Focus on roads, rates and rubbish

Further to the letter ‘No consultation over parental leave’ 24/5/22 re Ali Wastie article May 12.

Many ratepayers will be shocked to learn that the CEO, who we have not voted for, made this decision and not democratically voted for by the councillors that we voted to run the council for us.

Just as it was the CEO’s decision to dictate for equal prize money or you cannot use the sporting facilities that have been paid for by state and federal taxpayers’ money.

Why do we elect councillors when an unelected CEO can make decisions like this?

The CEO has authority under legislation for operational policy but ratepayers expect their rates to deliver, outcomes for better roads, town planning, infrastructure, services and facilities for the benefit of all ratepayers.

All fine advocating for equality, yet no equality in town planning, roads or rubbish.

Council is for rates, roads and rubbish. If and when the council get this right, then the CEO can go off from council’s job description and push her political and social agenda.

Definitely no equality when four males and five females, from the council workforce of 430, benefit over and above the 33,016 rateable properties [Annual Report 2020/2021] with population of 37,445 [A/R 2020/21].

Roads are a disgrace with little maintenance, town planning is a joke, what one person can build is denied to another.

Red bins not picked up weekly, especially in summer, is unhealthy, but at least it was democratically voted on by councillors.

Fix these council issues - that is what our rates are for.

The CEO’s costing of $60,000 per year is questionable and if that is all it will cost then the CEO can take a wage cut to fund her policy that she is so passionate about.

The council is paying double super for the one job as the replacement maternity employee is also paid superannuation - basically doubling the cost.

Ratepayers are all for equality and the council does not provide or demonstrate any consistency or equality in its decision.

Ratepayers need to be made aware that their elected members don’t make decisions like this.

Anonymous.