Council Briefs: Rate Cap; Tunnel Stacks; Resignation; Complaint

News

A Victorian ALP policy committee has recommended loosening and eventually removing the cap on council rate increases, arguing that councils cannot adequately fund community services under the current system.

Local Government Minister Nick Staikos said there are no plans to change the “fair go rates” system, highlighting that the average rate cap of 2.3% since its introduction has helped save money for Victorian households.

Per Herald Sun

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Maribyrnong City Council is urging the Victorian state government to install filtration systems in the West Gate Tunnel’s ventilation stacks, citing concerns over toxic fumes affecting the health of residents in Melbourne’s inner west.

The council’s push comes amid existing high rates of air pollution-related illnesses in the area and follows community protests.

The government previously determined filters weren’t necessary in the original design, suggesting they could be retrofitted if needed in the future. Per Herald Sun

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Mount Gambier Councillor Kate Amoroso has resigned with immediate effect. Ms Amoroso was elected to Council in November 2018 and served for six and half years.
The Council said it will not be required to fill the casual vacancy the resignation creates.

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Greater Dandenong councillor and federal election candidate Rhonda Garad has filed a WorkSafe complaint against Greater Dandenong Council, alleging systemic bullying and public humiliation.

The conflict centres around Cr Garad’s council leave and allowance during her election campaign. Per Star Journal