Innovative: MP David O’Brien and Austeng’s Ross George with an Eco Whisper turbine.
By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG’S council could reap a better return from its spending on two lobby groups, according to a former mayor.
Cr Bruce Harwood questioned the effectiveness of both groups after council renewed its financial commitments to them.
“There’s too much talk and not enough action. Too many glossy brochures, not enough rubber on the road,” Cr Harwood said.
The mayors of the region’s five councils signed a four-year agreement last Friday to continue funding G21 Regional Alliance. Geelong’s council agreed in March to maintain its $22,000 membership of Committee for Geelong.
Geelong council will provide G21 with funding of $403,000, based on its 75 per cent share of the region’s population. The contribution rises to $453,000 in the fourth year of the new agreement.
Cr Harwood said the next council, to be elected in October, could revoke its G21 membership with a year’s notice.
“Not only is the City the major funding body but also far and away the largest resource provider. Our senior management, officers and councillors are engaged in almost all the pillars of G21, which is a cost also borne by the City.”
Cr Harwood said a streamlined panel of regional experts advising council would have greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“Panel representatives would have the capacity to speak on behalf of their respective industries.
“I’m sure there’ll be people who won’t be happy about this idea but it would reduce the time it’s taking us to get…firm ideas and commitments to Spring St and Canberra.”
