6 March 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council is inviting public feedback on a range of reforms including proposed changes to the handling of charity collection bins; an overhaul of the community grants program; and the adoption of an interim complaints policy. The reforms will go on public display from Tuesday 7 March to Monday 3 April.
Charity Collection Bins
Under proposed changes to go on public exhibition, charity collection bins currently operating on public land in the Council area would be removed. Instead collection bins would be restricted to private property, where land owners have a vested interest in managing donations and monitoring the charity collection bins.
The move aims to tackle the high rate of illegal dumping at collection bins. The NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 40% of donations to charities are unusable, while poorly managed bins cost Councils time and money responding to illegal dumping, graffiti and vandalism.
Community Grants Program & Draft Community Grants and Donations Policy
Meanwhile Council seeks to establish a new community grants program that would invest $660,000 back into the community each year, starting in 2017. The program would allocate much needed funds to sponsor free public events, up-skill community organisations, support local artists, buy new equipment, upgrade infrastructure and nurture local talent.
The program, along with the Draft Community Grants and Donations Policy currently on public exhibition, would significantly increase accountability. Under proposed changes applications would be assessed against published criteria; successful applicants would be limited to one application per year; detailed reporting on project outcomes and costing would be required; and a formal application process for financial assistance and fee waivers would be introduced.
Complaints Management Policy
Finally Council has put on public exhibition an interim complaints management policy. The policy would provide staff and ratepayers with a clear and consistent approach to complaints handling, while offering greater transparency and opportunities for review.
“At Cumberland Council, community feedback isn’t an afterthought. It is a crucial step in the design of policy,” Interim General Manager, Malcolm Ryan said.
“We are determined that the priorities of Council match those of the community. Feedback during the public exhibition period is one of the practical ways we achieve this.
“Taken together these reforms will deliver tidier neighbourhoods, more vibrant communities and clearer communication channels between Council and the community – all while saving ratepayer’s money,” said Mr Ryan.
The Draft Policies and proposed Program can be viewed online at the Have Your Say section of the Cumberland Council Website.
