A PROPOSAL for Casey City Council to establish a database for residents willing to open their homes to Commonwealth Games visitors has been rejected.
Councillors had hoped the council would create a record of residents willing to home host participants or offer Australian home accommodation to visiting spectators as part of the city’s involvement with next year’s games.
However, council officers at last week’s council meeting advised against the database, saying the council would be opening itself to a range of potential liability issues.
A report presented to council said the risk of legal action against council was too great, based on the potential of any number of incidents to occur in a situation that council would be perceived to have endorsed.
“Council’s insurers CMP have advised officers that there is significant risk in establishing and promoting a resident homehosting database, due to council involvement in the program leading to a direct association with any incidents that may occur,” the report said.
It was suggested that the official Melbourne 2006 website provided visitors to the games with sufficient information about where to stay.
Myuna Ward councillor Brian Oates said he was disappointed with the recommendation, claiming that council was often involved in homehosting activities free from legal implications.
“Residents might need to get on the internet instead to open their homes as Bed and Breakfasts during the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith said it was a sad indictment on society that it was becoming increasingly difficult “to do good things”.
“It is very disappointing.
“Homehosting is a fantastic way to meet people, get a feel of the area and is a substantial cost saver,” he said.
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