Murrindindi Shire – as the saying goes – is responsible for “rates, roads and rubbish.” The Shire isn’t responsible for, and has no legislative power to enforce, State or Commonwealth law. The issue stretches well beyond local government to State and Commonwealth authorities.
The real question is why haven’t State and Federal politicians and local authorities, such as the Yea, Alexandra or Kinglake Police being enforcing the law?
Local Governments can only enforce laws they have been given the power by the state to do so. The alleged wombat hunts at Murrindindi is not one of them. Firearms legislation and hunting are a state – not council – area of legislative power.
It is the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP) that is responsible and their subsidiary authorities.
Whilst it now seems likely Tom “Mr Chinatown” Zhou would withdraw his upcoming planning application for 707 Murrindindi Rd council is legally obliged to hear the application. Shire residents will be given 28 days to comment on the application when – and if – released.
That is all Murrindindi Shire has the power to deal with under the Local Government Act 1989.
Attacking councillors isn’t going change what was – or still is – going on. These issues are the responsibility of the State Government, Premier Daniel Andrews and Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.
Evasive state Liberal Member, Cindy McLeish as Deputy Opposition Leader has the power to raise this issue in State Parliament. It is State and Federal politicians that need to be contacted. Council can’t change it.
Kinglake Ranges News does not – and has not – suggested councillors or officers of Murrindindi Shire are involved in any wrong doing.
This is well above (and beyond) a local council’s remit and appears to go to the top levels of State and Federal Government.
Council can, however, make a statement with regards to the alleged behaviour on the property and what they think of it.
All Murrindindi Shire councillors and CEO, Craig Lloyd have been contacted for comment.
