Not enough promised

By Tania Martin
THE two major political parties have been slammed for not spending enough in funding commitments in the hills during the federal election campaign.
The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) has expressed its extreme disappointment at the lack of funding allocated in the Shire of Cardinia.
This comes as Labor candidate for La Trobe Rodney Cocks announced a $500,000 promise to upgrade Emerald Lake Park last Friday.
Mr Cocks said the funding would help upgrade car parking, the education centre and the children’s playground, trail networks, toilets and amenities.
“Over 230,000 people visit the Emerald Lake Park annually and it’s a wonderful resource, serving both local residents and tourists alike,” he said.
“This upgrade will enhance the facilities at the park and provide educational experiences, connecting local residents, students and tourists with the history of the region.”
Despite this latest announcement, NGAA spokesman councillor Linton Reynolds said both Liberal and Labor party leaders had only spent a quarter of their campaign in NGAA areas and had left a legacy of less than one per cent in funding commitments.
“Representing one in four Australians, NGAA has called on each leader to spend a quarter of their time and a quarter of their money in growth areas – so far we have been let down,” he said.
“Our communities have the right to feel insulted.
“Both leaders have visited regularly, had their photos taken in our shopping centres and on our streets but failed to recognise the real issues facing our communities.”
Cr Reynolds said fast growing areas such as Cardinia were more than just the backdrops for photo opportunities.
“Our federal politicians need to do more than talk about the problems but play a role is solving them – councils can’t do it alone.”
But La Trobe MP Jason Wood said he had announced several funding promises in the Shire of Cardinia.
“I have recently announced $500,000 in crime prevention grants along with $250,000 water projects for the Cardinia Shire,” he said.
“The shire will also benefit significantly from the completion of the Pakenham Bypass which has a Federal Government contribution of $121 million.”
Mr Wood said the Liberal Party had worked closely with the shire over the past three years and he looks forward to continuing his work with the council to deliver local services and infrastructure.
“Unfortunately, the State Labor Government continues to let down local communities,” he said.
“But I will continue to apply pressure to the State Government for them to use their record GST windfalls to provide more support for local ratepayers for improved roads and upgraded local infrastructure.”
The Mail was unable to get a response from Mr Cocks on the issue before going to print.