Friends of Nillumbik Inc.
Bulletin for January/February, 2017 (part 2)

Dear supporters/associate members,
Late news - Wren enquiry:
There is a Special Council Meeting at 7.00pm tomorrow (Tuesday 21st Feb.) to consider Wren’s report on his enquiry into council’s administration (see last bulletin, “Witch hunt”; and council minutes, November 22nd, 2016, item OCM.164/16, Motion 3)
Rather conveniently, the full Wren report has been deemed confidential on the grounds that it constitutes “legal advice”.  Only an executive summary will be made public.  We believe the public interest and transparency justifies the full report being made available to the community.
Councillor veto over who gets a say:
Without giving reasons, our new council wants to overturn long established practices for planning objectors being heard.  Two new hurdles restricting access to the Future Nillumbik Committee will need to be overcome before objectors get to address councillors directly.    They’ll need to persuade their Ward Councillor (or two other councillors) to put the matter on the meeting agenda; and ensure a written submission is in no less than a week before the meeting.  If residents fail in either task, they won’t be able to have their say no matter how many objections the application attracted or how upset they are about a development.
This doesn’t sound like the level of government, “closest to the people”!  Where everyone is treated equally, you shouldn’t need councillor/gatekeepers with a veto.
If it ‘aint broke, it doesn’t need fixing!
Improving Victoria’s environment legislation:
We have two opportunities to help improve environment protection.  The State Government is calling for submissions on the Review of the Native Vegetation Clearing Regulations (deadline 5.00pm 8th March) and the Review of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (deadline 5.00pm 28th March)  
Both of these measures have obvious importance to Nillumbik.  Go to the State Government web site: engage.vic.gov.au (Dept of Environment, Land, Water and Planning)
Keeping ourselves (locally) well informed:
Council meeting dates:  1. Ordinary Meetings of Council (7.00pm on 4th Tuesday each month) 28/2; 28/3; 2/5; 30/5; 27/6; 1/8; 29/8; 26/9; 31/10; 28/11; 19/12.
2. Future Nillumbik Committee (7.00pm on 2nd Tuesday each month) 14/3; 18/4; 16/5; 13/6; 18/7; 15/8; 12/9; 17/10; 14/11; 12/12     3. Special Meetings: 21/2; 30/10.
Greg Johnson - President
Our Facebook link is: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Nillumbik-1620067468310343/
We thank you for your continuing support and for taking the time to read this bulletin.  Your feedback is valued so let us know what you would like to see in your FoN bulletins.  Email us at mail@friendsofnillumbik.org You have received this email because your email address is on our supporters/associate members list.  If you no longer wish to receive these bulletins, send a reply to: fon_supporters-leave@friendsofnillumbik.org