These meetings are designed to provide residents with an update on the ongoing Independent Review led by Professor Joseph Drew, offering ratepayers a valuable opportunity to contribute their feedback to this ongoing review process.
The decision to host these meetings stems from an extraordinary council meeting held on Friday, July 14. During this meeting, Federation Council resolved to engage the Institute for Regional Futures at the University of Newcastle to conduct an independent, peer-reviewed business case study.
This study aims to assess the financial sustainability of Federation Council and explore the advantages and disadvantages of amalgamation. The community’s input is seen as an integral part of this project, ensuring that the final report reflects the perspectives of local residents.
The public meetings are scheduled as follows:
•Monday, October 16: 6.30 pm - 8 pm at Club Corowa.
•Tuesday, October 17: 6.30 pm - 8 pm at the Waterfront Pavilion Urana.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke is urging all residents to attend these essential public gatherings.
“I encourage all residents in the Federation community to attend these important public meetings,” he said.
“Since the commencement of this independent review, residents have been encouraged to stay engaged and informed, and these public meetings will provide a further opportunity to do so. I look forward to seeing many residents at these meetings and receiving an update on Professor Drew’s findings to date.”
Meanwhile, the Federation Ratepayers Inc. (FRI) is also actively campaigning to raise awareness and promote community participation in the independent, peer-review with Professor Drew,
“If you can only attend one meeting this month, make sure you get along to one of these sessions,” Chairman David Bott said.
“It’s critical we get as many people to provide feedback to Professor Drew. It’ll be too late once the report is released to give your two cents worth.”
The group has been advocating for a comprehensive review of Federation Council’s management and operations since its inception in June 2022 and eagerly anticipates the release of Professor Drew’s report and recommendations to improve governance and financial sustainability.
FRI also congratulated councillors for their decision on July 14 to appoint Prof. Drew to conduct this independent review. Mr Bott believes the review will significantly contribute to achieving FRI’s mission of having a well-managed, transparent Federation Council that the community can take pride in.
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