Keeping up with Shoalhaven Council debates and decisions. Holding power to account.
Eye on Shoalhaven Council is a civics-watch project run by Steve Prothero, a local resident with more than 30 years of experience in public administration including as an Assistant Secretary in the Australian Public Service.
Steve has a BA in Public Administration, an MBA from the AGSM and has served with ministerial advisory bodies and local government bodies, as well as community lobby groups.
Steve boldly covers Council meetings and policy development on his Eye on Council Facebook page where residents and ratepayers can find rich detail and robust discussion of the local government decisions that affect our everyday life.
Finance Committee Appointments: A Change in Process
One of the most notable developments was the mayor’s decision to exercise her authority regarding the appointment of five experts to the new finance committee. Rather than opening these positions up to an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, Mayor White opted for direct appointments with her as the appointing mechanism. This decision was reportedly based on consultations with the "Finance Industry" stakeholders, but it took many councillors—and indeed meeting attendees—by surprise.
During the discussion, some non-SIG (Shoalhaven Independents Group) councillors raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the elements of proper community consultation that seemed to be overlooked.
While Mayor White agreed to consult with the council’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) going forward, questions remain about the meaningfulness of this consultation given her final authority in the matter.
Councillor Wilkins voiced his opinion that calling for nominations from the community was "elongated". That appeared to reflect a business rather than a governance mindset. This raised eyebrows among those present, as the legislative framework governing local councils fundamentally differs from that of businesses. Emphasizing established processes improves transparency and fosters a collaborative environment, which is vital for community trust.
Conversely, there was a positive shift with the appointments of Clrs. Tribe and Dunn to the finance committee. Their inclusion could bring valuable perspectives, enriching discussions that will shape our council's financial strategy.
Debunking the Myths Around Financial Achievements
An interesting moment occurred when the mayor claimed that no significant outcomes had resulted from the previous budget/finance committee's efforts. This assertion is puzzling, as documented achievements, such as an 11% reduction in overtime costs saving approximately $335,000 annually and a 43% reduction in recruitment, speak to the committee's success.
In addition, projects totaling $90 million have been deferred, resulting in better resource allocation, and adjustments to operating hours are anticipated to yield annual savings of around $500,000.
It is also important to note that the savings were initiated by the previous Council.
These accomplishments are noteworthy and should have formed the bedrock of the council's ongoing financial strategy. As the council navigates these shifts, it’s crucial that proactive communication be fostered among council members to maintain collaboration, trust, and a shared vision for the community.
Affordable Housing: Clarifying Perspectives
Another area of discussion was affordable housing, where there appeared to be a divergence in understanding among some councillors. Clr Proudfoot suggested that involvement from large, tier-one developers was necessary.
However, evidence suggests that smaller developers are often more effective in delivering affordable housing projects. Options such as duplexes or courtyard housing can frequently meet the community’s needs more efficiently.
Clr Wilkins also offered a sentiment that the council should target ambitious goals in this regard, but whether this entails a realistic plan, or a mere aspiration remains to be seen. The Councillor's concern for sticking to the knitting seemed to conflict with his statement about “shooting for the star” – confusing.
Green Initiatives: FOGO (Fear of Grant Organising?)
Once again, the Mayor exercised her casting vote to delay information about a contentious topic - Food Organics & Garden Organics (FOGO) - which continues to be a pressing concern for residents. The potential of a "Green Bin" initiative has heightened emotions, reflecting the importance of the issue within our community.
Clr Tribe made a compelling case for initiating briefings that would include potential grants, especially with the deadline looming on November 19. However, Clr Wilkins proposed an amendment that would defer access to essential information until early next year. Clr Tribe firmly opposed this delay, highlighting the urgency of obtaining information now. However, her motion was not carried.
It's encouraging to see councillors engaged in conversations around environmental issues. The enthusiasm shown by Clr Tribe for timely information signalled commitment to addressing the giant pile of landfill about to reach capacity.
Interestingly, Clr Wilkins expressed concern regarding accepting grants due to potential repayment liabilities. This raised questions about his logic; while it's vital to be cautious about financial commitments, securing grants for projects that tackle longstanding issues seems like a prudent course of action. Although we do need to be sure not to be tied to white elephant infrastructure “gifts”.
For those interested in exploring further advancements in our waste management strategies, I encourage you to investigate the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) programs, which can be an excellent resource for understanding how we can better manage our organic waste.
Embracing Transparency and Collaboration
As we reflect on the discussions from the latest council meeting, several themes emerge: the importance of transparency, the necessity for collaborative decision-making, and the potential for innovative solutions to address community issues.
The differences between governance and business should remind us of the public accountability that local councils uphold. The Council is NOT a Board of Directors, but community representatives elected to form strategic directions for the city.
Shortcuts often lead to dead ends in public administration - or worse.
So, stay engaged in these discussions. Your voice matters, and your feedback on these issues can be invaluable as we strive for a more informed and collaboratively governed community.
Through active participation, we can foster an environment where transparency and accountability lead to meaningful change. To take part in conversations, join the Eye on Shoalhaven Facebook group discussions.
