Perth Voice Interactive

THE head of Bayswater’s ratepayers association is fuming public money is going towards a cocktail party organised by a council body.

Tony Green says the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council’s biennial networking function at the WA Ballet centre this weekend is “meaningless”.

The EMRC, which provides waste and environmental services for six member councils including Bayswater, has invited councillors, MPs, community representatives and other “key stakeholders” to the cocktail party.

EMRC chairman Dr Alan Pilgrim wouldn’t disclose how much it would cost or how many people were invited.

“The event allows EMRC to engage with stakeholders who work collaboratively with the organisation to facilitate strategies and actions for the benefit and sustainability of Perth’s eastern region in areas such as waste management, environmental services and regional development,” he said.

“In addition to being a multi-award winning organisation, the EMRC has also been successful in securing in excess of $10 million in funding for various regional projects since 1996.”

Mr Green wants to know what results ratepayers can expect.

“What benefit is any of this to the ratepayers of the six councils that comprise the EMRC?” he fumed

“I understand that every councillor and their partner is invited from all six member councils.

“Why do they need a cocktail function?”

This year is the 30th anniversary of the EMRC.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK