Shire’s boom defies gloom

PEOPLE are flocking to the Cardinia Shire in record numbers with at least four families moving into the shire every day.
Applications for residential lots are also at record highs, according the council’s most recent quarterly performance report.
Cardinia Shire chief executive Garry McQuillan said the past three months had seen significant increases in all the council’s major growth indicators, firming the Cardinia Shire as one of Victoria’s top three fastest growing municipalities.
“Our population boom and baby boom are continuing to reach record highs, with at least four new families now moving into the shire every day,” he said.
“This high level of growth is also reflected in development activity, particularly in the Pakenham-Officer-Beaconsfield area.
“Applications for residential lots over the first nine months of the 2008-09 financial year already significantly outnumber the total applications for each of the past three years, with three months still remaining.”
Mr McQuillan said a record for the number of building permits issued had been set in the last quarter. He said 543 had been issued and expected the trend to continue as development continued in Officer.
The shire’s sealed road and footpath network is increasing at a rate of approximately 20 to 25 kilometres per year, with new subdivision development a major contributor.
Mr McQuillan said Cardinia seemed to be defying the global economic downturn.
“The unprecedented levels of growth also underpin increases in consumer spending, business investment and housing construction – all vitally important for our economic and social prosperity.
“Although the global financial crisis presents significant challenges, the local economic outlook remains sound, with the council continuing to focus on responsible financial management and careful strategic planning for the future.”
It is anticipated that Cardinia Shire’s population will reach an estimated 143,312 by 2031 – an extra 77,418. The Cardinia Shire Council last week released its report for the January-March quarter. For a copy, contact 1300 787 624.