New committee at BCRRA

A new Bass Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association (BCRRA) committee was elected at its AGM on February 19.

Kevin Griffin has again taken up the role of BCRRA President.

Graham Jolly has taken on the role of BCRRA Treasurer. Also joining the BCRRA committee is new member Greg Stevens.

Within days of being elected the association’s president wrote to Council CEO Ali Wastie, and to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner, to advise that BCRRA intends to fully pursue the FOI request which was lodged with council in July 2019. The FOI request seeks information regarding Council’s expensive waste management contracts.

“It’s nearly three years since the association submitted its FOI request to Council,” Kevin said.

“I commend the previous committee, and in particular Mr Andrew Marston, for their resilience and patience in bringing the FOI request to this point. I trust that Bass Coast Shire Council will now take all reasonable steps to produce the remaining information without further delay.”

BCCRA said it faces some significant challenges ahead, including increasing the number of registered members.

“The next major hurdle in my view is bringing genuine change to the current culture at Bass Coast Shire Council,” continued Kevin.

“I am concerned at a reduction in genuine transparency from council and the administration.”

Engagement strategy

BCRRA said it will be making a public submission regarding the review of the Bass Coast Shire Council Communications and Engagement Strategy.

“I encourage any BCRRA member who holds a view on Council’s Communications and Engagement Strategy to send their thoughts to the association,” said Kevin.

He said the strategy review should not be used as a mechanism to wind back transparency at Council, nor engagement opportunities for Bass Coast ratepayers and residents.

“The association will be seeking an assurance from Council regarding the continuation of live streaming and archival access to Council meetings on YouTube.

“The previous Council fiercely resisted the introduction of live streaming, and it was only restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic that forced Council to introduce this valuable community service.

“Several councillors who were long standing opponents to live streaming still remain at Council. It is not beyond reason to wonder if perhaps some of those councillors might still harbour some desire to kill off live streaming.”

For more information email admin@basscrra.org. The association is on the web at basscrra.org/, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BASSCRRA/