A TRIP to Canberra for a national conference has been described as “productive” by Frankston deputy mayor Steve Toms.
The councillor attended the National General Assembly of Local Government at Canberra’s National Convention Centre on 18-21 June.
A report on meetings with federal Coalition government MPs and Labor opposition counterparts was tabled at the 4 September public council meeting.
The report stated it cost $5,787 in airfares, accommodation and meals for Cr Toms and council strategic planning coordinator Kate Jewell to hear ideas about “Building Tomorrow’s Communities”, the theme of this year’s conference hosted by the Australian Local Government Association.
“It was a very productive trip … the National General Assembly is a conference but also it allows for councillors and officers from around Australia to have meetings with ministers and shadow ministers,” Cr Toms said at the 4 September council meeting.
“This was a very fruitful trip for this council.”
The deputy mayor noted some federal politicians indicated parties may be willing to make commitments ahead of the next federal election with council pushing for funding for major infrastructure projects such as the electrification of the Frankston line to Baxter and a new Coast Guard building at Olivers Hill.
“Next year should be a very interesting experience should council choose to attend the conference again in Canberra,” Cr Toms said.
“I had a really great time. It was great to meet people from all around the country — councillors, officers, CEOs from around our great country and share the stories of Frankston and what a beautiful city we have here in our local community.”
Cr Colin Hampton urged a note of caution at the September meeting while praising Cr Toms’ “excellent work” in Canberra.
He said there was “no on the ground commitment” for federal funding despite ministers “showing keen interest”.
Cr Aitken praised the deputy mayor for being prepared to go to Canberra.
“I’m sure people Cr Toms spoke to certainly gave a commitment to take a keen interest in things,” he said.
Councillors expressed gratitude to federal Dunkley Liberal MP Chris Crewther and Isaacs Labor MP Mark Dreyfus for arranging meetings for Cr Toms with federal MPs on his trip to Canberra.
