Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council debate costs, emissions for Melbourne sustainability conference visit

Councillors have debated the merits of sending one of their own to a major climate change forum over east and expressed surprise that teleconference options aren’t available. Deputy shire president Julia Meldrum won majority backing at the August 9 meeting to attend the conference in Melbourne in September, but not without some quibbles led by Cr Kylie Kennaugh. Although Cr Kennaugh was the sole vote against the ratepayer-funded flights, other members raised questions too about why teleconference options weren’t possible for the Cities Power Partnership Conference when carbon emissions were a main focus. Adding to the complexity was anticipation that Shire of Augusta-Margaret River sustainable planning officer Katie Biggs could be up for an award at the conference, which would also require her attendance. Cr Kennaugh not only questioned the carbon emissions involved in the flight, but the cost to ratepayers – a concern echoed by Cr Brian Daniel who sought more detail on whether the shire officer would definitely be going. “If a staff member is going to be making the trip because of the award, I can’t see why Cr Meldrum should be going,” Cr Daniel said. “To have two people going is, I think, unfair to ratepayers.” Cr Kennaugh said the pandemic had changed many things, including the need for air travel, with the cost expected to equate to the rates bill for three households. “The financial struggles faced by many ratepayers, which include my partner, myself, and no doubt many of you here today, should not be ignored,” she said. “While professional development is essential, it is worth considering more accessible and affordable options for council members, given the financial challenges faced by many.” Cr Kennaugh said she had “intentionally abstained” from claiming her shire expense entitlements during the past three years. She said the Melbourne summit was better suited to officers with careers in the sector rather than councillors with different careers. Other members said it was important the shire had skin in the game as a long-term member of the partnership, with the conference offering valuable networking opportunities. “It could be a wonderful opportunity to involve our shire in a national opportunity to look at renewable energy and see how we can be part of the solution,” Cr Tracey Muir said. Shire president Paula Cristoffanini said the conference was “important”. “We want to take a leadership role in this area,” she said. “This is an important partnership and something central to what we do here.” Cr Kennaugh also used the meeting to quiz chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown on Cr Meldrum’s unfinished diploma of local government which was estimated to cost ratepayers about $8000 so far.