Residents ‘to reap benefits of land buy’

CARDINIA council’s swoop on a milliondollar block of land in Pakenham will pay dividends for the community, according to councillors who endorsed the sale at their 19 March meeting.
The Gazette reported last month the council’s purchase of the premier block of land at the gateway to Pakenham’s Main Street, paying $1 million in a preauction deal.
Councillor Ed Chatwin said the land, on the corner of Snodgrass and Main streets, was of strategic importance.
It remains to be seen what council will do with its new property, but Cr Chatwin emphasised it would be used for “community purposes”.
Councillor Bill Ronald said the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society and Cardinia Environment Coalition had also backed the sale.
Cr Ronald said he had been disappointed to see other councilowned land sold in recent years for “shortterm gain”.
“They’re not making any more real estate,” he said.
Council now owns several properties at the entrance to Main Street.
Councillor Brett Owen said the latest sale, negotiated by chief executive Garry McQuillan, was great news.
“This gives the council plenty of options (for future development),” he said.