By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The South East Melbourne multi-council group has called on Federal election candidates to fight for the South East as a region.
The group includes representatives of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia councils, as well as chair Simon McKeon and former federal ministers Bruce Billson and Simon Crean.
They represent a regional population of 1.2 million, which apart from those in the marginal seat of La Trobe have largely been overlooked in the election campaign.
“A region-wide approach with our elected representatives in Canberra acting as fierce advocates for the whole region is what the people of South East Melbourne need,” Mr McKeon said.
“Melbourne’s south east will have another 300,000 residents living here in the next 10 years.
“We need to start planning now to ensure there’s enough jobs and that the region’s transport infrastructure is keeping up with the growth.”
Mr McKeon said the group was pressing for projects creating 100,000 local jobs.
“We need to work together to create jobs of the future so residents have access to employment near where they live and don’t have to travel hours to get to and from work.”
The SEM’s platform includes a regional airport, rail line extensions, water recycling, freight solutions and road projects including Westall Road, Glasscocks Road and the Dandenong Bypass.
Greater Dandenong Council is also advocating for a freight hub, jobs strategy and completing the Dandenong Bypass and Glasscocks Road links to Casey.
Mayor Roz Blades said the council was advocating for infrastructure that provides “the biggest benefits” to the region.
“Projects such as these are vital to the economic growth of the manufacturing sector in this region.
“They lead to job creation and are crucial to the ongoing success of local companies and businesses.”
During the election campaign, the Australian Labor Party announced an $850 million South East road and rail package.
If elected, the ALP committed to the widening of Hallam North Road in Endeavour Hills, and Pound Road West and Remington Drive in Dandenong South.
The package didn’t include the Dandenong Bypass and Glasscocks Road links.
As of the time of print, the Liberal Party had not announced any infrastructure funding promises in Greater Dandenong.
Its candidates in Hotham and Bruce did not respond to the Star Journal’s survey on transport congestion.
