For those of us who live in Casey and are also Melbourne members, it has been a very difficult time. The deal had to be right for both parties - I have noticed from reading a lot of posts that lots of people seemed to be of the "let's suck all we can out of Casey" mindset. Not a very good start to a co-operative partnership don't you think? It doesn't make Casey residents feel valued - it just makes us feel like we are being used. Thankfully the club is more sensitive than this! You have to remember that the rates that are funding this project come from the pockets of ordinary people, just like yourselves - would you think the same if the money for this was coming out of your pocket?
That being said, I could always see the value in MFC coming to Casey, but lots of people can't, and those people were entitled to a voice too. Taking the land deal out of the contract was the smartest thing the MFC could have done - and for those of you who can add up - instead of four councillors in opposition to the plan, there were ultimately only three (there were always four, not just the two that everyone was slagging off at) - it obviously changed the nature of the deal sufficiently to enable a councillor to vote for the best for both parties. Remember that councillors are there to serve their community, and giving away a valuable asset was clearly not in the best interest of that community, especially when (approximate figures quoted by the Herald Sun) 14 families a month in just one suburb of Casey are losing their homes.
I was also interested to note that of all of you who have had a lot to say about this deal, apparently none of you took the time to go to the meeting to see what was happening. Does that mean you won't be travelling out to Casey Fields to support your team? I hope not - I am looking forward to seeing all you there!
