Surf Coast Times
Tuesday 6 July 2010
VOL 8. No 27
www.surfcoasttimes.com.au
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Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield, (in the CFA truck) yesterday announced State Government funds to support local emergency services, which were welcomed by SES volunteers, Gary Loane, Michael Belton and John Symington, and CFA volunteers Steve Burton, John Monagle, Leigh McLaren and Tony Horsham.
HITTING BACK PHOTO: ALISON MARTIN
Surf Coast Shire responds to recent criticism over its management
BY NATHAN HALE SURF Coast Shire chief executive officer, Mark Davies, has leapt to the defence of his organisation following a stinging attack from former councillor, Ron Humphrey. In a letter distributed to various media outlets, Humphrey – who served as a shire councillor from 2004 to 2008 – said the shire should be sacked and a commissioner appointed. The outspoken Humphrey said “what is clear is that unless this council can live within its means and commit to its promises, time has run out and they should be sacked and a commissioner appointed”. Continuing his outburst, Humphrey believed “it is quite clear the wheels have fallen off council’s financial modelling as they are falling into the same
Surf Forecast
problems of their past methodology of not following their SRP (Strategic Resource Plan)”. Humphrey also outlined the shire’s past record, which saw it accrue debts of over $12million in 2002. Then, the council avoided being sacked after two inquiries and finances were restored after a strict financial plan and rate rises to 18 per cent. In taking the unusual step of replying to Humphrey’s letter, Davies said “a number of points cannot go without challenge”. “Mr Humphrey makes a number of claims about council’s financial position and long-term financial planning that are misleading and untrue,” Davies said. “It is important Surf Coast Shire ratepayers and residents are aware of the facts. “Each year, council produces a four-year Strategic
Resource Plan as a way of guiding its long-term financial commitments and the development of annual budgets. “These plans are reviewed annually to reflect outside influences and the shire’s needs. For example, the global financial crisis in 2009 changed the timing and level of developer contributions paid to council, having a direct impact on the funding sources for the Community and Civic Precinct. “It would be negligent of council if it did not continually update its long-term financial plans to reflect these and other changed circumstances. “Contrary to Mr Humphrey’s letter, council’s 2007 Strategic Resource Plan did include borrowing commitments to fund land acquisition and construction of the Community and Civic Precinct. “The scope of the project did change in 2007
following the receipt of $4million from the Federal Government toward recreation facilities. This has been reflected in every Strategic Resource Plan since 2008. “Given these are public documents this fact should not come as a surprise; least of all to Mr Humphrey who was a councillor until November 2008.” Davies also went on to say that council’s borrowings in the 2010-2011 budget – which was adopted at last month’s council meeting – were “responsible” and that its borrowings strategy continues to be endorsed by the State Government. To see Mark Davies’ letter in full, see Page 5. Tell us what you think of council’s management performance, email Letters to the Editor at editor@ surfcoasttimes.com.au
WED 3-4ft inconsistent, SW 11° THU 3-4ft building, SE 13° FRI 2-3ft+ lumpy ENE 14° SAT 2ft+ easing NNW 13°
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