2017-02-21
Ms DUNN (Eastern Metropolitan) — My constituency question is for the Minister for Local Government. Community members in Nillumbik shire are rightly very concerned that their council's newly established Future Nillumbik Committee will reduce accountability and transparency of local government decision-making. I understand that in an alarming departure from previous procedure the new committee will only decide on planning matters a ward councillor or two non-ward councillors call in; otherwise the decision will be delegated to officers. Moreover, only community members who have already made a formal written submission to council will be allowed to speak.
The Nillumbik community deserve to have meaningful input on matters that affect their quality of life and the amenity of local areas. Will the minister make representations to Nillumbik Shire Council to ensure that the community are heard on local planning issues?