The carve-up of Hume assets began in earnest last week after a visit by Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell and others associated with the Sunbury secession project.
The first item on the assets division table is which of Hume or Sunbury claims Melbourne Airport and the lucrative rate base of logistics and freight precincts around it.
That signals a struggle between the two main lobbyists who have driven Sunbury’s secession and their fellow Hume councillors, who represent the residents and businesses neighbouring the airport and its flight paths.
It is estimated one in six Hume residents works at the airport, while the rate base from its immediate environs has been valued at $8-10 million a year to the host council.
Two of Sunbury’s three Hume councillors, Jack Ogilvie and Jack Medcraft, have not been backward in staking claim to the jewel in the Hume crown. Both quizzed the minister at the press conference for her visit last week, reserving their airport bid for media comments later.
Cr Ogilvie checked the timing of the panel’s report to the minister – the end of June, with the consultative committee’s recommendations due by the end of April – and the first election for the new council, in 2016. Cr Medcraft asked whether Daniel Andrews’ Labor opposition was supportive of the minister’s decision to allow the split.
Hume mayor Casey Nunn explained what the process means for the present council over coming months. At the same time, the municipality faces significant economic adjustment challenges as a result of the automotive industry’s demise and large-scale manufacturing job losses.
“The Sunbury Project will be complicated and many factors will need to be taken into account, especially the future of our valued staff and the council’s $1.8 billion in community assets,” Cr Nunn said.
“While the council respects the decision and the vote of the Hume community for separation, we are also proud of our long history of delivering programs, services and projects and our record for advocating for the whole Hume community.
“We will continue to deliver the services our community needs throughout the transition process and are committed to ensure that our community is not disadvantaged.”
