By Jimmy Olsen

Sometimes we wonder if the council staff actually mean what they say. Here is an example from  last week that seems, on the kindest interpretation, misguided. And possibly even …….. well what does our community think?

Last Friday (20th May) this flyer was hand delivered to all the shops in Clarendon Street with a welcoming smile to “join in the discussion”. We noted that the event scheduled had started 45 minutes prior to the invite being delivered and asked the obvious. How were we able to prepare for this? How were we able to attend given that we were all busy staffing our own shops and perhaps most bizarrely, why pay someone to hand deliver invitations to an event that was already almost half over. 

We don’t use Facebook but have been bombarded (at least daily) on Instagram with the image of a City of Port Phillip staffer thrusting out a card “We want your opinion”. Fair enough, we feel confident that it is a good idea (if not a legal requirement) for our Councils to consult with the community, but we are left wondering if performing this role is possibly more about theatre, than substance.

It may be that when the council uses those other paid “consultants”, it is often receiving more “palatable” responses. Maybe even advice more in line with its own needs and ideas. Consulting with unpaid members of the community can sometimes lead to tougher processes. We understand their approach. We too are all for an easy life. And we certainly don’t feel ignored because, as she walked out (to deliver more late invitations) she turned to assure us that our thoughts would be “relayed to Council”. So that’s alright then.

Sometimes we wonder if the council staff actually mean what they say. Here is an example from  last week that seems, on the kindest interpretation, misguided. And possibly even…….. well what does our community think?