Sally Capp pledges resident panel

Sally Capp pledges resident panel

By Sean Car

Docklands resident and incumbent Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp has told Docklands News that she is promising to provide a bigger voice for residents at the City of Melbourne if re-elected on October 24.

Sharing her plans exclusively with Docklands News, Ms Capp said she would establish a new resident representative panel to give locals a more “direct” and “stronger” voice on council matters.

Having “absolutely loved” her time as a resident in Docklands since moving into Victoria Harbour with her family in July last year, she said the experience had revealed to her the many shortcomings in the way the council engaged with its residents, particularly the 83 per cent of residents living in high-rise strata buildings.

Like the city’s business precinct groups, Ms Capp’s new Resident Representative Panel would invite all resident association presidents from around the municipality to meet with council officers monthly to give direct feedback into policies and programs.

Ms Capp said since being elected as Lord Mayor in 2018, it had driven her “insane” that Town Hall’s doors had been closed to residents.

“Currently, the City of Melbourne does not have a structured, ongoing means to engage with and involve residents, and ask for their contributions to council strategies and activities,” she said. “The panel could provide advice and guidance to officers and councillors but would not make any recommendations on planning issues.”

“Each resident area would be given a dedicated liaison officer so it knows who to contact to seek information, communicate issues and manage matters in between the monthly meetings.”

“We would also make space available at Town Hall for residents to meet and provide resources such as printers and photocopiers to assist in their work.” •

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