Secrecy is of course appropriate in some cases. But not when it denies residents access to vital policy documents, strategies and plans. Glen Eira is unique in its commitment to provide as little information as possible to its residents and if it is provided, to hide it away so that access and easy retrieval requires the skill of a Sherlock Holmes, together with the nose of a trusty bloodhound! Why?

We’ve written that secrecy and transparency do not mix. Secrecy invites speculation; it encourages distrust; and it reinforces a siege mentality – all counterproductive. Yet this is the way that this council has been perceived for years. Residents are not viewed as colleagues and/or collaborators in planning, setting visions for the future, or merely partaking in democratic processes. They are viewed as troublesome cash cows that need to be managed, sidelined and ignored whenever the legislation unwittingly allows for such manoeuvres.

The availability, or lack thereof, of major policy documents is a case in point. In contrast to neighbouring councils, Glen Eira’s website is deplorable in its content and design. No direct links on the home page to ‘policies’, ‘strategies’ or ‘plans’; searches under ‘policies’ lead to planning documents that are archaic, dating back as far as 1999 and so on…..

This we suggest, is more than poor web design but intended to make things as difficult as possible for residents AND to possibly cover up the fact that in contrast to other councils, Glen Eira is really bereft of up-to-date policy development that matters. For example: there is no sustainable design strategy; there is no transport strategy; there is no gambling strategy that we could find and it goes on and on. Our point is simple: all policies, all strategies should be out in the open and easily accessible.

Below are the policies/strategies from other councils, all accessible via direct links from the home page. Those with an asterisk indicate the areas that we believe Glen Eira does not have any official policy. Council plans, budgets, codes of conduct, etc. have been omitted from the list.

BAYSIDE:

Cultural collection and management policy

Cultural collection policy*

Economic development strategy*

Electronic gaming policy*

Municipal Emergency Recovery Plan – Municipal Arrangements

Municipal Emergency Recovery Plan – operational Arrangements

Register of significant trees policy*

Sports facility policy*

Tourism strategic action plan*

Whistleblowers/Improper conduct

Youth policy

PORT PHILLIP:

Heritage recognition program policy and strategy

Sustainable design policy*

Waste wise strategy

Youth framework

Playground strategy

Memorials and monuments*

Port Phillip Collection Management Policy

Festivals Framework*

Urban History consultative committee*

Inner Melbourne Action Plan*

Climate Change Commitment*

Active and Creative City Framework*

St. Kilda Botanical Gardens Future Directions Plan

Fisherman’s Bend Planning and Economic Development Strategy

Greening Port Phillip: An Urban Forest Approach 2011*

Industry and Business Strategy*

Housing Strategy 2007

Beacon Cove Planning

Activity Centres Strategy

Ormond Road Urban Design guidelines

Governance Statement*

Good Governance guide

KINGSTON:

Alcohol and Other Drugs Action Plan*

Fire Prevention Plan

Gambling (Poker Machines) Strategy*

Graffitti management Plan

Guide to Business Conduct*

Open Space Strategy

Public health Plan

Whistleblowers Act

Kingston Biodiversity Strategy*

Kingston Industrial Strategy*

Investment Policy*

Pandemic Influenza Plan*

(http://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=2394&h=-1 – Policy Manual)*

STONNINGTON: 

Art Acquisition Policy*

Caretaker Policy

Cultural Diversity Policy*

Disaster Relief donations Policy*

Key to the City and Freedom of Entry Policy*

Responsible Gambling Policy*

Road Safety Policy*

Sustainable Transport Policy*

Stormwater Environmental Management Plan*