Big Brother backs council

State-appointed monitor Bill Jaboor found that the Casey Council took effective action to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations.

By Georgia Westgarth

THE CITY of Casey is in the clear following municipal monitor findings after questions were raised by the Victorian Ombudsman.
State-appointed monitor, Bill Jaboor, concluded his oversight of the Casey Council earlier than expected.
His report found that the Casey Council took effective action to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations.
Mr Jaboor was appointed under Section 223CA of the Local Government Act 1989 to monitor and report to the Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins on Casey City Council’s governance practices.
It followed the Ombudsman’s finding that the council had mishandled a special charge scheme to construct Market Lane in Narre Warren South.
Mr Jaboor’s report found that Casey Council had worked to improve the decision making processes it followed when considering to close council meetings to the public and developed a consistent policy on community consultation in special charge schemes.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins said she welcomed the report.
“I am sure that the residents and businesses of Casey City Council will welcome the conclusion of this matter,” Ms Hutchins said.