I must admit that I did a double take when I read a Monash City Council advertisement in this week's Leader. After checking their website, my amazement was confirmed. The ad was calling for a public meeting on October 29th (refreshments provided) for all those citizenry interested in discussing a proposed 'Clayton Community Strengthening Project'. This in itself isn't extraordinary. Glen Eira Clowncil calls this 'forums'! But what was fascinating is the following taken directly from the advertisement -
"Solicit feedback as to the worthiness of the proposed project
Solicit feedback about what sort of outcomes a community strengthening project could achieve
Get expressions of interest from members of the community regarding their interest in attending leadership training sessions and participating in the oversight of the project
Have a conversation about the way forward
To answer any questions people attending the public meeting might have."
WOW AND DOUBLE WOW. A 'conversation' where we poor residents actually get to 'oversee' a project and even get to have a say in its 'worthiness'. All of this stands in stark contrast to the way Glen Eira clowncil operates. There never is a 'conversation' and god forbid that residents actually be asked for an opinion, much less have a role in the overseeing or management of anything. Yes, as I've entitled this - there are actually some councils out there, but then again, there are also some clowncils!!
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I'm glad you're happy canine, but I would want to see the proof of the pudding myself.
Words and Mother Statements are so easy to say and make...the idea that a Council is actually being guided by residents sounds "too good to be true"....they must have laughed when you rang up and checked them out!
Obviously Monash Council doesn't have Councillors with Michael Lipschutz self opinionated and in my opinion, arrogant. rhetoric to work with.
"Soliciting feedback" is easy! its the acknowledgement that residents make a worthwhile contribution to the Council's adopted "Community Plan" that I'm waiting for. But will I live long enough to see it in Glen Eira, don't think so! actually!
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