By Shelby Brooks
Cardinia Shire Council has rejoined a leading advocating transport group in a bid to receive government support for major road developments.
By becoming a member of the South Eastern Australia Transport Strategy (SEATS), the organisation will advocate for state and federal government support for projects such as the south east airport, South Gippsland Highway and Princes Highway upgrades, electric vehicle charging networks and active transport like rail, bike and walking trails.
The shire pulled out of SEATS in 2011 after becoming frustrated the organisation wasn’t helping the area, councillor Collin Ross said.
“I feel we’re in a different position now,” Cr Ross said.
“Our population has increased substantially and we have major need for expansion on roads and advocacy in these areas.
“The amount of urgent need we have on our roads is something that council can’t afford to spend all our money on but if we get government support on this it would be huge.”
Councillor Graeme Moore said the $7280 annual membership fee was reasonable for the potential payoff.
“This group will assist our ever increasing carnage on our roads… I think the annual fee is pretty reasonable and is already able to be absorbed in our budgets,” Mr Moore said.
However, the lack of intention to look into the roads surrounding the Lang Lang sand mines was concerning, Cr Ross said.
“We were always looking for more money to go towards the projects in that area that we’ve had outstanding for the last 12 years,” Cr Ross said.
“Those sandpits provide so much for Melbourne’s construction sand, those roads have gotten busier and busier and we just need a bit more government support to actually put them in place and lighten the load of the people down there.”
