Secession call divides
THE Geelong mayor’s call for the Bellarine to secede from the municipality has sparked mixed responses, with some welcoming the call and others asking why the mayor is not able to look after her coastal constituents.
Mayor and Bellarine ward councillor Stephanie Asher said this month the Bellarine should “absolutely” split from the City of Greater Geelong, claiming it was not properly directing ratepayer funds to service the peninsula.
But one of the region’s most senior politicians said the call was an admission of failure.
“Stephanie Asher conceding that the City of Greater Geelong isn’t delivering for the Bellarine is an extraordinary admission,” Corio federal MP
Richard Marles said on Friday.
“As mayor, she is responsible for overseeing where ratepayers’ money goes and by admitting dollars could be better spent by council she is admitting she can’t do her job properly.
“If Stephanie Asher doesn’t think the City of Greater Geelong is delivering for the Bellarine, she should rethink her suitability for the job.
“People expect council to at the very least deliver the basics for ratepayers. It’s astounding she has admitted they can’t even do that.”
Cr Asher this week did not explain why she was unable to ensure the Bellarine received its fair share.
While some readers shared Mr Marles’s sentiments, many voiced support for her Bellarine secession suggestion.
“Best thing the Mayor has suggested yet,” Addy commenter Tim Bemett said. “The size of the municipality is too large for one single council.”
Catherine Duffield wrote: “(I’m) all for separating the Bellarine from CoGG, things might actually get done.”
Philip Neil McLean said: “Was fantastic when it was the shire of Bellarine. The opposite today.”
Cr Asher on Wednesday further explained her reasoning for why the Bellarine should secede.
“At some stage, the growth in population will necessitate a rethink with our municipal boundary,” she said.
Asked if she would do anything to pursue the secession suggestion, she said she would “take notice of a formal submission” from the community.