New deadline

CALLS to give residents more time for a say on a controversial freight rail link proposed to cut through Cardinia have been supported by state and local government agencies.
Cardinia Shire Port Ward councillor Doug Hamilton and Bass MP Ken Smith have supported residents who want a deadline for submissions on the plan extended.
The Department of Infrastructure’s draft Port of Hastings Land Use and Transport Strategy has prompted an angry reaction from residents.
They are concerned about the local ramifications of a proposal to build Victoria’s next international shipping container at Hastings.
Up to 200 residents at a public meeting last week said they feared their homes might have to make way for freight trains if plans to connect Gippsland with the port go ahead.
Another meeting was due to be held last night (Tuesday) to further outline the proposal.
Port of Hastings CEO Ralph Kenyon was expected to respond to residents’ concerns at the meeting.
Cr Hamilton said he supported moves to postpone the closing date for public submissions until at least February.
“I don’t believe a delay of three months will make a difference to a project that has a 30year time frame,” he said.
Cardinia resident Catherine Manning said people were irate about the proposal and feared it could have a serious impact on their lifestyle.