Why the mayor said ‘no’ to a meeting with the president of Ratepayers Geelong

The decision by Geelong’s mayor to decline a meeting with a ratepayers’ group has raised the ire of its president.

Mayor Trent Sullivan has defended his decision not to meet with Ratepayers Geelong. Photo: Alan Barber.

The president of the Geelong ratepayers association says it is “bewildering” the mayor won’t meet with him, but City Hall says there’s more to the matter.

Ratepayers Geelong head Andrew Senia emailed Trent Sullivan’s office on August 17 to request a meeting for him and vice-president Antonia Kerr.

Mr Senia said the purpose of the meeting was to “introduce ourselves and to discuss some issues concerning ratepayers”.

On August 22, an unidentified City of Greater Geelong employee sought additional detail that would determine whether a specialist council officer would need to attend.

“Ratepayers Geelong do not want to raise specific concerns at this time, it will be a ‘get to know’ each other meeting as there will be issues which we prefer to address in a cooperative manner,” Mr Senia replied two days later.

Almost another week passed before council responded with an email that informed Mr Senia his request had been denied.

“On this occasion, Mayor Sullivan has suggested a meeting is not required and encourages you and any ratepayers with queries to engage with city officers as the subject matter experts in this area,” the email read.

Andrew Senia. Photo: Glenn Ferguson.

When asked about the refusal, Mr Sullivan, who was elected mayor in November, said he met with a wide range of people to discuss initiatives that could benefit the region.

“On this occasion, we didn’t believe a meeting was required as the request noted there was ‘nothing specific to discuss at this time’,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We seek specific details about the topics people want to raise so that we can invite officers, who have expertise in that area, to add value to the discussion.”

Mr Senia said the meeting would have benefited all Geelong ratepayers, as well as the mayor.

“If the mayor refuses to listen to the voice of those who pay the city’s bills, including his salary, who will he listen to?” he said.

“The mayor’s refusal to meet with the Geelong ratepayers group is bewildering.

“The purpose of the meeting was to work together in these financially devastating times for ratepayers and all people of Greater Geelong.”

Mr Senia said it would be futile to request another meeting.

“Even if he accepts now, the damage has been done,” he said.

The Ratepayers Geelong website sates its aim as “keeping a watch on the Greater Geelong City Council and call attention to things – both positive and negative – that we believe ratepayers should be aware of”.

Originally published as Why the mayor said ‘no’ to a meeting with the president of Ratepayers Geelong