Eye on council: Andrew Senia, at front, with fellow association members Tony Klemm, Daryl Thomas, Pat Sciarrone, Callan Shakespeare and Tania Smith.
By John Van Klaveren
GEELONG has its first ratepayers and residents association.
The incorporated Geelong Ratepayers and Residents Association (GRRA) officially formed at a meeting of concerned residents this week.
Inaugural president Andrew Senia said the association aimed to become the primary watchdog on council issues.
“I’m amazed Geelong has never had a ratepayers and residents association before,” Mr Senia said.
“Now, with Geelong’s first directly elected mayor and council elections nearly upon us, the need for this association has become more urgent and important than ever.
“Candidates need to be scrutinised to ensure the process is open and transparent. If elected, they should be held accountable for their promises.”
Mr Senia said GRRA provided a new strong voice to work in the interests of ratepayers and residents.
“The more people that join the association, the stronger that voice will be.
“Geelong has needed a voice to represent its ratepayers and residents for a long time.
“We will work hard to protect the interests of our members, thereby benefiting the whole Geelong community.”
Mr Senia, who had earlier this year considered running for mayor, said all candidates in the municipal elections were subject to fair scrutiny.
“The process should be open and transparent. A voter has the right to know all relevant details that may affect their vote prior to the election.
“The GRRA will look at good governance in local government and other relevant bodies.”
Mr Senia said members of ratepayer organisations felt particularly strongly about curbing council “extravaganzas”.
“The aim is to ensure the best possible structures in a democratic process to create the best possible future for ratepayers.
“There have been a number of issues over the years where an association like this could play a key role.
“We will take up issues on behalf of individual ratepayers and residents, as well as scrutinise council decisions and processes.”
Mr Senia said GRRA would be affiliated with Ratepayers Victoria and work cooperatively with other ratepayer organisations around the state.
Other GRRA office bearers are vice president Tony Klemm, treasurer Felicity Tol, secretary and public officer Callan Shakespeare and committee members Pat Sciarrone and Daryl Thomas.
Mr Senia said membership enquiries for GRRA should go to Mr Shakespeare by emailing callan.shakespeare@mchenrypartners.com.au or phoning 5226 3555.
The association has formed as residents prepare to elect a new council.
Nominations for mayor and ward councillors opened this week and close at midday on Tuesday, followed by a public draw of ballot postions in Victorian Electoral Commission Geelong office at 2pm.
Acting electoral commissioner Liz Williams urged anyone interested in standing for election to act quickly.
Ballot papers for the compulsory vote will arrive in letterboxes early next month, with voting to close on October 27.
Councillor calls for investigation of database misuse – Page 3
