Insolvency firm investigates coastal committee

Lisa Neville.

By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN

MAJOR insolvency firm PPB Advisory has been called in to “review” the operations of Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management.
The Independent reported last month that environment minister Lisa Neville sacked the Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management following “community concerns”.
Ms Neville replaced Bellarine Bayside with an interim committee for 18 months.
Ms Neville, also Member for Bellarine, said the independent review of the previous committee would start this week.
“This independent review will ensure we have the best systems and processes in place to care for, and protect, our coastal reserve,” she said.
“Options to improve the financial sustainability and effectiveness of the Committee of Management will also be provided as part of this review, to make sure we are doing things the best way.”
Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management is responsible for the planning, management, care and protection of assets and crown land along the North Bellarine foreshore, from Portarlington to St Leonards.
Ms Neville said the independent review of the previous committee’s practices would assess governance, finances and community engagement processes.
She said she expected a draft report from the review team in mid-May with a final report before June.
Ms Neville said PPB Advisory had extensive knowledge in organisational effectiveness, governance, finance and community engagement.
She said interested members of the public could “discuss matters of interest” with the new committee through the Bellarine Bayside offices on 5254 4000.