MELVILLE city council plans to crack down on volunteers who don’t toe the line.

According to item R5.9 of its strategic risk policy, the council will rate environmental volunteer groups as “risky” because it fears they are becoming politicised and critical of council decisions.

It will vote on the issue at its next meeting on June 17.

Friends of Booragoon and Blue Gum Lakes convenor Mary-Ann Oliver says the new classification refers to her group, which has been hammering the council over the Blue Gum tennis club’s encroachment into Bush Forever land.

‘operating against the City’s objectives and outcomes’

“It would appear that I am very naive,” she says.

“By voicing an opinion contrary to that held by the CEO, I am seen as ‘operating against the City’s objectives and outcomes’.

“It appears to me that the council wants to shut down discussion. They seem to believe that differing opinions are a threat, rather than a sign that we have a healthy democracy.”

Bicton-Attadale ward councillor Susanne Taylor Rees describes the new risk rating as ridiculous.

“I think council should be more worried about the politicisation of sporting clubs in Melville,” she told the Herald.
“This is an insult to those groups who work very hard to keep our parks and bushlands looking good.

“They should be included as benefits, not a threat. They are not the enemy.”

The council failed to respond.

by CARMELO AMALFI