A Yarra councillor says a tenfold increase to the value of property the CEO can sell-off without councillor sign-off could turn the role into that of an 'unelected, economic czar'.
Inner-Melbourne residents are outraged about a council's plan to increase the authority of the executive to sell-off council-owned property with no say from councillors.
Yarra City Council's draft property strategy for the next five years includes a plan to give the chief executive officer and chief financial officer authority to approve sales of council land and buildings of up to $10 million. Queens Parade, Clifton Hill is part of the City of Yarra, where councillors are soon to vote on a new property strategy.The draft property strategy would also give the Yarra CEO, who is currently Sue Wilkinson, the power to approve any purchases up to $10 million."The power to dispose of $10 million worth of assets shouldn't be in the hands of an employee, it should be in the hands of an elected councillor.
Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North, in the City of Yarra, where councillors are going to vote on the draft property proposal.A report completed in June 2022 detailing the City of Yarra's financial performance was published on Friday, following a lengthy campaign to make it public. Yarra City Council currently owns or controls about 345 properties valued at more than $1.2 billion, with its draft property strategy noting the portfolio to be one of Yarra's "most valuable assets."Councillor Stephen Jolly said he believed the City of Yarra executive team may be looking to sell off property to fix the council's "financial crisis", with the proposal an attempt to further limit public scrutiny.
But, in a statement to the ABC, it pointed out the draft property strategy had still yet to be endorsed.
Yarra Council Stephen Jolly Finances Loans Delegation CEO Dean Hurlston Ratepayers Democracy Property Portfolio Draft Property Strategy Proposal Sue Wilkinson Melbourne News Victoria News Vic News
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Melbourne council rejects heritage plan for ‘ugly duckling’ South Yarra apartmentEven the owners did not want to protect the “six-pack flats” on Walsh Street called “Motstone”. A last-minute amendment on Tuesday night granted their wish.
Read more »
Housing plan ‘pressures inner city and fringe, spares middle Melbourne’Infrastructure targets and plans for green space and community buildings are also needed, say experts.
Read more »
Housing plan ‘pressures inner city and fringe, spares middle Melbourne’Infrastructure targets and plans for green space and community buildings are also needed, say experts.
Read more »
Housing plan ‘pressures inner city and fringe, spares middle Melbourne’Infrastructure targets and plans for green space and community buildings are also needed, say experts.
Read more »
Melbourne researchers study love lives of black swans at home in inner-city parkA nearly two-decade study of birds living in Melbourne's Albert Park has revealed surprising relationship patterns between black swans.
Read more »
Sydney, Melbourne house prices: Investor exodus gathers pace in Melbourne and SydneyHigher tax burdens and weaker capital gains are prompting a growing number of property investors to sell out of Melbourne and Sydney.
Read more »