By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
EAST West Link, Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel and Port of Hastings may be the big-ticket issues in November’s state election but Greater Dandenong wants to bring the contest of ideas closer to home.
The council’s election wishlist calls attention to Keysborough bus stops without services, Noble Park’s three traffic-stalling level crossings and the state’s only hazardous-waste dump near Lyndhurst’s encroaching residences and businesses.
Candidates in eight state electorates will be surveyed by the council on these issues and others including more support for material aid agencies, reducing poker machines in Greater Dandenong, more resources to combat family violence, alcohol abuse and youth unemployment.
The council’s acting chief executive Mark Doubleday said its request for the immediate closure of the Lyndhurst landfill is not supported by the ALP or the Liberal Party.
The need for an alternative site to house the state’s most toxic waste and to pen a policy on hazardous waste has been put in the “too-hard basket” by both parties, Mr Doubleday said.
Mayor Jim Memeti said a “thorough” 2007 state report found that Nowingi, 50 kilometres south of Mildura, was the best site.
“We say both sides of Parliament need to go back to that report.
“Meanwhile we’ve got places being built closer to the (Lyndhurst) landfill.”
On the other hand, there is bipartisan support for level crossing removals but the council will press for the elimination of the boom gates at Corrigan, Chandler and Heatherton roads within three years.
Mr Doubleday said the ALP and Coalition had both shown “a lot of sympathy” for the knock-on effect that the closure of the automotive industry was having on south-east manufacturers.
The council is seeking a $325,000 fund to help 20-30 “financially distressed” south-east manufacturers to diversify and branch out beyond the auto sector.
The council’s wishlist makes passing mention of its support for an expanded Port of Hastings as an economic boost to the region but there is no mention of the proposed East West Link toll-road.
“We’re not saying they’re not important but they’ve got daily coverage,” Mr Doubleday said.
“Our focus is on the south-east region and what’s going to make a difference here.”
To read the council wishlist, go to greaterdandenong.com.
