By CASEY NEILL
THERE’S no doubt that City of Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie supports local business – in more ways than one.
“Believe it or not I’ve had a burger or two at The Pavilion and I’ve had a coffee or two or three or four at Young Uncles,” he said.
Mr Bennie was the chamber breakfast’s guest speaker and highlighted the advocacy work the council has been involved with through partnerships with business and community groups.
He was disappointed that the State Government recalled $80 million from the $110 million the previous government committed to the Port of Hastings.
“That suggests nothing much further will happen,” he said.
Mr Bennie said the project could have been delivered by 2030 but now expects that to blow out by a decade.
He expected the port to bring $4 billion a year to the region by 2050 – so the delay means a $40 billion shortfall.
“Where else can we acquire $4 billion per annum in economic benefit?” he said.
Mr Bennie said traffic measures to combat congestion around Abbotts Road and Remington Drive in Dandenong South were on the agenda.
The council is also working with the “newly-elected can-do government” on EastLink entry and exit ramps at Bangholme Road.
“For the first few years of EastLink, traffic movement didn’t warrant it,” Mr Bennie said.
“We’ve had preliminary discussions with government regarding at least north on and off ramps.
“It could still be two or three years away.
“But unless we start talking now it’ll be further away.”
Mr Bennie also reported progress on pleas for traffic lights at the dangerous Robinson Street and Princes Highway intersection.
“Many of you probably use it every day and wonder how no one’s been killed there,” he said.
“We think we’re very close to seeing an upgrade.
The council has allocated a $400,000 “sweetener” for the project in its budget.
“It’s something the council shouldn’t have to do, contribute to an arterial road upgrade,” Mr Bennie said.
