The following questions were addressed to the above meeting. Some questions were adequately responded to at the meeting, however others required a more detailed response in writing.
This document includes both verbal and written responses. In this instance, no written responses were provided as issues were adequately addressed at the meeting.
Alan Manson asked the following questions regarding Fracking (Unconventional Gas Mining):
Why is it that the Councillors don’t respond to emails from ratepayers?
Cr Heagney advised a response was provided to your email by Rodney Thomas.
Cr Farrell responded that it was unrealistic for all Councillors to respond individually and that the expectation is that one person provides a response. Cr Farrell indicated she had seen the submission that went to Rodney Thomas a week ago so she was aware a response was made. Although an individual reply is not provided, I would say that most of us are carefully monitoring incoming emails.
Why is it that my Ward Councillor Andy Richards did not respond to either of my emails or to my voicemail message on his phone?
Cr Richards advised he received the emails which were forwarded onto the Manager Environment who was dealing with the issue.
When the Surfcoast Shire chose to make a submission to the inquiry, they stated so in the Geelong Advertiser – yet there appears to be nothing similar issued from CoGG to help inform the Geelong community. If this claim is correct, why is this so?
Cr Richards responded he could not recall seeing anything, but was happy to issue a media statement that we have provided a submission.
Has the CoGG made a submission to the inquiry and if so, when did it do this?
Cr Richards advised Council has made a submission.
Does the CoGG intend making available a copy of their submission to the public? If so, when will this become available?
William Tieppo responded that the document would be soon be made public on the Inquiry’s website. A written response by the General Manager City Services in relation to the submission will be forwarded.
Can the CoGG confirm that it remains opposed to Fracking? If so, how does it intend to oppose Fracking (if at all) should the State Government determine that the Unconventional Gas Industry is safe and that mining activities can commence in the region?
Cr Irvine added he concurred Council receives hundreds of emails and we assume they are dealt with. From a Councillors perspective we made it quite clear that we do not want fracking in our region.
A subsequent written response was provided by the General Manager City Services in the following terms: |
Firstly, can I thank you for attending Tuesday nights Council Meeting to discuss Fracking Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry.
On behalf of Councillors, and as requested on Tuesday night, attached below is Council’s submission dated the 7 July 2015, which will soon be made public on the Inquiry’s website. It has been confirmed by the Inquiry administration that it has received the Council’s submission and is yet to be published on its website, due to the high volume of submissions.
Again, thank you raising this important matter with Council.
