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Dec 2004 report
As the 2004 year draws to a close, 2005 is emerging as a challenging year ahead for the City of Monash. There are a number of crucial issues that face the City, and indeed, Local Government throughout the State of Victoria.
In this report, I will only comment on three of those issues.
Rates and cost shifting.
There has been a steady and alarming decline in the provision of funding to local government from State and Federal Governments. The implications of this are that there is pressure on Council to raise rates to close the gap created by the shortfall. This is quite plainly cost shifting to Council and the Monash community, many members of which do not have the capacity to pay higher rates. Alternatively, Council may choose to cut services and facilities to the community. The services cut will most likely be those for people less able to represent themselves – the most vulnerable members of our community. Worse still, and probably the most likely scenario, Council may do both, that is, increase rates and cut provision of services.
Clearly, the Monash Ratepayers Association has a responsibility and can, must and will aggressively oppose attempts to increase rates or cut services to the community. We will do so by constructive dialogue with Council where possible and, where appropriate, any other level of Government. If necessary, we will resort to other means to ensure ratepayers get the best services and value from Council and that Council is not under resourced.
Planning and Melbourne 2030
Planning issues are also looming this coming year and beyond as significant challenges for local Government. The Monash Ratepayers Association has just this week made its submission to a panel hearing the case for and against the proposed development of a nine storey building on the corner of Ferntree Gully and Jells Roads. The MRA strongly opposes the development. Disturbingly, many Wheelers Hill residents believe that this development has been scrapped! Not so, the recommendations of the panel will be put to the Minister for Planning by the end of January and she will make her decision shortly thereafter.
Melbourne 2030 poses challenges for all local Councils in metropolitan Melbourne, but none more so than the City of Monash. 2030 can be beneficial to Monash or detrimental, depending on how it is implemented. We intend to bring the issues to the forefront over the coming year.
Integrity of elected Council
The final issue I would draw your attention to is the integrity of your elected Council.
For the Council to work effectively as a total entity in the best interests of the ratepayers and residents of the City of Monash, its elected councillors must be accessible and available to the community. They must act with integrity, have the capacity, political independence and preparedness to always act in the best interests of the people of Monash.
I wish all Christians a Happy Christmas, those who are not of the Christian faith an enjoyable holiday season, and all of you a safe, prosperous and happy new year.
Best wishes,
Philip Daw
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