Crying wolf

IT IS disappointing but not unexpected to see Mr Flannery again making unfounded criticisms of council instead of working positively for the betterment of his fellow residents (Lame Ducks, News, 10 February 2015).
To this point, I have never responded to any of Mr Flannery’s previous and almost weekly tirades against me personally, or against the council. I have never met nor spoken to this man!
In this instance a response is warranted to expose the circus which he continuously creates.
Mr Flannery has ignored the fact that it was only through the representation done by council, and in particular Cr Geoff Ablett, that the State Government has now gazetted changes to the Planning Scheme which now give councils power to determine planning applications for rooming houses.
There are further reforms required and council is continuing to work positively with the State Government in this regard.
If Mr Flannery was genuine in his concern for the Brookland Greens residents he would write to his local state member of parliament to seek the implementation of these additional reforms instead of engaging in his usual unfair whinge fest against the City of Casey.
Mr Flannery then makes the ridiculous allegation that council distanced itself from the Stevensons Road closed landfill matter. What utter rubbish!
Despite the Victorian Ombudsman concluding that the majority cause was state government agencies, the City of Casey stepped in and showed leadership, implementing instant remedial works and protecting our residents.
Further, the City of Casey, through its very strong representation and advocacy on behalf of residents, was able to secure $44 million in compensation from two state governments of different political persuasions (Labor and Liberal), thereby saving our residents from the risk of massive rate rises to pay for the crisis.
In terms of council’s financial management, our rate rises in Casey, despite huge demands on services and infrastructure due to our growth, have been some of the lowest per capita in Victoria.
This current financial year, despite investing over $90 million on critical infrastructure (roads, parks, sporting facilities) and $248 million on essential services (school crossing supervision, maternal health, meals on wheels), our average residential rates and charges increase rate rise was 3.87 per cent, one of the lowest in Victoria!
Mr Flannery, the City of Casey has a very bright future. Our residents take great pride in their city. Your negativity is not only agonisingly juvenile and dishonest, but portrays you as the “boy who cried wolf” too often.
Residents tell me frequently that what you are speaks so loudly, they cannot hear what you say.
Cr Sam Aziz,
Mayor City of Casey.