By Alesha Capone
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has expressed disappointment that Wyndham council will not renew its membership for the 2020-21 financial year.
Wyndham Cr Mia Shaw raised a motion on the matter at last week’s council meeting, which was passed after a protracted debate between councillors.
Cr Henry Barlow, who argued the council should remain a member of the VLGA, described the debate as “a shambles”.
However, Cr Shaw said the council would save $48,000 a year by not renewing its membership with the VLGA.
Cr Shaw’s motion also called for the VLGA and Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) “to work together to merge as one local government peak body”.
The VLGA issued a statement last week which said it was “disappointed” by Wyndham council’s motion.
The statement said the council and VLGA have a “long history”, with the council still participating in a number of VLGA activities, programs and services.
“The VLGA was not consulted on any merger and legal advice from the state government would be required as the MAV, unlike the VLGA, is a body formed under state legislation,” the statement said.
“It is the VLGA’s understanding that it is technically/legally impossible for the two organisations to merge as they are constituted under differed jurisdictions.
“The MAV President informed the VLGA that the ‘merger’ had not been discussed by the MAV board and is not on the agenda.
“The VLGA provided a comprehensive submission to all (Wyndham) councillors prior to the meeting, however, it appears that the details in this submission were not considered.”
