By JASON TURNER
GREATER Dandenong mayor Angela Long says she has no concerns about the completion of the city’s revitalisation project — despite major staffing cuts at the agency overseeing the project.
State government developer Places Victoria retrenched eight of the nine full-time staff who have overseen the project since its beginnings in 2007.
“We’re not worried,” Cr Long said. “At the moment, most of our major projects are completed or are near completion.”
Much of the major work around Dandenong station, through the CBD and the bridge over the railway near Cheltenham Road have been completed.
The next stage of the project is due to involve the agency tendering out seven hectares for private investment.
Cr Long was confident Places Victoria would eventually attract the investment needed.
“There will be no fire sale,” she said. “The minister [Matthew Guy], council and Places Victoria are working together to make sure the best projects will go ahead.”
The original plan aimed to attract $1 billion in private investment, which was on top of the $290 million spent by the previous Labor state government. The private sector has invested $335 million over the past seven years.
Cr Long acknowledged that investment had been slow but she believed it would pick up.
A Places Victoria spokesman said the changes would not have an impact on its role in attracting private investment.
“The rate of development and investment attraction is on track for what will be a 15-20-year urban renewal project,” the spokesman said.
Dandenong Retailers and Traders Association chairwoman Glenys Cooper said she would be watching the situation and hoped that “suitable” buyers were found for the land.
Ms Cooper said she had mixed views about possible delays to the project’s final completion. “Some have major concerns and others are taking a more moderate view.”
What do you think? Post a comment below.
For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow the Weekly at facebook.com/dandenongjournal or on Twitter @DandenongJournal.
