BENDIGO Mayor Lisa Ruffell has slammed Cr Elise Chapman for her “extreme” and “threatening” actions towards the state government by going on hunger strike over Fortuna.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And a spokesperson for Premier Denis Napthine last night said the issue was “entirely the responsibility of the Commonwealth government” despite a meeting previously being planned between the premier and council.
Cr Ruffell said Cr Chapman was acting on her own and did not have any support from the council.
“As mayor I cannot possibly condone Cr Chapman’s decision to go on a hunger strike as I believe the action is extreme and sends the wrong message to the community, especially to vulnerable people,” she said.
“Cr Chapman is acting on her own accord.
“Her actions are not sanctioned by the council.
“A hunger strike is an irresponsible and extreme response to the Fortuna issue and self-harm in the form of a hunger strike is not the way to get what you want.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
Related coverage:
Editorial: Cr Chapman’s message lost in translation
------------------------------------------------------------------
Cr Ruffell said the move could jeopardise work to reschedule a meeting with the premier, who had to cancel last Thursday’s meeting following bushfires.
“Threatening the state government by going on a hunger strike is not the way to gain their support,” she said.
“In fact it could well jeopardise the work that I am currently doing to secure a meeting with the Premier Dennis Napthine to discuss the future of Fortuna.”
A Fortuna rescue plan by former mayor Daryl McClure relies on state support.
But a spokesman for Dr Napthine said the council needed to take the issue up with the federal government.
“The Fortuna Villa property is a Commonwealth Government owned site and has been since the 1940s,” the spokesman said.
“If the council or anyone else has concerns about it falling into private hands, then they should take the matter up with the Commonwealth Government including Bendigo Federal Labor MP Steve Gibbons and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
“Any decision to sell the land at auction is entirely the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government.”
Mr Gibbons could not be reached for comment last night.
