The Geelong Advertiser (print edition Thursday 16 August 2012 p. 10) reports that Geelong Council will proceed with the boundary changes affecting Clifton Springs and Drysdale despite significant opposition by affected residents to the proposed change.
"President of the Drysdale Clifton Springs Community Association Doug Carson described the council's proposal as overkill to a problem which could be easily solved.
"They're using a sledge hammer to crack a walnut," he said. "The current boundary runs across a paddock so they should focus on one street; one side should be Clifton Springs and one side Drysdale."
"Cr Mcdonald said the boundaries would change in spite of public objections, although the public meetings allowed residents' concerns to be heard.
"I can understand people concerned about places having a name change but we are still obliged to meet the guidelines and regulations..."
Geelong Council gave affected residents the opportunity to vote by return mail as to whether they were opposed to or supported the change of boundaries. Those that did not vote where taken to have been in support of the boundary changes. However, non participation should never equal a yes vote.
From the meetings held there is significant interest by affected residents who appear to be opposed to the boundary change.
I wonder whether Geelong Council will release the results of the postal vote. How open and transparent will they be with this vote?
It is great that the Council wishes to consult affected residents, but should they not be open and accountable to the process they have instigated. Consulting for the hell of it is worse than not consulting at all. Seems all they have done here is said yes we consulted.
So come on Geelong Council - what are the results of the postal vote you conducted on this issue? Will you listen to the residents or will just steam roll ahead regardless?
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