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Banyule Ratepayers Action Group

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25.01.2022 Banyules policies will hurt ratepayers. Weve reviewed the Banyule Council Financial Hardship policy.

24.01.2022 2430 Banyule APARTMENT Ratepayers being RIPPED OFF 2430 apartment ratepayers are paying council circa $531,000 Annually FOR A WASTE SERVICE NOT PROVIDED Surely this is LEGALLY QUESTIONABLE as was the case with major banks which was uncovered in the royal commission.

24.01.2022 Seeing as BRAG's contributions are being censored by Banyule Council, find the full comments here: BRAG feels for all those in the community doing it tough. We speak in favour of the motion tonight. There has been failures in leadership in getting to this point which we hope the Council will acknowledge. Councils Financial Hardship Policy 2016. It was very specific, it said that Council would not give any waivers of rates or charges, or any special rates or charges.... Just flat out. Council will not give a waiver but only consider a deferral of rates and charges and interest penalties. And then when Council did the COVID-19 update of the Financial Hardship Policy, Council still said again they would not give a waiver on rates and charges. What BRAG pointed out to Council is that it was in conflict with the Local Government Act 171A, which is very specific that Councils would consider people with dire financial hardship considering waiving rates and charges. And hence here we are. BRAG supports either option A or B as either would enable ratepayers to be supported and allow Council to finally comply with the Local Government Act. BRAGs feeling on this is just simple. Councillors, I hope you know Councils existing policy was wrong. Sadly why does it take an organisation like BRAG to tell Council that Councils policies are incorrect, that they don't accord with the Local Government Act. Council keeps getting things wrong. BRAG doesnt intend to embarrass the Council about these things. Council actually embarrasses itself because its putting documents out to the public that are wrong when they don't comply with the Local Government Act.

23.01.2022 Banyule Council are promoting their budget with a 2% rate rise. We say no! Sign our petition in our newsletter. Subscribe to our online news here: http://eepurl.com/gh_yUX

23.01.2022 BRAG is proud of its facts based advocacy. Tonight's Council meeting has proven that Councillors have not read the budget papers or do not understand them.BRAG is proud of its facts based advocacy. Tonight's Council meeting has proven that Councillors have not read the budget papers or do not understand them.

23.01.2022 On another Facebook page Greta Gillies, a member of the Greens political party, called out BRAG for deceptive conduct. BRAG Inc. calls out Greta Gillies for misleading and deceptive conduct and misrepresentations in trying to set up a fake BRAG Facebook page and issued a legal cease and desist letter to Greta. It is noted that Greta and her cohort quickly backtracked and deleted the bogus Facebook page in light of the potential legal action by the real BRAG Inc.... Whilst BRAG members have been attending Council meetings since 2018 we are still waiting to meet Greta Gillies in person, due to her lack of appearance at any Banyule Council meeting and her lack of contribution to any submissions to Council.

23.01.2022 Great to see leadership from Lord Mayor Sally Capp. We have called on Banyule Council to do this cleaning in Banyule as we are in the top 10 infected areas in the nation and top 2 in Victoria.

23.01.2022 What do you think about Councils plan to sell off Darebin Creek Parkland?

21.01.2022 Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Inc. 2020 Election Candidate endorsement Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Incorporated (BRAG) has endorsed approved candidates in the October 2020 Council elections. Endorsement enables a candidate to formally publish that they are endorsed by Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Inc on their election material and publications, including advertising. ... It is hoped that a BRAG endorsement will help electors make informed decisions about council candidates. Our Core Values 1. Lower Rates ensuring downward pressure wherever possible 2. Less Waste a commitment to ensuring value for money spent 3. More transparency & Accountability a commitment that major expenditure be transparent and available for examination by the public 4. Public Decision Making no hidden decisions, all debate and subsequent decisions must be open to public scrutiny` 5. Community Engagement and Advocacy authentic engagement with the community ensuring public response is given precedence in Council decision making 6. Non-Partisan we are not aligned to any political party. 7. Decisions in the best interest of the community no sectional interests BRAG Endorsed Candidates The following candidates (and only the following candidates) are endorsed by the Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Inc (BRAG) and entitled to use the BRAG logo on campaign materials. The following candidates have also been formally endorsed by Ratepayers Victoria Inc. BRAG Inc. is a proud member of Ratepayers Victoria Inc (RPV) , the preeminent ratepayer’s organisation in Victoria. The core principles of Ratepayers Victoria Inc. closely align with those of BRAG. Jenny Mulholland - Griffin Ward Kevin Biaggini - Chelsworth Ward Emma Samuel - Chelsworth Ward Kevan Hill - Olympia Ward Nola McDowell - Hawdon Ward Emilia Williams - Hawdon Ward Toafa McCarthy McLean - Grimshaw Ward Leanne Townson - Sherbourne Ward

