ST ARNAUD residents say they are the forgotten community of the Northern Grampians Shire.
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Residents say there is a lack of communication and consultation between them and the council.
This follows the council’s decision to change parking restrictions along Napier Street, then change them back, without consultation.
Signs on Napier Street, erected in late February, warned drivers they no longer had 90 minutes to occupy a parking bay, but one hour instead. The council later apologised to residents, saying the change had occurred by mistake.
Residents spoke about their concerns at a regular public council meeting earlier this month.
During question time, which was extended on request to accommodate a large number of residents wanting to speak, people asked how the council aimed to consult with the community in the immediate future in relation to Napier Street parking issue.
The council’s infrastructure and environment director Chris Adams said the meeting was the beginning of a consultation process, with council staff meeting face-to-face with businesses to seek their feedback.
Another resident asked if the council shared the same views as chief executive, Michael Bailey, when he said: “We do not see open community meetings as a positive or effective way of engaging with the community and as such will not be providing either resources through staff attendance or funding to assist in that process.”
Cr Murray Emerson agreed with Mr Bailey, saying public meetings were forums that had the potential to get out of hand.
He said the best way to consult was face-to-face negotiation and confirmed the council would be available to run workshops with the community.
Cr Emerson cited past workshops he had hosted in Stawell that were helpful – in comparison to two public meeting that “were bad” and that “public meetings do not get us anywhere”.
Mayor Tony Driscoll said running community workshops was something the council would consider.
Community workshops were last in St Arnaud in 2001.
Cr Merrilee Reid said while the community might feel disillusioned now, people should be assured the council would meet with residents to help rectify these issues and further strengthen their town.
