Grigau wants monitors appointed at borough council

BOROUGH of Queenscliffe councillor Donnie Grigau has lost confidence in his own council and the borough as an organisation, and is urging the Victorian government to appoint monitors.

In a notice of motion titled “Vote of No Confidence” included in the next council meeting agenda, released earlier today (Monday, June 26), Cr Grigau stated there were a long list of issues raised within the past fortnight by the borough’s residents that the council had caused and should fix.

“It is regrettable and disheartening to consider, that despite the existence of wellconsidered Council policies, such as CP003 Community Engagement, and other pertinent governance guidelines, that we, as Council are not complying with our own policies,” he stated.

“It is imperative that we act to address the serious and wide-ranging concerns presented to Council by ratepayers, during this last week.”

The 30 concerns listed in the motion are wide-ranging, and include:

• The installation of an RV dump point in Hygeia Drive, Queenscliff, without engaging the community
• The loss of pre-settlement trees in Victoria Park, designated as a park and not a camping ground
• An unnecessary and contentious review of dog laws, resulting in wasted time and expenses
• The Active Transport Study, including a plan for speed reduction to 30kmh, lacking sufficient engagement with important stakeholders and extending beyond the ratepayer base
• The issuance and subsequent removal of the Royal Park tender invitation, transferring the responsibility of stakeholder engagement, project scoping, and budgeting to an external and costly consultancy, instead of keeping it within the council’s domain
• Consultancy on the Tourist Park that was deemed unnecessary due to recent community engagement.
• Delays and significant cost overruns in the construction of the Queenscliff
  Hub
• An investigation into the council’s role in the boat ramp project, affecting project budgets and timelines
• on-ratepayers influencing priority works through feedback to council plans, placing the financial burden on ratepayers
• Failure to recognise the heritage precinct values of the Town Hall precinct and engage with the community regarding the installation of EV charger stations and associated equipment, and
• A statement made by Cr [Michael] Grout during the May council meeting alluding to difficulties faced by councillors, feelings of manipulation, toxicity, and thoughts of resignation.

“It is important to note that the above list has been compiled by a group of Borough of Queenscliffe residents, representing the collective concerns rather than an individual or individuals residing outside our local government boundaries,” Cr Grigau stated.

“Independent monitoring and investigation should be conducted to thoroughly examine the aforementioned claims.”

As well as writing to the Victorian Minister for Local Government to urge the appointment of monitors and a review of the council, Cr Grigau’s notice of motion also calls for the review to allow for councillors to be to be interviewed privately “by skilled local government or local government professionals”, and that “measures should be taken to ensure the wellbeing of elected representatives in their workplace, fostering a fairer and healthier democratic process.”

The borough will meet at Queenscliff Town Hall on Wednesday this week at 7pm.