, so I avoid it altogether,” Mr Gould said.
Calls to improve the intersection have the support of MP Brian Paynter, who regularly uses the road.
“VicRoads needs to come up with a solution,” Mr Paynter said.
“As a user of this intersection all the time I know how dangerous it is.
“The whole of McGregor Road needs an upgrade. If it’s not this intersection it’s the level crossing, it’s the signals on the crossing, it’s the people turning right into Roger Street coming north, it’s Henty Street needing lights, and it’s the on-off ramps.
“I am pushing for an upgrade of McGregor Road right through.”
Mr Sinclair believes that millions of dollars in rates have been paid out of his retirement village in Main Street alone.
“Many millions are paid in rates in this area – we have every right for some basic improvements,” he said.
“There’s a huge increase of pensioners coming here to live, and for us life is not a rehearsal. We pensioners pay our rates and what do we get back? Nothing.
“This should have been rectified many years ago. Lives are at risk here.”
The intersection is managed by the Cardinia Shire, and council has admitted the site is a cause for “inconvenience” and “difficulty” for motorists.
“Council completed duplication and intersection upgrade works three years ago on McGregor Road between Rogers and Main streets in Pakenham,” Council’s Infrastructure Services Manager Andrew Barr said.
“In addition, VicRoads made further improvements around the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection over 12 months ago.
“While the works have improved safety, access and traffic flow, this area still causes some inconvenience and difficulty for motorists.”
Mr Barr said that while the intersection does present a current challenge, the council does have plans to address it in the future.
“The Pakenham Township Strategy identifies realigning Main Street with McGregor Road at Cunningham Crescent and adding a signalised intersection as a future goal,” he said.
“Changing where vehicles enter Main Street would significantly improve traffic movements in Pakenham.
“The works would present a significant cost to council and are subject to future budget considerations.”
These improvements by VicRoads included resequencing traffic lights to improve safety for traffic turning right from McGregor Road and The Avenue and upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing to make crossing easier and safer.
“Safety is our top priority,” VicRoads Manager for Movement and Safety Sasha Yarwood said.
“Improvements to address concerns were put in place in April 2017 at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection which has helped reduce the number of crashes at this intersection.
“We will continue to monitor this intersection to ensure the safety of drivers relying on this intersection every day.”

“Terrifying”, “dangerous” and “a disaster” – these are the words being used to describe Pakenham’s most notorious intersection. The intersection of Main Street, McGregor Road and the Princes Highway has long been a source of controversy. There have been 15 casualty crashes at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection and three at the intersection of Main Street and McGregor Road in the past five years alone. Garnering over 130 signatures from across Pakenham, elderly petitioner Lazso Sinclair says enough is enough. “Accidents happen all the time as this intersection, it’s really terrifying,” Mr Sinclair said. “It’s particularly disastrous for elderly drivers who are vision-poor and have slower reflexes. “It’s only a matter of time before someone gets killed here.” Fellow elderly petitioner Merv Gould says he is afraid the treacherous road, and will lengthen his trip just to avoid it. “I am too scared to cross it, so I avoid it altogether,” Mr Gould said. Calls to improve the intersection have the support of MP Brian Paynter, who regularly uses the road. “VicRoads needs to come up with a solution,” Mr Paynter said. “As a user of this intersection all the time I know how dangerous it is. “The whole of McGregor Road needs an upgrade. If it’s not this intersection it’s the level crossing, it’s the signals on the crossing, it’s the people turning right into Roger Street coming north, it’s Henty Street needing lights, and it’s the on-off ramps. “I am pushing for an upgrade of McGregor Road right through.” Mr Sinclair believes that millions of dollars in rates have been paid out of his retirement village in Main Street alone. “Many millions are paid in rates in this area – we have every right for some basic improvements,” he said. “There’s a huge increase of pensioners coming here to live, and for us life is not a rehearsal. We pensioners pay our rates and what do we get back? Nothing. “This should have been rectified many years ago. Lives are at risk here.” The intersection is managed by the Cardinia Shire, and council has admitted the site is a cause for “inconvenience” and “difficulty” for motorists. “Council completed duplication and intersection upgrade works three years ago on McGregor Road between Rogers and Main streets in Pakenham,” Council’s Infrastructure Services Manager Andrew Barr said. “In addition, VicRoads made further improvements around the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection over 12 months ago. “While the works have improved safety, access and traffic flow, this area still causes some inconvenience and difficulty for motorists.” Mr Barr said that while the intersection does present a current challenge, the council does have plans to address it in the future. “The Pakenham Township Strategy identifies realigning Main Street with McGregor Road at Cunningham Crescent and adding a signalised intersection as a future goal,” he said. “Changing where vehicles enter Main Street would significantly improve traffic movements in Pakenham. “The works would present a significant cost to council and are subject to future budget considerations.” These improvements by VicRoads included resequencing traffic lights to improve safety for traffic turning right from McGregor Road and The Avenue and upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing to make crossing easier and safer. “Safety is our top priority,” VicRoads Manager for Movement and Safety Sasha Yarwood said. “Improvements to address concerns were put in place in April 2017 at the Princes Highway and McGregor Road intersection which has helped reduce the number of crashes at this intersection. “We will continue to monitor this intersection to ensure the safety of drivers relying on this intersection every day.”