21.01.2022 Seeing as BRAGs contributions are being censored by Banyule Council, find the full comments here: BRAG feels for all those in the community doing it tough. We speak in favour of the motion tonight. There has been failures in leadership in getting to this point which we hope the Council will acknowledge. Councils Financial Hardship Policy 2016. It was very specific, it said that Council would not give any waivers of rates or charges, or any special rates or charges.... Just flat out. Council will not give a waiver but only consider a deferral of rates and charges and interest penalties. And then when Council did the COVID-19 update of the Financial Hardship Policy, Council still said again they would not give a waiver on rates and charges. What BRAG pointed out to Council is that it was in conflict with the Local Government Act 171A, which is very specific that Councils would consider people with dire financial hardship considering waiving rates and charges. And hence here we are. BRAG supports either option A or B as either would enable ratepayers to be supported and allow Council to finally comply with the Local Government Act. BRAGs feeling on this is just simple. Councillors, I hope you know Councils existing policy was wrong. Sadly why does it take an organisation like BRAG to tell Council that Councils policies are incorrect, that they dont accord with the Local Government Act. Council keeps getting things wrong. BRAG doesnt intend to embarrass the Council about these things. Council actually embarrasses itself because its putting documents out to the public that are wrong when they dont comply with the Local Government Act.

21.01.2022 The new Council ward boundaries have just been gazetted. Has your Ward changed?

21.01.2022 Received a direct mailed ward newsletter from our ward Councillor in the mail today funded by Council. Estimated cost 7000 households by $1.10 postage =$7,700 Double sided colour printed $800 Total cost per ward = $8,500... Total cost all wards = $60,000 This from a Council that stopped photocopying the Neighbourhood Watch newsletter! Wonder why they gave you a 2% rate rise now?

20.01.2022 BANYULE PULLS OUT OF COURT CASE WITH NELA From - Cr Alison Champion, Mayor - Banyule City Council Good afternoon... I wanted to inform you about the status of Councils legal challenge of the North East Link Project (NELP) Last night, following the decisions of Boroondara, Manningham and Whitehorse councils, Banyule Council has resolved to withdraw from the judicial review process of the NELP. In making the decision, Council was informed by updated legal advice that considered the merits of continuing an independent legal challenge on its own along with a recent Supreme Court case ruling on Environmental Effects Statement (EES) processes. Council has been able to ensure that it will have direct input in the detailed design phases of the project as well as securing greater benefits to the local community as part of the project. Our decision to not continue with the legal challenge is driven by the same desire we have always had, that is to get best designed NELP that delivers the maximum benefit for our community. We are convinced that pursuing a legal challenge given recent legal rulings of a similar nature regarding EES processes is not in the best interests of our community and would lessen our ability to ensure we get the best outcomes from the project. We know that ongoing advocacy is critical and we will continue to advocate and work directly with NELP and the preferred construction company to improve the project that will be built. We are also continuing to advocate more broadly for a new station at Watsonia and a fully accessible transport interchange at the new Greensborough station as critical projects. The outcome of our mediation process with the Victorian Government and the NELP has ensured that Council and the community are given maximum opportunity to provide detailed input to the design as it is developed for construction. As well as this, the Victorian Government and NELP have agreed to deliver additional improvements to Watsonia Village, an area immediately impacted by the NELP as well as significant improvements to pedestrian and cycling paths throughout Banyule. We will be bringing a public report to the next Council meeting on this as well as providing an update at our upcoming NELP community forum. Regards Cr Alison Champion Mayor, Councillor Hawdon Ward Banyule City Council E [email protected] | M 0466 486 593 www.banyule.vic.gov.au | Facebook | Twitter

20.01.2022 This Council = High rates & high rise The first decision by the Greens in this term of Council was to approve a big development in Ivanhoe East.

