Tara Murray
A group of concerned Brimbank residents have formed a new association focused on improving the local area for residents.
The Brimbank Ratepayers and Residents Association formed last month with the purpose of advocating for lower rates, less wasteful spending, and increased accountability.
The committee is hoping the association will provide Brimbank ratepayers and residents with a forum to discuss issues of concern, communicate collective views of the community to relevant authorities and advocate for improved public facilities.
Irene Stokes has been named the association’s inaugural president.
She said the formation of a group like this is long overdue.
“Brimbank is the second largest municipality in Melbourne and there are so many issues of concern to residents,” she said.
“Given the chequered history of the Brimbank council which was sacked in 2008 and has been managed by administrators for eight of the past 13 years, ratepayers and residents need to get involved.
“It’s understandable that residents may feel overwhelmed but it’s now easier than ever to attend monthly council meetings via Zoom and to ask questions directly to the mayor, and we encourage everyone to do so.”
Ms Stokes said some of the biggest issues the association was concerned about was the air quality, particularly the damage caused by the Kealba Landfill and AkzoNobel, sub‐standard road infrastructure and lack of funding for major projects.
She said Brimbank residents deserved better than what they were getting.
“It is very clear that Brimbank is not receiving its fair share of government funding.
“[A] startling example is the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre which has attracted approximately $2 million in Victorian government funding towards this project, estimated to cost in excess of $60 million.
“This is appalling and Brimbank ratepayers should be very upset about this. Brimbank residents deserve to have a great aquatic centre but if our rates are funding this project without government support this means either higher rates or reduced services in the future.”
The next meeting is scheduled for early August.
Details: bit.ly/3x5GQw0
