Tomorrow features the postponed Caulfield Racecourse Trustees’ meeting with our three new councillor representatives. (See: https://www.melbourneracingclub.net.au/mrc/governance/caulfield-racecourse-reserve-trustees). For a committee that does not publish minutes, that does not have open meetings and does not perceive that there are serious questions regarding potential conflicts of interests, we find the accompanying blurb quite remarkable.
Over the past 5 years we know of at least 4 individuals who have attempted to present their point of view at such meetings – as per the invitation. They have been barred from admittance and if their correspondence has ever been tabled, then they certainly were not provided with any feedback as to the outcomes. Words and actions are miles apart. All that remains are the ironies of the actual agenda items and the notion that there is, or could be, an actual ‘governance policy’ that comes close to enacting what most people would regard as open, transparent and accountable process. We also have to wonder whether Lipshutz will do a Tang and actually show up for these meetings or miss more than half! But since the minutes are secret, and our representatives perceived first duty is to the Trustees rather than their electorate, we will probably never know!
Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trustees
The next meeting of Trustees of the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve [CRR] will be held on Wednesday, 27th March 2013.
Trustee meetings are not open to the General Public; however Trustees have resolved that any Glen Eira resident wishing to address a specific Agenda Item as listed by the Trustees, must first submit their request in writing to the Chairman in advance of the CRR Trustees meeting. The Trustees will then consider the request and, if appropriate, invite the resident to attend for that specific agenda item only.
Correspondence should be addressed to:
The Chairman
Caulfield Racecourse Reserve
Level 1, 25 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000
Or emailed to: CRRTrustees@bigpond.com
Glen Eira Debates 
April 4, 2013 at 8:56 AM
Time is almost up for the Trustees’ change is in the wind.
April 4, 2013 at 10:33 AM
Its hard to believe the Trustees on anything. How for example do the Trustees consider whether a request is appropriate before they meet? What is their definition of “appropriate”? Why do they cling to such an archaic, inappropriate, lousy model of governance and why do they reject DSE’s Committe of Management guidelines?
April 4, 2013 at 11:47 AM
This is really boring. Landlords and their representatives have a right to privacy when discussing terms and conditions of Leases. This is called Commercial in Confidence.Try telling us something positive about the Racecourse. If not give us your best shot and get over it. MOVE ON
April 4, 2013 at 1:44 PM
When you are making $$$$$millions from crown land , yes I can see that you would want some privacy.
April 4, 2013 at 1:18 PM
JUST UNCHAIN THE GATES
April 4, 2013 at 4:45 PM
Must confess to not having been at the track for awhile. When I use to run around there I had no trouble accessing it except for race days. If residents and others can’t get access like that now then it’s shameful.
April 4, 2013 at 3:59 PM
Nobody should be bullied by one person’s low boredom threshold into acting contrary to the public interest. FWIW since the outline of the agenda is public, Leases are not the only item on it. Leases involving crown land carry more obligations than normally apply to the private sector. If a potential lessee provides information classified Confidential then the confidentiality should be respected, but before the CoM accepts the restriction they should consider whether the entire document should be confidential (unlikely) or only parts of it. Any party arguing for non-disclosure should demonstrate that disclosure could affect the party unreasonably in an adverse manner.
Poor practice in the past doesn’t justify doing more of the same. From the CoM Guidelines: “Granting exclusive occupation of Crown land under a lease should not occur, except where it can be justified in terms of benefits to the community.” This includes considering social, economic and environmental outcomes. If passive and active recreation opportunities are to be constrained or compromised by horse training, then the public has a very real interest in verifying that the “benefits” claimed are genuine.
April 4, 2013 at 5:40 PM
I dont think Napthine cares. He is giving over 2 million to redevelop Cranbourne racecourse while not giving a gonski about state education. A win win for the racing industry. Government handouts plus less educated people will be more likely to spend their money gambling on horses.
April 4, 2013 at 10:37 PM
The Federal Gov. is proposing to implement a part of the Gonski Committee Report. They are yet to reveal to the States which part. It is highly probable that many States will go along with it when they understand the deal. To committ to something before you seeing the deal would be poor Government. Gillard still thinks she can win an election. The Libs are shorter than Black Cavier. Don’t be confuesd by the noise.
April 4, 2013 at 8:20 PM
Also less education will give the racing pool more young people to work in this poor paying, unhealthy, anti social industry