20.01.2022 Priorities are important. Small business and our community are the lowest priorities for Council.

19.01.2022 Did you know in this years budget, Banyule Council are CUTTING the Infrastructure budget by $7 Million? BRAG is hearing from residents of Montmorency advising of the poor state of footpaths (see photos) including the non existence of paths in areas including parts of Rattray Road. We are also aware of two elderly women who have recently suffered injury due to a fall and damage to a stroller in Mountain View Road Montmorency. Apparently many footpaths across Montmorency are i...n poor condition and overgrowth from properties require people to either walk on the nature strip or road to get past particular areas. This is not something that has just happened recently, damaged footpath infrastructure has been prevalent in areas throughout Montmorency for years and some of the quick fixes council had completed do not mitigate danger to pedestrians. It is obvious that Councillors do not get out and about In their Wards to see what is happening. Why has Council taken its eye of the ball and not put in place a proper inspection regime in the Montmorency area to promptly fix dangerous footpaths and overgrowth from properties to prevent personal injury? The poor state of footpaths exposes Council and ratepayers to public liability claims due to Council's negligence in fulfilling its infrastructure maintenance requirements to an acceptable standard as required by legislation.

19.01.2022 Banyule Councillors and exec team could learn from this leadership. Councillors are still taking their pre-COVID pay rise! https://amp.theguardian.com//jacinda-ardern-and-ministers-

18.01.2022 BRAG WIN! After launching our campaign for Council to address cleaning of high touchpoints at multiple Council meetings, Council have listened to the community. It's important to note that this cleaning is only for the next 4 weeks, we will lobby to ensure high touchpoints are regularly cleaned throughout the pandemic to ensure our community is safe.

18.01.2022 2016 alleged election fraud uncovered On a recent Facebook post Peter Castaldo candidate for Griffin ward has stated the following I pride myself on being genuine and transparent ... We let you be the judge. BRAG Inc. has received vital information in relation to an alleged electoral fraud conducted during the 2016 Griffin Ward election. The photographs which have been received clearly show a co-ordinated Greens Party plot involving the then Greens upper house member, the Greens candidate, his partner and Greens party members handing out fake Liberal How to Vote cards at several booths during that election. We accept the comment below from Monique Edwards that she only handed out the fake Liberal HTV cards (which just happened to preference her husband Peter second) while the poor person took a break. However witnesses at the booth have advised BRAG Inc. that the break was from 4pm to 6pm, so he must have been pretty hungry and thirsty. The Greens also packed up the fake Liberals HTV cards and other materials at 6pm when voting had finished for the day and took it away in their vehicle. As requested by Monique in her post below we have published the photo so that she may have her memory of election day 2016. The following photos were taken at a different booth, the East Ivanhoe booth. Again the fake Liberal HTV cards are being handed out by a prominent Greens Party member. In the background and at times standing next to him is Greens MP Samantha Dunn, the then member for eastern metropolitan region and the Greens candidate Peter Castaldo. Comment from Peter Castaldo when questioned by a resident on his Facebook about how he came to meet Marcus Hill, the fake Liberal candidate. Witnesses saw Cr. Craig Langdon's daughter handing out the Marcus Hill HTV at Fairy Hills booth on election day. Cr. Craig Langdon, a close ally of Cr. Castaldo on Council, has questions to answer in his involvement. It is interesting to note that the Election return submitted by Marcus Hill showed that he had received no campaign donations. It is unfortunate that the poor residents of Griffin Ward were mislead in such a fashion by the Greens Party and Cr. Langdon in 2016. The penalty for misleading and deceptive and misleading behaviour under the Electoral Act 2002 is $9,900 or 6 months jail. We hope that the Greens Party do not stoop to such trickery to mislead voters at this election.

18.01.2022 BRAG is calling on Banyule to fund cleaning and sanitising of high touchpoints in Banyule, playgrounds, kinders, community centres, pools as step 1 of the Australian Government's 3 Step Framework is brought in for Victoria. There's nothing in this years budget for this!

