CARDINIA Shire Council’s joint venture with Parklea Pty Ltd to develop the South East Business Park at Pakenham has won approval from the State Government.
The Local Government Act requires consent of the state Treasurer and Minister for Local Government for any entrepreneurial joint venture involving the council.
Councillors heard at their 15 August meeting that consent had been given. Local Government Minister Candy Broad also made the council exempt from the requirement that it give public notice before it sells a block in the park.
Councillors welcomed the move, with Cr Doug Hamilton saying it would remove ‘unnecessary red tape’.
The state’s approval paves the way for the development of the business park on the outskirts of Pakenham. Under the agreement with Parklea, the council retains ownership of the property until the ultimate sale of the retail allotments. Town planners said the business park was a major step forward in providing new employment to the residents of Cardinia Shire and would help strengthen the local economy.
“This is great news for Pakenham and great news for future employment,” Cr Hamilton said.
A report to the council’s meeting that said the shire bought the land, known as Greenhills, to help develop job opportunities in partnership with the private sector.
Cr Bill Ronald questioned the accuracy of the statement, saying the land was acquired for recreation purposes.
However, the council’s chief executive officer Don Welsh said it was ‘absolutely, categorically for employment’.
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