Judging by the report tabled at last Wednesday night’s council meeting regarding the ‘discussions’ that have taken place between the MRC and Glen Eira, we can only conclude that the role and involvement of councillors has been practically non-existent. The report makes two things pretty obvious –
- The real responsibility in these discussions lies with Newton and the CEO of the MRC – yet there has never been a formal public resolution by councillors to cede such authority to Newton
- Councillors have been relegated to superficial issues such as deciding on toilets, playgrounds and whether these should have a place in the centre of the racecourse!!!!
Did anyone complain?
Did anyone suggest that councillors should be an integral part of ALL strategic discussions especially in something as important as this piece of land and the C60?
Were they denied access to these discussions? If so, why and by whom?
Were they even informed that such discussions were taking place?
Were they informed as to the outcomes of each discussion? If they were, then why did Penhalluriack see the need for this ‘request for a report’? Was it only to ‘report’ to the community or to councillors themselves?
Why have the public been kept in the dark? What, if any, cosy little arrangements have been determined?
How many phone calls, emails, etc. have flowed between the two CEO’s or their direct subordinates? This of course is not listed in the report!
Don’t people find it strange that according to the report Newton and the MRC CEO met on 7 occasions without councillors or officers present? That officers were present in other meetings between the CEOs on two occasions? Where were councillors (apart from the Mayor on two occasions)in all this?
Once again, councillors (and by extension the public) have been neatly hobbled and excluded from important ‘negotiations’ and strategic planning. All the important bits have been left to Newton! Is this ‘democracy’ at work we ask?
Glen Eira Debates 
November 7, 2010 at 9:43 AM
I found Gavin Jennings comments that he had been “misquoted” in Hansard interesting. Has he tried to have his comments recorded correctly. Methinks the State Government is pulling the strings down at Town Hall rather than the Councillors.
November 7, 2010 at 9:58 AM
STOP PRESS:
Tuesday, 9th November @6pm bring your own barby, tea to Glenhuntly Park (corner Neerim and Booran Rds, Caulfield) for a get together and discussion. Re: following matters (ie C60, Racecourse). All welcome. Please let me know if you are able to attend at:gandmhealy@yahoo.com.au
November 7, 2010 at 2:51 PM
I always understood that in accord with the requirments of the Local Government Act the Council sets the Strategic Direction and the CEO is required to carry through the Councils Direction. Your assumption that Councillors are not involved in the process is just plain dumb.
November 7, 2010 at 4:40 PM
The problem with your logic is that most of this has nothing to do with the local government act but everything to do with delegated authority and the current crop of pathetic councillors who cede all control to the ceo and his loyal and well paid officers. Other councils at least pull in the reins on their ceo via a variety of limitations – but not glen eira. Even in planning conferences they allow such nebulous phrases as a ‘significant’ number of objections to be the trigger for appearance before council. What in the hell does ‘significant number’ mean? 3 objections, 4 objections, 100 objections? It is deliberately vague so that it can be manipulated by unelected officials. No one is to blame for such dereliction of duty, and abandonment of the community except the councillors which allow such decisions to be made. Concerned Resident have a look at other councils and the limitations they put on their officers – then you can talk all you want.
November 7, 2010 at 10:13 PM
Yes, deciding where to put a toilet or a playground is really important strategic decision making. Suits this lot of councillors to a tee!
November 7, 2010 at 4:29 PM
4pm on a nice lazy Sunday, no events and once again all gates getting into the racecourse are locked. Can’t anyone fix this ludicrious situation? Imagine the uproar at any other public park but it seems no one gives a stuff about the residents of Caulfield. I wonder if this was discussed by either CEO because nothing is happening.
November 7, 2010 at 8:17 PM
Listed under Local State Government Achievements, the labor Candidate for Caulfield describes the development of the cafe at Caulfield station (where was the planning approval???) and the recreation area inside the racecourse! Bawhahaha. Very funny!