Get the facts right

IT’S obvious CRRA president Gloria O’Connor hasn’t done any research or spoken with residents from Officer who have been involved with Tivendale/Brunt Road lights.
As previously stated in a reply to Ms O’Connor letter to the editor (Gazette, 16 November), Brunt Road lights were developed from a DCP (Developers Contribution Plan).
Cardinia Shire currently holds approximately $130,000 from the developer for Panorama Estate, being its quarter share of the lights.
The remaining three sites of this intersection are still to be developed.
Cardinia Shire, understanding this could take years to develop the remaining sites, brought forward the installation and will recoup the $480,000 as the remaining sites are developed.
This was a positive initiative by council to deliver to the community and a win for safety for all who use this intersection (49,000 cars daily).
Tivendale Road doesn’t attract a DCP unlike Brunt Road and there is no guarantee Vic Urban will contribute with a DCP.
VicRoads regional manager Steve Brown advised that Tivendale Road is a State Government responsibility, not a council one as it comes under the auspices of VicRoads.
Cr Garry Runge has been proactive and supportive in lobbying for funding in conjunction with a number of people to secure funding for Tivendale Road lights.
The recent visit from the Federal Minister for Local Government and Roads Jim Lloyd, along with Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood is a positive move and were well received by the Officer community.
Unlike our state member Tammy Lobato and the Bracks Government, who have provided us with a token band aid solution.
When it came to funding Ms Lobato and the State Government left us high and dry.
Let the developers pay, Tammy said!
It’s a shame Ms O’Connor has been unable to understand the issue.
Her only interest during the shire election campaign seems to be criticising Cr Runge and the council.
Unfortunately she still can’t get the facts right.
Andrew McNabb,
Officer.