A MELTON City councillor has boycotted a two-day workshop for councillors because it was held outside the municipality.
Melton City councillors spent last weekend in the Macedon Ranges Shire working towards producing a Council Plan, however there was one notable absentee.
Watts Ward councillor Lara Carli told Star she decided not to attend the workshop, where councillours discussed a four-year vision and strategy for the municipality, on “principle”.
Star believes the majority of councillors attended the two-day workshop in Lancefield, but Cr Carli questioned the decision to host the workshop in another municipality when it could have been held in the City of Melton.
“For me it is a question of principle as I strongly believe we should be supporting our local businesses,” Cr Carli said.
“My fellow councillors are well aware of my position on this issue. The budget process is lengthy and wide in consultation with our community, and I firmly believe this can be done within our city.”
Cr Carli said a more appropriate venue would have been the council chambers or a local business like West Waters Hotel in Caroline Springs.
Melton City Council Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Tori said the weekend, which commenced last Friday morning and concluded on Saturday afternoon, would cost the council about $455 per councillor.
Mayor Kathy Majdlik said hosting the workshop outside of the municipality allowed councillors to focus without the distractions of work and family commitments.
“We are a newly elected council and it is the exact same practice of previous years for a newly elected council in this municipality, it has happened every four years,” Cr Majdlik said.
Deputy mayor Bob Turner, who also attended the workshop, said the venue did vary and the workshop was held in Caroline Springs last year, but outside of Melton the previous year.
Cr Turner said it was one of the most important weekends of the first 12 months of the newly elected council.
“I feel the residents who voted for me would be very disappointed if I didn’t attend to support their ideas and wishes. It is also a good time for the councillors to get together away from external pressures, giving them the opportunity to share ideas and develop a good working relationship. Especially in respect of the new councillors,” Cr Turner said.
Watts Ward councillor Renata Cugliari also said the decision to to hold the workshop in Lancefield was to help reduce any distractions of private life.
Mr Tori said after the election of a new council, all Victorian councils are required to produce a Council Plan.
“The level of work and cooperation required to produce a high quality Council Plan and strategic financial plan is enormous,” Mr Tori said.
“This two day long workshop is considered an essential part of the process, and is evidence of the commitment of councillors who are taking time away from private work and their families to fully engage.”
Mr Tori said many strategic meetings are held during the year within the municipality.
“It is important to note that this is not a recreational activity, but is a legitimate business expense and council activity, in which a great deal of critical work will be completed.”
Star did not receive a response from councillors Nola Dunn, Broden Burg and Sophie Ramsey.
