Melbourne City Council is unique among local governments. The Council provides all of the usual Council services. However, the Council also has a role as the centre of the metropolis to provide for much more than just ratepayers, and to set an example to more than just our constituents.

The local newspapers attend meetings, but not as regularly as the daily newspapers. This means that Councillors are often under more spotlight than most members of State Parliament, which is, of course, an opportunity.

Following directly from motions I have sponsored to Council, the State Government introduced a parking levy in the CBD and has announced its intention to establish a relationships register. In this way, my role at Melbourne City Council has been as much about state-wide issues as local issues.

I have, of course, tackled many local issues, including waste management in the CBD, water recycling for parks and gardens, funding for energy efficient public lighting and trying to curb billboards through the planning scheme. I have also been vocal against the further privatisation of Council services, particularly child-care and City Wide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Council.

As the only Green on Council I have demonstrated the power that our common sense policies have to prevail.

Cr Fraser Brindley
Chair, Environment Committee

Elected 2004

Phone: 0417 557 477

Email: fraserbrindley@vic.greens.org.au