PAKENHAM OFFICER
pakenhamnews.starcommunity.com.au
Thursday, 20 May, 2021
@StarNews_SE
/pakenhamstarnews
40¢ Inc. GST
New facilities for growing school
Finally a place to call their own
Thinking pink to combat cancer
Magnificent Mac turning heads
PAGE 5
PAGE 11
PAGES 14-15
SPORT 12476975-LB02-21
SIGN UP NOW!
Walk of life to school Students from Bridgewood Primary School were among the thousands of school children who walked to school on Friday 14 May as part of the National Walk Safely to School Day. In its 22nd year, the annual community event encourages primary school aged children to commute safely to school to promote road safety, health, public transport and the environment. Gembrook MP Brad Battin met with Bridgewood students in grade four and five to talk about the benefits of walking to school. Bridgewood student Shrish was enthusiastic about the day. “Walking to school, it can save the environment, because if you go by car, all the toxic gas from it goes into the air and pollutes it. So walking to school is not only good for your body but it’s also good for the environment.“ Bridgewood Primary School students walked to school on Friday 14 May for National Walk Safely to School Day. 237420 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Road cash blow! By Shelby Brooks Funding for the $70 million Thompsons Road extension in Officer South has been pulled by the Federal Government to go towards other priority road upgrades in the area. Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood blamed the State Government’s “blowout” spending on other road projects in the area, explaining that the $70 million had been relocated to fund the Pakenham road package, Clyde Road package, and Berwick train station car park. Mr Wood said the State Government had in-
creased the Pakenham roads package from $82 million to $350million and Clyde Road from $50 million to $250 million. “And for the life of me I can’t work out why the Berwick Train Station car park, after we’ve committed $15 million for that, has come back at $62 million from the State Government,” he said. “Councils in Maroonda have done it for less than $15 million.” Mr Wood said in 2019, the State and Federal Government had proposed to split the Thompsons Road upgrade cost of $140 mil-
lion, providing $70 million each. “And lo and behold they’ve come back and said it’s a $900 million road project,” Mr Wood said. “The minister has gone back to them and said hold on the money we have committed, the $70 million is going to be moved to offset some of the other massive road project blowouts. You go back and have a look at your figures and come back with another proposal.” But Bass MP Jordan Crugnale has slammed the Federal Government, saying she was disappointed they broke their election commit-
ment to extend Thompsons Road. “People voted for these local projects because it would make a difference to their lives and community. Therein lies the lesson for the Federal Government – just stop blaming the State Government and local councils,” she said. “Grow up, do your job and don’t say you will do something if you are not going to follow through with it. People go the polls and vote on election commitments and they should expect them to be delivered. Continued page 7
ADVERTISEMENT
We come to you or can help through our contactless pick-up and remote services. (03) 9113 4616 contact@synergyitservices.com.au www.synergyitservices.com.au 12484645-DL10-21
Will &
Deceased Estate Lawyers Preparation of Wills and Power of Attorney Kit
CONTESTED WILLS
Prompt and expert preparation of probate applications
Hundreds of successful cases on no win–no fee basis
CALL (03) 9707 0566
12495647-DL21-21
WE CAN SOLVE ALL YOUR TECH PROBLEMS
www.nealcollinlawyers.com.au 12484675-JW11-21
Authorised by B. Battin MP 3/445 Princes HWY Officer 3809. Funded from the Parliamentary Budget.