Branching out: Sid Pope hopes the residents association will have a “quality relationship” with council.
By Cherie Donnellan
A NEW Surf Coast residents association will bridge the “disconnect” between council and its community, according to a Jan Juc man founding the group.
Sid Pope said he and other prospective members intended on the association having a “quality relationship” with council.
“There is currently a lack of democratic process in the representation of the Surf Coast community. We want to try to rectify that.”
Mr Pope said the group would call for “transparency and accountability around council’s decision-making processes.”
The group would avoid simple “council bashing”, he said.
Members would instead challenge “service gaps” and “celebrate successes to promote good council projects”.
Mr Pope said he would welcome any Surf Coast residents wanting to join the association, which would be “very inclusive”.
A former Surf Coast Ratepayers Association folded over a year ago due to a membership shortage. The association had a membership peak of about 100 but was down to 25 in September 2010 when president Spencer Leighton resigned, leaving councillor Ron Humphrey in charge.
Mr Pope said the previous association’s “exclusive rather than inclusive nature” was behind the group’s failure.
The new association would offer wide representation, with renters also welcome to “contribute to the community”.
Mr Pope said the group could discuss any community issue but he expected a “couple of hot issues” to be focuses of discussion.
“Issues like the Jan Juc footpaths charge scheme, the Bells Beach master-planning process and the structure of the new council budget will be talked about.
“Development and delivery of infrastructure and services to the community will always be big.”
Mr Pope also noted council’s “internal media engagement policy” as another issue.
“Many community members understand that the mayor is the only person who can comment publicly on issues but council shouldn’t be gagging councillors.
“It’s a breach of ours and their democratic right.”
Resident Sue O’Shanassy said now was an “opportune time” to establish the association.
Residents associations’ influence could extend beyond councils to state and federal government as well, she said.
“The only way to be heard is to get together and have a united front.
“I’d like to see this group established before the next council elections.”
Mr Pope and Ms O’Shanassy said the new association would utilise internet and social media opportunities to advocate on behalf of the community.
