Brimbank council staff have claimed more than $30,000 in overseas and interstate trips over the past two years.
Council’s travel register, which details all travel by administrators and officers, reveals six council staff took seven council-approved interstate trips last year.
Most were to attend and present at national conferences or award ceremonies.
The most expensive claim was $2700 from sports and recreation co-ordinator Ashley Fleming, who flew to Cairns last June to talk at the Parks and Leisure Australia national conference on two council projects that subsequently won awards.
Mr Fleming also attended the Parks and Leisure Australia national finalists awards dinner.
Last year’s travel claims were minor in comparison to the previous year’s registered expenses.
Corporate and community relations director Helen Morrissey said Brimbank council approved 17 trips totalling $24,482.93 for the 2013 calendar year.
“Any application by staff to attend a conference, meeting or training program interstate or overseas is considered very carefully, taking into account the merits of the proposal,” Ms Morrissey said.
“This includes the demonstrable learning or benefit that it offers council, and therefore, in the long-term, to the community.”
