By BEN CAMERON
AN EMERALD environmental group has called for greater transparency over the Cardinia Shire Council’s new energy plan.
The council approved its Aspirational Energy Transition Plan at a 20 October meeting, which aims to make the council carbon neutral by 2024.
The Pakenham Gazette requested details of the three submissions to the plan – from EFS, the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association and another individual who called on council to scale back its proposed actions – but they were all deemed confidential by council.
EFS convenor Lee Fuller said the council should disclose all information it received over the plan.
“I would have liked the opportunity to have been at that meeting and to speak for the plan,” she said.
“I want you to know how disappointed and disheartened I am that a single individual who opposes a plan has equal billing to a community group who are strong and have clear voices advocating for a safe climate future.
“And that their submission is deemed confidential what a crock. Cardinia Council is not serious about tackling climate change.”
The council’s governance manager Doug Evans said it was merely following strict guidelines.
“It is the council’s usual practice to not disclose the identity of individual persons that make submissions, in accordance with the provisions of the Information Privacy Act,” he said.
“However, this is not the case in regard to groups or organisations as this information does not identify individual persons.
“Three submissions were received regarding the Aspirational Energy Transition Plan, none of these submitters were invited to address the council.
“Some minor changes were made to the plan in light of the submissions received.
“The opportunity for members of the community to comment on draft council policy is provided via the extensive community consultation activities undertaken.
“It is not council practice to then invite those persons providing feedback to present their submissions at a public council meeting.”
