Watch starts on plan

By Shaun Inguanzo
CITY of Greater Dandenong’s Keysborough councillors say they will keep a close eye on Tatterson Park’s progress after a major shift in projected funding.
Keysborough Ward and Keysborough South Ward councillors Roz Blade and Peter Brown were responding to revelations in Star last week that the major parkland’s funding projections had dropped by $4 million between last year’s and this year’s budgets.
This week Cr Brown said it was “still difficult to accept” the discrepancy, but was confident Tatterson Park would be the “gem in the crown” in Keysborough.
Cr Blades said the projected funds were not actual and did not worry her despite years spent lobbying for the project.
“The basic fact is I am going to push and shove and do everything that can be done at this stage to make sure this becomes the premier regional leisure facility,” she said.
“All we have got is projected forecasts, not actuals.
“Projections can change on an annual basis. We are only seeing four years of a 15-year plan.”
Over the four years until 2010, the council has projected $2.6 million of funding for Tatterson Park.
Last year’s budget over the same period projected $6.4 million.
Cr Brown said he maintained councillors were not told of a change in projections that he said was significant enough to warrant a briefing.
Tatterson Park will cover 50 hectares surrounding the Springers Sports Complex and cost $20 million.
When started in 2000 the park was touted as 10- to 15-year project.