DESPITE facing community calls for his appointment to be reversed, Cr Anthony Marsh was “excited” to inform his Mornington Peninsula Shire Council colleagues that his application to join the Bass Park trust “has progressed”.
The minutes of the council’s Tuesday 13 July meeting state that Cr Marsh “is hoping at the [27 July] council meeting to be able to advise that the appointment has been ratified”.
Cr Marsh successfully nominated himself for the position on the trust held by Cr David Gill for the past four and a half years (“Trust says ‘no’ to council’s chosen delegate” The News 15/6/21).
However, the trust – established nearly a century ago to protect land occupied by Flinders Golf Club from developers – asked council to reverse its choice.
That request and another by Flinders Community Association was ignored by council.
Members of the trust said they were “extremely disappointed” and said they believed the position should go to their local Red Hill ward councillor, who is Cr Gill. Cr Marsh represents Briars Ward, which is located in the northern peninsula.
Cr Marsh said Cr Gill would be “absolutely welcome” to “to nominate for anything in Briars Ward”.
“This lack of respect for the trustees is emphasised by council failing to inform the trustees directly and reflects badly on Mornington Peninsula Council, who are supposed to represent the local community,” the trustees stated.
Flinders Community Association president Jo Monie, in a letter, said it was “essential” that the Red Hill Ward councillors remain on the trust “to defend the interests and concerns of our local community”.
The trust has not met since Cr Marsh’s appointment by council.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 27 July 2021
