Melbourne councils sending up to six delegates each to national conference
Melbourne councils are spending thousands on the chance to “have a seat at the table” at the nation’s capital. See who is splashing your cash.
South East
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Ratepayers will foot a bill of at least $2.5m for a local government talkfest in Canberra later this year.
The Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly is expected to be attended by about 1000 councillors with some Victorian councils sending up to six delegates.
Knox Council has agreed to spend about $16,800 to send Mayor Marcia Timmers-Leitch, councillors Sorina Grasso, Susan Laukens, Lisa Cooper and Darren Pearce and chief executive Bruce Dobson to the June 13-15 event.
Mornington Peninsula Shire will be represented by Mayor Steve Holland, deputy mayor Debra Mar, Cr Sarah Race and chief executive John Baker, at a cost of more than $8000.
Moonee Valley Council also plans to send four delegates — three councillors and a staff member.
The council has not yet revealed the cost involved.
The conference was recognised by Mornington Peninsula Shire as “the largest, most influential local government conference in Australia” that would allow councillors to “do our work on the big stage”.
But Ratepayers Victoria said the conference was simply “an excuse to network, eat and drink and play federal politics”.
“ALGA represents the biggest waste of ratepayers’ money in Australia in one event,” spokesman Dean Hurlston said.
“Over 1000 attendees will spend at least $2.5m in travel and conference expenses.
“These costs are met by local communities who expect local action and outcomes.
“All residents and ratepayers want their roads fixed, their footpaths repaired, more access to green open space, and clean, well-lit and safe precincts.”
However, Mornington Peninsula Mayor Steve Holland said the event gave councillors access to the people who could “make a big difference” to the community through funding or legislation.
“We will seek meetings with relevant ministers to discuss opportunities for federal government investment in local projects, such as recycled water for our agricultural sector, a performing arts centre, and the Peninsula Trail,” he said
Not all Mornington Peninsula councillors were in favour of sending four delegates.
Cr Susan Bissinger made an unsuccessful bid to have the vote split so individual councillors could be chosen, instead of all three.
Cr Lisa Dixon pointed out that while councillors had a $16,000 allowance for conferences and training during their four-year term, they didn’t have to spend it all.
“I worry our community will look at this as a junket,” she said.
ALGA president Linda Scott said local government could play a major role in increasing Australia’s productivity, providing the infrastructure and services businesses needed to thrive.
This year’s event corresponds with the return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) which will meet on June 16 for the first time in more than a decade.
“The ACLG will provide a historic opportunity for mayors, shire presidents and local government leaders to meet directly and engage with the Prime Minister and Cabinet, progressing the critical partnership between federal and local governments to deliver for the public good,” Ms Scott said.
Some councils were happy to be represented by the mayor and chief executive officer.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child, who planned to drive to the event, was the only delegate going from his municipality.
He said the conference was an important chance to connect councillors with federal ministers and “collaborate and advocate on important affecting communities across Australia, including local infrastructure, climate change, housing and telecommunications”.
“Top of my priority list is asking for funding to be restored to Roads for the Community, so we can continue our program of constructing safer roads in the Dandenongs and surrounds,” he said.
Wyndham Council would be represented by a councillor and the chief executive officer.
Frankston Council has not yet had a councillor nominate to attend the event.