18.01.2022 BRAG will be speaking on behalf of residents tonight arguing for a ZERO % rate rise. Tune in! Read our full submission here: https://bit.ly/BRAGbudgetreport

17.01.2022 Corona rate freeze needed in Banyule

17.01.2022 BRAG is proud of its facts based advocacy. Tonights Council meeting has proven that Councillors have not read the budget papers or do not understand them.BRAG is proud of its facts based advocacy. Tonights Council meeting has proven that Councillors have not read the budget papers or do not understand them.

17.01.2022 Hawdon is going to be tight! Too close to call but Emilia Williams had strong preference flows. Robson Garth 625 Haworth 1395 Mitsinikos 1379... Williams 1124 McDowell 1010 Fernandez 743 Bieber 1389 Informal 183

16.01.2022 Inner City Councils are now more responsible than Banyule Council. Banyule Councils budget has a multi million dollar deficit but still huge spending on Climate plans that could be deferred.

16.01.2022 An FOI was submitted by BRAG inc. in the public interest to ascertain full details about how the Mayoral vehicle was used and who used the vehicle during the period 1st February 2016 and 30th August 2016 and if this use aligned with Council’s policy. The results of this FOI have been received from Council officers and the information provided raises immediate concerns that require further urgent investigation. At this stage full disclosure of information still requires detai...ls of the BP fuel card use to ensure all records accord with the Mayoral Vehicle use policy. This is still being sought. Unfortunately due to caretaker period this request cannot be fulfilled until after the Council election. A further FOI was submitted by BRAG inc in the public interest relating to a Councillor attending an interstate conference to Cairns for a conference titled the National Indigenous Empowerment summit. All receipts, reimbursements, travel documents, accommodation expense receipts, taxi/ride-sharing expense receipts and fuel card transaction receipts relating to the Indigenous Empowerment Summit in Cairns, QLD, attended by Cr. Langdon from 03-Sep-2019 to 05-Sep-2019. At this stage full disclosure of information still requires these details to ensure all records accord with the Councillor interstate travel use policy. This is still being sought. Unfortunately due to caretaker period this request cannot be fulfilled until after the Council election. Although some information has been provided in a Council report 18th November 2019 Item 7.3 and refer attachments (refer following link) https://www.banyule.vic.gov.au//Council-m/Minutes-agendas This report raises serious concerns regarding this conference in particular the very basic report provided by the Councillor in regards to any Council benefits achieved from this Cairns conference. Most surprising Cr. Langdon’s conclusion from the conference was I would not recommend to attend this forum again. BRAG Inc and its members expect retribution due it pursuing the truth on both of these important matters for ratepayers. BRAG Inc. has briefed its legal team regarding any retribution that may occur. However without fear or favour BRAG will pursue both FOI’s following the completion of this important election.

15.01.2022 What do you think about Council's plan to sell off Darebin Creek Parkland?

15.01.2022 Inner City Council's are now more responsible than Banyule Council. Banyule Councils budget has a multi million dollar deficit but still huge spending on Climate plans that could be deferred.

15.01.2022 Join us for tonight's Council meeting.

14.01.2022 Banyule City Council voted to sell off 38sqm of Darebin Creek Reserve Parkland, in Ivanhoe, to a resident. The price for the land was negotiated down from the o...riginal valuation of $38,000, to $11,000. I’ve spoken to residents nearby, and the council valuation for their land is $1,500 per square metre (which would value this piece of parkland at $57,000). The justification for this sale is that the land is ‘unable to be accessed for public use’ as it is adjacent to a cliff overlooking the river. I opposed the sale at several council meetings as I feel that just because parkland is inaccessible, doesn’t mean it is of no value from a biodiversity perspective. Cr Craig Langdon, who sits on the Darebin Creek Management Committee Board (as part of his role as a Councillor) didn’t consult, or even inform the Darebin Creek Management Committee of the sale. Interestingly, he was also the one who moved the motion to reduce the sale price of the land (in response to my statement opposing the sale). Our current ward Greens Councillor was absent from the council meeting where this sale was voted on due to COVID testing, so was unable to vote. During this election campaign none of the Greens candidates are talking about preserving this strip of parkland, or stopping future development alongside the creek, including the current ward Councillor. Finally, council stated in their public notice that this area of parkland was backfilled at the same time the proposed buyer developed a new property next to it. Backfilling means the land was landscaped to make it more suitable for building upon. It’s not clear whom this was done by nor why it was done. I have asked the council this question in a formal submission. This submission, along with 3 other submissions from concerned residents and organisations, has effectively blocked the sale of the land from being finalised until a new council is appointed (which is a win!). Let’s keep holding the council to account. Residents like you can make a real difference by actively putting in formal submissions and, from this week onwards, you can take the ultimate action and vote for change at the ballot box.

