Where’s the real flaw?

AS A ratepayer in Cardinia Shire, I offer my sincere apologies to the expert panel appointed by the State Planning Minister Rob Hulls.
Does our shire not know what it says and does?
Surely it is time councillors took a long, hard look at the calibre of senior officers, for it is clear they have put up a “poorly constructed proposal” that was “light on substance” and in its current form “had potential to cause adverse effects in the wider community”.
That is exactly what the community had been saying. That’s why there were more than 100 objections.
I feel strongly that Cardinia Shire should be providing services to the community, not entering risky corporate deals that are costing us dearly.
Is it true the failed corporate headquarters has cost in excess of $2 million, just in penalties?
How can mayor Garry Runge believe a comprehensive report presented by such a distinguished, experienced panel is “seriously flawed”?
Is it the shire that is seriously flawed in suggesting building 600 houses on a flood plain, close to some of the town’s most environmentally sensitive areas and important feeder creeks and waterways, with “ad hoc planning that is not rigorous, nor strategic”?
Surely that’s where the buck stops.
I suggest that Cardinia Shire Council takes the umpire’s decision on the chin and has a major rethink.
Let’s think about the 1460 houses being built in Army Road. These homes will house families with young children, but the local school is packed to overflowing. It will not be able to cope with the influx of so many new families and children.
What is the council doing about these issues? Surely infrastructure must be in place.
We must be telling the State Government that we will accept no further development without infrastructure.
I watch as our maternal child and health services are stretched while we have hundreds of young mums and young families pouring into the shire and no adequate services to meet their needs. What about support services for the many troubled and homeless young people in our shire?
We have a serious problem with dozens of young people wandering around the streets with nothing to do other than get into trouble. Referrals for support with family violence are at critically high levels. We need more skilled staff capable of supporting families.
It is a good thing that the Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers Association is holding another public forum in Pakenham Public Hall on Thursday, 29 September at 7.30pm.
This is a chance for residents to have a say about what is happening at a local government level.
Cheryl BillingSmith,
Pakenham.