Maribyrnong Council the complaint capital of Melbourne’s west
SKY-ROCKETING rates, unjust parking fines and filthy streets are just a handful of the gripes landing this Melbourne council in hot water.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
SKY-ROCKETING rates, unjust parking fines and filthy streets are among the gripes making Maribyrnong the most complained about council in Melbourne’s west.
The Victorian Ombudsman’s annual report shows the office received 85 complaints about Maribyrnong Council in the 12 months to July this year.
Maribyrnong was ranked 10th highest statewide, above neighbouring Brimbank, ranked at 16th, and Hobsons Bay at 43rd.
MARIBYRNONG HOMEOWNERS PAY SECOND HIGHEST RATES IN MELBOURNE
MARIBYRNONG COUNCILLOR SPENDS $100 A WEEK ON PHONE BILL
HUNDREDS OF HOMEOWNERS CHALLENGE RATES NOTICE AND WIN
Moreland Council was the most complained about, followed by Greater Geelong and Casey.
Maribyrnong Council came under fire in April this year after refusing to cancel parking fines for people with a disability.
It led to an ombudsman investigation into the council’s review practices.
Wheelchair-bound Rayna Fahey said she was fined for parking in a disabled space and despite providing evidence, the council refused to revoke the fine.
“I was in a wheelchair, just discharged from hospital, with a permit application in progress,” she said.
“Despite all the evidence of these facts, Maribyrnong Council wouldn’t waive the fine.
“They have zero compassion when it comes to parking.”
The annual report stated the council accepted two of three ombudsman recommendations, which included updating its guidelines and providing training to staff involved in internal reviews. But the council refused to reimburse affected individuals.
Other top complaints included high rates, polluted streets and rubbish.
Data from Know Your Council Victoria revealed Maribyrnong ratepayers coughed up one of the highest rates bills in Melbourne during 2016-17.
Resident Desley Renton said sometimes Footscray looked like a Third World country.
“(The council) is too soft on illegal dumping … and there is a neglect of garden beds and little greenery,” she said.
Maribyrnong Council Corporate Services director Celia Haddock said the council’s performance had substantially improved.
“There was a reduction in the number of complaints and we dropped from fourth to tenth,” she said.
“This was due to the introduction of a new complaints handling policy in 2017 that worked to reduce waiting time and give people a clear process that would be followed through.”
Ms Haddock said the council strived to continue to improve its performance and provide quality customer service.
The ombudsman figures don’t include complaints made directly to councils.
MORE NEWS
Dream start: Young Roo hops into cricket season with stunning stats
A rising Greenvale Kangaroos star, fresh off a dominant winter, has made a stunning start to his summer. He provides the reasons for his form and all the top performers from round 1 of the under-18 premier competition.
$80k trail of destruction by alleged thief
An Altona North man has been accused of leaving a trail of $80,000 worth of property damage after an alleged crime spree across Melbourne’s western suburbs.