The Mayor’s Memo (Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, June 30) announced, “Council adopted its Disability Action Plan on May 22 and we believe this is one of the most important plans we have".
Surely we all expect our council will do its best to improve the quality of life in Eurobodalla for all residents, especially those with a disability.
But the difference between plans and make-believe is that plans have clear objectives, with attainable and measurable goals, that recognise the resources needed to achieve the prescribed outcomes in an agreed timeframe.
Really good plans are those that are widely understood and enthusiastically supported by all who have an interest.
Councillors have committed ratepayers, for five years, to a Disability Action “plan” that contains few of those essential elements.
A senior staff member has confirmed that the dazzling papers endorsed by council are only a plan to prepare a plan.
It “will assist us [staff] in planning, sourcing funds, allocating budgets and setting priorities”.
The Local Government Act obliges councillors to direct and control the affairs of council and to represent the interests of residents.
But it seems our councillors take pride in approving convoluted proposals from staff without asking what their plans will cost, where the funds are to come from, what staff and other resources or overheads are involved, or any other questions that would demonstrate they take the interests of residents seriously.
Councillors’ most important plan should be to improve their own efficiency.
When “make believe” is replaced by substance and leadership, councillors will address our shire’s most incapacitating disability.
Don Burns, Tuross Head