| TO the M for Local Government, 3 July 06 |
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Richard Reilly
Chairperson The Kensington Association 20 Bateman Road KENSINGTON VIC 3031 The Hon Candy Broad MLC Minister for Local Government 80 Collins Street MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Dear Minister Broad ALIGNMENT OF THE KENSINGTON LOCAL BOUNDARY The Kensington Association refers to a letter dated 23 May 2006 from the Executive Director of Local Government Victoria and Community Information, Prue Digby. The letter concerns her response, on your behalf, to the Association’s efforts to reunify the suburb of Kensington within the boundaries of the City of Melbourne. The letter is attached for reference. The response to the Association’s letter was a disappointment to say the least. The letter states that as you, the minister, believes local government has undergone significant structural change recently, further change is generally, no longer desirable. This comment is absolutely irrelevant to the issues contained in my letter to you dated 30 March 2006. The fact that change has occurred in recent years elsewhere should in no way preclude change occurring to the boundaries of local government in relation to the suburb of Kensington. Others’ issues do not concern the Association and should not impede the issues faced by our local community. With such significant structural change occurring in recent years to local government, the Association would like to know why wasn’t an obvious anomaly like the division of the suburb of Kensington between two local governments raised, discussed and rectified? The letter indicates that you, as minister, will only consider boundary changes where there are truly exceptional circumstances. The letter indicates that the Association’s letter does not demonstrate such circumstances exist. Can you please advise what would constitute such exceptional circumstances, and how we can have this issue addressed? The Kensington Association takes the issue of reunifying Kensington under one local government very seriously, and it will not be deterred from continuing to raise this matter with you and others within government as often as it can until the suburb of Kensington is reunited under one local government authority. The Association would like to meet with you to discuss this matter further. It would be appreciated if you could facilitate such a meeting. I can be contacted on 0414 292 470 to arrange such a meeting. Yours sincerely Richard Reilly Chairperson, Kensington Association 3 July 2006 Cc: Ms Prue Digby, Executive Director Local Government Victoria and Community Information Ms Bronwyn Pike MLA State Member for Melbourne |