Tired of being ignored

Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Cr David Edwards has called on the Andrews Labor Government to stop ignoring the people of Bacchus Marsh and to start listening.
Cr Edwards said there were three big projects impacting the Shire where proper community consultation was not happening:
– A proposal to store, categorise and dispose of contaminated soil at Bacchus Marsh;
– The construction of transmission lines across the Shire; and
– Changes to the way Bacchus Marsh Hospital is being run, which will potentially impact employment and services.
“There’s a reoccurring theme here,” he said.
“Bacchus Marsh residents are being left out of the conversation and I call on the Andrews Labor Government to stop ignoring and to start listening to our community.”
Cr Edwards said the Government should have nothing to fear from proper community consultation.
“If their arguments are sound, our community will listen and be able to make an informed judgement on what’s being proposed,” he said.
“Without proper consultation though, the void will be filled by rumour and innuendo.
“Councils must, under Acts of Parliament, consult with their communities on a whole range of matters.
“The State Government should do the same when it comes to big projects that impact the lives of Bacchus Marsh residents,” he said.
Community residents have called a public meeting today, Tuesday 25 February to discuss the proposal to store, categorise and dispose of contaminated soil at Bacchus Marsh. The meeting will be held at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, 207 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, at 7pm. Council officers and elected officials will be in attendance.