MOORABOOL council will reconsider plans to make volunteer fire
brigades and the SES ineligible for a community grants scheme, after the
proposal prompted a large community backlash.
Members of the shire’s 22 fire brigades expressed their disappointment at the draft proposal during last week’s council meeting.
Other “ineligible” groups under the draft policy include primary and secondary schools, churches and political parties.
Former councillor Michael Tudball, who is also a member of the
local SES brigade, said there was “no rationale” for discriminating
against Moorabool’s emergency services volunteers.
“There’s so many things done that go unrecognised in our work as
community groups, not just as emergency services. These groups meet all
the criteria except the one that says they’re now ineligible.”
The council has allocated $140,000 for the grants program in the
2013-14 budget, which Mr Tudball pointed out was 0.3 per cent of a
$46 million budget.
“A $5000 grant to any of these groups is just 0.01 per cent of that budget,” he said.
“It’s unfair the sleight of a pen can deny them a grant.”
Bacchus Marsh SES deputy controller Bill Robson said the unit was disappointed but was hopeful of a resolution.
“We understand the budget is tight, but from our perspective we see ourselves as a community group,” he said.
Mayor Pat Toohey was receptive to feedback. He said it was why
draft policies were required to “lay on the table” until the next
council meeting.
Former mayor Pat Griffin said such decisions should not be made “on a councillor’s whim”.
“We’re all community members, we’re all ratepayers who gather together to help better our community.”
