for one last drink and a counter meal on Main Street.
It was a major part of thier lives - as it has been for the many regulars to have graced the old building over the years.
The Drake Tavern’s last day of trade will be Thursday 18 May.
The long-awaited revamp of Main Street, Pakenham, is finally set to take place as the council has confirmed $2.4m will fund works in the heart of Pakenham.
Cardinia Shire Council revealed in their draft budget for 2023-24 allocation for the Main Street Pakenham Revitalisation Project.
The council will fund $1.4m, while the State Government has committed $1m from their Growing Suburbs Fund.
A draft plan has been confirmed and will be revealed for community consultation later this year.
“This is a long time coming, the community have been waiting for this to happen,” Cr Carol Ryan said.
“This will be an enormous relief for locals shopping but also great asset for tourism encouraging new businesses into the area.”
STORY PAGE 5
Plans for new facilities at Kooweerup Bowling Club have stalled as construction costs balloon.
Cardinia Shire Council passed a motion at a meeting on 15 May recommending council officers attempt again to find a contractor who can complete the works, with two previous attempts abandoned due to higher than expected tender prices, which is a result of the ongoing pressures within the construction industry.
Cost has set $4.6m as the maximum cost for a potential contract, with $1.647m of that coming from Federal Government funding.
The council has also switched the construction from a traditional one to a modular as a cheaper and faster alternative.
Speed is key now as the Federal Government’s $1.647m will not apply if the project isn’t completed by December 2023.
“They’re gonna have to get their wheels on, get the tenders in and get it underway pretty quick,” Cr Colin Ross said.
“Otherwise, there could be a risk of losing the $1.647m, which we just don’t want because ratepayers just can’t afford to find that money.”
to the Drake on Saturday
STORIES PAGES 2-3
STORY PAGE 5
