Who are they kidding?

Feb 1 2007

Here's how things have worked out for Division 1 residents:
1. Council meeting 7th December - 6 Councillors put up a motion that Councillors be reduced to 6. This indicates done deal. Councillors, however, decide to let the matter rest for the time being. Councillors resolve to put the matter to consultation, but do not identify funds to do this. Staff generally will not do anything with a motion that does not include a funding source.
2. 12th January - Councillors invited to a meeting with an independent facillitor who will undertake the consultation. Of the 6 who proposed the original motion, only Cr's Singh and Aldous turn up. The CEO advises that he had two quotes - one for about $93000 and one for about $12000 (he accepted the latter quote). CEO advises that he found the money in his own department. Councillors were highly critical of the
documentation to be sent out. Facilitator advises that he will amend the document to address Councillors concerns. CEO advises that there will be no time for Councillors to consider the amendments as he needs to go to printing on 15th January to fulfil his undertaking to deliver one set of the documents to every residence in the city to allow 3 weeks of consultation to occur.
3. 21st January - CEO advises Councillors that the independent facilitator 'asks you to not canvass support for any options should you choose to attend the workshops'.
4. 24th January - workshop held in Maleny 
5. 25th January - TRN runs a story on the front page to let people know that a workshop will be held the previous evening
6. 28th January - I ask the CEO when Div 1 residents may receive the three page Council document promised two weeks earlier 

7. 29th January - I get told clerical error is to blame. The earliest we can get them is today via TRN 

8. 31st January - CEO advises that the matter will be referred to a 'special' meeting on 26th February. 'Special' meetings usually feature no gallery and limited or no press. 
9. 1st February - A facsimile one page document is delivered to us via TRN - does not include feedback form. (this effectively gives us one day of consultation),