Council gets a D for Communication

BASS Coast Council’s report card has read “Must communicate better” for far too long.

Sometimes those in positions of power, like Councilors and Council officers forget two basic facts about democracy.

A, they are servants of the people, the voters. Their jobs are to improve the lives of those they represent, us. 

And B that communication allows society to function. Effective communication involves the exchange of information; the word exchange being vital.

If elected I will use my lifetime experience of listening to others, helping them solve problems and even occasionally, regretfully, explaining why the solutions they want are just not possible.

But Bass Coast Council’s communication issues are a problem much bigger than any individual councillors can fix.

Council must not only improve telling the community about what Council is doing and why, but they must actively seek to get information from their community about what is wanted and needed. There is a danger of only the squeaky wheels being heard, leaving the rest of us in silence.

Recently, I have been asked plenty of questions.

1. There will be an October Bass Coast Council meeting even though they can’t decide anything. Is this for a nosh-up at our expense?

2. Lack of parking in the Wonthaggi CBD is a problem. Last Thursday night was so busy, as often happens, there were no vacant spaces. Does Council have a plan?

3. One-hour parking is too short to shop, browse and coffee with friends. Could two-hour permits be issued for those non-disabled who can’t walk very far?

4. The Bass Coast council offices don’t open until 10am. Can they open earlier and stay open later? Maybe there could be one early/late opening day for the novel idea of convenience of ratepayers.

5. Organisations lack volunteers vital to keep our communities going. We might be too old, too young or too busy, we might be newcomers, or just might not know that these groups are about. Council needs to take a more active role in matching community groups with much-needed potential members.

While council officers are very helpful once contacted, the Council must find ways to reach out, or we risk losing the wonderful events and services that enrich our lives.

Glenda Minty, Wonthaggi. Candidate for Western Port.

Editor’s note: Candidates are not required to authorise ‘letters to the editor’ as these are the responsibility of the Sentinel-Times.