ALBURY mayor Henk van de Ven has defended his style of trying to secure more NSW government funding for the city.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cr van de Ven and his mayoral predecessor, Cr Kevin Mack, were urged to alter their approach in dealings with Albury MLA, Liberal Greg Aplin by council colleagues Cr Alice Glachan and Cr Graham Docksey.
Albury Council has been frustrated by missing out on state government funding for a string of major projects which have been supported by the federal government.
They include Murray Art Museum Albury, the Davey Road interchange upgrade and Lavington Oval redevelopment.
Cr Glachan said last week better results would be achieved by working “consultatively” with all tiers of government.
But Cr van de Ven said the approach favoured by Cr Glachan had failed during her time as mayor.
“All I’ve tried to do is get a fair deal for Albury,” he said.
“I don't think that is being negative at all.
“Kevin and I have been trying to undo five years of Liberal mayors.
“They don't push, they don't harass, they don't ask for anything.
“They've let the state government off the hook.”
Cr Glachan replaced the retired Cr Patricia Gould as Albury mayor.
Cr Glachan was recently elected to the Local Government NSW board of directors on a Liberal Party ticket.
Deputy mayor David Thurley said Cr van de Ven and Cr Mack had not over-stepped the mark in their dealings with the state and federal governments.
“What Cr ven de Ven and Cr Mack have done in the job as mayor is what we expect from a mayor in advocating strongly for the city,” he said.
“There will often be disagreement between mayors and state and federal members and it’s to be expected and welcomed provided it is done in a polite manner.
“If (Greg Aplin) thinks the figures we have used are wrong he is entitled to say so.
“It’s what democracy is all about.”
Cr van de Ven and Cr Glachan are the longest serving members of Albury Council with both elected in 2004.
