Valley views for strategy forum

By Shaun Inguanzo
COSTS of a radical plan to revitalise central Springvale will be the focus of discussions at a Yarra Valley retreat for councillors this weekend.
The unification of Springvale and Dandenong council offices will also be a major talking point with question marks hanging over a location and source of funds.
The Springvale Structural Plan outlines a series of improvements and makeovers for the city including the relocation of the train station and promotion as Melbourne’s premier Asian food centre.
It also aims to address ongoing issues relating to parking such as reducing the number of on-street spaces and replacing them with off-street parking structures.
Public consultation ended on the plan in December last year.
Councillors will spend this weekend at a retreat in the Yarra Valley where an accountant and other consultants will give presentations on the costs associated with the Springvale Structural Plan
Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown said he was in favour of uniting both Springvale and Dandenong offices but it depended on the cost to the city.
“A single council office is the preferred end result but the key questions are about where we source funds for it and its location,” he said.