Council expressed the view that they wanted a diverse and widespread range of people from across the Shire. The CIAC was to consist of six members with specialist skills and knowledge as well as Council staff-the number of staff members on the committee is not known or whether they will have voting rights.

The final decision has been to appoint only 5 members to the community committee with the majority of the 5 from Leongatha township.

Council said that 

“There have been delays in establishing this group due to the low number of applicants. As only three submissions were received in the initial advertising campaign, a re-advertised EOI process occurred with wider distribution in the anticipation of receiving applications. Between October and December 2020, a further seven submissions were received: a total of ten applications in all. Two submissions were received from applicants who do not reside in the municipality and therefore have been ruled invalid. The remaining eight are eligible for consideration.”

The role of the CIAC is advisory and would include the following:

• Examine project proposals, evaluation, and priority list.

• Support Council in responsible decision-making using principles to determine capital works programs.

• Examine large emerging proposals / unplanned initiatives to fit within strategies or request a feasibility study.

• Formulate advice / feedback to Council for consideration

Editor Comment: 

Such a high-profile committee and no payment, entirely voluntary in nature? Hardly surprising that they did not attract candidates. It seems that after the next election in 2021 until this committee expires in 2023 that the CIAC committee will stand between staff and the elected Councillor group. 

An inexperienced Councillor group would be hard pressed to overturn recommendations from the staff and this group. The group would meet only 4 times per year, and they are tasked with an enormous volume of work. It just does not sound possible and looks more like a rubber-stamping exercise for what is supplied by the staff.

How would the group determine which projects to explore if staff did not supply them with the list first?

Capital works projects should come from looking at the Council 4- and 15-year plans. Councillors are responsible for developing those within 6 months of being elected to office. 

This group is being given powers to call for feasibility studies for unplanned initiatives to include into the capital works program. This is something that was recommended not to occur from various Govt and Ombudsman level reports.

This group seems to be a duplication of the Councillors group except there are only 5, they are not elected, and their role is really not clearly defined. They also seem to have powers to work on unplanned works so could conceivably include “pet” projects or on behest of others outside of council?

The group does not seem to satisfy the criteria recommended by the Internal Audit-that of capturing a broad cross section of demographics, interest, and knowledge from within the community.

Leongatha reps:

Darren Chandler Leongatha based business owner with experience of construction projects. 

Deepthi Jayasekera Leongatha based with experience / skills in accountancy. 

Chris Trotman Leongatha rural based with board, CEO, and audit/risk experience.

Walkerville rep:

Paul Katsieris Walkerville based architect with building experience.

Mirboo North rep:

Ian (Fred) Couper Mirboo North based and experience with capital projects such as the Mirboo North Pool.