Election forum concerns

THE future of Pakenham’s old outdoor pool, concerns about plans to relocate the golf course and the need for a motorsports facility in the region were among issues raised at a community forum on Sunday.
The forum was held as part of the build-up to Cardinia Shire Council elections.
About 40 residents attended the forum which was organised by local businesspeople and the Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association.
CRRA president Gloria O’Connor said the purpose of the forum was to encourage people to think before voting and to provide information about the election.
Residents including Graham Treloar, Dot Murphy, John Carney, Trish Harris and Heather Shallard spoke about issues they said were of concern.
These included the continuing uncertainty surrounding the Anderson Street pool, closed since a council report declared it unsafe in 2001, transformation of the PB Ronald Reserve into a park and parking and other traffic problems around local schools.
Current council mayor Garry Runge and Cr Bill Ronald both spoke at the forum.
Several other election candidates also outlined their reasons for nominating for council and their aims if elected.
They included Brett Owen, Keith Ewenson, Philip Murphy, Carla Gates, Cathy Harbison, Cheryl Billing-Smith, David Drinkwater, Bill Pearson, Ted Owen, Graeme Moore and Ed Chatwin.
A free sausage sizzle kept guests at the forum well fed.