By Casey Neill
Keysborough hasn’t got the services to cater for all of its residents, says one frustrated local.
Amelia Morrison used to live in Dandenong North and moved to Somerfield a year ago.
She said there was a lack of infrastructure, with no cafes other than Parkmore and more land opening at the Dandenong Bypass and Chandler Road intersection.
“There’s really nothing here,” she said.
“Greater Dandenong Council don’t seem to be interested.
“This development didn’t happen overnight.
“I just feel the council didn’t do enough.”
Ms Morrison said supermarkets were “flat out” and she had to travel to Dandenong, Springvale or further to get a coffee.
“It’s just the inconvenience for people,” she said.
She said the council focused on Springvale and “making ridiculously ugly arches” and on Dandenong, “making that pretty”.
“They charge people the earth for their rates and not give them anything for it,” she said.
In a statement, Greater Dandenong Council said it had an obligation to the entire municipality and each year carefully deliberated on how it spent operational and capital funds.
“The newer areas of Keysborough came into being through a rezoning of land in 2008,” the council said.
“Up until that stage most of that land was un-developed or non-residential.
“Since then there has been substantial investment in that area and the success of investment, both public and private sector, is evidenced by the rapid growth of the area and the significant value of properties.”
The statement said the council would continue to invest in infrastructure in the area, and where necessary and appropriate do so in partnership and collaboration with other public sector agencies or private sector entities.
“The council has also invested significantly in the Keysborough South Community Hub project which has involved valuable input from the local community,” the council said.
“The City of Greater Dandenong has a strong history of advocating for additional infrastructure in the Keysborough South area and this has been further evidenced by council, together with key community stakeholders, lobbying for accessible education in the area.”
This financial year the council committed more than $9 million to capital works projects in Keysborough including works at Springers Leisure Centre, Tatterson Park and the new Tatterson Park pavilion, Keysborough Bowls Club, local reserves, child care centres, kindergartens, local footpath work and other works at sports pavilions.
It has also invested significant funds in the ongoing annual maintenance of local roads, open spaces, street lighting and drainage.
Intrapac Property chief operating officer Max Shifman said an additional cafe for the Somerfield estate and local area was a great idea and one that his company would support.
“The Keysborough South Shopping Centre, which opened earlier this year, offers an Italian-style cafe in addition to a Woolworths supermarket and specialty retailers including a medical centre and pharmacy, all of which are much needed and important amenities to the local residents,” he said.
