Roads crisis is looming

I NOTE recent letters to the editor from Mrs Wealand and the proprietors of Momack regarding the election for Port Ward in Cardinia.
I am the alternative candidate to sitting councillor Doug Hamilton in this election, and have the interests of rural people at heart.
I have spent most of my life living on farms in Gippsland. I am a businessman, landowner and proud resident of Port Ward.
For a first-time candidate, I have a better knowledge of local government affairs than many.
As a property valuer, I have significant experience, including undertaking contracts to value various adjoining municipalities to Cardinia.
The crisis with our roads is looming.
When the Pakenham bypass is completed, large volumes of traffic will use Kooweerup Road to get to Phillip Island, particularly as the Cranbourne bypass is 20 years overdue and still years away from being built.
A bypass of Kooweerup needs to be established much sooner than is planned.
Cr Hamilton, in his brochure distributed to households, says the Kooweerup and Lang Lang bypass projects “are in process, as is the Kooweerup/Pakenham Road upgrade”; and goes on, “I will continue to push for the completion of these vital projects”.
Cr Hamilton, at what stage are these vital projects? What time frames are in place for the design, commencement and completion of these projects?
In regards to the Kooweerup bypass, it appears land has been reserved on the Cardinia Planning Scheme immediately to the south of the hospital.
Council, in conjunction with VicRoads, has an obligation to finalise the route for this project at the earliest opportunity, and reserve the land on the Cardinia Planning Scheme.
Once this occurs, affected landowners are better able to make decisions about the future of their properties, as is only fair.
It is not right to leave affected landowners, or their neighbours wondering about their futures.
Another issue is the Regional Motor Sports Facility. This project has the potential to be of great economic benefit to Cardinia, as it will bring new families into the area. For too long the various motor clubs of Cardinia have been left in limbo.
Baw Baw Shire badly wants this facility, even though the proponents want it here in Cardinia. I would support such a facility in Cardinia on the proviso we find a site well away from neighbouring residences.
Philip Murphy,
Candidate for Port Ward,
Pakenham.