The City of Casey is calling on the Victorian Government to unlock job opportunities in the region by providing a delivery plan for the Thompsons Road upgrade and extension.
At its meeting on 21 November, Council endorsed its submission to the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) on Planning Scheme Amendment C274card to the Cardinia Planning Scheme, incorporating the Officer South Employment Precinct Structure Plan (PSP).
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the City of Casey was a vested stakeholder with significant interest in the PSP due to the potential impact on the regionally significant Thompsons Road upgrade and extension project, and the jobs it will unlock.
“The City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council consider the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road as one of the region’s highest priorities,” Ms Duff said.
“The population of our rapidly growing region is more than 500,000 and is expected to reach more than 750,000 by 2041. Currently, about 110,000 residents leave the region daily for employment.”
The City of Casey submission to the VPA focusses on the future Thompsons Road bridge and extension as outlined in the Officer South Employment PSP, and seeks clarity from the Victorian Government on how and when this transformational infrastructure will be constructed. The submission also asserts that the success of the Officer South Employment PSP could be jeopardised by the lack of commitment to the delivery of Thompsons Road upgrade and extension in the planning scheme amendment.
Casey and Cardinia councils last year commissioned the Thompsons Road Upgrade and Extension: Economic Impact Assessment, which found that upgrading and extending Thompsons Road would facilitate the creation of up to 140,000 jobs and increase economic output by more than $58 billion. The report found that the project would deliver $4.40 benefit for every dollar spent and $90 billion net benefit over 30 years.
“The Thompsons Road upgrade and extension is a critical connection that will unlock local jobs for local residents, boost investment and strengthen the regional economy,” Ms Duff said.
City of Casey has continued to advocate for the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road from Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde North, to Koo Wee Rup Road, Pakenham, as part of our Connecting Casey advocacy campaign. Currently, the road is underdeveloped, congested and comes to a complete stop at Smiths Lane in Clyde North.