Spin is out in full force with the advertised Budget and Council Plan. For the past ten years residents have been continually fed the line that Glen Eira imposes one of the lowest rate hikes in the state on its community. The facts reveal a different story. Our recent post highlighted how rates in the past 8-9 years have more than doubled in this municipality. We do not believe that any of the other councils listed below fall into this category. Glen Eira is really out on its own when it comes to slugging residents.
These are the rate increases as published in draft budgets from neighbouring councils. Both Bayside and Kingston figures are still to be released.
Stonnington – 4.5% increase
Port Phillip – 5.9%
Monash – 6%
Yarra city – 5.9%
Boroondara – 5%
Manningham – 6%
PS: The main entrance under the clock tower was AGAIN LOCKED for tonight’s Special Council Meeting!!!!! This makes it at least 4 times that the door has been locked. Once is unfortunate; twice is regrettable; three times is unforgivable and four times is plain old incompetence – or, a total disregard for the community.
Glen Eira Debates 
May 9, 2012 at 4:08 AM
The locked doors only indcate there is something to be hidden. I went along but could not gain entry to the building. Maybe all advertising should state that the doors are going to be open or closed so as one knows whether it is worth venturing out.
May 9, 2012 at 7:50 AM
ha cant wait for an update on the Caulfield Racecourse fence. Did they discuss this at the meeting? Were they livid or did they take the attitude that the MRC can take it down at the time it best suits them.
May 9, 2012 at 2:22 PM
Not a word about the fence being removed before 27 April as per the agreement signed in blood by Hyams, Pilling, Lipshutz and Esakoff. Time to get some Councillors who can enforce agreements rather than these pussies.
May 9, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Don’t fully blame the Councillors. Newton and Brian Discombe are drinking buddies from way back. He won’t push the MRC to do anything.
May 9, 2012 at 8:34 AM
Ya know this door locking trick is getting really old and is way past it’s use by date. Time and time again it has happened and each time it really p*sses residents off.
If this Council is so wonderful administratively why is it so hard for them to remember to open the doors when there is a special Council meeting.
To help them out, I suggest they insert a line in their “Administrative Procedures for Special Council Meetings” which says notify security of the meeting time and date to ensure all public accesses are available to the public wishing to attend the meeting. There that’s not a big ask.
May 9, 2012 at 11:24 AM
by the way I went to a citizenship ceremony last year and the door was shut. So it might not be vindictive as you are suggesting.
May 9, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Maybe not deliberate but shows how little thought is given to residents. In the order of priority, we come last.
May 9, 2012 at 1:58 PM
The staff and the Councillors live in a world of their own. They have their inner circle and that’s it. Not much different in other places.