“Council welcomes the progress of infrastructure projects in Casey, but progress shouldn’t come at the expense of quality design, connectivity, safety or listening to residents,” City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said following the council’s successful commit to Casey’s advocacy campaign, the Victorian budget earmarked big investment on infrastructure in Casey.

However, the council’s suggestion on the design for this infrastructure has been ignored because they are still looking for a stronger input on big infrastructure in the city.

“Council welcomes the progress of infrastructure projects in Casey, but progress shouldn’t come at the expense of quality design, connectivity, safety or listening to residents,” she said.

“Take Clyde Road and Evans Road level crossing removals for example, where Council’s requests to improve the safety, amenity and design have so far been ignored by the State’s delivery agencies.

“I have been talking with residents across Casey who wish to get home safer and sooner, but they don’t want to compromise on quality and be stuck in traffic and unsafe conditions in a few years.

“Like Council, residents wish to be consulted prior to a decision being made so that they can have input on the outcome.”

Deputy Mayor and Edrington Ward Cr Timothy Jackson appreciate the progress Council has made in improving communication with the state and federal government and reiterated Council’s hopes to continue building on this.

“Contrary to the disappointing experience Council has so far had engaging on level crossing removals we have made significant progress improving our relationships with our state and federal counterparts.

“The residents of Berwick deserve a new station and modern infrastructure as part of the upgrade.

“As fierce advocates for the community Council anticipate that we will at times disagree with our state counterparts, but we’re looking to collaborate and not compete.”