By PETER DOUGLAS
Opponents say they were locked out of review…
THE Mount Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPA) is refusing to give up its quest for a response over the Yarra Ranges electoral boundaries review.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins last month overturned the original review from the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) which had proposed a shift to a three-ward council.
However the MEEPA said there has been no formal response given to the review’s appellants, despite the decision being overturned.
Nor, according to MEEPA, has there been any attempt to respond to concerns raised by the group.
Among the appellants to the original review included MEEPA member Franc Smith who told the Mail he believed the process was flawed.
He said it was disappointing for the community group, which he believes has been effectively locked out of the process.
“We believe the whole process has been flawed since day one and it seems no one is being held to account,” he said.
“Adequate notice wasn’t given when the process was about to begin.
“We don’t believe they’ve followed correct protocol, the community deserves answers and so far we haven’t been able to get any.”
On Thursday 7 July, MEEPA sent a letter to Ms Hutchins, again seeking an answer to its concerns.
Among its issues include the lack of communication around the whole process as well as the VEC’s refusal to acknowledge suggestions over boundary changes.
In the letter, Mr Smith writes that communication has fallen short of what is required.
“A short message on social media from the mayor does not constitute the correct protocol required and is far from satisfactory,” he said.
“We had asked if any ‘external influences’ were brought to bear on the whole process before the VEC final report, since it appears now that some was certainly brought to bear after the process was completed.
“At no stage was this reported to the public at large, or, more seriously, appellants.
“We, as appellants, were completely excluded from any of the process after publication of the final report.
“Once again, it seems a victory for opacity over any transparency.
“We expect, after such an inordinate and unsatisfactory time, a formal response to all the issues as outlined in all of our appeal lodged with you so long ago.”
In addition, MEEPA is seeking answers over why the Mount Evelyn township was omitted from the official paperwork.
Although, the VEC promptly rectified this issue, MEEPA still believes there are many who are still disenfranchised over this oversight.
In August last year, Mr Smith told the Mail that there were many who were irate.
“We’re talking about almost 10,000 people of whom 7193 are voters,” he said.
“Potentially, what they (the VEC) have done is disenfranchise 7000 voters, and I see that as being extremely serious.”
With VEC leaving a whole town out of its paperwork, Mr Smith had said it was difficult for himself and others to trust that the system would treat them fairly.
The Mail has been in contact with Minister Hutchins’s office over MEEPA’s concerns but no reply was received before the publication’s deadline.
