According to various media pronouncements the current WSC regime is doing a magical job, has nothing to answer for and is being unfairly criticised.

   Some say those who think aspects of WSC dealings lack transparency, accountability, and principles of Good Governance, are uninformed and mistaken.

   Further, councillors who have had ample opportunity to improve conditions in our Shire now claim they will magically manage do so in their next term.

Pothole Fixing List

   If you think our roads are neglected goat tracks, help is at hand. There is now a publicly available list of urgently needed works for our crumpling byways. It is a magic list immune to the realities of fiscal turbulence and cost overruns because, according to our rulers, if it is on the list it will definitely be done.

   Does this list go to the Fairy of Infrastructure who will, with the wave of a magic wand, fully fund and expedite these projects? We suggest non-fairy believing sceptics ask for multiple copies of the magic list, soak it in a poorly drained street, wad it up and fill a pothole near you.

   Why are our roads in such a deplorable state? Is it a secret, shrouded in mystery like so many other WSC dealings? Concealed behind gag orders, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, claims of intellectualproperty rights, and other shields. We may be forgiven for thinking they don’t they want us to know what is really going on?

   Incidentally, if WSC claim lack of money precludes the proper care of our roads consider this: millions spent on fees, like the leisure centre proposal, $2,000,000 to fund the developmentof strategies for new entrepreneurial activities, and over 50% of our rates to fund administration.

Time Travel

Consider these dates and events: 02/01/07, WSC receives Grange Sec. Portfolio Agreement.

  On or about 12/01/07, the agreement is signed under delegated authority from GM who is holidaying abroad. 31/01/2007 and 14/02/2007  WSC Meetings  - Probably the largest investment in our Shire’s history does not rate a mention. 21/2/2007 Finance Committee Meeting - A Motion moved by Clr Gair, seconded by Clr M. Murray states in part,“THAT Grange Securities be endorsed as Council’s investment advisor with a review of their performance and Investment Strategy to be undertaken in 12 months.” The Grange agreement has been executed, the grace period  elapsed, our money long since left the Shire, and Grange is endorsed after the event. 28/02/2007 WSC Meeting - Motion moved by Clr M. Murray, seconded by Clr Yeo: THAT the recommendations as detailed in the minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting held 21/2/2007 be adopted. Hardy a full council debate on a critically important matter.

Magic Numbers

   The leisure centre lobbyists tell us it has a target cost of about $16 million - target cost - a curious term. Wonder where it is on the scale between wishful thinking and reality. Perhaps the Fairy of Funding also works with pools. Irrespective of funding sources, what will it cost to build the Leisure Centre?

   Will the lobbyist kindly provide the names, addresses and usage of the people who want it and want it now: 218,000+ annual visits is the magic number, and identify someone willing to sign a commitment to rent the health club for $400k a year.

Vanishing Councillors