canineclub

The latest agenda items for Glen Eira Clowncil’s meeting tomorrow night includes a ‘report’ on ESDs (ie. planning and sustainability). We are told that only 3 councils are currently using what is known as the STEPS or ESD programs that were initiated by Moreland City Council. The implication is, that since so few councils are employing this strategy that is it not worthwhile for Glen Eira to pursue this. The issue here is that these figures are INCORRECT. According to the Municipal Association of Victoria (and I quote) “”The Advocacy group has 35% of councils from across Victoria interested and participating and 9 councils now using the STEPS/SDS”. Surely the community has every right to expect that council’s information is accurate? These ‘reports’ are often the basis for vital policy decisions. They are handed out to councillors for their consideration. But how can ‘informed decision making’ occur when the provided information is so skewed? As ratepayers we must demand a higher level of professionalism from those well paid employees/administration whose job it is to be on top of all the issues they are required to report on. Anything less is sheer incompetence and a waste of ratepayers money!