By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
GREATER Dandenong council’s state election wishlist has received endorsement from local Greens candidates, a vague response from Labor and no reply from the Liberal Party.
The council had focused its campaign on four main issues – the closure of Lyndhurst toxic waste dump, a reduction of poker machines in the council area, a Keysborough South bus route and $350,000 to support local manufacturers affected by the automotive industry shutdown.
Mayor and ALP member Sean O’Reilly said the council would have “liked more formal commitments”.
“Nonetheless we’ll be following up with whatever party forms government after the election.
“We understand in the heat of an election campaign that some issues can be put to the side.”
Responses from the candidates were published on the council’s website last week.
Greens candidates pledged to push for the tip’s closure within four years and for a Parliamentary investigation into the issue.
They supported the bus route, reducing poker machines and gave “in principle” support to the manufacturing support program.
Keysborough MP and ALP gaming spokesman Martin Pakula said he’d discuss pokies measures with the multi-council coalition Enough Pokies after the election.
He said the ALP would consult with the manufacturing sector after the election and set up a panel to look at statewide manufacturing issues.
Dandenong ALP candidate Gabrielle Williams told the Journal her party had an “holistic” approach, including a plan for more jobs and TAFE funding.
Labor wanted to “increase and expand” bus services though it didn’t commit to the Keysborough South bus route.
Mr Pakula told the Journal last week that he would push for that bus service.
The ALP asked the council for a “formal briefing note” on its Lyndhurst landfill concerns.
“Labor is committed to work to resolve the issue after the election,” it stated.
When asked why she hadn’t responded, Keysborough Liberal candidate Adrianne Fleming said: “I’ve got a lot of emails to respond to. I’ve got other things to do.”
She asked the Journal to email the wishlist items to her but she didn’t respond by deadline.
Dandenong candidate Joanna Palatsides did not repond by deadline.
BREAKOUT
Promises
JOBS
Liberal: Boost train and tram stock order with Bombardier. VLocity rail cars’ order increase from 43 to 67 and E-class trams from 50 to 75.
ALP: Will buy 30 trains and 20 VLocity carriages – open to bidding from local companies such as Bombardier.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
ALP: Establish a Royal Commission into family violence. $22m package, including $2.5m for support such as crisis accomodation and transport.
Coalition: $150m family violence package, including unspecified number of extra refuges for women and children.
ICE
ALP: Ice Action taskforce in first 100 days, plus $15m for drug/booze buses.
Liberals: Tougher legal measures such as mandatory drug tests for ice users on community correction orders.
LEVEL CROSSINGS:
Both parties have promised to remove three level crossings in Noble Park.
ALP also pledged to remove crossings at Abbotts Road, Dandenong South, and Thompsons Road, Lyndhurst.