13.01.2022 Council says they only approve 'quality development' but some tenants will have no windows!

13.01.2022 Council says they only approve quality development but some tenants will have no windows!

13.01.2022 BRAG demands a forensic audit of the massive $21.27M blowout of the Ivanhoe Library. Each year the blowouts got worse and worse. We must elect Councillors who are financially literate and ones that will not mismanage our ratepayers funds. Read more: https://www.facebook.com/notes/banyule-ratepayers-action-group-brag/brag-demands-forensic-audit-of-ivanhoe-library-blowout-by-banyule-council/10157839743492371/

13.01.2022 Banyule Council are set to increase your rates on Monday night for the fourth time since 2016. There are current Councillors sitting on Banyule Council who have raised rates during their term of office by over 100%. The current Council have overseen the Ivanhoe library project which has increased from $17 million in 2016 to almost double $34 million and still rising.... This is a high taxing and high spending Council. BRAG inc believes that there is now only one way to change this gouging mentality of Councillors and Council. This is to change your Councillors at the Council election in October 2020. BRAG Inc. is looking for strong independent community representatives to put their hand up to endorse for this election who will support the following Back to Basics policies: Zero rate rise for the next two years A review of all Council spending programs and promoting a zero based budget approach Constructing 50 footpaths in every ward over the next term of Council A cleaning/disinfecting program implemented that will keep all residents safe in their local shopping centres. Protecting Neighbourhood Character in all residential areas One free visit to the Resource Recovery Station for all ratepayers Upgrade of local playgrounds Increase street tree plantings by 50% over the next four years. Your support is required for this campaign. We look forward to your support. This can be as follows: 1. A donation. 2. Donation of a book of stamps. 3. Letterboxing 4. A sign in your front garden 5. Talking to your neighbours and friends on Facebook and emails 6. Sharing this Facebook post or email to all of your Banyule friends.

12.01.2022 December 2017 Ivanhoe Library cost according to this Government press release is $23.8 million. Councillors didn't even mention when tender accepted in January 2019 adopted tender price had blown out cost to $29.34 million, increase of $5.5 million. What were Councillors trying to hide at this stage? Simply financial incompetence.

11.01.2022 Great to see the opposition adding their weight behind the campaign for a rate freeze.

10.01.2022 Join us for tonights Council meeting.

10.01.2022 We can't stand this type of development in our heritage areas.

09.01.2022 We fought against it. Now more rates will be spent on Councillors.

09.01.2022 CPI FACTS Good morning Please have a look at the stats we have provided below - you will shake your head! YEAR RATES CPI... 2020/21 2.00% 2.00% (Estimate) 2019/20 2.50% -0.30% 2018/19 2.25% 1.60% 2017/18 2.50% 2.10% 2016/17 2.50% 1.90% The stats are a five year comparison between the increase in Banyule Councils Rates measured against the CPI each year to June. In the five years between 2016/17 to 2020/21, rate increases will move 3.95% above the CPI (ie 11.25 - 7.30 = 3.95). Assuming CPI = 2.00% as per the Rate Cap increase which maybe questionable after the CPI came in at -0.30 percent for the year to June 2020. When you look at the data over the ten years, to 2020/2021, Banyule Council rates have moved by 26.44% greater than the CPI of 16.40%. How can those incompetent idiots keep saying that Council cannot afford to have a rate freeze this year? How much will the 2% hike for 2020/2021 cost Council over 10 or 20 years if the increase does not occur? Happy for you to draw your own conclusions.

