SEVERAL City of Greater Bendigo councillors fear Elise Chapman’s hunger strike will damage the council’s relationship with the state government and chances of saving Fortuna.
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Cr Mark Weragoda said her actions were “ridiculous” and “very unprofessional”, while Cr Barry Lyons said the hunger strike could be viewed as a threat.
Cr Weragoda said council staff and Mayor Lisa Ruffell had been working hard on rescheduling a meeting with Premier Denis Napthine to discuss Fortuna.
“I believe, to be honest, that this (hunger strike) will only undermine that situation,” he said.
“I think it’s ridiculous.
“I just think it’s very unprofessional.
“I just don’t think that’s the way to achieve something.”
Cr Lyons said Cr Chapman “certainly didn’t represent the council”.
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“If she wants to do it as a personal thing she’s entitled to, but as a representative of the council I don’t think she should be,” she said. “We’ve got some formal negotiations with the state and federal governments through our politicians and that’s the protocol you use.
“I don’t think these silly, threatening ideas will gain much at all.”
Cr Helen Leach said it was “sad” Cr Chapman had to resort to such length to get attention for her cause but said she hoped it had a positive outcome.
Cr Rod Fyffe didn’t criticise the hunger strike but said it was a “very drastic action”.
“I think generally something like this has been taken as a very last resort, and I don’t think we’ve reached that stage with our negotiations with the state and federal governments by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.
“I’ve never seen it before.
“We need to make sure we sit down and talk about it sensibly and rationally so the best outcome is for Bendigo.”