Sunbury’s secession from Hume has hit another speed hump, with Hume council raising significant concerns about the July 1 deadline.
With less than 110 days remaining until the planned creation of an independent Sunbury City, chief executive Domenic Isola has written to Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins, again outlining the council’s fears about potential disruption to staff and implications for ratepayers.
Mr Isola said the council did not formally request an extension of the proposed start date, as has been reported by other media outlets.
In the letter, Mr Isola said a range of operational and legal matters had to be resolved.
‘‘I do not believe this provides sufficient time to undertake this significant process in a respectful, open, transparent manner for ratepayers and council staff,’’ the letter said of the impending deadline.
Mr Isola told Star Weekly that the council had pressed the urgency of a decision at all meetings with Ms Hutchins over the past few months.
Labor, which promised not to wind back the order gazetted by the former state government last October, launched a review of the secession process late last year.
‘‘Council appreciates that the new government is not yet in a position to be clear on the full implications of the separation of Sunbury from Hume,’’ Mr Isola said.
‘‘We understand that this is a significant decision and that the government needs to take its time to ensure the very best outcome for the Hume community, staff of Hume City Council, key stakeholders and businesses.’’
A spokeswoman for Ms Hutchins said the minister was still considering the letter from the council.
‘‘Significant issues with transferring of staff and assets are still to be resolved,’’ the spokeswoman said.
‘‘We are not walking away from our commitment, but these issues do need to be properly resolved.
‘‘We don’t want to see local residents disadvantaged or denied the services they need.’’
Sunbury-based councillor Jack Ogilvie said the council, staff and the community deserved a definitive answer.
‘‘I think it’s [the letter] out of frustration at all this hold-up,’’ Cr Ogilvie said.
‘‘It’s getting stupid – people need to know.’’
Sunbury Ratepayers Association president Bernie O’Farrell said Sunbury City Council was supposed to come into existence on July 1.
‘‘The people are expecting that to happen,’’ he said.
‘‘If it doesn’t happen, then as far as I’m concerned that is a broken promise.’’
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