09.01.2022 Join us tonight on 7NEWS Melbourne 9 News Melbourne 10 News First to discuss ratepayers demands that Councils : - FREEZE rate increases this year - Make CEO's, ...Executives and Councillors take a 25% pay cut - Abandon all non essential spending - Halt all NEW project spending - Waive retailer/trader small business fees - Rebate rates to those in genuine hardship - Ensure this years postal elections go ahead as planned Councils sit on very healthy reserves - time for them to dig into their own savings to help ratepayers and business owners ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT MUST DO THEIR SHARE OF THE HEAVY LIFTING - COUNCILS ARE NOT IMMUNE See more

08.01.2022 We cant stand this type of development in our heritage areas.

08.01.2022 This is what leadership looks like. Meanwhile Banyule Councillors and executive will get a pay rise.

08.01.2022 Great news from the Shire of Nillumbik. If only we had the same in Banyule...

07.01.2022 Council has refused to listen to residents and will raise rates by 2%

06.01.2022 Our analysis is Langdon has lost. No preferences go his way from other candidates. Strong showing from new candidate Peter Dimarelos. We did not endorse him but his policies were quite good. Olympia results (so far) Langdon 1773 McColl 583... Dimarelos 1284 Wild 664 Deviesseux 972 Hill 783 Total 6059 See more

05.01.2022 Councillor Castaldo keeps claiming we are lying about the Ivanhoe Library blowout. Don't know who to believe? Do your own research: View our analysis referenced back to each Banyule Council Budget paper - https://www.facebook.com/notes/banyule-ratepayers-action-group-brag/brag-demands-forensic-audit-of-ivanhoe-library-blowout-by-banyule-council/10157839743492371 Download the Budget Papers from the Banyule website to view for accuracy... Google 'Ivanhoe Library $34.5million' Google 'Ivanhoe Library $34million' Google 'Ivanhoe Library $29.34 million' Google 'Ivanhoe Library $29 million' Google 'Ivanhoe Library $23.8 million' Google 'Ivanhoe Library $20 million' Google "$18.50 million Ivanhoe Library" We'll source the archive file of the $17 million figure shortly... as you can see the price has not remained stable and the current Council are lying when they say the budget has not blown out.

05.01.2022 The words dreadful Mulholland woman is demeaning, mysogynist, disrespectful and not an acceptable comment for a candidate to like. Peter Castaldo should apologise to Jenny Mulholland.

04.01.2022 Stonnington Council reversed their rate hike yet Banyule Council still is punishing families and businesses with an unfair rate rise.

04.01.2022 CPI has been recorded at -0.30 percent. So well done again to Banyule Council who simply are so out of touch with reality by increasing rates by 2 percent for 2020/2021. The arrogance by this group is not funny - it is truly sad for many of our neighbours friends and family who are really hurting at present.

03.01.2022 Whilst trolls from the Greens and other splinter groups attempt to disparage BRAG and BRAG endorsed candidates on Facebook, BRAG continues to do the hard yards at Council meetings by preparing detailed forensic reports and financial analysis for Council. Pity that these trolls only turn up at election time to abuse BRAG endorsed candidates and steal BRAG policies as they do not have policies of their own. Trolls such as Greta Gillies, Zana Polar and Harris Wi will qu...ickly fade away as the Greens again fail in this election. Residents of Banyule will not accept a fortnightly garbage collection. The Greens tried to hide this but it was only through BRAG that the truth was revealed.

03.01.2022 Sign the BRAG petition for a zero % rate this year "We, the undersigned ratepayers and / or residents of Banyule City Council petition or request Council to apply a zero rate rise for the 2021 financial year. We support the advocacy of the Banyule Ratepayers Action Group Inc to speak on our behalf" Download it here: https://bit.ly/BanyulePetition

02.01.2022 A local Monty resident has contacted Council requesting repair to temporary fencing in Grand Boulevard car park opposite Montmorency South Primary School, but nothing has been done. The temporary fencing has been allow to deteriorate to an extent that it is providing no protection to trees and the environment. Vehicles are now encroaching on grass in very close proximity to trees, compacting soil and damaging trees. This damage will effect the viability of these trees. Why has it taken so long for officers and the local Councillor to act?

01.01.2022 Banyule's policies will hurt ratepayers. We've reviewed the Banyule Council Financial Hardship policy.