Forums to explain freight link plans

RESIDENTS claiming they’ve been kept in the dark about a controversial proposal to cut a new freight link through Cardinia now have their chance to weigh into the debate.
Cardinia Shire Council last week announced plans to host a number of public information sessions with Port of Hastings staff on hand to outline the plans and answer questions. The forums are planned for this Saturday (10 February) and next Saturday, 17 February from 10am to noon at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham.
Mayor Kate Lempriere said the forums were organised following determined lobbying by council. Residents, particularly in the township of Cardinia, have responded angrily to a proposed rail line that could result in compulsory acquisition of residential and farm land from Pakenham to Pearcedale, including properties along Ballarto, Clyde and the BaxterTooradin roads. The freight rail link is proposed to be built through the shire over the next 30 years to connect Gippsland with the Port of Hastings under plans to make it Melbourne’s next major shipping container handling centre.
Angry residents, including Catherine Manning, have said the Port of Hastings Corporation failed to adequately inform the community of the plans. Their concerns prompted the Port of Hastings to extend the deadline for submissions on the Port of Hastings Land Use and Public Strategy to 14 March.
Cr Lempriere said anyone who believed they would be affected by the proposal should attend one of the sessions and find out more.
“It is imperative that we have our say and make submissions to the Port of Hastings before the deadline date,” Cr Lempriere said.
“Councillors and staff will also attend and ensure that we are fully conversant with the proposals and assist local residents with submission plans if required.”
The information sessions will be held from 10am to noon in the Lakeside Room at the cultural centre.