We’re left behind

By Lilly O’Gorman
CARDINIA Shire is still at risk of becoming a “dormitory” suburb of Melbourne and our young people are falling through the education cracks.
Cardinia Shire CEO Garry McQuillan addressed about 140 people last Wednesday night at his annual speech to the business community.
He said the council was advocating to the State Government for an employment strategy for growth areas.
“Growth areas need jobs close to home,” Mr McQuillan said.
“Some 70 per cent of Cardinia Shire’s population leave the municipality everyday for work.”
He said research completed by 10 outer Melbourne councils on the implications of population growth demonstrated that city dwellers were “far better off” than those in growth corridors – the latter having lower incomes, poorer education and health and higher unemployment rates.
“It’s indisputable,” Mr McQuillan said of the data.
Mr McQuillan also warned of “the profound impact” TAFE funding cuts would have on our young people.
He said the council had joined forces with other South East councils to prepare an economic and social impact report on the State Government cuts, due to be completed in the next three months.
“In my seven years (as CEO) there has never been such an issue to bring south east councils together so quickly,” he said.
Among audience members, it was clear that the feeling of being “left behind” was not unique to the CEO.
Riotous applause met prospective councillor Kate Lempriere’s remarks during question time.
She said Pakenham was being left to “die” with all the “shiny new stuff” going to Officer.
“The actual Pakenham township is starting to die. I’d hate to be a retailer and my heart bleeds for them,” Ms Lempriere said.
“High rates, and high rentals, they are being squeezed in every direction.
“We need to have a look at the old township, and have a look at the shops in John Street and Main Street that are closing down. The entrance into Pakenham and the way out of Pakenham itself is a disgrace.”
Theo Van Roy, a poultry and dairy farmer in Pakenham for 32 years also agreed that Pakenham’s appearance was an “absolute disgrace” when compared to other towns.
He also said it was a “huge disadvantage” that there was no hotel or motel in the town, to which Mr McQuillan agreed.
“You are right, we are seriously disadvantaged by not having a hotel (and) function centre in Cardinia Shire,” Mr McQuillan said.
He said he had spoken to a “number of major operators over the last six months” and talks were continuing.
“It is very much one of our top priorities.”
Tourism, parking, and internet and telephone connection problems, were also raised as top priorities and concerns during the address.