Local government should be more than just a stepping stone into State or Federal political office. Party allegiances mixed with personal ambition always run the risk of overriding Councillor representation of their community.
Councillors representing the party in government quickly mute Council agitation and those representing the opposition parties are always finding something to criticise.
We see this play out within Port Phillip where Fishermans Bend continues to languish, despite in 2021 the State Government’s own Infrastructure Authority recommending the immediate commencement of tram extensions and planning for rail infrastructure (Melbourne Metro 2).
Three years later in 2024, the desired completion date of 2026 for these tram extensions is clearly not going to occur. Even more worryingly a simple 300 metre tram link along Park Street (South Melbourne), which would drastically improve access into Port Phillip is now threatened with cancellation.
Why does independence matter? Because it means State and Federal MPs need to prove their worth to council and serve as its voice within State and Federal Parliaments.
I saw this on Maroondah Council, where for over 20 years Council had remained hopeful for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, but party allegiances had historically muted Council’s advocacy.
In 2010 when I was Mayor of Maroondah, I made it clear to State MPs and opposition hopefuls that Council and our community was expecting a commitment for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station and our support will be contingent on seeing this funding commitment.
Over the course of 2010, the ALP, Liberals and Greens all confirmed their commitment to Ringwood Station – no matter which side won, our community was going to win.
State candidates realised Council wasn’t going to play party politics and that they had to actually deliver. The result today is a safe and accessible transport interchange that in turn spurred the housing and business precincts that gave new life to Ringwood.
Remaining steadfastly independent was the only way we achieved this result, and this was acknowledged by several State candidates who were perplexed in guessing what I thought of the political parties.
Fishermans Bend and the renewal we need is never going to succeed if it remains a political football match – only a truly independent Council will be able to equally hold Government and Opposition parties to account.
Local government should remain local and not mere party political fiefdoms.
Alex Makin was a Councillor for Loughan’s Hill Ward (2005 – 2008) and Mullum Ward (2008 – 2012) serving two terms on Maroondah City Council. He served as Maroondah’s youngest elected Mayor in 2010.
Alex moved to the City of Port Phillip in 2013 and lives in Port Melbourne. He is a candidate for Montague Ward in the 2014 Port Phillip Council elections.
