EDITORIAL COMMENT
Many CRRA members will recall that prior to the 2005 Cardinia Shire Council election, a number of important issues were identified and brought to the attention of all election candidates. Ratepayers and residents will be pleased to note that two years on from the election of a new Council, at least seventy-five percent of those issues have been brought to a satisfactory conclusion. Other issues have inevitably continued to arise and the presence of a formalised ratepayer body has definitely been an advantage in bringing various matters to the attention of the Council.

A further Council election will be held in November 2008, and in order to achieve the best result for ratepayers and residents, during the coming months CRRA will be assessing the various councillors and candidates seeking election. Of course, it is up to individual ratepayers and residents to decide on a suitable representative of their choice, but it certainly has been demonstrated that a unified community group with common purpose can bring about beneficial results. There are massive changes on the horizon for Cardinia Shire and it is vital that residents and ratepayers are able to have a say in how the changes will impact on their community.

Current CRRA members are reminded that membership renewal is due as of 1st December 2007. A membership form is included in this newsletter for new members.

WATERSPORT & MOTORSPORT
The Grand Re-opening of Pakenham Outdoor 50 m. swimming pool was an event for all ages! After five wasted years, the padlocked gate was opened to the restored and glistening pool, freshly painted amenities block and a delightful water-play area for toddlers.   How hard was that? A marathon Save the Pool campaign, several determined Councillors, a reluctant but compliant Council administration and a generous State government contribution all combined to return this great facility to the community!

A possible location was recently identified as suitable for motorsport activity and, with an equal amount of focus and cooperation, this long-awaited project should be able to go forward also. An injection of State government funds would be helpful?

A HOLE IN ONE FOR CRRA BUT COUNCIL IS STILL IN THE BUNKER
And the good news is … Pakenham golf course will not be bull-dozed for housing. The decision of the Minister for Planning upheld the Panel recommendation that the development proposal should be abandoned. But what about the 31 hectares of remaining public open space currently behind barbed wire fencing? The Planning Minister Justin Madden wrote in his letter "I am of the view that the land should not be lost as open space and should remain a resource for the community". How long will it take the Council to agree to the land being used for community recreation? Another three years?

THE OPEN ROAD
The new bypass freeway has brought welcome relief for through traffic, but businesses on the old highway are finding a drop in trade. The pace of development along the old highway should soon increase local traffic which is likely to restore trade to those businesses.

PLACED IN A QUEUE
Residents of Kooweerup are experiencing increased problems with local traffic and as a town bypass is on the VicRoads waiting list, the best short term solution for the notorious local intersection is traffic lights (WHEN?) The town is growing and there is also urgent need for a community bus service between Lang Lang, Kooweerup and Pakenham. As taxpayers and ratepayers, how much longer must Kooweerup citizens wait for these basic services?

CAUSE FOR CONCERN
A recent Upper Beaconsfield planning application rings a warning bell. Apparently the Council is not obliged to advertise a planning application unless it relates to matters contentious or which could affect local residents. The location is zoned Green Wedge and a significant issue in the plan concerns the removal of 26 established indigenous trees with consequent offset replacement of 125 trees to be agreed upon.

The subdivision and tree removal will certainly affect local residents who have held a meeting to consider the matter. The applicant stressed the urgent need for a decision to be made before December 27th, which left little opportunity for residents to have input into the process. Council planners appear to have protected the application from public scrutiny, certainly not the way ratepayers and residents expect to see planning matters dealt with.

ONE ARM BANDITS
Rapid development and predicted doubling of the population in the growth corridor attracts the inevitable EGM's (electronic gaming machines). At a recent Council meeting, it was noted there are three current applications for EGM venues between Beaconsfield and Pakenham. Officer residents therefore have reason to be concerned. State government policy puts responsibility onto local councils to grant or deny permits for EGM. Based on population predictions for 2010, there will be 71 EGM per 1000 people although State government recommends a maximum of 10 EGM per 1000 people. Cardinia Shire is working with other councils in the region to develop a policy for gaming but will it be strong enough to withstand the onslaught of EGM's?

Local Government National General Assembly (NGA) Cardinia Shire CEO Gary McQuillan and 2007 Mayor Kate Lempriere attended the NGA of local government held in November at Darwin. Cr. Lempriere reports that a State of the Regions report 2007/08 focused on climate change and its implications and impacts on regional Australia. Sessions covered the issues of introducing a carbon tax with abatement measures and pricing mechanisms. Also discussed was the impact of climate change with specific challenges to individual communities, plus the real and potential costs for communities taking action. There were 63 resolutions covering all issues likely to impact on local government including energy and water sustainability, welfare services etc. The NGA called on federal government to provide direct funding support to significant growth areas to enable urgently needed social infrastructure and services, and also to index the Home & Community Care payments to reflect growth in cost of providing those services.

Some Affordable School Holiday Outings:

Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd.
Bayles Fauna Park, Kooweerup-Longwarry Rd.
Pakenham Outdoor Pool, Anderson St.