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STORMY weather late last week again made Mornington Harbour a main attraction. As wind-whipped waves spent their energy against the outside of the pier walkers dodged the spray and boats were safely secured on the lee side. The small jetty opposite the yacht club was snug enough for a fisherman who shared his catch with an opportunistic cormorant. Picture: Gary Sissons
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Continued from Page 1 Mr Cowie’s predecessor, Michael Kennedy, held the position for almost 16 years, but did not make the short list of 12 applicants when the job was advertised in 2014. He was reappointed three times – in 2003, 2008 and 2011 - without council looking elsewhere. Cr Payne said Mr Cowie’s achievements included negotiating an enterprise agreement that saw a dramatic cut in the amount of sick leave available to staff. Staff had access to “unlimited sick leave, something that’s unheard of and something previous people hadn’t the fortitude” to challenge. “That probably didn’t make him popular with staff,” Cr Payne said. He said Mr Cowie had achieved “specifics” set by council on his appointment in 2014, which had led to savings of more than $7 million, much of which would be ongoing. Cr Payne said councillors were “reasserting control” over the shire that had been “run” by the officers “when the council was divided”. “That’s what I really locked horns about.” Cr Payne was annoyed last month when Mr Cowie approved a $3 million tender for legal firms that could be hired by the shire despite being asked to bring to matter to council before being approved under delegation (“Probe into $3m legal tender” The News 5/6/18). One major issue over which councillors and Mr Cowie have disagreed was his reluctance to list on the shire’s Gifts Register a Mediterranean holiday taken by him and his wife as guests aboard a cruise ship hired by prominent businessman and shire ratepayer Lindsay Fox (“CEO’s trip top draw on gifts list” The News 1/5/18). Mr Cowie also failed to persuade councillors to accept a media policy that would have strictly curtailed their ability to make public statements and hold “off the record” conversations. At the time, Cr Payne said the shire’s public relations were being handled “very poorly”. The then
CARL Cowie
communications, media and events manager Mark Kestigian, who is no longer employed by the shire, said the policy was designed to ensure the presentation of “a consistent and positive image of shire activities and service” (“Revolt over shire ‘muzzle’ bid” The News 21/6/17). Cr Payne also opposed Mr Cowie’s plan to open a shire office in Melbourne CBD. Council adopted the proposal although the office is yet to open. Dr Nelsen said the Mornington Peninsula Ratepayers’ Association was “very disappointed” the CEO’s job was being advertised. “Council appears to have a very short memo-
ry,” he said. “Since [Mr Cowie’s] appointment there have been very significant cost savings to ratepayers through more efficient shire management.” Dr Nelsen listed some of the saving as: $750,000 a year on the shire’s insurance; $500,000 - $1 million annually managing and running recreation centre, including the Pelican Park aquatic leisure centre at Hastings; introducing GeoMedia Smart Client which has the potential to save up to $500,000 a year by avoiding double handling of the shire’s computer data; $750,000 through continuous improvement actions and revised service delivery models; $2-3 million on eight footpath schemes which the residents did not want; $2.42 million by restructuring waste processing and awarding new waste contracts. “During his term Carl has been very accessible to our association, has been willing to meet with us whenever requested and there has been a significant improvement in the shire’s transparency and openness in response to our requests for information,” Dr Nelsen said. “Carl has strongly supported the council and community on a number of matters including opposing three-storey residential developments on the peninsula; helping to save Tootgarook Swamp by introducing a management plan and purchasing a sensitive area of land within the wetlands; finalising the Rosebud aquatic centre in a sensible location, and finalising the green wedge plan. “There is still much more to be done and most importantly we assert that with his private industry background and cost driven approach Carl is the most appropriate person to guarantee that the council’s directive that the budget cap of $41.57 million the Rosebud aquatic centre does not blow out to $50 million.” Dr Nelsen said Ratepayers Victoria was promoting the hiring of CEOs from the private sector “like Carl” to other Victorian councils.
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PAGE 12
Southern Peninsula News 19 June 2018
Matinees:
Extended Trips:
Mamma Mia Wed 15th Aug 2018 lunch $130pp Included
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Irish Celtic Wed 1st Aug 2018 lunch $129pp Included
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