Island review supported
DESPITE not agreeing with a deamalgamated Phillip Island Shire, Bass MLA Ken Smith said he would support a municipal review being pushed by the Stand Alone Group.
A petition with 8600 signatures was presented by a delegation from the Stand Alone group to Mr Smith at his Wonthaggi office last Thursday. The signatures were gathered in just 10 days.
The petition will now be tabled in State Parliament sometime this week, depending when the petition can be checked by clerks.
Mr Smith seemed surprised when representatives from three newspapers filed into the offices to catch the moment on camera.
The Stand Alone Group however was given a good hearing by Mr Smith who re-iterated his feelings that Phillip Island would be best served staying in the Bass Coast Shire.
The amalgamations that occurred under the Kennett Government should stay, he said. Mr Smith believed both Bass Coast and a new Phillip Island would see a surge in rates imposed on residents.
The Stand Alone Group expects an uphill battle but they are determined. There have been only two de-amalgamations in the last 15 years, the last one being Sunbury.
In Sunbury, the process to de-amalgamate included two plebiscites and an independent review panel report.
The group is hoping to have a deputation to Minister for Local Government, Tim Bull, in the coming weeks.
Handover time: Bass MLA Ken Smith was almost under siege when a deputation arrived at his McBride Avenue offices in Wonthaggi from Phillip Island’s Stand Alone Group.
They handed over a petition containing 8600 signatures. pushing for a de-amalgamation from Bass Coast Shire Council. Pictured from left, Robyn Dixon, Ken Smith, Stephen Fullarton (chairman), Greg Price, Gwen McRae, Trevor Ware and Rod Spottiswood.
Short URL: /?p=10919
Posted by 
