眾所周知,為菲利普港市 (CoPP) 提供主要資金的納稅人一段時間以來一直擔心該市議會缺乏重點和紀律。議會觀察最近編制的數據再次講述了一個關於議會慷慨的令人擔憂的故事,它不僅影響納稅人,而且影響非納稅公眾。
墨爾本地鐵委員會本週發布的數據顯示,菲利普港市的平均薪資成本為 129,174 澳元,排名第二,員工數量為 847 人。這意味著,每 1000 名人口擁有 8.6 名員工。菲利普港市(墨爾本大都會區第三高)相比,平均每1,000 人有6.0 名員工。
讓我們考慮以下情況:菲利普港市不斷主張提高利率,不是因為潛在的迫在眉睫的風險,而是為了繼續稅收和支出心態,包括為議員的「寵物倡議」提供資金。
去年,在菲利普港居民(社區協會)的努力下,維州政府指定的最高漲幅有所降低。儘管費率下調來之不易,但就獲利能力而言,CoPP 仍處於議會倒數三分之一的位置。 CoPP 為 2023-24 年制定了 1000 萬美元盈餘(利潤)的預算。
與鄰近的格倫埃拉(Glen Eira)、斯托寧頓(Stonnington) 和貝賽德(Bayside) 議會相比,CoPP 的利率結構過高,有證據表明,這種高利率制度正在因更高的薪資結構和人員過剩而在內部被蠶食。如果您認為 847 名工作人員對於僅有 103,000 名居民來說太多了,那麼還要考慮一下這樣一個事實,即議會的許多服務都是外包的!垃圾清除是一項核心職責,也是外包的。問問自己最近的運動進度如何!
問問自己,如此高的員工與人口比例是否改善了服務?多利用科技所帶來的生產力紅利在哪裡?委員會是否展示了精實的財務方法?理事會的核心職責是否得到履行?我們的零售帶狀況良好嗎?菲利普港市的經濟是成長還是收縮?顯然,幾乎在每一個指標上,上述任何一個指標都沒有被證明。可以說,CoPP 只不過是最好的平庸之作。
對理事會觀察數據的令人擔憂的解釋只增加了一個合理結論的分量:CoPP 正在運營一個員工過多的組織,平均薪酬過高或結構性頭重腳輕,並且據說生產力持續低下。
雖然這種工資高於平均水平(相對於私營部門)的終身工作的稀缺世界可以在市政廳繼續下去,因為納稅人是最終買單的人,但我們忘記了一個關鍵字——風險。
CoPP 目前不適合其目的,其核心任務不夠清晰,也沒有為潛在的重大風險做好準備。特別是,由於漁民灣基礎設施資金短缺和潛在的開發風險,以及如果聖基爾達三角進入建設階段,無論是否存在所謂的低成本私人/公共合作夥伴關係,CoPP 將面臨「幾乎肯定」的財務風險。
如果菲利普港市認真對待財務責任,就應該對所有支出、人員配置結構(包括人員配置水平)進行自上而下的審查,並消除所有非核心、非必要的責任。繼續照常營業對納稅人和更廣泛的社區來說只是一記耳光,他們受到嚴厲的稅率、糟糕的服務交付和浪費的支出的打擊。
In Melbourne’s evolving landscape, the Council of Port Phillip’s recently proposed Inkerman Safety Improvement Project offers a significant, albeit contentious, addition to the city’s infrastructure. Although there are safety concerns that need to be addressed, there is little or no consideration of the impact of reduced carparking on residents and businesses on Inkerman Road and side streets. While the initiative aims to enhance road safety and pedestrian well-being, it also joins a lineage of road and bike lane projects that have sparked heated debates and policy reversals.
The immediate concern tied to the Inkerman Project is the apparent oversight concerning its impact on residential and business car parking. While there are valid safety concerns that demand redressal, the project seems to give little to no consideration to the reduction in parking availability on Inkerman Road and adjacent streets. Such an omission reflects a pattern seen in previous council projects, where practicalities affecting daily life are often sidelined.
Moreover, the council is currently soliciting feedback on two design options for bicycle lanes on Inkerman Road between St Kilda Road and Hotham Street. Option A is a physically protected bike lane which results in the removal of 116 carparks between St Kilda Road and Hotham Street and Option B is a painted bike lane with the loss of 20 carparks.
However, given its track record of nebulous consultation processes, one can’t help but question the efficacy of this outreach. Is this a genuine attempt to integrate community input, or another box-ticking exercise in public engagement?
A glaring example of such oversight is the Council’s recent misadventure with the Kerferd Road plan, a project that faced vehement community opposition and was eventually rescinded. As a resident astutely noted, the council seemed to be “wilfully ignoring” the populace who had earlier advocated against poorly designed bike lanes. The council’s decision to reintroduce the Kerferd Road proposal, despite known public opposition, raises unsettling questions about the Inkerman Project’s community engagement process.
Furthermore, much like the contentious Kerferd Road proposal, the Inkerman Project aims to introduce new bike lanes and reconfigure existing ones. While promoting cycling is commendable, the Council’s previous floundering with similar initiatives calls for a more considered approach. Past projects like “Shrine to Sea” and pop-up bike lanes have been discontinued, creating a state of “bike lane fatigue” among residents. This turbulent history makes it difficult for any new proposals, such as the Inkerman Project, to be met with enthusiasm.
The Inkerman Safety Improvement Project presents a complex challenge. Its laudable goals are overshadowed by a history of failed community engagements and inadequate planning. From overlooking basic necessities like parking to erratic stances on bike lanes, the Council of Port Phillip must rethink its strategy if the Inkerman Project is to avoid becoming yet another footnote in a string of well-intentioned but poorly executed initiatives.
As the adage goes, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The Council finds itself at a crossroads: learn from past failures or proceed on a course that may lead to another planning debacle.
Council is currently asking residents for feedback on two design options for bicycle lanes in Inkerman Road between St Kilda Road and Hotham Street, St Kilda East”. Provide your feedback https://haveyoursay.portphillip.vic.gov.au/help-improve-road-safety-inkerman-street
























































