A council watchdog is to be established in Warrnambool, after support for the initiative from city residents and ratepayers.
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An initial meeting to gauge interest in setting up a ratepayer’s group proved popular at the start of May, with more than 40 people attending. Meeting co-coordinator Ann Vickery said the group was for ratepayers, residents and businesses within the Warrnambool City Council municipality.
Ratepayers Victoria president Frank Sullivan addressed the crowd at the meeting.
“The idea behind a ratepayers and residents group is to assist those people and businesses with issues related to council that they find difficult to deal with directly, and to receive support from Ratepayers Victoria if those issues go unsolved,” Mrs Vickery said.
“Ratepayer groups act as a watchdog to monitor council behaviours when it comes to spending the ratepayers money, and the treatment of the community as a whole.
“We will reply on the community’s feedback, and every matter is important to us.”
Mrs Vickery said another meeting would be held on Wednesday, May 30 to form a committee and for the group to become incorporated.
“If the Warrnambool branch can’t resolve the matter with council, then it will be dealt with at a higher level,” she said.
The next meeting will be held downstairs at Images Restaurant in Liebig Street from 7pm.
Ms Vickery advised if people wishing to attend could not make it, or if they wanted to nominate to go on the committee, they should email ratepayerswarrnambool@outlook.com to state their intention.
She said everyone was welcome to attend the meeting.