WITH a new council to be named in the near future, last week the 2020-2024 iteration of the Mansfield Shire Council signed off with one last additional meeting to discuss the annual report.
Four councillors were in attendance with Cr Paul Sladdin, who is stepping back from shire business in 2024 after serving three terms, sending his apologies.
Cr Mark Holcombe, also not seeking reelection in 2024, kicked off proceedings by pointing out that council has managed to complete an impressive 74 of 77 capital works projects undertaken in 2024.
“It’s our fourth annual report, it’s a pretty good one,” said Cr Tehan.
“A lot has been achieved in the last term which I think is a credit to the organisation.”
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“We’ve been in the fortunate position of receiving a lot of money from grants over the past four years and an enormous capital works program has been a reflection of that,” added Cr Rohan Webb.
“I think we’ll see less of this activity because the funding environment is drying up.”
In 2024, works undertaken include the addition of 84 parking spots in Mansfield township, reconstruction of the Mount Buller service road, the heavy vehicle alternative route, the commencement of construction of the Mansfield Heritage Museum, and the reconstruction of Buttercup Road.
“This year saw some significant achievements on delivery of major projects to the community while delivering our core services and operating within financially responsible budget,” said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
“14.8 million dollars worth of capital grants projects with a large component of our funding coming from state and federal governments.
“A surplus of 4.045 million was achieved however an adjusted underlying deficit of 2.389 million was recorded in 23/24 primarily due to council receiving the annual financial assistance grant from the Victorian local Government grants commission after the end of the financial year.
“If the grant had been received in June as it has been for the last eight years, the underlying result would have been a surplus of 1.081 million an increase on the 700,000 underlying surplus achieved in 22/23.”
Towards the meeting’s end, Mayor Cr Rabie encouraged comments and reflections from his fellow councillors and Cr Rohan Webb voiced his thoughts.
“Council bashing is a favourite Australian pastime and it’s really easy to do,” he said.
“You can sit behind a keyboard or you can get in the paper and write a letter and it’s just a great cathartic release for everyone but until you’re behind the lines, until you have an understanding of the enormous machine that is both council and government as a whole I really don’t think you have the right to comment.”
Cr Webb wasn’t the only one with comments on the report.
Earlier in the meeting Cr Mark Holcombe congratulated Mayor Rabie on his attendance record, having not missed a single council meeting across the four year term.
But it wasn’t all pleasantries.
“Cr Webb, you had the worst achievement in the last 12 months,” said Cr Holcombe, in reference to the meeting attendance record.
“76 per cent which I think is not where it should be.”
“Is there a point to your comment?” asked Cr Webb.
“I just made the point,” replied Cr Holcombe.
And while Cr Holcombe’s point was crystal clear, he had more to say.
“Do councillors get penalised for attendance?” he asked Mansfield Shire CEO, Kirsten Alexander, who clarified leave provisions with the act for councillors.
“Otherwise it could be really abused.
“It’s quite noticeable, and it puts more work on other councillors when there’s absentees."
Cr Holcombe’s question regarding penalties for attendance was taken on notice.
As the meeting drew to a close, Cr Holcombe used the platform to thank the shire.
“This is a very different shire than we walked into four years ago,” he said.
“The community satisfaction survey, it speaks volumes.
“When you look around town, the gardens, the roads, the library, all these services, the volunteers, what’s been done out in the community areas in terms of grants and support, it’s got a great feel about it.”
Before closing the meeting Mayor Cr Rabie wore his heart on his sleeve as he thanked his outgoing colleague.
“I’d like to thank you, Mark,” he said, a quaver in his voice highlighting the emotion of the moment.
“For helping me along the last four years and I’m sorry to see you go.
“And you Cr Tehan, I’ve learned a lot from you and it has been a great four years.”
