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Bendigo’s new council must represent the community above all else – but the community must play its role too.
That’s the message coming from those in the city’s local government sector, who are also appealing for a constructive council willing to work together.
City of Greater Bendigo chief executive officer Craig Niemann said councillors would chart the city’s course for the next four years.
“We’re all on the same team here,” Mr Niemann said. “Local government exists to deliver projects and provide continuing support for the community.
“Government rules clearly lay out that councillors are the elected representatives and decision makers and the organisational side is all about the delivery of services and the operation needs of the council.
“It’s a clear distinction between the two – but we all want the same outcome.”
Grass roots organisers are also calling for new councillors to reach out to the community.
Marong Community Action Group president Heather Wearne said a councillor’s role was to be a direct link between the community and Town Hall.
“They need to be developing ongoing and consistent networks, working together with groups like ours in smaller communities to get the best fit outcomes for all groups and all interests, the environment, the economy, housing” she said.
“It is really important that all links back to the community and that happens by making contact with people, and finding ways to connect with a greater per cent of the community, not just the same few voices.”
But the retired teacher said representation was a two-way street.
“The community has a big role to play in that too, they need to own the issues of the day and they need to take up ownership of their role in guiding and directing councillors, rather than just criticizing them,” she said.
“What we see, all too often, is that people are very quick to condemn and criticize, but we don't put ourselves out there to say, ‘this is an option’ or ‘this’”.