Shire seeks feedback about LBGTIQA+ committee

THE Surf Coast Shire council is generally in favour of creating some kind of committee for the interests of the local LGBTQIA+ community, but will only proceed if it is well supported by the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Rainbow Local Government campaign, co-ordinated by the Victorian Pride Lobby, is asking councils across the state to set up advisory committees to bring LGBTIQA+ issues to the council’s attention, and petitioned the shire in August of this year.

In their report on the petition to councillors, presented at the November 28 meeting, officers noted the shire sought feedback in June 2022 from the local LGBTQIA+ community about whether they would participate in a shire-led LGBTQIA+ advisory committee.

At the time, officers stated, the engagement found “the local LGBTQIA+ community would not participate in an advisory committee until Council had taken further steps to create safe and inclusive spaces for people who identify as LGBTQIA+”.

“In addition, the LGBTQIA+ community expressed concerns around there not being a clear purpose/project for the committee to actively work on at the time, and a lack of resourcing and budget specifically dedicated to delivering projects and actions that would arise from the committee.”

At the meeting, a majority of councillors agreed with the officers’ recommendation to carry out further targeted engagement with members of the local LGBTQIA+ community to identify their need and interest in participating in a Reference Group,which would meet as matters arise, to provide advice to the council.

The council also resolved to approve the establishment of a Reference Group, “subject to evidence of clear support being provided through the engagement process”.

Cr Kate Gazzard, who successfully moved the motion, said a reference group would align with the council’s commitment to community development.

“Our community members are the people who hold the knowledge, skills and passion to achieve great things.

“Council wants activities to be place-based and people-centred, empowering locals – including our LGBTQIA+ community – to spark positive change.

“I know that a reference group isn’t exactly what the petition was seeking, but I’m glad it’s in keeping with the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, who will guide the next steps.”

Cr Paul Barker and Cr Heather Wellington both voted against the motion.

“Those who fall under the LGBT banner are not all the same – they are all beautiful, independent human beings with so much potential and don’t need different roads, bins, or parks, so I don’t think there’s any reason to treat them any differently to anyone else, save for maybe an additional toilet cubicle,” Cr Barker said, alluding to the shire’s gender-neutral toilets policy.

“But after what this council has recently passed with 97 per cent community opposition, that negative is largley redundant.

“All that decision and this motion does is drive a wedge between individuals in our community, and I will not stand for it.”