Torquay rates group may fold

Erin Pearson
SURF Coast Ratepayers Association could fold unless locals offer their support, according to members.
Acting president Ron Humphrey said last weeks resignation of president Spencer Leighton highlighted the association’s “desperate need” for new members.
“The association has a strong role to play in the community but we need more members or the association will be forced to end,” he said.
“We need members willing to take on the committee roles such as president and treasurer.
“There have been a lot of pathways created between the association and council and I think in a lot of instances there have been some pretty positive outcomes in negotiations.
“It would be a sad day if there just weren’t enough people.”
Mr Humphrey said an interim committee had been appointed until new members joined so an election could be held.
Mr Humphrey said the association had tackled issues such as Torquay’s Norfolk Island pines, the Jan Juc special charge scheme, cycling issues, clearing of vegetation at intersections, planning issues and the Lorne Streetscape plan.
Association secretary Lyn Smith said the Association currently had 25 members, down from more than 100 at its peak.
Ms Smith believed the Surf Coast’s high number of single-issue committees had added to the ratepayer association’s number reduction.
“The problem I believe is there are so many groups solely focused one issue and not fighting together on multiple issues,” she said.
“There are always fairly major things happening within the shire and we could share knowledge and information amongst us.
“We need a united voice with one low membership fee.”
Locals interested in joining the Surf Coast Ratepayers Association can contact Mr Humphrey on 0408 508 275 or email ronald_humphrey@hotmail.com.