Arguments over a possible ban on exotic animals at Wodonga circus performances have become “ridiculous”, according to Cr Kat Bennett.
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In a heated discussion at Monday night’s Wodonga Council meeting, Cr Bennett said the need for her to clarify that lions were not the same as dogs or horses – following concerns from Cr Ron Mildren – was a “waste of time”.
She was then on the receiving end of criticism from Cr Tim Quilty, who at his last meeting before he is likely elected to the Victorian Parliament, was formally cautioned by the mayor for his aggressive choice of words.
Councillors unanimously agreed for another report to be prepared with a proper definition of “exotic animals”.
“The common understanding among people in the community is that exotic animals does not refer to livestock such as horses, cows and sheep dogs - that is just common sense,” Cr Bennett said.
“It was absolutely ridiculous that it came to the stage of me having to go on Melbourne talkback radio to reassure sections of the community that the council fully supports the Wodonga Gold Cup.”
Cr Libby Hall said Cr Mildren’s concerns about the flow-on effects of banning exotic animals were valid, but Cr Bennett did not agree.
“I just want to remind other councillors that we all need to work better as a team for the betterment of the Wodonga community,” she said.
Cr Quilty also took the opportunity to state his opposition to the council getting involved in any “moral judgements” about circus animals.
“Councillors who supported it should take a hard look at themselves,” he said.
“Next time you try to throw some ill-considered policy on the long-suffering residents, at least try to get it right.”
Cr Quilty will know at 2.40pm Tuesday if he has been elected to the Victorian upper house, but the result appears likely.
He said he was not one for praise, but it had been a privilege to serve on the council and he wished his colleagues all the best.
“I will regret I’ll be leaving the job I set out to do before its complete. Being a councillors has often been frustrating. Very few things have gone the way I would have liked them to,” he said.
“Believe it or not, I will miss you.
“Some of you I will miss more than others, just as I’m sure some of you will be happy to see the back of me.”
Mayor Anna Speedie thanked Cr Quilty for his time on the council.
“It’s been great to have you here for the two years, challenging, and we wish you well,” she said.
“We look forward to catching up with you in Spring Street, maybe even locally.”
Monday night’s meeting was also the last for chief executive Patience Harrington, before she finishes up with the council at the start of January.
Cr Speedie listed some of the achievements in her term including the Logic development, Coles and Woolworths openings and Junction Square as the new heart of the city.
“This city is a living testimony to what it takes to make a community thrive,” Ms Harrington said.
“Engaging citizens isn’t just about all the good things or people agreeing with you, it is about those debates that councils and leaders in our community need to have with their people.”
She said Wodonga set high standards for others to follow.
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